BoCan Reopens to Climbing after Raptor Closure

BoCan, as Boulder Canyon is often referred to, is the second most significant Boulder climbing area. And, like other climbing areas, it's regulated to allow raptors to nest and raise their young.

Today, following a five-month closure to protect nesting golden eagles, the Roosevelt National Forest has reopened the Bitty Buttress and Blob Rock climbing areas in Boulder Canyon.

“I’m happy to report we had two eagles successfully fledge this year,” said Forest Service wildlife biologist, Aurelia DeNasha. "Climbers respecting and cooperating with the closure is vital to the eagles’ success each season."

“Golden eagle pairs are most susceptible to disturbance when choosing a nest site, but any disturbance during the nesting process can easily cause the adults to abandon the nest,” DeNasha added. “These annual closures allow the birds to pick the best site and raise successful chicks, without impact of other factors such as human presence.”

The Boulder Ranger District partners with the Boulder Climbing Community to monitor nesting and to inform climbers about the importance of giving the eagles space to raise their young.

It is against federal and state law to disturb any nesting bird of prey. Only employees, volunteers, and wildlife professionals under an agreement with the Forest Service may enter nesting areas for monitoring purposes. This is for the integrity of the nest and the safety of the eagles, those conducting surveys and the public.

Visitors can help protect wildlife by respecting all closures and leaving immediately if you should accidentally enter one.

Breaking the closure is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for a legal entity other than an individual, imprisonment for up to six months, or both.

Effective from February through July, the annual nesting closures , which include popular rock-climbing spots at Eagle Rock, Blob Rock, Bitty Buttress and Security Risk in Boulder Canyon, are located along Colorado Highway 119, approximately 1.5 miles east of Boulder Falls.