Large Rockfall on Hallett Peak

Rocky Mountain National Park posted this blurb on their social media earlier today:

On June 28, 2022 at approximately 4:30 pm MT a large rockfall event occurred in Rocky Mountain National Park on the south side of Hallett Peak, resulting in sliding rock falling into Upper Chaos Canyon.

Visitors planning to recreate in Upper Chaos Canyon or on the south slopes of Hallett Peak are advised to avoid traveling in the area. It will take some time for the slope to stabilize and there is a significant possibility that additional rockfall may occur at any time. #RecreateResponsibly - Your safety is your responsibility.

Image Credit: An image from Google Earth showing the rockfall area on the southside of Hallett Peak

Jeff
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RockyMountainHikingTrails.com Adds 3 New Hikes to Website

RockyMountainHikingTrails.com continues to expand! Kathy and I spent a week and a half in Rocky Mountain National Park a few weeks ago, and as a result, we just added 3 new hikes to our website (in addition to several new photos for several other hikes). Hopefully you'll find that this expansion will make your hike and trip planning a little easier.

Here's a quick rundown on what's been added to our site:

Moraine Park Loop: This is a great introductory hike for anyone that's new to the park, or those looking for an easy hike, or those looking for something at the lower elevations while acclimating to the park's altitude. This loop offers spectacular views of Snowdrift Peak and Stones Peak as they tower above the valley floor. You'll also stand a great chance of seeing elk as well.

Little Horseshoe Park Loop: I would have to say that this loop (really a "lollipop hike") is a hidden gem. This short hike offers spectacular views of the Mummy Mountains, a plethora of wildflowers, as well as a great opportunity to spot a wide variety of wildlife.

Hollowell Park Loop: This loop offers a little bit of everything to hikers. You'll travel though Hollowell Park, Moraine Park and the Mill Creek Basin along this route. Along the way you'll enjoy panoramic views, a great deal of solitude during many stretches, a steep climb to stretch out your legs, and you'll visit a popular lake.

I also wanted to mention that we have updated our list of the Top 10 Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, our list of the Best Easy Hikes, as well as our rundown on loop hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Hope you find these helpful! Happy trails!


Jeff
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Flooding in Rocky Mountain Results in Trail Closures

Rocky Mountain National Park has posted this blurb on their social media:

High temperatures have led to increased snowmelt in Rocky's high elevation areas. This has resulted in several closures on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park from flooding on Tonahutu Creek and the Colorado River.

Areas that are currently closed include the North Inlet access road, East Inlet Trail, the access road for Bowen Gulch, the Holzwarth Historic Site at the access bridge, and the Colorado River Trail north of the Red Mountain/Colorado River Trail junction. These closures are in place for public safety and there is no anticipated time on when they will be lifted.

North Inlet Trail remains open to hikers, the Colorado River Trailhead parking area and the Holzwarth Historic Site parking area remain open.

All rivers, creeks, and streams are running fast and high throughout Rocky Mountain National Park. Use extreme caution around all bodies of moving water. The water is colder, deeper, and faster than you think. Even very shallow moving water can have a strong current and cause someone to lose their footing.

Know before you go - If you are hiking and come upon water moving across a trail, stop and do not cross. It is best to turn back and try your hike another day.

Just a few minutes ago the park announced that the East Inlet Trail has reopened. You can stay up to date on current closures here.



Jeff
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CPW seeks public input on the future of Arkansas River bighorn sheep herd

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is seeking public input about its draft 10-year plan to manage the Arkansas River bighorn sheep herd that ranges from near Buena Vista and Salida to Cañon City and Pueblo West. Big game populations are managed by CPW biologists to achieve population objectives established for various herds. Typically, decisions are made based on a management plan written and revised every 10 years.

This plan is for Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep in CPW’s Data Analysis Unit (DAU) RBS-9, which covers parts of Chaffee, Custer, Fremont, Park and Pueblo counties. The area within RBS-9 is broken into smaller Game Management Units (GMUs) including S-47 (Browns Canyon), S-7 (the Arkansas River), S-49 (Grape Creek) and S-79 (Pueblo West).

“This plan reflects CPW’s efforts to balance the biological capabilities of the herd and its habitat with the public’s demand for wildlife recreational opportunities,” said Bryan Lamont, CPW terrestrial biologist based in Salida.

“The final plan will guide CPW officials as we decide how many bighorn sheep should exist in each GMU and the entire herd management region. The plan will also help CPW decide the proper average age of harvested rams over the next decade. With this herd, we’re targeting an average age of 4 to 6 years for rams.”

Population goals drive important decisions including:

* How many animals must be harvested to maintain or move toward the objectives.

* What types of hunting seasons are required to achieve the harvest objective.

Now that the draft is complete, CPW staff requests the public review it and offer comments and suggestions. To review the proposed management plan, visit the CPW website. Comments can be sent directly to Lamont at Bryan.Lamont@state.co.us. Comments must be received by July 3.



Jeff
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Hazardous Fuels Reduction Work Inside the Park Boundary Near Lily Lake

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.

Hazardous fuels reduction projects take place in strategic locations within Rocky Mountain National Park. The most recent project will take place within the Rocky Mountain National Park boundary near Lily Lake. Work will include removing dead trees, the lower limbs of remaining trees, dead and down logs and ladder fuels which can carry a fire burning in low-growing vegetation to surrounding taller vegetation. Resulting woody materials will be piled on site and burned during winter when conditions allow.



Jeff
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Trail Ridge Road Remains Closed Due To Snow

Though Trail Ridge Road "opened" for the season last week, the upper portions of the road remain closed due to snow. According to park social media posts:

Recent winter storms have brought fresh spring snow to the high elevation areas of Rocky Mountain National Park. If hiking on trails above 9,000 feet be prepared for snowpacked and icy trails.

Rocky's snowplow operators and trail crew have been hard at work to plow and re-open Trail Ridge Road. Due to the amount of snow on the road above 10,000 feet and a large boulder that has fallen in the road, Trail Ridge Road is still closed on the east side of the park at Many Parks Curve and on the west side of the park at the Colorado River Trailhead.

The road will re-open when it is safe for vehicles.

For the most current information on Trail Ridge Road please call the park's recorded phoneline at 970-586-1222 or follow us on Twitter @RockyNPS.

Jeff
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