Photo courtesy of
National Geographic

The opening date for low-elevation climbing areas has been modified from August 1 to July 15 based on robust monitoring and analysis of Peregrine Falcon nesting chronologies in Yosemite over a 32-year period (1981-2012).

Effective as of July 15, all Peregrine closures except Medlicott Dome are lifted, including Arch Rock Area, B.O.L.T. Wall, El Capitan Southwest Face, El Capitan Southeast Face, Glacier Point east side, Half Dome South Face, Kolana Rock, Middle Cathedral Rock, Rhombus Wall, The Rostrum, Wapama Cliff, and Yosemite Point.

Medlicott Dome in Tuolumne is the highest elevation Peregrine nest in the state of California. Whereas young have already successfully fledged from 11 lower elevation sites in Yosemite this year, this Tuolumne nest is about 5 weeks behind the rest. We are monitoring this nest closely and will promptly lift the closure as soon as the juveniles have fledged and left the cliff area. (NPS)