Peregrine falcon closures at Granite Mountain and Thumb Butte have been lifted

Prescott National Forest wildlife officials lifted seasonal closure restrictions on climbing and other activities on the cliff faces of Granite Mountain and Thumb Butte. All closure signage and barricades have been removed, and sites are now open to public access.

The Thumb Butte summit trailhead that connects with Trail #33, and the Granite Mountain cliff face trailhead that connects with Trail #261 near Blair Pass are also now open to public access. Both trails and cliff faces have been closed to public entry since February to provide protection to nesting peregrine falcons.

Both sites have been consistently occupied by peregrine falcons annually for more than 30 years, and likely for hundreds of years before that. These annual closures provide an undisturbed setting and quality nesting habitat essential for peregrines to successfully raise their young. Arizona Game and Fish Department monitored both sites and determined active pairs at each location. Granite Mountain had a pair, but no nest or young have been observed so far. Thumb Butte had a confirmed nesting pair, but the number of fledglings is currently undetermined because crews could not get a good angle of the nest.

On This Day in History — 1930

A.L. "Doodle" Owens, American country music songwriter and singer (died 1999) singer-songwriter 🔗

Peregrine falcons were once listed under the Endangered Species Act. They continue to be managed under the protection of the federal code of regulations as well as state and federal law. Managers consider the needs of the peregrines, the recreation desires of forest visitors and the values of Granite Mountain Wilderness, to strike a balance where people and birds can effectively use the same space at different times for their respective purposes. This ensures peregrines remain a presence for generations to come.

The Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Arizona Game and Fish Department would like to thank everyone for their cooperation while the closures were in effect.