In order to protect the park’s resources, the Superintendent may close certain areas of the park. These closures take place throughout the year. Some areas may be closed for weeks or months and some areas in the park are closed year round. This is not an all inclusive list of closures in Rocky Mountain National Park. Closure notices are posted throughout the park. Stop in at a park visitor center to receive updated closure information.

Entering closed areas is a violation of 36 CFR 1.5. Violators are subject to a fine of $5,000 and/or 6 months imprisonment.

Raptor Closures--Spring/Summer
Raptor Closures updated April 28, 2009

Bald Eagle Closure

Colorado River--Closed mid-November through mid-March

Closures will be lifted or extended as necessary.

The Colorado River and a zone 300 yards wide on both sides of the river are closed to human entry from mid-November through mid-March. Hiking on Ranger Meadows Loop trail, outside the closure, is permitted.

This closure is needed to protect bald eagles and their habitat. Approximately 12-15 bald eagles come here each winter to live and hunt for fish along these open sections of the Colorado River. Bald eagles are a protected species. When food is scarce and temperatures are cold, bald eagles waste vital energy fleeing from human disturbance.

For a map of the area, click here.

Your cooperation in obeying this closure is appreciated and required by federal regulations. Violators will be fined and prosecuted.

Lumpy Ridge Raptor Closures
To protect raptor nesting sites in spring and summer, park staff initiate temporary closures in the Lumpy Ridge and Sheep Mountain areas of the park. The Superintendent may extend or rescind closures based on existing conditions.

For Raptor Closure information, click here.

Bighorn Sheep Closures--Year Round

To protect bighorn sheep, “The Crater” and surrounding open tundra slopes on Specimen and Shipler Mountains, including the trail to the summit, and as posted by signs is closed year-round to all public travel.

In addition, the Specimen Mountain Trail and adjacent area is closed beginning at the trailhead on Trail Ridge Road and extending to “The Crater.” Signs indicate additional closures. This closure occurs annually from approximately May 1 through August 1, but may be extended. Area open for the season.

Further, the area west from “The Crater” overlook along the ridgeline to Shipler Mountain is closed. Signs indicate additional closures. This closure occurs annually from approximately May 1 through August 15, but may be extended.

Elk Rut Closures--Fall

To prevent disturbance and harassment of elk during the fall mating period and to enhance visitor elk-viewing opportunities, closures in Horseshoe Park, Moraine Park, Upper Beaver Meadows, and the Kawuneeche Valley area are in place from August 30 through October 25, 2008. These closures are for travel on foot or horse off established roadways or designated trails from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.