Seven climbing routes in the Indian Cove area of Joshua Tree National Park have been temporarily closed, the Park Service announced Monday. Park Superintendent Mark Butler signed a temporary emergency closure notice due to raptors who are nesting in the area. The closed climbing routes include Slatanic Area, Rattlesnake Buttress, Margaret Thatcher Spire, the Stepping Stones, the Bulkhead, the Dunce Cap, and Commissioner’s Buttress. Day hiking in the Rattlesnake Canyon area is not restricted at this time. Butler said the nesting pair appears to have finished building their nest. The area will remain closed until the nest has been abandoned to ensure the protection of the birds for the duration of the nesting activities, which is not expected to last beyond June 15.
