Smith Rock State Park

Area Closure List (as of January 2026)

  • Monument Closure 2026

    The Monument is closed for Golden Eagle nesting, effective Jan 10th through July 31st. Please respect all park notices and refrain from recreating in this area during the closure.

  • Canyon Trail Restrictions

    The Canyon Trail (which starts at the visitor’s center) is restricted to groups of 4 or less, and noise is to be kept to a minimum.

  • No Drones

    Drones are prohibited for the duration of raptor nesting season (Jan. 1-July 31). 

Why the closures?

Smith Rock is a very special place. The North Pauite called Smith Rock by the name of Animal Village. Smith Rock is home to both Golden Eagles and Bald Eagles which is quite rare. There are also Peregrine and Prairie Falcons, and many other birds and animal species that call Smith Rock home.

For additional information please refer to the Smith Rock State Park Website

Smith Rock State Park Website

Studying raptors is important, because they are sensitive bioindicators, meaning they provide clues about the health of the ecosystem in which they live. Raptors often sit at the top of the food web and are therefore highly vulnerable to changes in the environment such as declines in insects, mammals, small birds, fishes, and increases in contaminants and other environmental conditions.

— https://www.hawkmountain.org/about/why-raptors