From February 1 through May 31, the National Park Service will temporarily close certain areas in the Chisos Mountains at Big Bend National Park to protect nesting Peregrine falcons.

The Peregrine falcon, removed from the federal endangered species list in 1999 due to a remarkable recovery, is still classified as a threatened species in Texas. NPS policy requires the protection of all state-listed and species of concern, regardless of federal classification. To safeguard the falcons during nesting season and minimize human disturbance, specific areas in Big Bend National Park will be temporarily off-limits.

The following areas will be closed during this period:

* A section of the East Rim Trail, from the southern junction of the Boot Canyon Trail to just north of Campsite ER-4.

* East Rim Campsites: ER-4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9.

* Technical rock climbing within ¼ mile of known Peregrine nesting sites.

No additional closures are planned, but restrictions may change if falcon nesting behavior or site locations differ from past patterns. After the 2021 South Rim Fire burned 1,300 acres of woodland in the Chisos, including areas above historical nesting sites, a mating pair returned in 2022 and successfully fledged offspring. Last year, falcons were spotted in the area, though nesting was not confirmed.

These temporary closures ensure the continued protection of this threatened species while balancing public access to the park.