On Monday, a 45-year-old woman from Oklahoma fell into the St. Vrain River approximately one mile from the Wild Basin Trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park. She slipped on wet rocks and was swept about 100 feet downstream under some large logs before she was able to pull herself up on a variety of log debris. Rocky Mountain National Park Search and Rescue members arrived on scene and assisted her from the log. She was on the south side of the river, so no rescuers or swift water teams had to deploy in the water.
Members of Estes Valley Fire Protection District – Dive and Swiftwater Rescue Team, Boulder Emergency Squad and Allenspark Fire Protection arrived on scene to assist RMNP Search and Rescue Team members, if needed.
The woman’s condition was assessed by park rangers and she walked out with team members. She was further evaluated by Estes Park Health at the trailhead and declined transport by ambulance.
Mountain streams can be dangerous. Visitors are reminded to remain back from the banks of streams and rivers. Rocks at streamside and in the stream are often slippery and water beneath them may be deep and will be extremely cold. Provide proper supervision for children at all times, who by nature, tend to be attracted to water. Powerful currents can quickly pull a person underwater.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
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Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
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Wednesday, June 30, 2021
Saturday, June 26, 2021
Halfmoon Road remains closed until further notice
The Pike and San Isabel National Forests Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands, Leadville Ranger District, will continue the closure of National Forest System Road (NFSR) 110, locally known as Halfmoon Road, for safety and roadwork reasons until further notice.
“The road is closed because there were countless times last year where two-way passing in traffic was impossible and compromised the safety of all visitors and limited emergency services,” said Leadville District Ranger Patrick Mercer. “Keeping that in mind, we cannot responsibly open it again until the sightlines and width of the road are addressed.”
Visitors will still be able to access the Halfmoon East and West Campgrounds because the closure begins just past them. Motorized traffic is not permitted beyond the closure. Unless otherwise posted, parking outside the closure barriers is also permitted along the road shoulders and in the small lot near the closure.
“I recognize that the timing is terrible and this closure impacts locals and visitors alike,” said Mercer. “We are doing what we can to get the road completed as soon as possible and kindly ask for patience in the meantime. In the end we should have a product that will safely serve everyone for years to come.”
Non-motorized travel is permitted on Halfmoon Road. Visitors should be aware that heavy equipment may be present in the area and are encouraged to be safe when accessing the recreation areas past the closure.
Visitors wanting to hike to the summit of Colorado’s tallest peak, Mt. Elbert, can also access the mountain through two alternate trailheads, South Elbert and Black Cloud. Visitors may also access the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, which crosses NFSR 110, at multiple other entry points. For further information about this project, please contact the Leadville Ranger District at 719-486-0749.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
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Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
“The road is closed because there were countless times last year where two-way passing in traffic was impossible and compromised the safety of all visitors and limited emergency services,” said Leadville District Ranger Patrick Mercer. “Keeping that in mind, we cannot responsibly open it again until the sightlines and width of the road are addressed.”
Visitors will still be able to access the Halfmoon East and West Campgrounds because the closure begins just past them. Motorized traffic is not permitted beyond the closure. Unless otherwise posted, parking outside the closure barriers is also permitted along the road shoulders and in the small lot near the closure.
“I recognize that the timing is terrible and this closure impacts locals and visitors alike,” said Mercer. “We are doing what we can to get the road completed as soon as possible and kindly ask for patience in the meantime. In the end we should have a product that will safely serve everyone for years to come.”
Non-motorized travel is permitted on Halfmoon Road. Visitors should be aware that heavy equipment may be present in the area and are encouraged to be safe when accessing the recreation areas past the closure.
Visitors wanting to hike to the summit of Colorado’s tallest peak, Mt. Elbert, can also access the mountain through two alternate trailheads, South Elbert and Black Cloud. Visitors may also access the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, which crosses NFSR 110, at multiple other entry points. For further information about this project, please contact the Leadville Ranger District at 719-486-0749.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
Friday, June 25, 2021
Forest Service joins Grand County partners in Stage 2 Fire Restrictions
Due to the continued exceptionally warm dry weather conditions and increasing fire danger, the Arapaho National Forest’s Sulphur Ranger District is joining its local and federal partners in Grand County in enacting Stage 2 Fire Restrictions beginning today, June 25, 2021.
The heightened restrictions encompass all National Forest system lands in Grand County, including all campgrounds, backcountry sites, and developed recreation sites.
Stage 2 fire restrictions prohibit the use of all wood burning and charcoal fires, including campfires, warming fires, and charcoal barbeques and smoking outdoors.
Gas-fueled devices that can be turned on and off, such as stoves, lanterns, or heating devices are allowed if used in an area that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials within 3 feet of the device.
Fireworks and other explosives are always prohibited on public lands.
These restrictions are being implemented in coordination with multiple agencies in response to current and predicted weather and fuel conditions, as well as corresponding fire danger rating levels. The purpose is to reduce the risk of fire to promote public health and safety and to protect resources during this time. These restrictions will remain in effect until significant precipitation falls and fire danger levels subside.
Visitors should use extra caution recreating on public lands when fire danger is increased.
Additionally, the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests’ Clear Creek, Boulder and Canyon Lakes ranger districts along with the Pawnee National Grassland are enacting Stage 1 fire restrictions effective today. Stage 1 fire restrictions limit where and what type of fires visitors can have and remain in place until rescinded.
Help prevent wildfires and become a steward of public lands by checking the official local source for the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/arp/knowbefore.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
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Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
The heightened restrictions encompass all National Forest system lands in Grand County, including all campgrounds, backcountry sites, and developed recreation sites.
Stage 2 fire restrictions prohibit the use of all wood burning and charcoal fires, including campfires, warming fires, and charcoal barbeques and smoking outdoors.
Gas-fueled devices that can be turned on and off, such as stoves, lanterns, or heating devices are allowed if used in an area that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials within 3 feet of the device.
Fireworks and other explosives are always prohibited on public lands.
These restrictions are being implemented in coordination with multiple agencies in response to current and predicted weather and fuel conditions, as well as corresponding fire danger rating levels. The purpose is to reduce the risk of fire to promote public health and safety and to protect resources during this time. These restrictions will remain in effect until significant precipitation falls and fire danger levels subside.
Visitors should use extra caution recreating on public lands when fire danger is increased.
Additionally, the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests’ Clear Creek, Boulder and Canyon Lakes ranger districts along with the Pawnee National Grassland are enacting Stage 1 fire restrictions effective today. Stage 1 fire restrictions limit where and what type of fires visitors can have and remain in place until rescinded.
Help prevent wildfires and become a steward of public lands by checking the official local source for the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/arp/knowbefore.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
Wednesday, June 23, 2021
Lightning Safety Week: Know the Statistics!
The National Weather Service for the Denver/Boulder forecast office published a series of graphs on their Twitter account earlier this week showing lightning data as part of Lightning Safety Week. I thought it would be important to re-post those graphs and some other data here to highlight the danger hikers face from lightning while hiking in the mountains of Colorado in the summer. The first Tweet shows the most dangerous counties in Colorado:
The key takeaways from this data is that danger from lightning peaks during the early afternoons of the summer months. Additionally, as you might expect, the highest number of casualties occur on weekends when more people are out recreating. For more information on lightning, and how to stay safe while out on the trail, please click here.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
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TetonHikingTrails.com
Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
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Since 1980, Colorado has had 100 fatal lightning strikes and nearly 500 lightning related injuries. Below is the top 3 counties and number of fatalities and injuries recorded. More information for each of the 64 Colorado Counties can be found here.The second Tweet is in conjunction with the three graphs mentioned above:
1) El Paso County (includes Pikes Peak area): 10 fatalities / 84 injuries
2) Larimer County (includes RMNP): 10 fatalities / 76 injuries
3) Jefferson County (west of & western portion of Denver): 9 fatalities / 38 injuries
The following charts show lightning flashes per day of the year as well as lightning casualties per hour of the day and day of the week. Are you planning a hike for a Saturday afternoon this July? We highly recommend you check the forecast before you go (click here for the RMNP forecast).
The key takeaways from this data is that danger from lightning peaks during the early afternoons of the summer months. Additionally, as you might expect, the highest number of casualties occur on weekends when more people are out recreating. For more information on lightning, and how to stay safe while out on the trail, please click here.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
Monday, June 21, 2021
Hiker Found Dead In The Loch Area Of Rocky Mountain National Park
Late Friday afternoon, June 18, park rangers were notified that a woman’s body was discovered below the outtake of The Loch in Rocky Mountain National Park. The body was noticed by park visitors in the drainage below the outlet of The Loch.
Park rangers attempted to reach the location on Friday night, but lightning storms and darkness hampered those efforts. On Saturday, June 19, Rocky Mountain National Park Search and Rescue Team members were again hampered by weather while conducting field operations.
On Sunday, June 20, thirty-eight RMNP Search and Rescue Team members were involved, twenty-eight of which were in the field. The woman’s body was extricated up 60 feet through steep, rocky, hazardous terrain to the Loch Vale Trail and then wheeled out by litter to the Glacier Gorge Trailhead.
Her body was transferred to the Larimer County Coroner/Medical Examiner’s Office. She has been positively identified as a 33-year-old female from Arvada, Colorado. The woman’s name will be released after next of kin are notified.
As is standard protocol the incident is under investigation.
Jeff
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Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
Park rangers attempted to reach the location on Friday night, but lightning storms and darkness hampered those efforts. On Saturday, June 19, Rocky Mountain National Park Search and Rescue Team members were again hampered by weather while conducting field operations.
On Sunday, June 20, thirty-eight RMNP Search and Rescue Team members were involved, twenty-eight of which were in the field. The woman’s body was extricated up 60 feet through steep, rocky, hazardous terrain to the Loch Vale Trail and then wheeled out by litter to the Glacier Gorge Trailhead.
Her body was transferred to the Larimer County Coroner/Medical Examiner’s Office. She has been positively identified as a 33-year-old female from Arvada, Colorado. The woman’s name will be released after next of kin are notified.
As is standard protocol the incident is under investigation.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
Thursday, June 17, 2021
Arapaho National Forest joins Grand County, BLM in Stage 1 fire restrictions
Due to a forecast of continuing dry and warm conditions, the Arapaho National Forest’s Sulphur Ranger District is joining its federal and local partners in Grand County in enacting Stage 1 fire restrictions effective at noon Wednesday, June 16. Stage 1 fire restrictions limit where and what type of fires visitors can have and remain in place until rescinded.
“Much of Grand County is experiencing extreme to exceptional drought conditions,” said Cody Peel, Fire and Aviation Staff Officer for the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland. “Vegetation across the Grand County is rapidly drying out and the fire danger indices are already where they were was when last year’s historic fires occurred.”
The following is PROHIBITED under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions:
* Igniting, building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire (including fires fueled by charcoal or briquettes) outside of a permanent metal or concrete fire pit or grate that the Forest Service has installed and maintained at its developed recreation sites (campgrounds and picnic areas)
Be sure to visit the Arapaho National Forest’s Know Before You Go page to see fire restriction orders and maps. Fire managers will continue to monitor conditions across the rest of the Forests and Grassland and the need for further fire restrictions.
“Along the Front Range, conditions are changing quickly," Peel added. "The incredibly hot weather and drying vegetation will allow fires to start easily, spread quickly, and be difficult and dangerous for our firefighters to suppress. I’m asking everyone to be vigilant in preventing any new fires.”
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
“Much of Grand County is experiencing extreme to exceptional drought conditions,” said Cody Peel, Fire and Aviation Staff Officer for the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland. “Vegetation across the Grand County is rapidly drying out and the fire danger indices are already where they were was when last year’s historic fires occurred.”
The following is PROHIBITED under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions:
* Igniting, building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire (including fires fueled by charcoal or briquettes) outside of a permanent metal or concrete fire pit or grate that the Forest Service has installed and maintained at its developed recreation sites (campgrounds and picnic areas)
Be sure to visit the Arapaho National Forest’s Know Before You Go page to see fire restriction orders and maps. Fire managers will continue to monitor conditions across the rest of the Forests and Grassland and the need for further fire restrictions.
“Along the Front Range, conditions are changing quickly," Peel added. "The incredibly hot weather and drying vegetation will allow fires to start easily, spread quickly, and be difficult and dangerous for our firefighters to suppress. I’m asking everyone to be vigilant in preventing any new fires.”
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
Monday, June 14, 2021
Skier Dies On Sundance Mountain In Rocky Mountain National Park
Yesterday morning, Sunday, June 13, park rangers responded to reports of an unconscious skier on Sundance Mountain on a north facing aspect midway between Trail Ridge Road and Old Fall River Road in Rocky Mountain National Park. The 68-year-old male from Loveland, Colorado, died from injuries sustained in an approximate 400 to 500-foot uncontrolled slide on a snowfield into rocks. The man was wearing a helmet. The man was skiing alone but bystanders witnessed the fall and tried to render aid and notified Rocky Mountain National Park.
The victim’s body was flown by Northern Colorado Interagency Helitak to a helispot in the Upper Beaver Meadows area of the park late this afternoon. His body was then transferred to the Larimer County Coroner/Medical Examiner’s Office. The man’s name will be released after next of kin are notified.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
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Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
The victim’s body was flown by Northern Colorado Interagency Helitak to a helispot in the Upper Beaver Meadows area of the park late this afternoon. His body was then transferred to the Larimer County Coroner/Medical Examiner’s Office. The man’s name will be released after next of kin are notified.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
Wednesday, June 9, 2021
Ten New National Recreation Trails Designated
In celebration of National Trails Day on June 5, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland today announced 10 new national recreation trails in eight states, adding more than 160 miles to the National Trails System. The newly designated trails join a network of more than 1,300 existing national recreation trails, which can be found in every U.S. state.
The national recreation trails program is jointly administered by the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service, in conjunction with multiple federal and nonprofit partners. The designation of a national recreation trail can be done by either the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture on an existing local or regional trail with the consent of the federal, state, local, nonprofit, or private entity that has jurisdiction over the trail. The trail's managing agency or organization must apply for the distinction.
Today’s trail designations are consistent with the principles of the Biden-Harris America the Beautiful initiative, a decade-long campaign to support locally led conservation efforts across the country.
“Trails connect neighborhoods, literally and figuratively,” said National Park Service Deputy Director Shawn Benge. “These newly designated national recreation trails recognize the incredible efforts of local trail stewards and enthusiasts to provide the public with close to home outdoor access for strolling, pedaling or paddling.”
The National Trails System, which includes national scenic, national historic and national recreation trails, offers an abundance of opportunities to experience the majestic landscapes of the country and build awareness of historic events that have shaped the nation. A database of recreation trails across the United States is maintained through American Trails, a national, nonprofit organization working on behalf of all trail interests, including hiking, bicycling, mountain biking, horseback riding, water trails, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, trail motorcycling, ATVs, snowmobiling, and four-wheeling.
While the state of Alabama counted three new National Recreation Trails, only one trail was designated in the Rocky Mountains this year:
Confluence Trail: Fort Laramie National Historic Site’s Confluence Trail offers a pleasant 1.6-mile stroll along the shady banks of two waterways, the North Platte and the Laramie Rivers, as they near their confluence. The resulting riparian area has long offered shelter and valuable resources for people and wildlife. The riparian band of vegetation contains a wide range of plant and wildlife habitats, much as it has throughout history.
For the full list of all ten National Recreation Trails, please click here.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
The national recreation trails program is jointly administered by the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service, in conjunction with multiple federal and nonprofit partners. The designation of a national recreation trail can be done by either the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture on an existing local or regional trail with the consent of the federal, state, local, nonprofit, or private entity that has jurisdiction over the trail. The trail's managing agency or organization must apply for the distinction.
Today’s trail designations are consistent with the principles of the Biden-Harris America the Beautiful initiative, a decade-long campaign to support locally led conservation efforts across the country.
“Trails connect neighborhoods, literally and figuratively,” said National Park Service Deputy Director Shawn Benge. “These newly designated national recreation trails recognize the incredible efforts of local trail stewards and enthusiasts to provide the public with close to home outdoor access for strolling, pedaling or paddling.”
The National Trails System, which includes national scenic, national historic and national recreation trails, offers an abundance of opportunities to experience the majestic landscapes of the country and build awareness of historic events that have shaped the nation. A database of recreation trails across the United States is maintained through American Trails, a national, nonprofit organization working on behalf of all trail interests, including hiking, bicycling, mountain biking, horseback riding, water trails, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, trail motorcycling, ATVs, snowmobiling, and four-wheeling.
While the state of Alabama counted three new National Recreation Trails, only one trail was designated in the Rocky Mountains this year:
Confluence Trail: Fort Laramie National Historic Site’s Confluence Trail offers a pleasant 1.6-mile stroll along the shady banks of two waterways, the North Platte and the Laramie Rivers, as they near their confluence. The resulting riparian area has long offered shelter and valuable resources for people and wildlife. The riparian band of vegetation contains a wide range of plant and wildlife habitats, much as it has throughout history.
For the full list of all ten National Recreation Trails, please click here.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
Monday, June 7, 2021
Visitation Soared Across National Forests in 2020
New data shows more people than ever visited national forests and grasslands last year, according to a Forest Service report released today. National forests and grasslands received 168 million visits in 2020 – an increase of 18 million when compared to 2019.
The Forest Service, working closely with partners, was able to keep more than 80% of recreation sites open to visitors during the pandemic, while maintaining a focus on visitor and staff safety. The report, compiled by the Forest Service’s National Visitor Use Monitoring program, shows the steepest increase in visits happened between May and October of last year. Dispersed recreation sites and wilderness areas saw the most significant increases, with an estimated 25% increase in visitation overall. Visits to those areas surged even higher in the summer months when compared to 2019.
The data also shows that visitors enjoyed their experience, with 95% of visitors reporting being satisfied or very satisfied with their visit.
“We’re honored to have helped so many people safely find respite and relief during the pandemic,” said Forest Service Chief Vicki Christiansen. “Our national forests and grasslands offer some of the most readily available and valuable outdoor recreation settings in the country. As we enter the summer months this year, we look forward to providing positive experiences on our national forests and grasslands, and working with partners to support safe and equitable access to the outdoors.”
Completed in five-year cycles, the National Visitor Use Monitoring results give the Forest Service the information they need to best manage recreation to meet visitor demands while continuing the care for the long-term health and productivity of America’s national forests and grasslands. Results in this report reflect the most recent field data on each national forest and include fiscal years 2016 through 2020.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
The Forest Service, working closely with partners, was able to keep more than 80% of recreation sites open to visitors during the pandemic, while maintaining a focus on visitor and staff safety. The report, compiled by the Forest Service’s National Visitor Use Monitoring program, shows the steepest increase in visits happened between May and October of last year. Dispersed recreation sites and wilderness areas saw the most significant increases, with an estimated 25% increase in visitation overall. Visits to those areas surged even higher in the summer months when compared to 2019.
The data also shows that visitors enjoyed their experience, with 95% of visitors reporting being satisfied or very satisfied with their visit.
“We’re honored to have helped so many people safely find respite and relief during the pandemic,” said Forest Service Chief Vicki Christiansen. “Our national forests and grasslands offer some of the most readily available and valuable outdoor recreation settings in the country. As we enter the summer months this year, we look forward to providing positive experiences on our national forests and grasslands, and working with partners to support safe and equitable access to the outdoors.”
Completed in five-year cycles, the National Visitor Use Monitoring results give the Forest Service the information they need to best manage recreation to meet visitor demands while continuing the care for the long-term health and productivity of America’s national forests and grasslands. Results in this report reflect the most recent field data on each national forest and include fiscal years 2016 through 2020.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
Saturday, June 5, 2021
Two Incidents In Loch Vale Area Early This Week Related To Falls On Snow
On Tuesday, park rangers responded to two separate incidents where individuals suffered leg injuries from falling on snow.
Early Tuesday morning, park rangers received a 911 call of an injured hiker near Loch Vale. The 32-year-old male had suffered a lower leg injury after slipping and falling on snow. A hasty team of park rangers reached the man around 8:30 a.m. and provided emergency medical care. A team of twenty Rocky Mountain National Park Search and Rescue Team members carried the man via a litter. A paramedic from Estes Park Health also assisted in the rescue. The rescuers dealt with unfavorable trail conditions at high elevations due to soft, melting snow. Rescuers arrived at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead around 3:40 p.m. The man was taken by ambulance to Estes Park Health.
At 2 p.m. a second request was received from the Loch regarding a 28-year-old female who fell from standing height at Timberline Falls. She was reported to be slowly moving down the trail. During her self-evacuation, park visitors provided care to the patient and assisted her with walking. A two-person park hasty team was dispatched and encountered the patient just below Loch Lake. They provided micro spikes and trekking poles, and further assisted the patient down the trail. They arrived near the Glacier Gorge trailhead at 7:15 p.m. The patient self-transported to Estes Park Health.
Neither patient was wearing traction devices at the time of their falls. This spring, RMNP’s Search and Rescue Team have responded to numerous incidents with leg injuries in the Loch Vale and Sky Pond area. Deep snow and fluctuating spring temperatures make for tricky trail conditions. Park visitors should expect icy, narrow, and steep trails on the way to Loch Vale. Past Loch Vale, visitors still have two more miles left to Sky Pond where the snow gets deeper, the trails get icier, and the terrain is difficult to navigate. Conditions at similar elevations in the park are comparable.
Be prepared for winter like conditions at higher elevations in Rocky Mountain National Park. Planning ahead and bringing traction devices, warm winter clothes, sturdy boots and poles, headlamps, and a knowledge of how to navigate the terrain are crucial.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
At 2 p.m. a second request was received from the Loch regarding a 28-year-old female who fell from standing height at Timberline Falls. She was reported to be slowly moving down the trail. During her self-evacuation, park visitors provided care to the patient and assisted her with walking. A two-person park hasty team was dispatched and encountered the patient just below Loch Lake. They provided micro spikes and trekking poles, and further assisted the patient down the trail. They arrived near the Glacier Gorge trailhead at 7:15 p.m. The patient self-transported to Estes Park Health.
Neither patient was wearing traction devices at the time of their falls. This spring, RMNP’s Search and Rescue Team have responded to numerous incidents with leg injuries in the Loch Vale and Sky Pond area. Deep snow and fluctuating spring temperatures make for tricky trail conditions. Park visitors should expect icy, narrow, and steep trails on the way to Loch Vale. Past Loch Vale, visitors still have two more miles left to Sky Pond where the snow gets deeper, the trails get icier, and the terrain is difficult to navigate. Conditions at similar elevations in the park are comparable.
Be prepared for winter like conditions at higher elevations in Rocky Mountain National Park. Planning ahead and bringing traction devices, warm winter clothes, sturdy boots and poles, headlamps, and a knowledge of how to navigate the terrain are crucial.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
Friday, June 4, 2021
Wild Basin Road Will Be Closed To All Uses Monday, July 19 through Friday, July 23
Beginning Monday, July 19 through Friday, July 23, the Wild Basin Road in Rocky Mountain National Park will be closed to all uses, including vehicles and pedestrians. This closure will occur at the Wild Basin Entrance station and will include the entire two-mile section of the road to the Wild Basin Trailhead.
Due to this year’s heavy wet spring snowstorms and increased visitation this spring, the Wild Basin Road has major potholes and residual drainage issues. Visitors should drive slowly, stay on the road and not drive around potholes onto the surrounding vegetation. Rocky Mountain National Park’s road crew will be spreading gravel and grading this narrow road to eliminate ruts and potholes as well as improving drainage. Due to the road being closed to all uses from July 19 through July 23, visitors should avoid this area of Rocky Mountain National Park during this time.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
Due to this year’s heavy wet spring snowstorms and increased visitation this spring, the Wild Basin Road has major potholes and residual drainage issues. Visitors should drive slowly, stay on the road and not drive around potholes onto the surrounding vegetation. Rocky Mountain National Park’s road crew will be spreading gravel and grading this narrow road to eliminate ruts and potholes as well as improving drainage. Due to the road being closed to all uses from July 19 through July 23, visitors should avoid this area of Rocky Mountain National Park during this time.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
Thursday, June 3, 2021
Hazardous Fuels Reduction Work Inside the Rocky Mountain National Park Boundary Adjacent to Allenspark
Hazardous fuels reduction projects take place in strategic locations within Rocky Mountain National Park. The most recent project will take place along Rocky Mountain National Park’s boundary adjacent to Allenspark. Work will include removing dead trees, the lower limbs of remaining trees, ladder fuels, and dead and down logs. Resulting woody materials will be piled on site and burned during winter when conditions allow.
The reduction of hazardous fuels is a significant preventative management tool for managing wildfire near structures and communities. These projects are done to protect life and property and enhance the safety of firefighters and their ability to manage fire within the park.
When fighting the East Troublesome Fire in 2020 and the Fern Lake Fire in 2012, firefighters were able to take advantage of previous and existing prescribed fire and hazardous fuels treatment areas that provided a buffer between the fire and the town of Estes Park. Prior hazard fuels projects were instrumental in stopping the fire from jumping Bear Lake Road and Trail Ridge Road.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
The reduction of hazardous fuels is a significant preventative management tool for managing wildfire near structures and communities. These projects are done to protect life and property and enhance the safety of firefighters and their ability to manage fire within the park.
When fighting the East Troublesome Fire in 2020 and the Fern Lake Fire in 2012, firefighters were able to take advantage of previous and existing prescribed fire and hazardous fuels treatment areas that provided a buffer between the fire and the town of Estes Park. Prior hazard fuels projects were instrumental in stopping the fire from jumping Bear Lake Road and Trail Ridge Road.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
Wednesday, June 2, 2021
Cameron Peak Fire Area Closure Changes; Know Before You Go
Most campgrounds within the Cameron Peak Fire impacted area are now exempt from the fire area closure order, offering developed camping opportunities once they open for the summer season. Remember that the areas around these campgrounds remain closed. Also opening up under this new order are the West Branch and Rawah trailheads. Day-use and picnic areas that were previously closed are now exempt and open as well.
Public river access is only open in the lower canyon. Be aware that the fire and spring runoff may have left new obstructions in the river, so be sure to scout it first. Most Forest Service Roads in the fire area are closed. Expect to see gates being installed to allow the area to naturally recover, suppression repair work to be completed, and additional recovery work started.
Much of the area impacted by the fire remains closed for safety and natural resource protection until additional assessments can be done and recovery work completed. Details of the latest closure and map are available on the forest website. Remember, not everything that is closed is gated, so know where you are and do not enter closed areas identified on the map. Some Forest Service Roads within the closure may be required to access private land, but that does not mean they are open to the public.
Visitors to the area are reminded there are safety hazards within burn areas to be aware of, including but not limited to, falling trees, flood risks, stump holes and rock fall danger. Be sure to check local weather information and monitor for the risk of flooding in burned areas.
It may be helpful to know some popular areas that have been heavily impacted may not be able to reopen this year, especially given the interconnectivity of the roads and trails systems. On the Canyon Lakes Ranger District, this includes the Jacks Gulch Campground, the Swamp Creek area, many Forest Service Roads south of Deadman Road, Crown Point Road and others.
Visitors should always have a back-up plan in case an area has a temporary closure or is full. To help people plan their visit, we recommend everyone checks the Know Before You Go webpage for helpful tips, including the areas closed due to the East Troublesome and Williams Fork fires on our Sulphur Ranger District. Some level of closures around all three of these fire scars from 2020 should be expected this year.
There are more than 120 miles of Forest Service trails within the Cameron Peak Fire perimeter and over 350 miles of Forest Service Roads. Many factors come into play when determining when an area can reopen. Beyond the immediate risk of hazard trees, considerations need to be made for trail markers, erosion control and trail stabilization issues, travel route interconnectivity, damaged infrastructure like bridges, and safety signage.
At the end of April some impacted trails opened following additional assessment and repair work by U.S. Forest Service staff and volunteers and included the North Fork, Stormy Peaks, Mummy Pass and Emmaline Lake trails. Crews are continually evaluating other areas as snow melt occurs. Forest Service staff and volunteer trail crews from the Poudre Wilderness Volunteers and Cameron Peak Nordic Rangers have worked hard in areas that are open. Two trail crews will be helping staff throughout the summer, along with additional support from partners and volunteers.
We know many people want to help with recovery efforts. The District is fortunate to have many wonderful organizations we work with regularly and are integral to our recovery efforts. Both the Poudre Wilderness Volunteers and Wildlands Restoration Volunteers are holding public restoration events that are announced on their websites.
If visiting the Canyon Lakes Ranger District, please note many facilities and roads remain seasonally closed until later in the summer. Check the road status page for the latest information as spring runoff damage may have impacted opening dates.
As visitors start to make plans for future recreational outings, they should expect to find a changed landscape, with the potential for both long- and short-term closures, as well as potential hazards. Fire recovery information is available on the forest website.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
Public river access is only open in the lower canyon. Be aware that the fire and spring runoff may have left new obstructions in the river, so be sure to scout it first. Most Forest Service Roads in the fire area are closed. Expect to see gates being installed to allow the area to naturally recover, suppression repair work to be completed, and additional recovery work started.
Much of the area impacted by the fire remains closed for safety and natural resource protection until additional assessments can be done and recovery work completed. Details of the latest closure and map are available on the forest website. Remember, not everything that is closed is gated, so know where you are and do not enter closed areas identified on the map. Some Forest Service Roads within the closure may be required to access private land, but that does not mean they are open to the public.
Visitors to the area are reminded there are safety hazards within burn areas to be aware of, including but not limited to, falling trees, flood risks, stump holes and rock fall danger. Be sure to check local weather information and monitor for the risk of flooding in burned areas.
It may be helpful to know some popular areas that have been heavily impacted may not be able to reopen this year, especially given the interconnectivity of the roads and trails systems. On the Canyon Lakes Ranger District, this includes the Jacks Gulch Campground, the Swamp Creek area, many Forest Service Roads south of Deadman Road, Crown Point Road and others.
Visitors should always have a back-up plan in case an area has a temporary closure or is full. To help people plan their visit, we recommend everyone checks the Know Before You Go webpage for helpful tips, including the areas closed due to the East Troublesome and Williams Fork fires on our Sulphur Ranger District. Some level of closures around all three of these fire scars from 2020 should be expected this year.
There are more than 120 miles of Forest Service trails within the Cameron Peak Fire perimeter and over 350 miles of Forest Service Roads. Many factors come into play when determining when an area can reopen. Beyond the immediate risk of hazard trees, considerations need to be made for trail markers, erosion control and trail stabilization issues, travel route interconnectivity, damaged infrastructure like bridges, and safety signage.
At the end of April some impacted trails opened following additional assessment and repair work by U.S. Forest Service staff and volunteers and included the North Fork, Stormy Peaks, Mummy Pass and Emmaline Lake trails. Crews are continually evaluating other areas as snow melt occurs. Forest Service staff and volunteer trail crews from the Poudre Wilderness Volunteers and Cameron Peak Nordic Rangers have worked hard in areas that are open. Two trail crews will be helping staff throughout the summer, along with additional support from partners and volunteers.
We know many people want to help with recovery efforts. The District is fortunate to have many wonderful organizations we work with regularly and are integral to our recovery efforts. Both the Poudre Wilderness Volunteers and Wildlands Restoration Volunteers are holding public restoration events that are announced on their websites.
If visiting the Canyon Lakes Ranger District, please note many facilities and roads remain seasonally closed until later in the summer. Check the road status page for the latest information as spring runoff damage may have impacted opening dates.
As visitors start to make plans for future recreational outings, they should expect to find a changed landscape, with the potential for both long- and short-term closures, as well as potential hazards. Fire recovery information is available on the forest website.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
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