BLM announces 2026 raptor avoidance areas for Indian Creek
MONTICELLO, Utah – Each spring the BLM urges climbers and outdoor recreationists to avoid certain areas in Indian Creek from March through late summer to protect nesting raptors. Falcons, eagles and hawks return annually to nest on cliffs and rock walls, and human disturbance can jeopardize their success. This annual request to avoid raptor-prone areas is effective immediately. Climbers should refer to BLM’s raptor protection map to identify avoidance areas and look for posted notices near crags.
The same areas raptors nest, are also highly sought after for their technical and world class climbing. Crags and cliffs known in guidebooks as The Wall, Far Side, The Meat Walls, Cliffs of Insanity, Public Service Wall, Disappointment Cliffs, Fin Wall, Broken Tooth, Cat Wall, Slug Wall, Reservoir Wall and Critic’s Choice, have high potential nesting activity. This list serves as a guide; it does not indicate every avoidance area or encompass all known names of the affected climbing areas. Please refer to the raptor protection map below to identify avoidance areas. Notices have been posted throughout the Indian Creek corridor.
By late April or early May, biologists typically have identified active nesting areas. At that time, areas without active nests will be cleared for recreational use. The BLM asks climbers, campers, and hikers to completely avoid areas with active nests until the young birds have fledged — usually by late summer. Raptor species continue to recover, thanks in part to cooperation by the climbing community. The BLM would like to remind the public that there are private land holdings throughout the Indian Creek Corridor — please respect private landowners’ boundaries and signage.
The BLM is coordinating these raptor protection efforts with the Utah Trust Lands Administration, which manages portions of climbing areas known as Disappointment Cliffs and portions of the Second Meat Wall. The avoidance areas only cover a portion of Disappointment Cliffs; see the map for additional details.
For voluntary climbing avoidance questions, contact Jeremy Martin, Outdoor Recreation Planner, at [email protected] or 435-587-1500.
The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.