Last month Rocky Mountain National Park published a short video on last year's Fern Lake Fire.
The Fern Lake Fire started in the park on October 9, 2012, and was one of the largest fires park lands have seen in the last 100 years. This unprecedented winter fire burned 3,500 acres. This short video provides a timeline of the event and how crews were able to stop this human-caused fire from exceeding park boundaries:
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Mesa Verde to Continue Current Course of Action for Trespassing Livestock
In January, 2013, the National Park Service invited public comment regarding a proposal to develop a management plan specific to controlling unclaimed trespass livestock in Mesa Verde National Park in southwestern Colorado. In recent years, trespassing livestock includes between 100-150 horses and 10-20 cattle in and on the border of the park. The purpose of such a plan would have been to address the various issues trespassing livestock have on the park's natural and cultural resources.
The comment period ran from January 17, 2013 through February 28, 2013. About 3,500 comment letters were received by the park, most of which were form letters. The Park carefully evaluated the comments and has determined that the current course of action best accomplishes park goals while minimizing impacts to park resources.
Therefore, the Park will not pursue development of a specific management plan for trespassing livestock, but instead will concentrate on implementing existing measures utilizing available resources to address trespassing livestock in the following ways:
1. Physically exclude trespass livestock from entering the park using the most appropriate wildlife-friendly fencing designs available to us beginning in the highest priority areas.
2. Create passage ways in the park's boundary fence that allow trespass livestock already in the park to leave the park on their own but not return.
3. Deter trespass livestock already in the park from accessing natural and man-made (artificial) water sources in the park using wildlife-friendly physical barriers.
4. Capture and relocate in the park any trespass livestock that pose an imminent threat to public safety or park resources.
The Park also will continue providing information to the visiting public about the resource impacts and safety hazards posed by trespass livestock in the park.
For more information contact Paul Morey, Wildlife Biologist, at (970) 529-4617.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
The comment period ran from January 17, 2013 through February 28, 2013. About 3,500 comment letters were received by the park, most of which were form letters. The Park carefully evaluated the comments and has determined that the current course of action best accomplishes park goals while minimizing impacts to park resources.
Therefore, the Park will not pursue development of a specific management plan for trespassing livestock, but instead will concentrate on implementing existing measures utilizing available resources to address trespassing livestock in the following ways:
1. Physically exclude trespass livestock from entering the park using the most appropriate wildlife-friendly fencing designs available to us beginning in the highest priority areas.
2. Create passage ways in the park's boundary fence that allow trespass livestock already in the park to leave the park on their own but not return.
3. Deter trespass livestock already in the park from accessing natural and man-made (artificial) water sources in the park using wildlife-friendly physical barriers.
4. Capture and relocate in the park any trespass livestock that pose an imminent threat to public safety or park resources.
The Park also will continue providing information to the visiting public about the resource impacts and safety hazards posed by trespass livestock in the park.
For more information contact Paul Morey, Wildlife Biologist, at (970) 529-4617.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Do Yosemite In One Epic Hike
Did you know that you can do one hike that encompasses nearly all of Yosemite’s iconic sights? This epic 12.6-mile hike includes a full view of Yosemite Falls from the only place in the park to see both the upper and lower falls in their full glory. You’ll also see El Capitan, Half Dome, Illilouette Fall and Nevada Fall.
The hike tops out at Glacier Point, the spot first made famous by the photo of John Muir and President Theodore Roosevelt standing together with the Yosemite Valley in the background. The hike also finishes with a trip down the famous Mist Trail where you’ll pass over Vernal Fall.
This epic one-way hike begins with a climb up the Four Mile Trail, and then travels back to the valley via the Panorama Trail, and is a must bucket-list item for every hiker.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
This epic one-way hike begins with a climb up the Four Mile Trail, and then travels back to the valley via the Panorama Trail, and is a must bucket-list item for every hiker.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Monday, October 28, 2013
The Mountain: My Time on Everest
You could say there are two books in The Mountain: My Time on Everest. There’s chapter one, and then the rest of the book.
I have to say that I really struggled with the first chapter of The Mountain for some reason. To me it seemed unfocused and lacked flow. Author and world-class climber Ed Viesturs kept interrupting the narrative of the story of his first climb on Mt. Everest with anecdotes from other climbs and climbers, and from my standpoint, completely disrupted the flow of the read. I must confess I almost threw in the towel at that point.
Once I got past that first chapter, however, there was a noticeable difference in the flow and readability of the book.
Although Viesturs never intended to split the book into the two parts described above, he did intend to split it in another way. The book’s chapters alternate between his own personal experience with the mountain, and an historical overview of climbing on Everest. Viesturs discusses some of the early British attempts on the mountain, including George Mallory’s three expeditions. Subsequent chapters provide overviews of Edmund Hillary’s first summit, Reinhold Messner’s first Everest summit without bottled oxygen, the fatal debacle of 1996, as well as the first American summit in 1963, which included the daring attempt by Tom Hornbein and Willi Unsoeld to scale the unclimbed West Ridge. Viesturs also discusses the highly controversial Chinese expedition of 1960 when one climber purportedly took his boots and socks off in order to gain traction up the Second Step - only a couple hundred feet below the 29,035-foot summit!
Viesturs also lays out his own personal history on the mountain, having made 11 attempts, and reaching the summit on 7 of those occasions. He provides insights into his first climbs as a guide, his inclusion in the 1990 international Peace Climb, his role in a couple of film making expeditions on Everest, as well as the compelling story of how his climbing buddy almost died as a result of a mucus plug.
Although the vast majority of the book was an interesting look into the history of the world’s highest mountain, there were a couple of occasions where Viesturs left his readers hanging. For example, in one case he mentions the “mysterious” death of Chantal Mauduit while she was in her tent at 21,500 feet on Dhaulagiri in 1998, but he provides no other details on why this was a mystery.
In 1997 Ed climbed Everest as part of a research team to find out what happens to the minds and bodies of climbers at extreme altitudes. However, he didn’t mention any of the scientific findings from this project.
I was also baffled by a passage regarding the 1960 Chinese expedition. Although the evidence is pretty overwhelming that the Chinese lied about their first summit, Everest historian Walt Unsworth still concluded that the Chinese story may have been factual. Viesturs states that he’s puzzled by this conclusion, which he absolutely should be. However, in the very next paragraph, Viesturs says, “It’s within the realm of the conceivable, as Unsworth states, that they did indeed make the first ascent of Everest from the north in 1960”.
Okay, so these might be a little bit nitpicky, I’ll agree. But overall The Mountain is a really good read, especially for those looking to discover a broader perspective on the history of Mt. Everest.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
I have to say that I really struggled with the first chapter of The Mountain for some reason. To me it seemed unfocused and lacked flow. Author and world-class climber Ed Viesturs kept interrupting the narrative of the story of his first climb on Mt. Everest with anecdotes from other climbs and climbers, and from my standpoint, completely disrupted the flow of the read. I must confess I almost threw in the towel at that point.
Although Viesturs never intended to split the book into the two parts described above, he did intend to split it in another way. The book’s chapters alternate between his own personal experience with the mountain, and an historical overview of climbing on Everest. Viesturs discusses some of the early British attempts on the mountain, including George Mallory’s three expeditions. Subsequent chapters provide overviews of Edmund Hillary’s first summit, Reinhold Messner’s first Everest summit without bottled oxygen, the fatal debacle of 1996, as well as the first American summit in 1963, which included the daring attempt by Tom Hornbein and Willi Unsoeld to scale the unclimbed West Ridge. Viesturs also discusses the highly controversial Chinese expedition of 1960 when one climber purportedly took his boots and socks off in order to gain traction up the Second Step - only a couple hundred feet below the 29,035-foot summit!
Viesturs also lays out his own personal history on the mountain, having made 11 attempts, and reaching the summit on 7 of those occasions. He provides insights into his first climbs as a guide, his inclusion in the 1990 international Peace Climb, his role in a couple of film making expeditions on Everest, as well as the compelling story of how his climbing buddy almost died as a result of a mucus plug.
Although the vast majority of the book was an interesting look into the history of the world’s highest mountain, there were a couple of occasions where Viesturs left his readers hanging. For example, in one case he mentions the “mysterious” death of Chantal Mauduit while she was in her tent at 21,500 feet on Dhaulagiri in 1998, but he provides no other details on why this was a mystery.
In 1997 Ed climbed Everest as part of a research team to find out what happens to the minds and bodies of climbers at extreme altitudes. However, he didn’t mention any of the scientific findings from this project.
I was also baffled by a passage regarding the 1960 Chinese expedition. Although the evidence is pretty overwhelming that the Chinese lied about their first summit, Everest historian Walt Unsworth still concluded that the Chinese story may have been factual. Viesturs states that he’s puzzled by this conclusion, which he absolutely should be. However, in the very next paragraph, Viesturs says, “It’s within the realm of the conceivable, as Unsworth states, that they did indeed make the first ascent of Everest from the north in 1960”.
Okay, so these might be a little bit nitpicky, I’ll agree. But overall The Mountain is a really good read, especially for those looking to discover a broader perspective on the history of Mt. Everest.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Rocky Mountain National Park Seeks Applications for 2014 Artist-In-Residence Program
The National Park Service is accepting applications through November 15, 2013, for Rocky Mountain National Park's summer 2014 Artist-in-Residence Program. Selected artists are provided with a creative, contemplative environment in which to generate artistic works and share their works with the public. Artistic diversity, new ideas and creative uses of media are encouraged. Selected artists receive a two-week residency at the William Allen White cabin from June through September. Professional musicians, writers, sculptors, painters, photographers, poets and performance artists will be given equal consideration.
During their stay, artists share their vision in two public presentations. Following their residency, artists donate a fully finished work to Rocky Mountain National Park, representative of their stay. The National Park Service holds a noncommercial copyright to donated artwork.
A panel of professional artists will judge the applicant pool. Five to six artists will be selected to participate in the summer of 2014. Selections are made on the basis of the following criteria: entry materials, vision, and recognized talent as demonstrated by participation in juried shows, publications or performances. Having begun in 1984, Rocky Mountain's program is the longest running Artist-in-Residence program operated by the National Park Service.
Interested artists may obtain more information and download an application by accessing the park's website.
Detailed instructions are on the entry form. Applications must be postmarked by November 15, 2013.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
During their stay, artists share their vision in two public presentations. Following their residency, artists donate a fully finished work to Rocky Mountain National Park, representative of their stay. The National Park Service holds a noncommercial copyright to donated artwork.
A panel of professional artists will judge the applicant pool. Five to six artists will be selected to participate in the summer of 2014. Selections are made on the basis of the following criteria: entry materials, vision, and recognized talent as demonstrated by participation in juried shows, publications or performances. Having begun in 1984, Rocky Mountain's program is the longest running Artist-in-Residence program operated by the National Park Service.
Interested artists may obtain more information and download an application by accessing the park's website.
Detailed instructions are on the entry form. Applications must be postmarked by November 15, 2013.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Saturday, October 26, 2013
8th Georgetown Bighorn Sheep Festival
Few animals evoke Colorado’s rugged and unforgiving mountains like the Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. Yet the vertical terrain that keeps sheep safe from predators also limits opportunities for Coloradans to view and appreciate Colorado’s state animal.
A happy exception for wildlife watchers is Georgetown, where the Town of Georgetown, the Georgetown Trust and Gateway Visitor Center, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) are finalizing preparations for the 8th Annual Georgetown Bighorn Sheep Festival. The festival is timed to coincide with the sheep’s head-banging mating season. This year’s event will take place on November 9.
“Georgetown is one of the few places in Colorado you are almost guaranteed to see bighorn sheep, particularly during breeding season in November and December,” says Mary McCormac, Education Coordinator for the northeast region at CPW. While weather forecasts could discourage potential festival participation, McCormac cautions, “Weather in Georgetown can be beautiful when Denver forecasters predict snow. We strongly encourage folks to call Georgetown directly before heading out if they are concerned about weather conditions.” Please call the Georgetown Gateway Visitor Center for current weather conditions: 303-569-2405.
Trained CPW volunteers armed with binoculars and spotting scopes will be on hand to help viewers locate the sheep, as well as offer a cup of hot cider or cocoa and a brief lesson on these majestic mammals at the Bighorn Sheep Viewing Station and Gateway Visitor Center. A horse and buggy ride for $5/person includes free admission to all Georgetown museums. As a special opportunity this year, the Georgetown Loop Railroad has added two special runs of their historic train tours, which will include CPW Volunteer Sheep Guides who will provide programming on tours. Train departs at 11:30am and 1:30pm and tickets range from $18.95 - $33.95/ person. Friends and families will enjoy the FREE educational presentations and numerous activities provided throughout the day.
The festival will take place on Saturday, November 9, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be a presentation at 11:00am: Bighorn Sheep of Georgetown, and at 2:00pm: Living in Moose Country
For more information please contact Mary McCormac at 303-291-7328 or mary.mccormac@state.co.us.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
“Georgetown is one of the few places in Colorado you are almost guaranteed to see bighorn sheep, particularly during breeding season in November and December,” says Mary McCormac, Education Coordinator for the northeast region at CPW. While weather forecasts could discourage potential festival participation, McCormac cautions, “Weather in Georgetown can be beautiful when Denver forecasters predict snow. We strongly encourage folks to call Georgetown directly before heading out if they are concerned about weather conditions.” Please call the Georgetown Gateway Visitor Center for current weather conditions: 303-569-2405.
Trained CPW volunteers armed with binoculars and spotting scopes will be on hand to help viewers locate the sheep, as well as offer a cup of hot cider or cocoa and a brief lesson on these majestic mammals at the Bighorn Sheep Viewing Station and Gateway Visitor Center. A horse and buggy ride for $5/person includes free admission to all Georgetown museums. As a special opportunity this year, the Georgetown Loop Railroad has added two special runs of their historic train tours, which will include CPW Volunteer Sheep Guides who will provide programming on tours. Train departs at 11:30am and 1:30pm and tickets range from $18.95 - $33.95/ person. Friends and families will enjoy the FREE educational presentations and numerous activities provided throughout the day.
The festival will take place on Saturday, November 9, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be a presentation at 11:00am: Bighorn Sheep of Georgetown, and at 2:00pm: Living in Moose Country
For more information please contact Mary McCormac at 303-291-7328 or mary.mccormac@state.co.us.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Friday, October 25, 2013
US Forest Service Seeks Comments on Year-Round Recreation Activities at Ski Areas
The U.S. Forest Service recently published a Federal Register notice seeking public comment on proposed criteria to evaluate activities and facilities allowed at ski areas on Forest Service lands under the Ski Area Recreational Opportunity Enhancement Act of 2011.
"This is another step forward in how the agency efficiently manages developed recreation areas, such as ski areas, to accommodate the increasing demand for outdoor recreation experiences from the public," said U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell. "It also opens the door for the prospect of a larger economic boost to forest-dependent communities and the nation."
Most of the 122 ski areas operating on Forest Service lands are authorized by the National Forest Ski Area Permit Act of 1986 for Nordic and alpine skiing. The Ski Area Recreational Opportunity Enhancement Act of 2011 expanded the Ski Area Permit Act to allow approval of additional seasonal or year-round recreation activities, including summer recreational activities where the ski area's developed infrastructure could accommodate an increasing demand for year-round recreation.
The revised law includes such activities as zip lines, mountain bike terrain parks and trails, disc golf courses, and ropes courses, which are generally natural resource based and encourage outdoor recreation and the enjoyment of nature. These types of activities fit well with the agency's mission in support of outdoor natural resource-based recreation settings and experiences, in contrast to theme or amusement parks where different customer expectations are accommodated.
This proposed rule change would establish criteria to guide the agency when evaluating proposals. New activities should be natural-resource based, encourage outdoor recreation and enjoyment of nature, and be consistent with the intent of the act. The rule also would address the types of facilities that would be permitted.
The agency also is proposing guidance on the management of other recreational uses within the operational boundary of ski areas by the non-paying public, such as snowshoeing and hiking. The proposed changes also include guidelines for development of aerial adventure courses at facilities other than ski areas.
The public has 60 days to comment from Oct. 2, 2013, the date the notice was published in the Federal Register. Instructions on how to comment are included in the notice.
The allocation of federal land for ski areas covers some 180,000 acres out of 193 million acres. The agency averages 23 million visits annually to ski areas, which has contributed $3 billion every winter to the economy and created approximately 65,000 full and part-time and seasonal jobs in rural communities. Under the new proposal, the Forest Service estimates roughly 600,000 more summertime visits would occur; that may create and sustain up to 600 more full or part-time and seasonal jobs with expanded recreation opportunities on ski areas. The addition of summer recreation is expected to infuse almost $40 million into local mountain communities near ski areas.
For more information, and to comment, please click here.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
"This is another step forward in how the agency efficiently manages developed recreation areas, such as ski areas, to accommodate the increasing demand for outdoor recreation experiences from the public," said U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell. "It also opens the door for the prospect of a larger economic boost to forest-dependent communities and the nation."
The revised law includes such activities as zip lines, mountain bike terrain parks and trails, disc golf courses, and ropes courses, which are generally natural resource based and encourage outdoor recreation and the enjoyment of nature. These types of activities fit well with the agency's mission in support of outdoor natural resource-based recreation settings and experiences, in contrast to theme or amusement parks where different customer expectations are accommodated.
This proposed rule change would establish criteria to guide the agency when evaluating proposals. New activities should be natural-resource based, encourage outdoor recreation and enjoyment of nature, and be consistent with the intent of the act. The rule also would address the types of facilities that would be permitted.
The agency also is proposing guidance on the management of other recreational uses within the operational boundary of ski areas by the non-paying public, such as snowshoeing and hiking. The proposed changes also include guidelines for development of aerial adventure courses at facilities other than ski areas.
The public has 60 days to comment from Oct. 2, 2013, the date the notice was published in the Federal Register. Instructions on how to comment are included in the notice.
The allocation of federal land for ski areas covers some 180,000 acres out of 193 million acres. The agency averages 23 million visits annually to ski areas, which has contributed $3 billion every winter to the economy and created approximately 65,000 full and part-time and seasonal jobs in rural communities. Under the new proposal, the Forest Service estimates roughly 600,000 more summertime visits would occur; that may create and sustain up to 600 more full or part-time and seasonal jobs with expanded recreation opportunities on ski areas. The addition of summer recreation is expected to infuse almost $40 million into local mountain communities near ski areas.
For more information, and to comment, please click here.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Discover the West
Regular readers of this blog are likely aware that Kathy and I spent several weeks traveling to various national and state parks across the west coast last month. As a result of this trip, as well as a similar trip we took across the southwest last year, we’ve decided to launch a new hiking website. The new site encompasses all of the trails we’ve hiked during those two trips, as well as many of the hikes we’ve done throughout the Rocky Mountain states over the last several years.
This new website includes a wide range of hikes from places like Yosemite, Mt. Rainier, Zion, Bryce, Arches, Grand Canyon, and many of the other parks across the west. It can be used as a tool to help you plan which trails you might like to tackle on an upcoming trip, or as a way of discovering new destinations for a trip down the road.
The link to the new site is: http://discoverthewest.blogspot.com/
Please feel free to provide any feedback that we could possibly use to improve the website.
Thank you very much!
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
The link to the new site is: http://discoverthewest.blogspot.com/
Please feel free to provide any feedback that we could possibly use to improve the website.
Thank you very much!
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Kelly McGarry: Insane Downhill POV Video
Okay, this just might be the most hair-raising bike video I've ever seen.
Speeding down the narrow sandstone ridge is pretty scary as it is, but when Diamondback athlete Kelly McGarry does a 72-foot-long back flip over a canyon - WOW!!!
This run earned McGarry the People’s Choice Award and a 2nd place finish at the Red Bull Rampage 2013 in Virgin, Utah earlier this month.
All of this was captured on McGarry's helmet-mounted, point of view camera:
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Speeding down the narrow sandstone ridge is pretty scary as it is, but when Diamondback athlete Kelly McGarry does a 72-foot-long back flip over a canyon - WOW!!!
This run earned McGarry the People’s Choice Award and a 2nd place finish at the Red Bull Rampage 2013 in Virgin, Utah earlier this month.
All of this was captured on McGarry's helmet-mounted, point of view camera:
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Trail Ridge Road Closes To Through Travel For The Season
Rocky Mountain National Park announced today that Trail Ridge Road has officially closed for the season to through travel. The most popular destinations for this time of year including Bear Lake Road, Moraine Park, Horseshoe Park and the section of Trail Ridge Road along the Kawuneeche Valley are all open. These are all great areas for hiking and wildlife watching.
Trail Ridge Road, one of the most impressive alpine highways in the United States, is the highest continuous paved road in America and reaches an elevation of 12,183 feet. The road connects the park's gateway communities of Estes Park on the east and Grand Lake on the west. Trail Ridge Road is not designed to be an all season road with 11 miles above 11,500 feet and few guard rails and no shoulder. There are winter conditions of drifting snow, high winds and below freezing temperatures above 10,000 feet. The road is currently closed at Colorado River Trailhead on the west side and Many Parks Curve on the east side.
According to park superintendent Vaughn Baker, "We continue to get snowfall at high elevations combined with strong winds. The snow will continue to blow and drift at higher elevations, making snow clearing operations and driving conditions extremely hazardous. During the winter season, weather permitting, we will keep Trail Ridge Road open to Many Parks Curve on the east side of the park and to the Colorado River Trailhead on the west side of the park."
The average winter closure dates for Trail Ridge Road have been October 23. Although often times the road closes earlier and does not reopen, the previous ten year's official closure dates are: October 17, 2012, October 27, 2011, October 29, 2010, October 21, 2009, November 6, 2008, October 22, 2007, October 23, 2006, November 4, 2005, October 25, 2004, and November 6, 2003. The central portion of Trail Ridge Road normally opens the last week in May, weather permitting. This year Trail Ridge Road opened on May 24.
Trail Ridge Road is now in "winter trail status" which means that bicycles and pets are not permitted beyond the closed gates. For current road conditions and other park information, please call the park's Information Office at (970) 586-1206.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
According to park superintendent Vaughn Baker, "We continue to get snowfall at high elevations combined with strong winds. The snow will continue to blow and drift at higher elevations, making snow clearing operations and driving conditions extremely hazardous. During the winter season, weather permitting, we will keep Trail Ridge Road open to Many Parks Curve on the east side of the park and to the Colorado River Trailhead on the west side of the park."
The average winter closure dates for Trail Ridge Road have been October 23. Although often times the road closes earlier and does not reopen, the previous ten year's official closure dates are: October 17, 2012, October 27, 2011, October 29, 2010, October 21, 2009, November 6, 2008, October 22, 2007, October 23, 2006, November 4, 2005, October 25, 2004, and November 6, 2003. The central portion of Trail Ridge Road normally opens the last week in May, weather permitting. This year Trail Ridge Road opened on May 24.
Trail Ridge Road is now in "winter trail status" which means that bicycles and pets are not permitted beyond the closed gates. For current road conditions and other park information, please call the park's Information Office at (970) 586-1206.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Winter Skills Wilderness Survival Class
Join REI Outdoor School for a wilderness survival class that focuses on winter skills that could save your life. During this class you'll learn practical tips and strategies that every outdoor traveler should know, including:
* Winter emergency priorities
* How to make an emergency shelter
* How to make your own emergency kit with all the essentials.
You'll also participate in interactive scenarios to practice and hone your skills. This class is designed for anyone who spends time outdoors during the winter.
The class will be held on December 14th, from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm at White Ranch Park. Cost for REI members is $65.00. For non-members it's $85.00.
To reach White Ranch Park, take Colorado Highway 93 north from Golden approximately 1 mile to Golden Gate Canyon Road. Travel west approximately 4.1 miles to Crawford Gulch Road (Highway 57), and then follow the signs to White Ranch Park.
For more information on the class, including required gear and registration, please click here.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
* How to make an emergency shelter
* How to make your own emergency kit with all the essentials.
You'll also participate in interactive scenarios to practice and hone your skills. This class is designed for anyone who spends time outdoors during the winter.
The class will be held on December 14th, from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm at White Ranch Park. Cost for REI members is $65.00. For non-members it's $85.00.
To reach White Ranch Park, take Colorado Highway 93 north from Golden approximately 1 mile to Golden Gate Canyon Road. Travel west approximately 4.1 miles to Crawford Gulch Road (Highway 57), and then follow the signs to White Ranch Park.
For more information on the class, including required gear and registration, please click here.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Saturday, October 19, 2013
National Parks Epic Challenge: Jimmy Chin on Grand Teton
The National Park Foundation is publishing a series of excellent videos they call the "National Parks Epic Challenge".
In this video, world-class climber, skier, and mountaineer Jimmy Chin scales Grand Teton and then skis down, showing why he is one of the most skilled and fearless adventurers on the planet. Jimmy has circled the globe as an elite athlete, explorer, photographer and filmmaker, but his home is in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, near the stunningly beautiful Grand Teton National Park. The majestic Teton Range is ideal for rock climbers and ski mountaineers, and the park protects a diverse array of wildlife, including herds of buffalo and elk. Jimmy talks about visiting the National Parks as a child, and how he felt when he first saw the Tetons at age 18. He is one of the few people in the world to have climbed and skied Mount Everest from the summit.
Jimmy Chin in Grand Teton: National Parks Epic Challenge from National Park Foundation on Vimeo.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
In this video, world-class climber, skier, and mountaineer Jimmy Chin scales Grand Teton and then skis down, showing why he is one of the most skilled and fearless adventurers on the planet. Jimmy has circled the globe as an elite athlete, explorer, photographer and filmmaker, but his home is in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, near the stunningly beautiful Grand Teton National Park. The majestic Teton Range is ideal for rock climbers and ski mountaineers, and the park protects a diverse array of wildlife, including herds of buffalo and elk. Jimmy talks about visiting the National Parks as a child, and how he felt when he first saw the Tetons at age 18. He is one of the few people in the world to have climbed and skied Mount Everest from the summit.
Jimmy Chin in Grand Teton: National Parks Epic Challenge from National Park Foundation on Vimeo.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Monday, October 14, 2013
What's Open in Rocky Mountain National Park?
After being forced to close for 11 days due to the on-going government shutdown, Rocky Mountain National Park officially reopened this past Saturday under an agreement with federal officials and the State of Colorado.
Under the terms announced on Friday, Governor John Hickenlooper will provide $362,700 in state cash to bring furloughed national park employees back to work for 10 days. The governor also promised to keep the park open for the duration of the shutdown, and estimated that it would cost $40,300 per day if the shutdown continues beyond October 20th.
So, with recent snow, as well as areas of the park still closed due to last months' flood, visitors should be aware of what's open and what's closed.
First of all, there are now two routes to Estes Park that are open to travelers:
The 'Peak to Peak' Highway: From I-70 west of Denver, take Hwy 119 north through Blackhawk to the town of Nederland where Hwy 119 turns into Hwy 72. Continue on Hwy 72 to where it meets Hwy 7, and then follow Hwy 7 into Estes Park.
Hwy 119 from Boulder to Nederland: Take Hwy 119 from Boulder (Canyon Road in Boulder becomes Hwy 119) towards Nederland. In Nederland, turn north onto Hwy 72 towards Estes Park. Continue on Hwy 72 to where it meets Hwy 7, and then follow Hwy 7 into Estes Park.
In Rocky Mountain National Park, Trail Ridge Road is still closed due to drifting snow (2 to 5 foot drifts), ice, high winds and below freezing temperatures. According to a park press release it's unknown whether the road will reopen again this season. Trail Ridge Road is not designed to be an all season road, as there are 11 miles of road that travel above 11,500 feet. Last year, Trail Ridge Road officially closed for the season on October 17th, but never reopened after October 11th.
However, Gov. Hickenlooper stated in a press release that "Trail Ridge Road will also reopen as soon as the highway can be plowed to help with ongoing flood recovery efforts in Estes Park and Larimer County."
For the latest status on Trail Ridge Road you can call 970-586-1222.
Open areas in the park include Bear Lake Road, Lumpy Ridge, Upper Beaver Meadows, Longs Peak Road, and Wild Basin Road to the winter parking.
Visitors to Wild Basin should expect detours and trail closures. Also, the bridge at Ouzel Falls is missing and the section of trail between the Finch Lake junction and Calypso Cascades is closed. Watch for detour signs.
One loop in Moraine Park Campground is open on the east side of the park. Timber Creek Campground is open on the west side of the park. The water is off and dump station is closed in both campgrounds. Campgrounds are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Beaver Meadows Visitor Center, and Kawuneeche Visitor Center are open daily.
You may also want to note that a few small areas of the park remain closed due to flood damage, such as the Twin Sisters Trail, Aspenglen Campground, Longs Peak Campground, McGraw Ranch Road and Cow Creek Trailhead, Dunraven Trailhead to the North Fork Trails, and the Ypsilon and Lawn Lake trails. Endovalley Road and Old Fall River Road are also closed to all use, including pedestrian traffic.
With the park now reopened, many of the trails have also reopened. For detailed information on many of the hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, please click here.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Under the terms announced on Friday, Governor John Hickenlooper will provide $362,700 in state cash to bring furloughed national park employees back to work for 10 days. The governor also promised to keep the park open for the duration of the shutdown, and estimated that it would cost $40,300 per day if the shutdown continues beyond October 20th.
So, with recent snow, as well as areas of the park still closed due to last months' flood, visitors should be aware of what's open and what's closed.
The 'Peak to Peak' Highway: From I-70 west of Denver, take Hwy 119 north through Blackhawk to the town of Nederland where Hwy 119 turns into Hwy 72. Continue on Hwy 72 to where it meets Hwy 7, and then follow Hwy 7 into Estes Park.
Hwy 119 from Boulder to Nederland: Take Hwy 119 from Boulder (Canyon Road in Boulder becomes Hwy 119) towards Nederland. In Nederland, turn north onto Hwy 72 towards Estes Park. Continue on Hwy 72 to where it meets Hwy 7, and then follow Hwy 7 into Estes Park.
In Rocky Mountain National Park, Trail Ridge Road is still closed due to drifting snow (2 to 5 foot drifts), ice, high winds and below freezing temperatures. According to a park press release it's unknown whether the road will reopen again this season. Trail Ridge Road is not designed to be an all season road, as there are 11 miles of road that travel above 11,500 feet. Last year, Trail Ridge Road officially closed for the season on October 17th, but never reopened after October 11th.
However, Gov. Hickenlooper stated in a press release that "Trail Ridge Road will also reopen as soon as the highway can be plowed to help with ongoing flood recovery efforts in Estes Park and Larimer County."
For the latest status on Trail Ridge Road you can call 970-586-1222.
Open areas in the park include Bear Lake Road, Lumpy Ridge, Upper Beaver Meadows, Longs Peak Road, and Wild Basin Road to the winter parking.
Visitors to Wild Basin should expect detours and trail closures. Also, the bridge at Ouzel Falls is missing and the section of trail between the Finch Lake junction and Calypso Cascades is closed. Watch for detour signs.
One loop in Moraine Park Campground is open on the east side of the park. Timber Creek Campground is open on the west side of the park. The water is off and dump station is closed in both campgrounds. Campgrounds are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Beaver Meadows Visitor Center, and Kawuneeche Visitor Center are open daily.
You may also want to note that a few small areas of the park remain closed due to flood damage, such as the Twin Sisters Trail, Aspenglen Campground, Longs Peak Campground, McGraw Ranch Road and Cow Creek Trailhead, Dunraven Trailhead to the North Fork Trails, and the Ypsilon and Lawn Lake trails. Endovalley Road and Old Fall River Road are also closed to all use, including pedestrian traffic.
With the park now reopened, many of the trails have also reopened. For detailed information on many of the hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, please click here.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Friday, October 11, 2013
Rocky Mountain National Park to reopen tomorrow
Gov. John Hickenlooper and the U.S. Department of the Interior announced today Rocky Mountain National Park will reopen Saturday. Trail Ridge Road will also reopen as soon as the highway can be plowed to help with ongoing flood recovery efforts in Estes Park and Larimer County.
The state will pay for the park to stay open as long as the federal government is shut down. It will cost $40,300 a day to pay for U.S. National Park Service employees to operate the park.
"This reopening is critical to ongoing recovery efforts after last month's flooding," Hickenlooper said. "Trail Ridge Road provides a vital access point to Estes Park. Plus, the reopening of the park will help businesses in the area that have suffered a one-two punch after the flooding and federal government shutdown."
U.S. Sens. Mark Udall and Michael Bennet and Congressional members from Colorado played important roles in helping to reopen the park. "We greatly appreciate all of the hard work by our Congressional delegation and the Department of the Interior to help make this happen," Hickenlooper said.
"The flood impact has been difficult for our residents and businesses and the closure of Rocky Mountain National Park was a huge economic blow just as we were pulling together toward recovery," said Estes Park Mayor Bill Pinkham. "We greatly appreciate the efforts of the Governor and our Congressional delegation who helped make this happen. This is pivotal step in Estes Park's quick and full recovery from this unprecedented disaster."
The state will initially use money from the Colorado Tourism Office to operate the park and will seek reimbursement from the federal government. Fees will still be charged and collected and the park will be on normal operating hours.
So who's up for a hike to see some spectacular fall aspens or bugling elk? For detailed information on many of the hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, please click here.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
"This reopening is critical to ongoing recovery efforts after last month's flooding," Hickenlooper said. "Trail Ridge Road provides a vital access point to Estes Park. Plus, the reopening of the park will help businesses in the area that have suffered a one-two punch after the flooding and federal government shutdown."
U.S. Sens. Mark Udall and Michael Bennet and Congressional members from Colorado played important roles in helping to reopen the park. "We greatly appreciate all of the hard work by our Congressional delegation and the Department of the Interior to help make this happen," Hickenlooper said.
"The flood impact has been difficult for our residents and businesses and the closure of Rocky Mountain National Park was a huge economic blow just as we were pulling together toward recovery," said Estes Park Mayor Bill Pinkham. "We greatly appreciate the efforts of the Governor and our Congressional delegation who helped make this happen. This is pivotal step in Estes Park's quick and full recovery from this unprecedented disaster."
The state will initially use money from the Colorado Tourism Office to operate the park and will seek reimbursement from the federal government. Fees will still be charged and collected and the park will be on normal operating hours.
So who's up for a hike to see some spectacular fall aspens or bugling elk? For detailed information on many of the hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, please click here.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com Adds Three New Hikes
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com is proud to announce the addition of three new hikes to our website. They include:
* The North Trail near Vail, Colorado offers big views from the get-go, and they get even better the higher you climb. There are also lots of aspens around, making this an outstanding choice for a fall hike.
* Hanging Lake in Glenwood Canyon, near Glenwood Springs is one of the most popular hikes in the surrounding area. An incredibly beautiful waterfall flows into a crystal clear, turquoise colored lake. The lake, formed by travertine deposition around the shoreline, was recently designated as a National Natural Landmark.
* Monument Canyon Trail is likely the most popular hike in Colorado National Monument. The trail travels to several of rock formations within the canyon, including the iconic Independence Monument. As a side note, there is much discussion on designating this western slope park into a national park.
To see all of the trails covered by our website, including many of the hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, as well as several other classic hikes around the state of Colorado, please click here.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
* Hanging Lake in Glenwood Canyon, near Glenwood Springs is one of the most popular hikes in the surrounding area. An incredibly beautiful waterfall flows into a crystal clear, turquoise colored lake. The lake, formed by travertine deposition around the shoreline, was recently designated as a National Natural Landmark.
* Monument Canyon Trail is likely the most popular hike in Colorado National Monument. The trail travels to several of rock formations within the canyon, including the iconic Independence Monument. As a side note, there is much discussion on designating this western slope park into a national park.
To see all of the trails covered by our website, including many of the hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, as well as several other classic hikes around the state of Colorado, please click here.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Rocky Mountain National Park loses 80,821 visitors / $4,821,917 in first 10 days of shutdown
As the 10th day of the government shutdown begins this morning, more than seven million Americans have been kept out of national parks and $750 million in visitor spending has already been lost, with huge repercussions for the economies of gateway communities and entire states that depend on national park tourism, according to a report published by the Coalition of National Park Service Retirees (CNPSR).
CNPSR-gathered figures show that the shutdown is resulting in:
• 715,000 visitors lost daily (based on October 2012 national park attendance numbers).
• $76 million in lost visitor spending per day.
• $450,000 in lost revenue each day that would go directly to the National Park Service ($300,000 in entrance fees and $150,000 in other in-park expenditures, such as campground fees, boat rentals, etc.)
CNPSR Chair Maureen Finnerty, former superintendent of Everglades and Olympic National Parks, said: "These figures are mind boggling and they only begin to capture the full economic shock of locking up the crown jewels of America – our national parks. Towns, cities, and even whole states that depend on park tourism are feeling an increasingly strong pinch. And if Congress continues to hold our national parks hostage, these communities will soon be reeling from what is in many cases the main driver of their economies."
The following is CNPSR-gathered data for the lost visitors, visitor spending, and jobs at risk for 12 leading national parks across the U.S.:
• Acadia National Park (Maine) – 68,493 lost visitors in first 10 days, $5,263,013 lost visitor dollars in first 10 days, and 3331 total jobs at stake, including 3147 local/non-NPS jobs.
• Badlands National Park (South Dakota) – 26,767 lost visitors in first 10 days, $656,986 lost visitor dollars in first 10 days, and 475 total jobs at stake, including 375 local/non-NPS jobs.
• Boston National Historic Park (Massachusetts) – 54,794 lost visitors in first 10 days, $2,032,876 lost visitor dollars in first 10 days, and 1019 total jobs at stake, including 904 non-NPS jobs.
• Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Ohio) – 68,219 lost visitors in first 10 days, $1,545,205 lost visitor dollars in first 10 days, and 819 total jobs at stake, including 599 local/non-NPS jobs.
• Everglades National Park (Florida) – 25,083 lost visitors in first 10 days, $3,857,534 lost visitor dollars in first 10 days, and 2364 total jobs at stake, including 1951 local/non-NPS jobs.
• Gettysburg National Military Park (Pennsylvania) – 27,397 lost visitors in first 10 days, $1,796,712 lost visitor dollars in first 10 days, and 1141 total jobs at stake, including 1051 local/non-NPS jobs.
• Glacier National Park (Montana) – 60,273 lost visitors in first 10 days, $3,076,712 lost visitor dollars in first 10 days, and 1994 total jobs at stake, including 1632 local/non-NPS jobs.
• Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona) – 120,000 lost visitors in first 10 days, $11,750,684 lost visitor dollars in first 10 days, and 6825 total jobs at stake, including 6167 local/non-NPS jobs.
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park (North Carolina and Tennessee) – 257,534 lost visitors in first 10 days, $23,123,287 lost visitor dollars in first 10 days, and 11,766 total jobs at stake, including 11,367 local/non-NPS jobs.
• Olympic National Park (Washington) – 77,808 lost visitors in first 10 days, $2,912,328 lost visitor dollars in first 10 days, and 1673 total jobs at stake, including 1395 local/non-NPS jobs.
• Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado) – 80,821 lost visitors in first 10 days, $4,821,917 lost visitor dollars in first 10 days, and 3033 total jobs at stake, including 2641 local/non-NPS jobs.
• Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho) – 98,630 lost visitors in first 10 days, $9,452,054 lost visitor dollars in first 10 days, and 5572 total jobs at stake, including 4481 local/non-NPS jobs.
• Yosemite National Park (California) – 106,849 lost visitors in first 10 days, $10,021,917 lost visitor dollars in first 10 days, and 5607 total jobs at stake, including 4602 local/non-NPS jobs.
• Zion National Park (Utah) – 72,876 lost visitors in first 10 days, $3,495,890 lost visitor dollars in first 10 days, and 2401 total jobs at stake, including 2136 local/non-NPS jobs.
Visitation, economic impacts, and job numbers for the 12 parks are drawn from Headwaters Economics, "Land and Communities, National Parks Service Units, Economic Impacts of Visitation and Expenditures". Topline numbers for NPS daily visitation provided by Coalition of National Park Service Retirees using National Park Service data.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
CNPSR-gathered figures show that the shutdown is resulting in:
• 715,000 visitors lost daily (based on October 2012 national park attendance numbers).
• $76 million in lost visitor spending per day.
• $450,000 in lost revenue each day that would go directly to the National Park Service ($300,000 in entrance fees and $150,000 in other in-park expenditures, such as campground fees, boat rentals, etc.)
• Acadia National Park (Maine) – 68,493 lost visitors in first 10 days, $5,263,013 lost visitor dollars in first 10 days, and 3331 total jobs at stake, including 3147 local/non-NPS jobs.
• Badlands National Park (South Dakota) – 26,767 lost visitors in first 10 days, $656,986 lost visitor dollars in first 10 days, and 475 total jobs at stake, including 375 local/non-NPS jobs.
• Boston National Historic Park (Massachusetts) – 54,794 lost visitors in first 10 days, $2,032,876 lost visitor dollars in first 10 days, and 1019 total jobs at stake, including 904 non-NPS jobs.
• Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Ohio) – 68,219 lost visitors in first 10 days, $1,545,205 lost visitor dollars in first 10 days, and 819 total jobs at stake, including 599 local/non-NPS jobs.
• Everglades National Park (Florida) – 25,083 lost visitors in first 10 days, $3,857,534 lost visitor dollars in first 10 days, and 2364 total jobs at stake, including 1951 local/non-NPS jobs.
• Gettysburg National Military Park (Pennsylvania) – 27,397 lost visitors in first 10 days, $1,796,712 lost visitor dollars in first 10 days, and 1141 total jobs at stake, including 1051 local/non-NPS jobs.
• Glacier National Park (Montana) – 60,273 lost visitors in first 10 days, $3,076,712 lost visitor dollars in first 10 days, and 1994 total jobs at stake, including 1632 local/non-NPS jobs.
• Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona) – 120,000 lost visitors in first 10 days, $11,750,684 lost visitor dollars in first 10 days, and 6825 total jobs at stake, including 6167 local/non-NPS jobs.
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park (North Carolina and Tennessee) – 257,534 lost visitors in first 10 days, $23,123,287 lost visitor dollars in first 10 days, and 11,766 total jobs at stake, including 11,367 local/non-NPS jobs.
• Olympic National Park (Washington) – 77,808 lost visitors in first 10 days, $2,912,328 lost visitor dollars in first 10 days, and 1673 total jobs at stake, including 1395 local/non-NPS jobs.
• Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado) – 80,821 lost visitors in first 10 days, $4,821,917 lost visitor dollars in first 10 days, and 3033 total jobs at stake, including 2641 local/non-NPS jobs.
• Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho) – 98,630 lost visitors in first 10 days, $9,452,054 lost visitor dollars in first 10 days, and 5572 total jobs at stake, including 4481 local/non-NPS jobs.
• Yosemite National Park (California) – 106,849 lost visitors in first 10 days, $10,021,917 lost visitor dollars in first 10 days, and 5607 total jobs at stake, including 4602 local/non-NPS jobs.
• Zion National Park (Utah) – 72,876 lost visitors in first 10 days, $3,495,890 lost visitor dollars in first 10 days, and 2401 total jobs at stake, including 2136 local/non-NPS jobs.
Visitation, economic impacts, and job numbers for the 12 parks are drawn from Headwaters Economics, "Land and Communities, National Parks Service Units, Economic Impacts of Visitation and Expenditures". Topline numbers for NPS daily visitation provided by Coalition of National Park Service Retirees using National Park Service data.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Titanic Battle Between Two Bull Elk Caught on Film
Check out this heavyweight bout between two bull elk. Would you say the photographer got just a little too close?
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Monday, October 7, 2013
A Month On The Colorado Trail
Get a glimpse of the 486-mile Colorado Trail on this 31-day journey from Denver to Durango. Backpacker Wesley Trimble spent a month filming his trek across the state. He has some pretty interesting film footage, using some unique cuts. Either way, the scenery is beautiful:
From the 16th to the 16th from Wesley Trimble on Vimeo.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
From the 16th to the 16th from Wesley Trimble on Vimeo.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
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