Seasonal Raptor Closure Lifted Early at Eagle Rock MORE INFO >>>
The seasonal raptor closure has been lifted at Security Risk and Eagle Rock as of April 16, 2013. The closure is still in effect at Blob Rock and Bitty Buttress.
Each year, Boulder Canyon raptor nesting area closures are in effect starting February 1st at Eagle Rock, Security Risk, Blob Rock, and Bitty Buttress. However, the area is monitored and closures are periodically lifted early (due to no active nest, nest site failure, or early fledging). This monitoring program is a partnership with the Forest Service Boulder Ranger District, Boulder Climbing Community, and Audubon Society. Check back periodically during times of closure for updates.
This information is a public crowdsourcing effort between the Access Fund,
and Mountain Project. You should confirm closures, restrictions, and/or related dates.
Eagle Rock is a frequently overlooked crag on the South side of Boulder Canyon. It sits deep in the canyon and across the creek from the road. While the crag is close to 400ft high, only some of the older trad routes extend its full length. Most of the new bolted sport routes are between 80 and 100 feet in length. I found the rock to be a little different from typical Boulder Canyon granite, and some of these unusual features are described in the route descriptions. The main new wall has been called "The Stars and Stripes Wall" by Mark Rolofson in his year 2000 guide to Boulder Canyon. The climbing is vertical to overhanging and generally runs from upper 5.11 to middle 5.13 or so. A few serious projects remain to be red pointed. Mark has done an incredible job of keeping track of the FA data, as is well documented in his guide.
L->R (incomplete):
A. Chicken Delight, 8, 2p, gear. B. Gros Vogel, 8 A2, 3p, gear. C? Iggle, 11, 1p, bolts. D? Iggle Direct, 11, 1p, bolts. E. Frei Vogel, 9 R, 3p, gear. F. Eagle Tricks, 12-, 1p, 70', bolts. G. Eagle Snacks, 10, 1p, 80', bolts. H. Eagle Chick, 11-, 1p, 80', bolts. I. Eagle Eyes, 12-, 1p, 70', bolts. J. Eagle Hardware, 11, 1p, 80', bolts. K. Barely Eagle, 13-, 1p, 70', bolts. KL. Finally Eagle, 13-, 1p, 80', bolts, linkup. L. Bald Eagle, 13, 1p, 80', bolts. M. Golden Eagle, 11+, 1p, 80', bolts. N. Eagle Warrior, 13, 1p, bolts. O. Buddha Belly, 13-, 1p, bolts. P1. Green Panther, 12+, 1p, bolts. P2. Stoner Homeland, 13-, 1p, 40', bolts. Q?. Screaming War Eagle, 10, 3p, gear. R. Great Dihedral, 6, 2p, ~280', gear. S. To The Sun, 5, 2p, 300', gear. T. Right Face, 5, 2p, gear.
Getting There
Eagle Rock is 6.2 miles up Boulder Canyon. Parking can be found near by and on both sides of the road. Hike down to the stream and cross as you can. A Tyrolean Traverse was still up at the end of last year, and may still be in place. If not, the talus in the stream can be hopped over, or the stream waded. The Stars and Stripes Wall is just about dead center in the middle of the crag and is approached by a good trail that was put in by the new route developers.
A burly overhang 20 feet right of Golden Eagle, not the route just right. Work up to a big hollow overlap, then battle through flared cracks and sidepulls to a final layback up a smooth crack/groove. Strenuous, insecure, and complicated. Stays in the shade until 1 pm. Don't even think about it in the sun unless it's pretty cold. A real classic....[more]Browse More Classics in CO
I was up at Eagle Rock looking for the Stars and Stripes Wall today, 10-16-03. I somehow ended up much too far on the north side of the wall and ended up climbing a bolted traverse that went into a dihedral. I was wondering if anyone had any information as to what I was climbing on. By the way, the route was not that cool. Thanks.
By Leo Paik Administrator From: Westminster, Colorado Apr 8, 2010
Forest Service Reopens Climbing Areas in Boulder Canyon www.fs.fed.us/r2/arnf/ Contact: Maribeth Pecotte, (303) 541-2500
Boulder, Colo. (April 2, 2010) – The Forest Service has reopened some climbing areas in Boulder Canyon that were closed to protect golden eagles during their nesting season.
Security Risk and the Blob Rock/Bitty Buttress areas are now open to climbing and other activities. These areas are located along State Highway 119, approximately 1.5 miles east of Boulder Falls.
These closures help protect a long-established golden eagle nesting territory, including valuable alternate nest sites. Although these areas are being reopened, the Forest Service anticipates reinstating the closures in future years, to allow the eagles to choose their nest site without being disturbed.
The Eagle Rock area remains closed to climbing and other activities and is expected to remain closed through July 31. Signs will be posted at key access points into the areas remaining closed. Volunteers and Forest Service personnel will continue to monitor the areas. For the most current closure information, check signs in the areas, or visit the Boulder Ranger District web site at www.fs.fed.us/r2/arnf/recreation/rock-climbing/brd/index.sht>>>.
By Leo Paik Administrator From: Westminster, Colorado Jul 30, 2010
From the NFS:
Good afternoon everyone,
Attached is a press release for the reopening of Eagle Rock. Signs in the area will be removed this Sunday. The golden eagles fledged one young bird last week. We had a very active group of volunteers and employees this year who monitored the nesting progress regularly. If any of you are in the area and happen to see a young eagle flying (with white patches on the wings and tail), I'd love to hear about it! We never get to actually see them fledge, just that they're in the nest and then not.
Bev Baker Wildlife Biologist Boulder Ranger District 2140 Yarmouth Avenue Boulder, CO 80301
303-541-2517 bbaker@fs.fed.us
By Leo Paik Administrator From: Westminster, Colorado Jan 26, 2012
From Bev Baker, Wildlife Biologist, Boulder Ranger District:
Boulder, Colo. (January 25, 2012) – The Boulder Ranger District of the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests will implement its annual area closures at Security Risk, Eagle Rock, Blob Rock, and Bitty Buttress in Boulder Canyon beginning February 1. These areas are located along State Highway 119 approximately 1.5 miles east of Boulder Falls. Happy Hour, Bihedral, and Riviera will remain open, as long as visitors stay out of the closed areas.
The closures help protect a long-established golden eagle nesting territory, including vital alternate nest sites. Undisturbed access to multiple nest sites is important for birds of prey, especially early in the nesting season, to give them a chance to visit multiple nests during courtship and to select a site for the season, free of human influence.
Signs will be posted at key access points into the closed areas. Closure information will be available online at local climbing websites and at www.fs.usda.gov/recmain/arp/recreation (click on Boulder Canyon for more info). Closures are effective from February 1 through July 31. Volunteers and Forest Service personnel will monitor the areas, and some areas may be reopened prior to July 31.
Your shoe was still there as of 9/16/12. Good luck!
By Leo Paik Administrator From: Westminster, Colorado Jan 30, 2013
From the USFS: Boulder, Colo. (Jan, 30 2013)– The Boulder Ranger District of the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests will implement its annual area closures at Security Risk, Eagle Rock, Blob Rock, and Bitty Buttress in Boulder Canyon beginning February 1.
These areas are located along State Highway 119 approximately 1.5 miles east of Boulder Falls. Happy Hour, Bihedral, and Riviera will remain open, as long as visitors stay out of the closed areas.
The closures help protect a long-established golden eagle nesting territory, including vital alternate nest sites. Undisturbed access to multiple nest sites is important for birds of prey, especially early in the nesting season, to give them a chance to visit multiple nests during courtship and to select a site for the season, free of human influence.
Signs will be posted at key access points into the closed areas. Closure information will be available online at local climbing websites and at www.fs.usda.gov/recmain/arp/recreation (click on Boulder Canyon for more info). Closures are effective from February 1 through July 31. Volunteers and Forest Service personnel will monitor the areas, and some areas may be reopened prior to July 31.