Rocky Mountain Journal: June 2020

Monday, June 29, 2020

Brainard Lake Recreation Area to Open for Summer Season July 1

The Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland is opening the Brainard Lake Recreation Area for summer use on July 1 with some minor changes to help facilitate social distancing in accordance with local, state and federal guidelines. This includes allowing 80% capacity in parking lots. Please be sure to check the Brainard Lake Recreation Area website for details on the changes.

The Brainard Lake Recreation Area, located in Boulder County, is approximately 3,000 acres of higher elevation forest. It is a highly popular recreation destination on the Boulder Ranger District, with parking lots often filling by 9 a.m. during the peak summer season. This plan will take parking spots available to 238 from 298, optimizing access for the public while emphasizing public and employee safety. It will also include a scheduled entry plan the public can utilize when planning their visit. This plan will allow staff to focus on needs, such as increased frequency of restroom cleaning, as opposed to managing traffic congestion issues.

These changes will impact access to several popular hiking destinations, including Lake Isabelle, the Long Lake Loop, and Pawnee Pass.

Changes at the Brainard Lake Recreation area this year are tiered to a 2016 transportation study of the area and were made in close coordination with the concessionaire who manages the Brainard Lake Recreation area, American Land and Leisure. Staff from both the Forest Service and American Land and Leisure will monitor the plan over the season and make adjustments as necessary to meet the intent. Data gathered this summer can also be used, along with previous information gathered, to help make management decisions for the area into the future.

Changes do not impact access for those with reservations at the Pawnee Campground or permits for overnight use in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Plan details, including information on the scheduled entry plan, will be posted on the Brainard Lake Recreation Area website.

Visitors are also urged to take the precautions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) along with local health and safety guidance.

Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com

Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park

Sunday, June 28, 2020

Search Suspended For Missing Hiker in Colorado National Monument

The search for missing hiker Jim Fuchs was suspended today with the retrieval of a deceased male that matched his description from the search area. The identification of the victim and cause of death will be established by Mesa County Coroner’s office. The victim was discovered early Saturday, June 27, 2020 in rough terrain beyond the Devil’s Kitchen rock formation in Colorado National Monument.

Monument staff initiated search efforts for Mr. Fuchs on Thursday, June 25, 2020, in response to an overdue hiker report from a close friend. Searchers from the National Park Service, Mesa County Sheriff’s Office and Mesa County Search and Rescue Ground Team were involved in the search. Search teams began the night of Thursday, June 25, 2020 with a specially licensed drone equipped with thermal imaging and cameras. Working in shifts, almost 30 search and rescue volunteers methodically combed through miles of nearby canyons for any sign of Mr. Fuchs.

Special thanks go out to the employees of the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office and all the volunteers of the Mesa County Search and Rescue Ground Team for their donated time.

Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com

Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park

Friday, June 26, 2020

Missing Hiker at Colorado National Monument

Park officials are requesting the public’s help with information regarding a missing hiker. A search and rescue operation is currently underway on the south-east side of Colorado National Monument. Jim Fuchs, a 66-year-old white male from Grand Junction, left a note, which seemed to indicate hiking plans for the monument on Monday, June 22. Staff at the monument was notified at approximately 7:00 p.m. Thursday, June 25, 2020 by a friend who had found the note and had been unable to contact him. Fuchs’ vehicle was found at the Lower Serpents Trail parking lot, just inside the east (Grand Junction) entrance to the monument.

Searchers from the National Park Service, Mesa County Sheriff’s Office and Mesa County Search and Rescue Ground Team are involved in the search. Search teams began last night with a specially licensed drone that is equipped with thermal imaging and cameras. The search resumed first thing Friday morning. Over a dozen search and rescue volunteers are methodically combing through miles of nearby canyons for any sign of Mr. Fuchs. Teams are physically hiking through the area as well as searching by air with the help of the drone.

Jim Fuchs is described as a 66-year-old white male, 5'10" tall and about 175 lbs. It is unknown what he was wearing when he went hiking, however, a recent photo is attached.

If anyone hiking along the trails or backcountry from the Devil’s Kitchen or Lower Serpents parking lots over the last 4 days remembers seeing Mr. Fuchs or has other information, please call monument staff at 970-250-0805.

Tuesday, June 23, 2020

CPW warns public of elk and moose aggressively defending their young

Since late May, Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials have investigated several elk and moose conflicts resulting in injuries to both people and dogs, and agency officials are cautioning everyone to be extra vigilant this time of year.

Because elk, deer, moose and other wild animals are currently rearing their newborn offspring, it increases the possibility of a serious wildlife encounter. Though most wildlife will protect their young, one of the most significant concerns for human safety is the aggressive response of a large, powerful mother moose or elk in defense of their calves.

A major catalyst in serious conflicts with moose and elk include the presence of dogs or people making unwise choices when viewing wildlife.

“People need to keep their distance and be aware of their surroundings when they are in the vicinity of wildlife and their habitats,” said Scott Murdoch, Wildlife Officer in the Conifer district of Jefferson County. “If you are watching an elk just standing there, but notice a change in its behavior in any way, you are too close and need to back away. Their first signs of being alerted to your presence are often them raising their ears or head and stopping what they were doing.”

There have been three recent elk incidents in June out of Jefferson County and one moose attack back in May in Larimer County that have wildlife officials cautioning the public.

Just last week in Conifer, a woman was walking her dog on a leash when she unknowingly got too close to a cow elk she didn’t see. The elk charged her and she was able to get out of its way, but in the process broke her knee falling off a retaining wall.

On June 7 in Evergreen, a cow elk charged at another woman walking her dog. The woman took refuge on a balcony near a fly shop, but her dog came away with a bloody nose. It is not known for certain if the dog came into contact with the cow elk. Responding wildlife officers surveyed the location and found an elk in the area that showed signs it was nursing and that the calf was likely hidden nearby.

A similar report came in the day prior, also in Evergreen.

On May 23 in the Crystal Lakes subdivision of western Larimer County, a man was attacked by a cow moose when it came out of the trees and reared up on her back legs. The cow knocked the victim down and stomped on his body before running away. The man was sent to a hospital to treat his injuries.

Wildlife officers recovered part of a placenta nearby the attack, as that cow moose had likely just given birth. There were cow and calf tracks in the area, so the mother moose was acting in defense of her newborn.

“It is so important that people keep their distance from wildlife, especially this time of the year,” Murdoch said. “Being close to wildlife increases stress levels for those animals, even if they don't flee from your presence. Additionally, you put yourself into danger when you are close to wildlife”

Many birds and mammals give birth this time of the year. Now through July, newborn wildlife will be found across the landscape and it is important that when they are observed, that people do so from a distance and never try to interact with them.

Having dogs off leash often escalates run-ins with wildlife from just a sighting into what could be a dangerous situation.

CPW stresses the importance of education to prevent conflicts. For information about what to do if you encounter a wild animal, visit the CPW website.

Monday, June 22, 2020

Mesa Verde National Park Moving to Extreme Fire Danger Level

Due to continued hot and dry weather conditions, Mesa Verde will be moving into Extreme Fire Danger on Monday, June 22, 2020. An Extreme Fire Danger rating means that fires have a high potential to escape initial attack. There are currently no fires in the park. Due to the increased fire danger level, the park will close the following trails on Monday, June 22, 2020:

Spruce Canyon Trail
Point Lookout Trail
Prater Ridge Trail
Lower Petroglyph Trail
Wetherill Mesa Road, sites, and trails will remain closed

The previous fire ban remains in effect: No wood or charcoal fires are permitted throughout Mesa Verde National Park. This includes all the residences inside the park, Morefield Campground, and the Chapin Mesa picnic area. Pressurized gas stoves, lanterns and other equipment are permitted at Morefield Campground and the Chapin picnic area. No wood or charcoal burning fires are allowed in the campground fire rings or anywhere else in the park. Smoking and e-cigarettes are only permitted in vehicles, parking lots or developed areas clear of vegetation. Cigarette butts must be disposed of in an ash tray or other approved container. Fireworks are prohibited in Mesa Verde National Park.

These restrictions and closures will remain in effect until such time as the fire danger in the park becomes less severe. Due to the lack of forecasted precipitation in the near future, these restrictions may be in place for an extended period of time. Your cooperation in decreasing the potential for a catastrophic fire within Mesa Verde National Park is appreciated.

Thursday, June 18, 2020

Bear rescued by Colorado Parks and Wildlife from East Canyon Fire

A bear whose feet were badly burned during the East Canyon fire was rescued Tuesday by Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers and is now being cared for at a CPW facility in Del Norte. The bear is expected to make a full recovery.

“We always hate to see injured animals, but we’re pleased we were able to rescue this bear so we can nurse it back to health and return it to the wild,” said Matt Thorpe, area wildlife manager in Durango.

CPW’s Durango wildlife office received a call from the fire dispatch center late Tuesday afternoon explaining that firefighters saw a bear that appeared to be injured. It walked across a meadow and into reeds next to a pond. The location was on the east side of the Cherry Creek Road which is on the east side of the fire. The fire is burning about 30 miles west of Durango.

Wildlife officers Steve McClung, Andy Brown and Thorpe left as soon as they received the call and arrived on scene at 5:40 p.m. When the officers approached, the bear did not move.

“You could tell it was really hurting,” McClung said.

The bear was sitting in reeds and the officers used poles to push back the vegetation. That allowed them to administer a tranquilizer dart to sedate the bear. The officers examined the bear and found that its feet were burned. The bear was then placed in a trap and transported to the Frisco Creek wildlife rehabilitation facility for evaluation and treatment.

The bear is a male yearling, which means it was born during the winter in 2019 and is now living on its own. Bears usually stay with their mothers for a year. It was moving alone when it was spotted by the firefighters.

“Across the road from where we found it the area was burned heavily,” McClung said. “There were little spot fires and some stumps burning. We can’t say exactly what happened, but it probably got caught and had to move across some hot spots.”

Michael Sirochman, veterinary manager at Frisco Creek, said the bears paws were burned, but not so deeply that the animal was permanently injured.

“The prognosis is good and the underlying tissue is healthy,” Sirochman said. “We cut off the burned tissue that was sloughing off and we put on bandages.”

He said the bear weighed 43 pounds and was quite thin, but that’s not unusual for yearlings at this time of year. He expects that the bear will be ready for release in about eight weeks. The bear is being kept in a cage with concrete floors to assure the wounds will stay clean.

Bears that are taken in for rehabilitation are usually released near the same area where they were found.

This is the second rescue of a burned bear that Durango wildlife officers have been involved with in the past two years. A bear cub, whose feet were burned, was found during the 416 Fire north of Durango in 2018. It was also taken to Frisco Creek where it made a full recovery thanks to the care that it received from CPW veterinary staff. After it went into hibernation the bear was placed in a man-made den with another cub in the mountains west of Durango in January 2019. Game cameras showed that the bears emerged successfully from the den. No other information is known about those bears.

Wednesday, June 17, 2020

Colorado Wolf Update

With warmer weather and decreasing restrictions, more people are recreating in the outdoors, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife is seeing an increase in the number of sightings of potential wolves in the state.

“Public reporting vastly increases our ability to know what’s happening across the state,” says Dan Prenzlow, Director of Colorado Parks and Wildlife. “While not all reports end up being verified as wolves, we make every effort to investigate credible sightings through on-the-ground investigations, biological sampling, and deploying a variety of survey techniques.”

There are several known and some additional credible reports of potential wolves in the state at this time.

Wolf “1084M” North Park Update
The lone wolf that was first confirmed in North Park one year ago continues to persist in that area. The male wolf, designated by Wyoming Game and Fish as 1084-M, was collared in the Wyoming Snake River pack and dispersed into Colorado where he was first photographed in July, 2019. CPW pilots regularly fly the area and assist in keeping track of 1084’s movements. On the ground, wildlife managers conduct ground surveillance and communicate regularly with private landowners in Jackson County.

New report in Laramie River Valley
Wildlife managers are attempting to confirm a credible wolf sighting in the Laramie River Valley in Larimer County. An animal sighted in the area was wearing a wildlife tracking collar, which indicates it is likely a dispersal wolf from monitored packs in Montana or Wyoming, however flights and ground crews have been unable to detect a signal or visually confirm the wolf. It has been determined that the animal in Larimer County is not wolf 1084-M from neighboring Jackson County. If a wolf or wolves are confirmed in Larimer County, they would be the furthest east in Colorado in nearly a century.

New report in Grand County
Two groups of campers in Grand County over the weekend of June 6-7 were surprised to see a large wolf-like animal in the area in very close proximity to their camps. The incidents were reported to CPW. Wildlife officers and biologists responded to the area to gather biological evidence that could be used to confirm the presence of a wolf versus a coyote, lost or escaped domestic dog or domestic wolf-hybrid. Additional searches and monitoring of the area are continuing. Contacts with local animal control officials confirm no missing hybrids in the area. Biological samples were limited. The animal approaching humans so blatantly is atypical wolf behavior so additional work will be needed to fully confirm the animal’s identity. More information will be provided when available.

NW Pack Update
In the very northwest corner of Colorado, Colorado Parks and Wildlife staff continue to monitor the state’s first known pack of wolves since the 1930s. As many as six wolves have been confirmed in several previous sightings by staff, hunters, and landowners. The pack, originally reported to CPW late last year, has been relatively quiet of late.

Wildlife managers were able to recently capture an image of a lone wolf feeding on an elk carcass in the area. Only one wolf was seen over several different nights so it is unknown if the wolf is a member of the known pack or the animal is a new lone disperser into the area.

Disease tracking
CPW biologists and veterinarians have analyzed scat (feces) samples and determined that several members of the pack in northwest Colorado are positive for eggs of the tapeworm Echinococcus canadensis. This parasite can lead to hydatid disease in wild and domestic ungulates. These tapeworms have been found in wolves in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. Hydatid disease has not been widely seen in Colorado but testing has been limited. CPW is increasing monitoring for hydatid disease including collecting and analyzing coyote scat to establish baseline data.

While Colorado Parks and Wildlife is working to monitor wolves, follow up on wolf sighting reports, and track disease, it is important to note that wolves in Colorado remain under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Wolves are a federally endangered species in Colorado and until that designation changes, all wolf management is under direction of the federal government. Killing a wolf in Colorado is a federal crime and can be punishable with up to a year in prison and a $100,000 fine.

Colorado Parks and wildlife has assembled a Frequently Asked Questions document addressing many issues people are curious about. This can be accessed at: https://cpw.state.co.us/Documents/WildlifeSpecies/Mammals/Information%20on%20Wolves%20and%20QA%20FINAL.pdf

Campers, landowners, and outdoor recreationists that see or hear wolves in Colorado are encouraged to complete the computer-based wolf sighting form which is available online at https://cpw.state.co.us/learn/Pages/Wolf-Sighting-Form.aspx. If unable to use the online form, sightings can be reported to the nearest CPW office.

Monday, June 15, 2020

National Park Service Visitor Spending Generates Economic Impact of More Than $41 Billion

U.S. Secretary of the Interior David L. Bernhardt today announced the annual economic benefit of national parks to the U.S. and local economies. In 2019, visitor spending in communities near national parks resulted in a $41.7 billion benefit to the nation’s economy and supported 340,500 jobs. Visitor spending increased by $800 million from 2018 to 2019 and the overall effect on the U.S economy grew by $1.6 billion. In the last five years, visitor spending has increased by $4.1 billion and the effect on the U.S. economy grew by $9.7 billion.

“We have been working to safely welcome the public back to their national parks and provide more service again,” said Secretary Bernhardt. “These treasured places provide respite and recreation for the American people, in addition to vital economic support to gateway communities across the country. The tremendous value of our national parks is undeniable as is the need to adequately maintain them, which is why President Trump has called on Congress to address the decades of deferred maintenance.”

According to the annual National Park Service report released today, 2019 National Park Visitor Spending Effects, more than 327 million visitors spent $21 billion in communities within 60 miles of a park in the National Park System. Of the 340,500 jobs supported by visitor spending, more than 278,000 jobs exist in communities adjacent to parks. The report includes statistics by park and by state on visitor spending and the number of jobs supported by visitor spending.

“Safely increasing access to national parks and other public lands supports individual and collective physical and mental wellness, said National Park Service Deputy Director David Vela, exercising the authority of the Director. “It also benefits park gateway communities where millions of visitors each year find a place to sleep and eat, hire outfitters and guides and make use of other local services that help drive a vibrant tourism and outdoor recreation industry.”

Lodging expenses account for the largest share of visitor spending totaling $7.1 billion in 2019. The restaurant sector had the next greatest effects with $4.2 billion in economic output. Motor vehicle fuel expenditures were $2.16 billion with retail spending at $1.93 billion.

There are National Park System sites in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Territories of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa and Guam. Visitation varies across the country, from Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona to Grand Portage National Monument in Minnesota.

Last year, Grand Canyon National Park attracted nearly 6 million visitors who spent more than $890 million, supporting 11,806 jobs and generating a $1.1 billion total economic output. Grand Portage National Monument recorded approximately 94,985 recreation visitors who spent an estimated $6,208,000. That spending supported 78 jobs and more than a $6 million total economic output.

An online interactive tool enables users to explore visitor spending, jobs, labor income, value added, and output effects by sector for national, state, and local economies. It also shows annual, trend data.

For additional state-by-state information about national parks and how the National Park Service is working with communities, go to http://www.nps.gov/[statename], for example: http://www.nps.gov/virginia.

Saturday, June 13, 2020

Brewpub Seeks "Chief Hiking Officer"

Hard to believe, but this is no joke! In fact, this just might be dream come true for one lucky, beer-loving hiker! The Devils Backbone Brewing Company is currently accepting applications for a "Chief Hiking Officer". Located in Lexington, Virginia in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Devils Backbone is seeking one person to thru-hike the entire length of the Appalachian Trail in 2021, and will pay them $20,000 to do so. Below is some additional information on the position from the brewers website, including a short video:

Devils Backbone is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, just a few miles from the Appalachian Trail, so we can get our fill of fresh air any time. But folks always tell us how they wish they had the time to trek the AT from Georgia to Maine. So, why couldn’t we sponsor one lucky hiker and help them check “conquer the AT” off their bucket list?

Well, that’s what we’re doing! This spring we’re accepting applications for our 2021 Chief Hiking Officer. That’s right: we’re going to pay someone to hike the Appalachian Trail in 2021. We’ll outfit our CHO with gear, fly ‘em to the trail head, and throw some big ol’ beer parties along the way. Plus, there’s a $20k stipend.

Qualifications? You’ve gotta love hiking and beer. We mean really love it. We’re talking 2,200 miles, camping under the stars, pack-in-pack-out for 5-7 months love it. If this sounds like your dream job, read up on exactly what we’re looking for in our CHO below.

For more information on this unique opportunity, and how to apply, please click here.

Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com

Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park

Thursday, June 11, 2020

Short-Haul Rescue at Black Canyon

On June 2, at approximately 3 pm, a climbing ranger on the North Rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison received a report that a man had taken a 50-foot lead climbing fall on the Scenic Cruise climbing route in Cruise Gully. Despite having a broken ankle, the 43- year-old climber from South Jordan, Utah was able to rappel to the base of the route. Rangers responded to the scene and arranged for a short haul rescue to the south rim helicopter landing pad. Short haul is the transportation of personnel suspended under a helicopter on a fixed line. Black Canyon rangers have been training with Mesa Verde Helitack for the last two years. This was the first short haul rescue conducted within the Black Canyon of the Gunnison.

In addition to the helicopter rescue, Black Canyon rangers have noticed an uptick in “walk out rescues” from the canyon routes. Visitors are reminded to carry a gallon of water per person per day, hike within your limits, and be prepared for arduous conditions. “These are not your normal hiking conditions,” said Chief Ranger Chris Mengel. “These are loose rock scrambles on extremely steep grades that require dexterity and preparation.”

Unseasonably warm temperatures and the upcoming monsoon season with lightning danger are also major concerns. Know your abilities, stay within them, and prepare for more challenge than you might initially think you will encounter. Plan ahead and prepare!

Wednesday, June 10, 2020

As national parks reopen, our online trail guides are still here to help with all your hiking plans

With most national parks finally in the process of reopening, and with restrictions on travel slowly being lifted, I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your continuing support of our online hiking trail guides for the four national parks we cover:

RockyMountainHikingTrails.com

HikinginGlacier.com

TetonHikingTrails.com

HikingintheSmokys.com

If you do plan to visit any of these parks this year or anytime in the future, be sure to visit our websites to find the most comprehensive information on the best day hiking destinations in each of those parks. Our various trail directories and lists of top hikes will help you easily drill down to find the best hikes suited to your abilities and preferences.

In addition to our online trail guides, our websites also provide Accommodations and Things To Do listings to help with all your vacation planning. You can help support our websites by clicking and visiting our advertisers' websites, and using the services of these local businesses that have been hit hard by the shutdowns.

You can also support our websites by shopping from any of our affiliate links, including REI and Amazon.

Again, thank you very much!

Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com

Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park

Tuesday, June 9, 2020

Canyon Lakes Remote Visitor Information Centers Will Not Open in 2020

Remote Visitor Information Centers on the Canyon Lakes Ranger District of the Roosevelt National Forest will not open for the 2020 season. These include the Arrowhead Lodge in the Poudre Canyon, Stub Creek Visitor Center in the Laramie River Valley, Redfeather Visitor Center located in Red Feather Lakes and the Deadman Lookout Tower located northwest of Red Feather Lakes.

These four sites are typically open during the summer and staffed exclusively by volunteers. In order to mitigate the impact and spread of COVID-19 amongst volunteers and forest visitors, the sites will not open for the season. We will provide information virtually, focusing our efforts on re-opening other developed recreation sites. In some instances, volunteers may still be on site assisting with maintenance needs of these facilities. Our ability to achieve sustained customer service requires safe and healthy employees and volunteers to meet community and public needs. The work of our dedicated volunteers is deeply appreciated.

Although our offices are closed, we are providing virtual services via email or phone. Contact information is available on our website. For information on recreation site status, please check our conditions report. For a full list of campground status, check dates on our campground table. To find out when roads open on the Canyon Lakes Ranger District, check our road status page.

As a reminder, forest visitors are asked to stay as local as possible when choosing a site to visit and to pack out everything they bring, especially trash and human waste. Certain services may still be unavailable, so visitors are asked to plan accordingly and to remain flexible. Visitors are also urged to take the precautions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) along with local health and safety guidance. Tips for preventing illnesses like the coronavirus are available from the CDC website. If an area is crowded, please find another location.

Fire restrictions are in place until rescinded to enhance public and firefighter safety, protect natural and cultural resources and help minimize human-caused wildfires. It is important to check with the local county you plan to visit as many also have fire and recreational shooting restrictions in place.

Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com

Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park

Sunday, June 7, 2020

Mount Evans Highway won’t open to motorized vehicles for the 2020 season due to impacts from COVID-19

Due to issues associated with COVID-19, USDA Forest Service and Denver Mountain Parks will not be able to provide services for visitors on Mount Evans this summer, and the Mount Evans Highway (Colorado Highway 5) will not open to motorized vehicles for the 2020 season. The Colorado Department of Transportation, the USDA Forest Service, and Denver Mountain Parks — the agencies that jointly manage Mount Evans — have reached this decision after careful consideration of both health and safety risks and economic feasibility.

While there will be no restrooms or services provided by USDA Forest Service and Denver Mountain Parks on Mount Evans this summer, there are no plans to prohibit the use of Mount Evans Highway for non-motorized activities such as hiking and biking. Recreationists should be aware of and plan for extremely limited parking. Visitors to public lands should practice the seven Leave No Trace principles and follow state and local orders regarding recreation throughout the summer.

Since the highway will remain closed to motorized use for the 2020 season, CDOT crews plan to perform necessary maintenance of the highway that can’t be carried out when the highway is open. This includes filling potholes and fixing damaged delineation markings which outline the edges of the highway and also alert motorists to any obstacles covered by snow. This work will help improve the condition and safety of the highway greatly as all involved agencies look ahead to the 2021 season.

Conditions on Mount Evans could be quite variable and unsafe due to weather and potential icy and snow-packed conditions. Due to the higher demand on law enforcement and rescue operations, high-risk activities that increase your chance of injury or distress should be avoided.

BACKGROUND ON MOUNT EVANS

Located near Idaho Springs, the Mount Evans Highway is owned by the Colorado Department of Transportation and jointly managed by Denver Mountain Parks and the USDA Forest Service, both of which have land and facilities along the highway to the 14,264-foot summit. CDOT partners with these agencies by plowing and maintaining the narrow, winding highway — the highest paved road in North America — from Echo Lake at CO 103 to the summit. More than 200,000 people from all over the world visit the summit of Mount Evans annually while the road is open, generally from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day Weekend.

Friday, June 5, 2020

Rocky Mountain National Park Announces Trail Reconstruction Project in Alluvial Fan area

In a press release published last week, Rocky Mountain National Park announced a major trail reconstruction initiative in the Alluvial Fan area. Here's the blurb from the release:

Major trail construction continues to take place in the Alluvial Fan area after a major flood in 2013, destroyed the existing infrastructure. The park trail crew is staging a variety of material and equipment in the west Alluvial Fan parking lot and will continue construction of the accessible West Alluvial Fan Trail. Trail and boulder access to the Roaring River from the West Alluvial Fan Parking lot will be closed to park visitors from June 1 to July 31, in the Alluvial Fan area.

Last week we also published a report from the Rocky Mountain Conservancy that announced a multi-year rehabilitation project on the Longs Peak Trail, which will also begin this year.

Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com

Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park

Wednesday, June 3, 2020

Trail Ridge Road Will Open For The Season On June 4 - Prepare For Icy Conditions

Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park will open on Thursday, June 4. Due to melting snow on the road and the potential for freezing temperatures visitors should be prepared for icy conditions. At this time, night time closures will not be implemented. However, because weather conditions may change rapidly, night closures are possible. Park visitors should be prepared to adjust travel plans accordingly and are encouraged to call the park’s Trail Ridge Road recorded phone line at (970) 586-1222. Park staff will update the recorded line during and after regular office hours, when the road status changes.

Alpine Visitor Center will not open until the end of June. Trail Ridge Store will tentatively open on June 15. Due to limited services along Trail Ridge Road, and lack of presence of staff at Alpine Visitor Center, visitors should be extra prepared when traveling on Trail Ridge Road. Vault toilets are open.

Timed Entry System Effective June 4
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the country. To increase park access while providing the public a reasonable opportunity to comply with health guidelines related to COVID-19, the park will temporarily implement a timed entry system effective at the beginning of Phase Two on June 4. The park will cease using this system in later phases of the reopening.

Reservations to enter the park are available through www.recreation.gov Currently, reservations are available to enter the park from June 4 through July 31. The next release will be on July 1, for the month of August and any remaining days that have not been booked for July. On August 1, reservations will be available for the month of September and any remaining days that have not been booked for August. On September 1, reservations will be available for the month of October and any remaining days in September that have not been booked.

Permits issued using the reservation system will allow park visitors to enter the park within two-hour windows of availability between 6 a.m. through 5 p.m. At this time, reservations are not required prior to 6 a.m. or after 5 p.m. This process will facilitate advance payment of entrance fees, minimize contact between park entrance station staff and visitors and limit congestion in parking lots. The permit system will apply to all areas of the park.

Trail Ridge Road historically opens on Memorial Day weekend; last year the road opened on June 5, due to a late May snowstorm. The earliest the road has opened was on May 7, 2002; the latest June 26, 1943. Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved road in the United States, climbs to 12,183 feet and connects the towns of Estes Park and Grand Lake. Trail Ridge Road officially closed for the season last year on October 31.

National Park Service plow operators began clearing the snow in the middle of April. Crews from the west side of the park and crews from the east side of the park move along the road and eventually meet at the Alpine Visitor Center. The visitor center is the highest in the National Park Service, sitting at 11,796 feet above sea level. Spring storms often impact plowing activities. This year, crews ran into average or below average snowpack in many locations.

For more information about Rocky Mountain National Park visit www.nps.gov/romo or call the park’s Information Office at (970) 586-1206. For a recorded status line on Trail Ridge Road please call (970) 586-1222.

With more than 350 miles of trails meandering throughout the park, hiking is the absolute best way to see Rocky Mountain National Park. In fact, the park offers a wide variety of outstanding hikes that take-in the best scenery the park has to offer. If you do plan to visit Rocky Mountain this year, please note that our hiking website also offers a wide variety of accommodation listings and other things to do to help with all your trip planning.

Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com

Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park

Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland open some developed recreation sites

On June 1, the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland, located along Colorado’s northern Front Range and Grand County, began reopening some developed recreation sites. For up-to-date information on re-openings, visit the forest recreation website. Fire restrictions remain in effect.

The Forest Service is reopening its sites in a phased approach, allowing us to remain responsive to our local conditions. We are committed to maximizing public access to the national forests and grasslands while ensuring employee and visitor safety. In some cases, employees need additional time to prepare facilities and to ensure the necessary personal protective equipment and cleaning supplies are readily available with a sustainable supply. Those areas not opening June 1 are identified on our recreation conditions report. For a full list of campground status, check dates on our campground table. Open campgrounds will have restroom facilities available to campers.

“While we understand there may be some excitement to return to recreation areas on the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland, there may be limited services or spaces available,” said Forest Supervisor Monte Williams. “We ask that visitors please continue to follow local, state and federal guidelines to stay safe and practice social distancing.”

Visitors may experience some changes at developed recreation sites, including some first-come, first-served campgrounds adding reservation options, closed individual sites within campgrounds to provide for social distancing, the closure of all group sites through June 30 at a minimum and a few select locations closed for the 2020 season.

Visitors are asked to stay as local as possible when choosing a site to visit and to pack out everything they bring, especially trash and human waste. Certain services may still be unavailable, so visitors are asked to plan accordingly and to remain flexible. Visitors are also urged to take the precautions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) along with local health and safety guidance. Tips for preventing illnesses like the coronavirus are available from the CDC website. If an area is crowded, please find another location.

Fire restrictions are in place until rescinded to enhance public and firefighter safety, protect natural and cultural resources and help minimize human-caused wildfires. It is important to check with the local county you plan to visit as many also have fire and recreational shooting restrictions in place.

Tuesday, June 2, 2020

Estes Valley accommodations orders have expired

As statewide Safer at Home restrictions are relaxed, the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment and the Town of Estes Park have announced that they will allow local public health orders limiting the operations of Estes Valley lodging facilities to expire on May 31. Beginning June 1, lodging facilities may operate following the required guidance and restrictions set forth by Larimer County and the State of Colorado. A checklist for lodging properties is available at www.larimer.org/variance under “short term rentals.”

As provided by the variance Larimer County received from the State of Colorado, short-term vacation home rentals may now operate with a plan to monitor and follow the new guidance from www.larimer.org/variance:

Private, short-term vacation-style rentals such as those arranged through an online hosting platform, including but not limited to VRBO or Airbnb, homeowner rentals, and privately owned residences for rent that are rented for a period of 30 days or fewer are permitted to operate. Guests should be informed of local restrictions due to COVID-19 prior to arrival; restaurants may only be offering take-out or require reservations, face covering requirements or local closures of recreation facilities. Owners of short term rental properties must provide visitors access to cleaning supplies, such as disposable wipes, to clean doorknobs, remote controls, and desks before and after each use. Groups larger than 10, except those all from the same household, are not permitted. (Guests are limited to 8 for stays through May 31)

“Larimer County has done a great job on flattening the curve by decreasing the number of hospitalizations, and ICU utilizations, unfortunately the curve does not go away,” says Public Health Director Tom Gonzales. “We need to continue to be diligent wearing our face coverings, social distancing, handwashing and cleaning frequently to continue slowing the spread of the virus.

Information about COVID-19 is constantly changing, and the public health response adjusts as more is learned about this virus.

Town Administrator Travis Machalek commented, “Our state and county have made great strides in reducing the spread of COVID-19 while increasing medical resources. Now that the State of Colorado has now loosened travel restrictions and Rocky Mountain National Park has opened, we want our lodging properties to be able to operate to the full extent allowed by the public health experts.”

Late last week Rocky Mountain National Park announced that it will be entering Phase Two of Reopening on June 4th.

With more than 350 miles of trails meandering throughout the park, hiking is the absolute best way to see Rocky Mountain National Park. In fact, the park offers a wide variety of outstanding hikes that take-in the best scenery the park has to offer. If you do plan to visit Rocky Mountain this year, please note that our hiking website also offers a wide variety of accommodation listings and other things to do to help with all your trip planning.

Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com

Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park

Monday, June 1, 2020

Rocky Mountain National Park Will Enter Phase Two of Reopening June 4

In accordance with guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), state and local public health authorities, Rocky Mountain National Park has increased recreational access and services. In this first phase, from May 27 through June 3, the park has reopened many outlying areas and basic park road and trail access.

Park staff are evaluating the level of visitation and may meter access based on the level of visitation. This will be evaluated throughout each day. During these dates, visitors can only purchase entrance passes at entrance stations with credit cards. Visitors may be delayed entering or asked to return later if visitation and congestion warrants.

Phase Two - Timed Entry System Effective June 4
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the country. To increase park access while providing the public a reasonable opportunity to comply with health guidelines, the park will temporarily implement a timed entry system effective at the beginning of Phase Two on June 4. The park will cease using this system in later phases of the reopening.

“We are eager to welcome visitors back to their national park,” said Superintendent Darla Sidles. “This system will more safely manage the pace and flow of visitor use, reduce crowding, and provide an improved visitor experience in alignment with the park’s safe operational capacity.”

Reservations to enter the park will go on sale through www.recreation.gov at 8 a.m. Mountain Time on Thursday, May 28. Reservations will be available to enter the park from June 4 through July 31. The next release will be on July 1, for the month of August and any remaining days that have not been booked for July. On August 1, reservations will be available for the month of September and any remaining days that have not been booked for August. On September 1, reservations will be available for the month of October and any remaining days in September that have not been booked.

Permits issued using the reservation system will allow park visitors to enter the park within two-hour windows of availability between 6 a.m. through 5 p.m. This process will facilitate advance payment of entrance fees, minimize contact between park entrance station staff and visitors and limit congestion in parking lots. The permit system will apply to all areas of the park.

In the initial opening phase, the park will open approximately 60 percent of the park’s maximum parking capacity or 4,800 vehicles (13,500 visitors) per day.

Frequently asked questions on the timed entry permit system can be found at: https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/fees.htm

When recreating, park visitors should follow local area health orders, maintain social distance and avoid high-risk outdoor activities. Please do not visit if you are sick or were recently exposed to COVID-19. Park staff will continue to monitor all park functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19 and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health.

Keep your distance. Give others plenty of room whether you are on a trail or in a parking lot. If staying at least six feet from others is not possible, wear a cloth face covering as recommended by the CDC. Cloth face coverings should also be worn while in park restrooms.

Keep it with you. If you brought it, take it with you. Trash pickup and restroom facilities will continue to be limited in many park areas. Follow Leave No Trace principles.

Know your limits. Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the busiest search and rescue parks in the country. Many of these incidents could be avoided with visitors planning and making responsible decisions. Winter-like conditions exist in high elevation areas of the park. For example, Bear Lake currently has 14 inches of snow. It is critical to make wise choices to keep our national park rangers and first responders out of harm’s way.

Protect wildlife. Obey speed limits and be aware of wildlife. During the closure, due to lack of vehicular traffic, park rangers have observed more wildlife congregating adjacent to or on internal park roads.

Rocky Mountain Conservancy continues to offer Rocky-themed merchandise available on their website at www.rmconservancy.org.

Details and updates on park operations and services will continue to be posted on the park’s official website at www.nps.gov/romo or call the park’s Information Office at (970) 586-1206. For information on Trail Ridge Road, call the Trail Ridge Road status recorded phone line at (970) 586-1222.

With more than 350 miles of trails meandering throughout the park, hiking is the absolute best way to see Rocky Mountain National Park. In fact, the park offers a wide variety of outstanding hikes that take-in the best scenery the park has to offer. If you do plan to visit Rocky Mountain this year, please note that our hiking website also offers a wide variety of accommodation listings and other things to do to help with all your trip planning.

Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com

Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park