Smith Rock State Park

Area Closure List

Drones are not allowed in the park while there are any raptor closures (usually January-August)

Current Park Closures:

  • Smith Rock Group (Above 100ft)

    Please refer to Alan Watts (second edition) Smith Rock Guide Book.

    See pages 153 - 156.

    Closed routes are numbered 16-33. Includes Freedom's, Snibble Tower, European Vacation.

    Closure includes the King Line and any other highlines nearby.

  • First Kiss Area

    Closed for falcon courtship and nesting in the First Kiss Area (north of Monkey Face). Main hiking trails area still open.

    Climbing routes and ground at the base of the nest area closed. Please

    refer to Alan Watts 2010 "Rock Climbing Smith Rock State Park" Guide Book. See pages 206, 223-225. Closed routes are number 41-47, which includes #43 "First Kiss." Hello Kitty Cliff remains open at this time.

    Falcons will defend their nest aggressively. They can be a danger to climbers, and vice versa.

  • Canyon Trail Near Bald Eagle Nest

    Groups of 4 or less, reduced noise

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

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