March 2, 2014  |   

Joshua Tree National Park Superintendent Mark Butler signed a Temporary Emergency Closure to protect nearby nesting raptors. The climbing routes affected by this closure include: Slatanic Area, Rattlesnake Buttress, Margaret Thatcher Spire, The Stepping Stones, The Bulkhead, The Dunce Cap and Commissioner’s Buttress. These are all located in the Indian Cove area of the park. Day hiking in Rattlesnake Canyon is not restricted at this time.

The nesting pair appears to have finished constructing a nest, and this area will remain closed until the nest has been abandoned to ensure the protection of the species for the duration of the nesting activities. The park does not anticipate the closure will last beyond June 15, 2014.