Climbing and Caving

Two popular climbing sites are Thumb Butte and Granite Mountain, though both are closed from January 31 - July 15 each year to protect nesting peregrine falcons.

Closures Protect Peregrine Falcon Breeding Areas

Peregrine falcons were once listed under the Endangered Species Act. Due to many changes in management practices, peregrine falcons have since recovered from that vulnerable status. They continue to be managed under the requirements of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.  This law affords land managers the opportunity to provide peregrines the appropriate environment needed for successfully nesting and raising young birds.

Granite Mountain Seasonal Closure

It is prohibited to be upon any part of the Granite Mountain rock cliff face or the rim above the rock face and extending 100 feet back from the edge of the cliff face by rock climbing or any other means of access.  Trail 261 will remain open.  Maps of the closed areas will be posted throughout the Granite Basin Recreation Area.

Map of Closure Area (230 KB PDF)

On Thumb Butte, both the north and south climbing faces, the top of Thumb Butte, and the areas at the base of the climbing faces will be closed to entry.  Trail 33 will remain open for hiking.  

Slight Changes to Closure Boundary Starts in 2015

The closed area for Thumb Butte has been slightly modified to provide more effective resource protection while at the same time making some recreation opportunities available. On the south end, the area was extended to better include suitable peregrine habitat on the south end of the butte. On the north end, along the Thumb Butte Road, the area was pulled back away from the road to leave the popular boulders available for folks to climb on and enjoy.Maps of the closed area will be posted around the Thumb Butte area.

Map of Closure Area (153 KB PDF)

Thank you for your cooperation in protecting nesting habitat for these vulnerable birds!

Rock Climbing

Granite Mountain and Thumb Butte 

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