Eldorado Canyon State Park has closed a popular area of Rattlesnake Gulch to protect nesting golden eagles.
The upper loop of the Rattlesnake Gulch Trail, the Continental Divide Overlook and the Continental Crag climbing area are all closed through July 15, or until further notice.
The golden eagles are nesting on the south side of the canyon.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service protects golden eagles under authority of the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Disturbing a golden eagle nest can carry a fine of up to $5,000 and one year in prison.
