Rock climbing routes on the East and Northeast Faces of Devils Tower summit are temporarily closed to protect nesting Peregrine and Prairie Falcons. The closure is implemented annually to provide the falcons with an undisturbed nesting location during this critical courtship and nest-selection period.
The presence of climbers near falcon nests can be distressing to parent birds and disturbance from climbing activities may force falcons to abandon eggs or chicks. The closure is also implemented to protect climbers, as falcons are known to defensively dive in order to protect their nests. Climbers are asked to report any defensive falcon behavior to park staff.
The climbing routes affected by the closure are between “Cave” and “McCarthy’s Brother” (numbers 47-106 in the Devils Tower National Monument Climbing Handbook). This closure includes the North Face Approach and the North Face Rappels. These closures are posted at the climber registration kiosk near the Visitor Center and on the approach trails. Over one hundred climbing routes remain open for climbing.
Affected climbing routes and approaches will remain closed until the young falcons fledge and are no longer dependent on the nest location or if the nesting falcons move to another location. Park staff monitor falcon activity and the closure area may be moved, extended, or rescinded depending on the nesting and fledgling activity.
“The closure of these routes to protect the falcons is strictly enforced,” said wildlife crew lead, Caralie Brewer. “Climbers play a critical role in the success of falcon nesting at Devils Tower. Please report any nests or observed flacon behavior to a park ranger and remember that all climbers must register before beginning an ascent of the Tower.”