Old Fall River Road Will Open To Vehicles Saturday, July 1

Old Fall River Road will open to vehicles on Saturday, July 1. It is currently closed to all uses, including bicycles and pedestrians, until Friday morning, June 30, for dust abatement. This historic road normally opens by the fourth of July weekend. Old Fall River Road was built between 1913 and 1920. It is an unpaved road which travels from Endovalley Picnic Area to above treeline at Fall River Pass, following the steep slope of Mount Chapin’s south face. Due to the winding, narrow nature of the road, the scenic 9.4-mile route leading to Trail Ridge Road is one-way only. Vehicles over 25 feet and vehicles pulling trailers are prohibited on the road.

This road provides access to the Chapin Creek Trailhead, and the "CCY Route" hike.

Travelers should plan ahead for Rocky Mountain National Park’s pilot temporary timed entry permit reservation system. There are two types of reservations. One permit is for the Bear Lake Road Corridor, which includes the entire corridor and access to the rest of the park. This reservation period is from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. The second permit is for the rest of Rocky Mountain National Park, excluding the Bear Lake Road corridor, and includes Old Fall River Road. This reservation period is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. To learn more visit https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/timed-entry-permit-system.htm



Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com

Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park

The unthinkable: Hiker suspension bridge collapses!

Okay, this video is a little dated, but I just saw it yesterday. This 2015 video shows several French backpackers taking a bath after the suspension bridge they were walking across collapsed. Fortunately, all four survived, and no one was seriously injured. According to the video description:

While walking on Lake Waikaremoana in New Zealand, these hikers fell off the last bridge when it collapsed under their weight. The bridge was designed to carry a maximum of 10 people and collapsed under the weight of three. Three hikers fell 8 meters (26 feet) into the river below. No one was seriously injured.

I'm pretty sure the next time we walk across a hiker suspension bridge, it won't be so casual! Here's the video:





Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com

Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park

Ranger-Led Bird Walks

Are you interested in learning about the many species of birds that call Rocky Mountain National Park home? If so, you are invited to join a ranger-led bird walk!

Rocky's summer bird walks take place on Wednesdays and Fridays, beginning at 7:30 a.m. MDT at the Upper Beaver Meadows Trailhead. The turnoff for Upper Beaver Meadows Road is 2 miles west of the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center.

Bird walks are free and open to participants of all ages. The program length is approximately 60 minutes. This program will travel up to 1.5 miles through an easy to moderate riparian zone. Binoculars are provided.

Participants are encouraged to wear good footwear for walking and hiking. Bring water and snacks. This program can be canceled at any time due to weather or unforeseen circumstances. For more information on Rocky's ranger-led programs, visit https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/ranger-led-programs.htm.



Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com

Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park

NPS seeks public input on the potential impacts of e-bikes in parks across the National Park System

Last week the National Park Service (NPS) announced an open comment period for members of the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies to provide feedback on a programmatic environmental assessment (PEA) that evaluates the potential national-level impacts of electric bicycle (e-bike) use in national parks. The comment period is open from June 21 to July 21, 2023.

E-bikes can have many benefits for parks and visitors including making travel easier, expanding access for those with physical limitations, and providing healthy recreation opportunities. At the same time, the NPS must manage this emerging form of access and recreation, like others that occur in park areas, in a manner that protects park resources, values, and visitors. The PEA evaluates potential impacts to natural and cultural resources, and visitor use and experience, and wildlife on a national scale.

Currently, NPS regulations authorize park superintendents to allow e-bikes, where appropriate, on roads and trails where traditional bicycles are allowed. Public lands designated by Congress as “wilderness areas” remain off-limits to both traditional bicycles and e-bikes. The NPS is conducting the PEA consistent with court direction to complete an analysis consistent with the National Environmental Policy Act.

How to provide feedback

Online: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/e-bikes

Mail or hand deliver to: Electric Bicycle Programmatic EA, National Park Service, 1849 C Street NW, MS-2472 Washington, DC 20240.

Note that comments will not be accepted by fax, email, or in any way other than those specified above. Comments delivered on external electronic storage devices (flash drives, compact discs, etc.) will not be accepted. Bulk comments in any format (hard copy or electronic) submitted on behalf of others will not be accepted.



Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com

Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park

Moose attacks, tramples man walking dogs near Coal Creek

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is investigating a report of a moose attack on a man walking his dogs in Coal Creek Canyon earlier this week, on Monday morning.

The man, in his late 50s, told CPW officers he was walking two dogs along Coal Creek near Hummingbird Lane, when he surprised a cow moose and her calf around a hairpin turn in the trail. The moose charged and knocked the man down, stomping him several times.

The man was armed and fired two shots into the ground to startle the moose, hazing it from the area. The moose and calf were not shot and retreated, according to the victim. The man was transported to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The dogs were not injured and off-leash at the time.

CPW officers searched Coal Creek Canyon for the moose and calf, but they were not found.

During late spring and early summer, cow moose can be aggressive while their calves are young, and they can view dogs as predators or threats. Calves are born in a 3-4 week period from the end of May to mid-June.

Colorado’s moose population is healthy and thriving, with an estimated 3,000 statewide. CPW encourages hikers to avoid thick willow habitat in riparian areas, where moose like to eat and rest, to decrease chances of moose interactions. CPW urges dog owners to keep their dogs leashed while hiking, and give moose extra space on trails.



Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com

Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park

The Evolution of Hiking Boots

The following is an adapted excerpt from my new book, Ramble On: How Hiking Became One of the Most Popular Outdoor Activities in the World:

Prior to the 1970s and 80s most hikers wore hunting, riding, military or everyday work boots while hiking. Some even wore gym shoes. Grandma Gatewood famously wore Keds sneakers during her first thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail in 1955. While so-called “mountain boots” were also available as early as the 1850s, they were mostly worn by climbers and adventurers from the upper classes who could afford their high price tags. One of the earliest uses of the term “hiking boots” appeared in the December 1914 issue of Mazama, the journal of The Mazamas mountaineering club. The use of this phrase in this instance, however, likely referred to “mountain boots”.

The first major improvement in mountaineering boots came about as a result of a deadly climbing accident in 1935. While descending Punta Rasica, a mountain on the Swiss-Italian border, an expedition led by Vitale Bramani was caught in a severe snowstorm. Unable to descend along the icy rock walls, six of the climbers died from exhaustion, exposure and frostbite. As was the custom at that time, climbers wore heavy, hobnailed boots along the lower slopes of mountains. As they climbed higher they would exchange their boots for lighter rock climbing shoes, usually made with thin leather, felt-bottom soles that offered little protection against cold temperatures or moisture. Though they worked relatively well in normal weather conditions, the shoes offered virtually no grip in icy conditions. Convinced that inadequate footwear played a major role in the deaths of his six companions, Bramani set out to find a solution to this problem. Two years later he introduced a sole with an innovative tread design that he called Carrarmato, an Italian word that means “tank tread.” The sole was made from vulcanized rubber, and featured heavy lugs that were designed to take the place of hobnails. The rubber lug pattern provided boots with outstanding traction, and allowed them to be used on a variety of surfaces, including uneven forest floors, bare rock, loose scree slopes and hard-packed snow. Moreover, the rubber soles were highly durable, abrasion-resistant, waterproof, and provided much more insulation against the cold than leather soles. In 1937, with the financial backing of Leopoldo Pirelli, grandson of the founder of Pirelli Tires, Bramani launched his revolutionary new product. Taking the first two letters of his first name, and the first four letters of his last name, Vitale Bramani named his new company "Vibram". Almost immediately the new lugged soles caught on with the climbing community, and eventually with hikers by the 1960s and 70s.

By the 1970s American bootmakers were beginning to turn their focus towards the production of lighter boots for day hikers and backpackers. One of the first boots to deliver on this promise was the Danner 6490, which weighed in at just 3 pounds and 14 ounces. Backpacker Magazine declared in its Winter 1973 edition that the Danner 6490 was very close to being their “ideal hiking shoe.” Since the introduction of that boot, manufacturers have made numerous advances over the years that have reduced the weight of hiking boots even more. This includes the use of lightweight leather or synthetic fabric uppers, replacing stitching with cement or injection molding to attach uppers to soles, and the use of shallower lugs.

The next major technological advance in boots came in 1980 when Danner and Donner Mountain Corporation introduced the first hiking boots made with Gore-Tex. The introduction of Gore-Tex resulted in boots that were lighter, breathable, more durable, nearly waterproof, and far more flexible, all of which resulted in increased comfort. Once the original high production costs were cut, the use of Gore-Tex in hiking boots became the industry standard. Nearly all hiking boots sold today are made with Gore-Tex, or a similar waterproof-breathable fabric.

To read more about the evolution of hiking boots and the history of hiking, please click here.


Other excerpts from Ramble On:

* How did hiking become so popular across the globe?

* The Historic Circle Tours of Glacier National Park

* Women’s Hiking Attire During The Victorian Era



Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com

Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park

Video: bear breaks into home by climbing through window

Video of the day! Over the weekend a blond-colored black bear was caught on camera hanging from the upstairs window of a house in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. The bear made several attempts to lower itself to the ground, but it apparently felt it was too high up. The bear went back into the bedroom, eventually made its way downstairs, and came out of the house through another window. The owner of the home, who wasn't home at the time, said the bear helped himself to some pork chops, raided his pantry, and knocked over a few plants.





Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com

Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park

The Colorado Trail Foundation is seeking to hire a Community Outreach Manager

The Colorado Trail Foundation recently published a help wanted notice for a Community Outreach Manager. According to the position summary:

The Community Outreach Manager is a new position and will be an integral part of our team. At its core, this role is relationships: volunteers, trail adopters, donors, thru-hikers, the broader trail community, and communities the Colorado Trail impacts. The Colorado Trail Foundation is a community of givers; those giving of their time, their energy, their passion, and their funds, and the Community Outreach Manager will be responsible for several areas that focus on maintaining, strengthening, and building relationships within this community. The ultimate goal for this position is to help tell the story of who CTF is and the work we do, which will lead to growing and sustaining our volunteer base of trail crew participants and trail adopters and ensuring our strong funding support from thousands of individual donors continues.

Experience in hiking or biking on the Colorado Trail is not required of potential candidates to join our team.

For more information, please click here.



Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com

Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park

Wild Basin Road to close to all uses for several days in July

Beginning Tuesday, July 18, through Friday, July 21, the Wild Basin Road in Rocky Mountain National Park will be closed to all uses, including vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians for road maintenance. 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.

The park’s roads crew will be spreading gravel and grading this narrow road to address ruts, potholes and help with drainage. Due to the road being closed to all uses from July 18 through July 21, visitors should avoid this area of Rocky Mountain National Park during this time.

The trailhead parking area for the Sandbeach Lake Trail will not be impacted by this closure



Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com

Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park

CO 7 is closed from CO 72 near Allenspark to US 36 in Lyons due to large rock slide

The Colorado Department of Transportation posted these Tweets earlier today:

7:30 a.m. 6/14/23 - CO 7 is closed from CO 72 near Allenspark to US 36 in Lyons for a large rock slide.

Crews are expecting an extended closure. Detours are being put in place, but avoid this area, if possible. #KnowBeforeYouGo

UPDATE - 11 a.m. 6/14/23 - Geo specialists are on the scene and have given Maintenance crews the OK to safely start working on clearing the Lyons side of the rocks. However, they also said the closure is expected to be in place for days #CO7.

Here's a video from 9News:





Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com

Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park

It's elk calving season in Rocky!

Rocky Mountain National Park posted this on their social media yesterday:

It's elk calving season in Rocky!

During this time, elk cows (female elk) are finding a quiet, secluded place to drop their young. After approximately 30 minutes, newborn elk calves can stand and nurse. Momma elk and their young will be solitary for the first 1-2 weeks after giving birth. Newborn elk are born scentless, which helps protect them from predators during this vulnerable time. When elk mommas are ready to forage for food, they will cache their young in a quiet place.

If you see a lone elk calf, do not approach! These animals have not been abandoned - their mother are nearby and keeping watch.

After this initial solitary period, elk cows will join together into nursery herds of usually 15-20 mommas with their young. These herds should be avoided. New mothers are highly protective of their young and may become aggressive. Keep back at least 100 ft, or the length of 3 buses. If an animal is responding to your presence, you are too close!

Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com

Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park

Sheep Mountain Closure Added, Other Closures Removed or Continued for the Protection of Nesting Raptors in Rocky Mountain National Park

Each year, to protect breeding and nesting sites used by raptors (also known as birds of prey), Rocky Mountain National Park officials initiate temporary closures in the park. These raptors include multiple species of hawks, owls, golden eagles, and peregrine falcons.

To ensure that these birds can nest undisturbed, specific areas within the park are closed temporarily to public use during their breeding and nesting season. These areas are monitored by park wildlife managers.

Due to raptor nesting activity, Sheep Mountain, located north of Lumpy Ridge, has been added to the park’s closure list. In addition to Sheep Mountain, the following areas remain closed: Twin Owls, Rock One, Thunder Buttress, The Parish, Sundance Buttress, The Needle and Cathedral Wall. These closures include all climbing, approach and descent routes for the indicated formations on all sides of those formations. Visit the park’s website at https://www.nps.gov/romo/raptor-closures.htm for maps and all details on specific raptor closure areas.

Closures have been lifted in the following areas: The Book, Left Book, The Bookmark Pinnacle, Bookmark, Batman Rock, Batman Pinnacle, Checkerboard Rock, and Lightning Rock. The National Park Service is committed to preserving birds of prey. If nest sites are located or territorial behaviors such as aggressive divebombing/vocalizing or birds fleeing nest sites due to human disturbance are observed, please report the general location to ROMO_Information@nps.gov.

The same cliffs that are critical for raptors also appeal to climbers. The cooperation of climbing organizations and individuals continues to be essential to the successful nesting of raptors in the park. Raptor closures began on February 15 and will continue through July 31, if appropriate. These closures may be extended longer or rescinded at an earlier date based on nesting activity.



Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com

Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park

Cameron Peak Fire Recovery Projects Expected in 2023

The Canyon Lakes Ranger District of the Roosevelt National Forest is working closely with partners to continue important fire recovery efforts in 2023 to minimize the impacts of post-fire flooding. All of these potential projects are a continuation of fire recovery efforts that have been taking place since 2021, including vast amounts of aerial mulching and replanting.

Projects under consideration use a combination of process-based restoration and conventional road work to mitigate the impacts of post-fire flooding and debris flows. Process-based restoration adds structure to streams that help slow water, trap sediment and debris, and reconnect channels to the adjacent floodplains. Road improvement elements include increasing culvert sizes, reinforcing roadbeds and stabilizing low-water crossings.

“We greatly appreciate all the support our partners and the community have provided as we continue to recover from the largest wildfire in Colorado’s history,” Canyon Lakes District Ranger Dennis Kuhnel said. “Together we can continue to improve the resiliency of our forests and our watersheds.”

Projects include:

Kyle Gulch: The Forest Service is working with City of Greeley in this high-burn severity area. Three large headcuts (areas of erosion) are contributing sediment to Bennett Creek and the South Fork Cache la Poudre, having negative impacts on water quality.

Ratville/Monument Gulch: The Forest Service is working with the Coalition for the Poudre River Watershed on this tributary to the South Fork of the Cache la Poudre River where burned conditions in the watershed above are causing stream incision and bank erosion.

Sevenmile Creek: The Forest Service is working with the City of Greeley at this site where National Forest System Road 225 and Sevenmile Creek are in very close proximity to one another. Burned conditions of the watershed are causing stream incision and bank erosion. This combined with the degraded conditions of the road are negatively impacting water quality.

South Fork Cache la Poudre: The Forest Service is working with the Coalition for the Poudre River Watershed at this site due to burned conditions in the watershed causing stream incision and bank erosion. Additionally recovery work will occur to rehabilitate staging locations used for aerial mulching efforts from both the 2012 High Park Fire and 2020 Cameron Peak Fire.

Upper Miller Fork Tributary: The Forest Service is working with the Big Thompson Watershed Coalition at this site to address burned conditions in the watershed above, incision and bank erosion, and deteriorating road and trail conditions downstream.

Click here to learn more about fire recovery efforts.



Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com

Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park

The Colorado River Trail in RMNP is temporarily closed due to flooding

Rocky Mountain National Park just posted this on their Twitter account:

The Colorado River Trail in #RMNP is temporarily closed due to flooding about 1/4 mile north of the Red Mountain/Colorado River Trail junction. The Colorado River Trail goes to Lulu City and other destinations in the Grand Ditch/Never Summer Mountains.

Relatedly, they also recently posted this on Facebook:

Mountain streams, rivers and waterfalls are moving swift and dangerous now during spring runoff and due to significant rains. Even a few inches of swift-moving water can knock an adult off their feet.

Remember the following safety tips:

💧 Hike on designated trails and enjoy the water from a distance. Don't hike off trail and wander down to the water's edge.

💧 Rocks near water can be deceptively slippery; they are often covered in dust and when they get wet it is hard to gain traction. Stay at least one body length back from the edge of riverbanks and waterfalls.

💧 Always keep an eye on children and make sure they stay away from the water's edge.

💧 All bodies of moving water have a strong current. The current of even shallow water can knock a person off their feet. All people, including strong swimmers, can find themselves in an unexpected dangerous swift water situation.

💧 If water is flowing across a trail, stop and don't try to cross. Turn back and complete your hike another day.

💧 If you see someone slip and fall into moving water, take the following steps: stay calm and try to keep the person in sight, do not enter the water and attempt to rescue them (this would worsen the situation as you could then be in a life-threatening situation as well), look around and see if a branch, rope, throw bag, etc., can be used to help rescue the person(s) in distress, call 911 and report the location and that someone has fallen into swift-moving water.

For more safety information, visit https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/swift-water-safety.htm.

Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com

Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park

Let's talk about ticks

Rocky Mountain posted this on their social media last week:

Let's talk about ticks. Rocky Mountain Wood Ticks (Dermacentor andersoni) are parasites that feed on the blood of their hosts. It is important to be tick aware, as they can transmit diseases to humans.

There are several ways to help protect yourself from ticks:

▪️ When hiking, try to walk on trails away from tall grasses. Check yourself and your kids for ticks every few hours. Check your head, ankles, wrists and waistbands.

▪️ Cover your skin by wearing long sleeves and long pants. Pull socks over the cuffs of your pants to prevent ticks from finding the skin around your ankles.

▪️ Consider using insect repellent that contains DEET, which can be effective in repelling ticks.

For more information on Rocky Mountain Wood Ticks, visit our Tick Safety page at https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/tick-safety.htm

Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com

Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park

Secretary Haaland Designates Nine New National Recreation Trails

In celebration of Great Outdoors Month and National Trails Day on June 3, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland announced yesterday the designation of nine new national recreation trails in nine states, adding 340 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 District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.    

“This National Trails Day, I encourage everyone to explore one of the national scenic, historic or recreation trails that make up the National Trails System,” said Secretary Haaland. “These trails offer an abundance of opportunities to experience the breathtaking landscapes of our country, all while supporting outdoor recreation activities and boosting local economies.”

National recreation trails are existing local or regional trails that are designated by either the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture with the consent of the federal, state, Tribal, local, nonprofit or private managing entity. These trails are jointly coordinated and administered by the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service, in conjunction with a number of federal and nonprofit partners. Managing agencies or organizations can apply for distinction as a national recreation trail through November 1. 

“National recreation trails, including these new designations, are some of our country’s highest caliber trails and provide close-to-home recreation opportunities and the benefits of spending time outdoors,” said National Park Service Director Chuck Sams. “They can be used by everyone and provide for the ever-increasing recreation needs of our growing population, especially in urban areas.” 

To view a list of the newly designated national recreation trails, please click here.

If you're intrested in learning about the compelling and fascinating stories of how the networks of trails were developed in some of our oldest and most iconic national parks, please click here.



Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com

Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park