Announcement: "Ramble On" To Be Published on February 7th

I’m very excited to announce that “Ramble On: How Hiking Became One of the Most Popular Outdoor Activities in the World” will be officially published on Amazon next Tuesday, February 7th!

As previously mentioned on this blog, this new book is an expanded edition of "Ramble On: A History of Hiking," which was published in 2018. So you may be asking, "why publish a 2nd edition?" Great question! Here are a few answers:

* The new edition builds upon the first edition of my book to reflect additional research, to expand more broadly on a few topics, and to discuss new information. For example, since publication of the first edition, a compelling new theory has emerged as to why Darby Field made his two ascents of Mt. Washington in 1642, which directly challenges the legend of him being the first hiker in America.

* I thought it was important to chronicle in more detail the crucial role the multi-generational Crawford family of New Hampshire played in the development of hiking. The new edition dives more deeply to examine the significance of this family, and the many historical events that surrounded them as hiking blossomed in America.

* I also wanted to provide a better understanding of how the social trends that prevailed during the Age of Enlightenment influenced art, literature, religion and thought, which allowed hiking to bloom and eventually flourish.

* Finally, the 2nd edition delves deeper into the first female hikers and mountaineers, while showing that women eagerly adopted these fledgling outdoor pursuits.

In the meantime, you can find more information about the book by clicking here.

Thank you!



Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com

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

Understanding the Nuances of Winter Recreation Can Save a Life, even that of Wildlife

Winter in Northern Colorado ushers in different types of recreation that residents and visitors alike wait all year to enjoy. Whether skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, or biking, people take full advantage of the opportunities that freshly fallen snow provides. Just as recreation is different in the winter, so is wildlife behavior and the types of encounters people may experience.

According to the Colorado Search and Rescue Association, there are approximately 3,000 search and rescue incidents in Colorado per year. Around 400,000 volunteer hours are put in annually for training, missions, and other activities. Often, rescues occur on public lands during the winter when visitors are unprepared for changing weather conditions or unexpected trail conditions, have navigation issues, or encounter wildlife.

Northern Colorado public land managers collaborated to release a video series highlighting avalanche awareness, ice safety, winter gear necessities for the pack and vehicle, and tips for safely interacting with wildlife. These videos will be found in the coming months on the participating agencies’ social media accounts.

View the winter recreation video series for helpful tips in English and Spanish. Here's one on avalanche awareness:



See a list of winter recreation tips from Northern Colorado land management agencies. These messages are part of a broader effort by eight agencies collaborating on ways to address the challenges of high visitation and a growing population in northern Colorado’s foothills and mountains. Called NoCo PLACES 2050, this collaboration is committed to sustainable solutions, equitable actions, and beneficial land management practices for the long-term conservation of public lands in Colorado and the quality of the visitor experience. Learn about NoCo PLACES 2050.



Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com

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

CPW responds to third incident involving a mountain lion in Grand Lake

Colorado Parks and Wildlife Officers are warning residents in Grand Lake of increased mountain lion activity after the death of one dog and injuries to two others since December.

CPW was alerted to the latest incident around 10 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 23. The dog and its owner were returning home from a walk when the mountain lion lunged, grabbing the dog off the porch steps. The dog owner was able to scare the mountain lion, getting it to let go of the dog and run off. The injured dog was taken to a local veterinarian. Wildlife officers located the mountain lion by following tracks in the snow to a tree located near the home. Based on information about the incident from the dog owner, the wildlife officer determined there was a threat to human health and safety, and made the decision to euthanize the mountain lion. The lion was determined to be a sub-adult (between the ages of 1.5 - 2 years) female.

The first incident occurred on the evening of Dec. 19, 2022. After letting her dog out around 10 p.m., the dog owner heard her dog make a noise. While opening the door to see what was going on, the owner hit the mountain lion with the door, causing it to drop the dog and run off. The dog was injured, but survived.

On Thursday, Jan. 19, wildlife officers responded to reports of a mountain lion that killed a dog as it and its owner were returning from a walk. The dog was off leash, in close proximity behind the owner, when a female adult mountain lion (around 7 years) grabbed the dog from under a porch. After attempts to scare off the mountain lion were unsuccessful, the mountain lion was shot and killed by the dog owner's husband. After investigating, the responding wildlife officer determined there was a threat to human health and safety and did not ticket the dog owner.

The Dec. 19 and Jan. 19 incidents occurred in the same area west of Shadow Mountain Reservoir.

If you must let your pet out between dusk through dawn when mountain lions are most active, check the area and make your presence known by turning lights on and making noise before letting your pet out. The goal is to make a mountain lion feel as uncomfortable and unwanted as possible so they will leave. Keep a close eye on them and never leave them out overnight.

When walking your dogs, keep them leashed until you enter your home. Roaming pets are easy prey and can attract mountain lions.

CPW also reminds you of the importance of talking with your children about mountain lions and what to do if they see one. Closely supervise children whenever they play outdoors, especially during dusk-to-dawn hours and teach them to be SMART if they have a close encounter with a mountain lion.

S- Stop. Do not run!
M- Make yourself look big.
A- Announce your presence in an authoritative voice: “LEAVE ME ALONE, LION!”
R- Retreat by backing away slowly.
T- Tell an adult about the encounter.

If you see a mountain lion, haze it away from your property by making loud noises - setting off your car alarm, banging pots and pans together, blowing a whistle or air horn, etc.

To report a mountain lion sighting or encounter in Grand and Summit counties, contact the Hot Sulphur Springs CPW office at 970-725-2600. For after-hours wildlife emergencies, you can also contact the Colorado State Patrol at 970-824-6501 and they will forward your report on to wildlife officers.

* Do not feed wildlife. Feeding one species will bring in the entire food chain. Remove bird feeders. Birdseed will attract numerous small game and deer to your yard, which will in turn invite mountain lions.

* Don't feed pets outside; this can attract raccoons and other animals that are prey for mountain lions.

* Supervise your pet when outside, especially dusk through dawn.

* Keep your pets under control. Roaming pets are easy prey and can attract mountain lions. Bring pets in at night. If you leave your pets outside, keep them in a kennel with a secure top.

* If deer are lingering on your property, you can haze them away (yell, use air horn, alarms, etc.) to minimize the chance of a mountain lion encounter in your yard. If you have deer, you will have mountain lions. Same goes for raccoons.

If you have questions or concerns about mountain lions, or would like to report a mountain lion sighting or encounter in your area, contact your local CPW area office. For after-hours wildlife emergencies, you can also contact the Colorado State Patrol or local Sheriff's Office. It is important that mountain lion sighting reports are made in a timely manner.

For more information on living with mountain lions, and what to do if you encounter one, please visit our website.



Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com

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

I Just Received a Proof Copy of "Ramble On"

Several weeks ago I announced that I will be publishing a new book on the rich and fascinating history of hiking. Yesterday, I finally received a proof copy of the book, and I'm happy to report that everything looks great! As a result, I will be moving forward with publishing the book through Amazon within the next couple of weeks.

At this point, I plan to publish “Ramble On: How Hiking Became One of the Most Popular Outdoor Activities in the World” in early February. You can find more information about the book by clicking here. This page provides some details on what the book is about, and why I decided to expanded upon the first edition of the book.

More information to follow over the next several days and weeks.

Thank you!

Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com

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

Public provides feedback on Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s Draft Colorado Wolf Restoration and Management Plan at first of five public hearings

On Thursday, January 19, Colorado Parks and Wildlife held the first of five meetings to collect feedback from the public on the Draft Colorado Wolf Restoration and Management Plan. A recording of the meeting can be viewed on CPW’s YouTube channel.

The meeting began with an introduction of the plan, followed by updates from CPW staff in response to Commissioner questions leading into Stakeholder Advisory Group and public comment. All 27 members of the public who signed up to speak in Colorado Springs had three minutes to address the CPW Commission.

Members of the public who aren’t able to attend in person are encouraged to comment on the plan online. The draft Plan is posted on CPW’s Wolves - Stay Informed page (linked above). A form for public comment is posted at engagecpw.org and will remain open through Feb. 22, 2023.

Four more meetings will be held to acquire information from the public to be considered in developing the Plan. Agendas for these meetings can be found online. The hearing dates, tentative times and locations are listed below:

Jan. 25, 2023 – Gunnison - 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Feb. 7, 2023 – Rifle - 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Feb. 16, 2023 – Virtual via Zoom - 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Feb. 22, 2023 – Denver - 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

All the hearings will provide time for Commissioner questions and discussion. Visit the CPW website for information on participating in these meetings.

April 6, 2023 – Final Draft Plan and Regulations (Step 1 of 2), Steamboat Springs, Times TBD

CPW staff will present the final draft Plan and associated regulations (Step 1 of 2). In-person public comment will be taken in a similar manner to the hearings and online comments may be made through engagecpw.org. The meeting will be streamed to YouTube to listen to live or by recording.

May 3 - 4, 2023 – Final Plan and Regulations (Step 2 of 2) Approval, Glenwood Springs - Times TBD

Commissioners will vote on approval of the final Plan and associated wolf regulations.



Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com

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

Take the Guide with you While on the Trail in Grand Teton National Park

Are you planning to visit Grand Teton National Park this summer - or anytime down the road? I wanted to let you know about an eBook we've published that provides hikers with access to trail information while hiking in the park.

Exploring Grand Teton National Park is the mobile version of TetonHikingTrails.com, the most comprehensive website on the internet for hiking trail information in Grand Teton National Park. This book was published to provide readers with convenient access to the information contained on TetonHikingTrails.com while in the park, or on the trail, where internet access is most likely unavailable. Additionally, the format of this book will provide a much better experience for smartphone users.

Exploring Grand Teton National Park covers 44 hikes. This includes 41 hikes within Grand Teton National Park, as well as 3 hikes in the Teton Pass area, located just south of the park boundary. Like the website, the book includes driving directions to each trailhead, detailed trail descriptions, key features along the route, difficulty ratings, photographs, maps and elevation profiles, which provide readers with a visual representation of the change in elevation they’ll encounter on each hike. Some hikes will also include historical tidbits related to the trail. Whether you're looking for an easy stroll in the park, or an epic hike deep into Grand Teton's backcountry, this book provides all the tools you'll need to make your hiking trip as enjoyable as possible.

As with our four websites, this book also contains several directories that will help you choose the best hikes suited to your preferences and abilities. This includes hikes listed by location within the park, hikes listed by key trail feature, and hikes sorted by difficulty rating. I’ve also included lists of our top 10 hikes, the best easy hikes, the top fall hikes, and the top early season hikes.

The book is available at Amazon.



Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com

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

Northern Front Range National Forests encourage visitors to plan ahead for this summer

Even though snow is falling, now is the time to start planning your 2023 summer adventures on the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests & Pawnee National Grassland, the third-most visited national forest unit in the nation. From camping and hunting to boating on lakes and trekking through the wilderness, most outdoor adventures require advance planning and preparation.

National Forest managers are planning for a very busy summer season. The Forest is continuing reservation programs to reduce crowding so that visitors can have safe and enjoyable outdoor experiences this summer. Online reservations will be required for the most popular developed recreation areas, while wilderness permits and recreation passes should be purchased online.

Campground reservations are available online six months in advance at recreation.gov, so visitors looking to book for the peak summer season need to start planning now. All campgrounds on the Forests and Grassland are extremely popular due to their proximity to major highways and metropolitan areas.

Reservations will be required for Mount Evans and Brainard Lake in 2023. Day use reservations are expected to be available on a rolling basis for both areas beginning in mid-May. The Brainard Lake welcome station is scheduled to open in early June, and Mount Evans typically opens for Memorial Day weekend, depending on snow conditions. Some of the more popular hikes in the Brainard Lake area include Pawnee Pass, Lake Isabelle, and the Long Lake Loop.

Online permits for the rugged Indian Peaks Wilderness Area, a popular destination for visitors seeking a more remote experience, become available at 8 a.m. (mdt), Thursday, March 16 on recreation.gov. Permits are required for all overnight camping in Indian Peaks Wilderness Area from June 1 to Sept. 15. Visitors should plan their itineraries in advance by using the resources available on the Forest’s website.

Overnight parking reservations for visitors planning to use the Brainard Lake Recreation Area trailheads for permitted overnight camping in the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area also will be available starting March 16 on recreation.gov. If you plan to use the Hessie or Fourth of July trailheads, check the Boulder County website for information on shuttles and parking. Information on that page will be updated before the season begins.

National Forest maps and annual and lifetime recreation passes that cover fees for National Parks and National Forests can be purchased online through USGS.gov. Passholders are still required to make reservations and pay administrative fees through recreation.gov.

Recorded information is available on our Forest Information Line at 970-295-6600. If you have further questions, please email us at VisitARP@usda.gov. In-person appointments are available to accommodate needs that cannot be met over the phone or by email.



Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com

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

Prescribed Burning Planned For Great Sand Dunes in January 2023

The National Park Service plans to burn several piles of woody debris at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve with assistance from the U.S. Forest Service Rio Grande National Forest starting on Monday, January 23. The piles will only be burned if and when the ground and adjacent fuels are sufficiently wet from rain or snow, and these wet conditions are present until the burning is completed.

The piles consist of dead woody material from previous hazard fuels reduction projects. This project reduces fuels around park infrastructure and park boundaries directly adjacent to the private land since this fuel load represents a wildland fire hazard within these areas. The project will reduce the threat of fire to private homes and help protect the plants, wildlife, and important resources in the park. The piles will be ignited by firefighters and monitored until they are completely out which may occur over the course of five days. Area residents and park visitors may see open flames and/or smell smoke in the vicinity of the park during the burn.

Prescribed fire smoke may affect your health. For more information 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 Top 5 Reasons to Visit Grand Teton National Park

Rising more than 7000 feet above Jackson Hole, the high peaks of Grand Teton National Park provide one of the most dramatic landscapes in the entire world. Although many people seem to treat it as an afterthought, only visiting the park as a side trip while visiting its more famous neighbor to the north, more time and focus should be given to this stunning landscape. Within its 310,000 acres the majestic mountains of the Teton Range are home to a wide variety of wildlife, eight peaks that top out above 12,000 feet, more than 100 alpine and backcountry lakes, and more than 240 miles of trails that provide intimate access to all of this incredibly beautiful scenery. The following are among some of the top reasons why you should pay a visit to this amazing park:

1) Cascade Canyon

The Cascade Canyon Trail is widely touted as one of the best hikes in the entire National Park System. In addition to the stunning views of 12,928-foot Mt. Owen, the trail visits Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point. The route is also known for the wide variety of wildlife that is frequently seen, especially bears and moose.

2) Lake Views

Lying along the eastern base of the Teton Range is a series of glacially-carved lakes. Rising sharply above their western shores, the views of the rugged mountains are stunning and dramatic. From the shores of Jackson, Leigh, Jenny, Phelps, Bradley and Taggart Lakes, hikers will enjoy some of the most striking views in the park.

3) Wildlife

Although Yellowstone rightfully receives a lot of attention for its wildlife viewing opportunities, the Grand Tetons are also known for its diversity of wildlife. The rugged mountains provide habitat to a wide variety of wildlife, including black bears, grizzly bears, elk, bison, bighorn sheep, moose, pronghorn, wolves, fox, lynx, bobcats and mountain lions. There are also more than 300 species of birds, including trumpeter swans, ospreys and bald eagles. A drive along Moose-Wilson Road is a popular way of spotting mega fauna such as bears and moose. However, hikes such as Amphitheater Lake, Hermitage Point, Moose Ponds and the Emma Matilda Lake Loop are all great choices for possibly seeing wildlife in the backcountry.

4) Photography

The abrupt rise of the Tetons from the valley floor arguably makes them one of the most photogenic mountain ranges in the world. As a result, professional and amateur photographers alike will enjoy a multitude of photo opportunities around the park. Some of the best spots for getting that perfect shot include Mormon Row, Oxbow Bend, Schwabacher’s Landing, as well as the Snake River Overlook, which was made famous by Ansel Adams' 1942 photograph. Of course all of the backcountry locations mentioned above will also provide outstanding photo opportunities.

5) Snake River Float Trip

The Snake River meanders along the sage brush flats below the Teton Range, and provides park visitors with the unique opportunity of enjoying the majestic mountain scenery from a raft. Although outfitters offer trips throughout the day, I highly recommend the morning trips, as the mountains typically look their finest when bathed in the glow of early morning sunshine. Morning also provides the best opportunity for spotting wildlife along the river banks, including bald eagles.

With more than 240 miles of trails meandering throughout the park, hiking is the absolute best way to see Grand Teton National Park. In addition to the hikes listed above, the park offers a variety of other outstanding hikes. If you do plan to visit Grand Teton this year, please note that our hiking website also offers a wide variety of accommodation listings as well as other things to do to help with all your vacation planning.



Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com

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

Rocky Mountain National Park Considers Several Options For Managing Crowds

Earlier today Rocky Mountain National Park provided a link to its "Day Use Visitor Access Strategy" page. In part, this document states:

Rapid growth in day use visitation and changing use patterns in the park have degraded natural and cultural resources, diminished quality of the visitor experience, increased negative impacts to visitor and staff safety and created a heavy strain on the park's facilities and ability to perform daily operations.

In response to these negative impacts, the park has piloted various visitor use management strategies. From 2016-2019, this included managing vehicle access to first come, first served visitors in the highly congested areas of the Bear Lake Road corridor, the Alpine Visitor Center parking area and the Wild Basin area of the park. This strategy had some limited success initially, but over time began to lose effectiveness; the length of time they were necessary kept expanding and impacts were pushed elsewhere in the park. RMNP piloted park-wide timed entry permit reservation systems in 2020, 2021, and 2022.

Park staff continue to learn from these various pilots which are helping to inform long-range day use visitor access strategies. This includes developing desired conditions, defining zones, and identifying indicators, thresholds, strategies and capacities.

Below are four broad stategies the park is considering. The document contains much more detail on each of these strategies that explains what each of them entail. The park is seeking feedback on these ideas as a part of their planning process to determine which management strategies they should analyze.

1) Timed-Entry Two Reservation System: Bear Lake Road Corridor and “Rest of Park”. This is essentially the system the park has been operating under for the last couple of years.

2) Set number of Timed-Entry Reservations for Each Entrance Station with Shuttle-Only Access to Bear Lake Road, Glacier Gorge, and Bierstadt

3) Daily Reservations - This idea would provide a set number of reservations for each day that would allow admittance at any time during that day.

4) Metering and Temporary Delays at Entrances

There are many other ideas concerning other areas of the park that are also under consideration. If you enjoy visiting RMNP, I highly recommend that you look at this document and provide your feedback.



Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com

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

Good route-finding skills are essential on all winter adventures in the mountains

Headed to Rocky Mountain National Park this winter to hike? The park posted this on their social media yesterday:

Good route-finding skills are essential on all winter adventures in the mountains.

Trails in Rocky Mountain National Park are not marked in winter. Know where you want to go and use a map and compass to help you get to the desired destination. Don't just follow the snowshoe or ski tracks of others, as they may lead you off course and in a direction you did not wish to travel. In the wintertime, it is best to carry a paper map and know how to read it. Planning to solely rely on a phone or other electronic device for navigation is not ideal, for phone batteries can drain quickly in cold temperatures.

Additional Winter Hiking Safety Tips:

* Visit https://avalanche.state.co.us/ and check the current Avalanche Conditions before heading out on any backcountry trip.

* Take time to check the weather before setting out. Be prepared to turn back if you are not prepared for the conditions; weather can change rapidly.

* Before beginning your trip, tell someone not traveling with you what your planned route is and when you expect to be back. Remember to let that person know when you are back from your trip.

* Pack wisely for your winter adventure, including warm layers of clothing, hat, waterproof/wind-proof jacket, and snowshoes or traction devices.

* Pack a headlight or flashlight; the sun sets early when hiking in the mountains. Don't rely on cell phone flashlights alone.

* It is easy to become dehydrated when hiking. Bring plenty of water.

What are trails in the park like? Check out RMNP's current Trail Conditions Report at https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/trail_conditions.htm.

Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com

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

Take the Guide with you While on the Trail in Glacier National Park

Are you planning to visit Glacier National Park this summer - or anytime down the road? I wanted to let you know about an eBook we've published that provides hikers with access to detailed trail information while hiking in the park.

Exploring Glacier National Park is the mobile version of HikinginGlacier.com, the most comprehensive website on the internet for hiking trail information in Glacier National Park. This book was published to provide readers with convenient access to the information contained on HikinginGlacier.com while in the park, or on the trail, where internet access is most likely not available. Additionally, the format of this book will provide a much better experience for smartphone users.

Exploring Glacier National Park covers 68 hikes. Like the website, the book includes driving directions to each trailhead, detailed trail descriptions, key features along the route, difficulty ratings, photographs, maps and elevation profiles, which provide readers with a visual representation of the change in elevation they’ll encounter on each hike. Some hikes will also include historical tidbits related to the trail. Whether you're looking for an easy stroll in the park, or an epic hike deep into Glacier's backcountry, this book provides all the tools you'll need to make your hiking trip as enjoyable as possible.

As with our three websites, this book also contains several directories that will help you choose the best hikes suited to your preferences and abilities. This includes hikes listed by location within the park, hikes listed by key trail feature, and hikes sorted by difficulty rating. I’ve also included lists of our top 10 hikes, the best easy hikes, the top fall hikes, and the top early season hikes.

The book is available on Amazon.



Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com

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