Temporary Closure of the Parika Lake and Baker Gulch Area

The USDA Forest Service is temporarily closing the area around Parika Lake and Baker Gulch in Grand County from July 31 to Aug. 4, as Colorado Parks and Wildlife assists the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest with non-native fish removal in the area. The trailhead for this lake is located within Rocky Mountain National Park.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is conducting this operation as part of the Poudre Headwaters Project, an effort to reintroduce greenback cutthroat trout to the headwaters of the Cache la Poudre River in Larimer County. The Grand Ditch, located in Grand County, acts as a connection for fish populations in tributaries upstream of the project area. The removal of non-native species in Parika Lake and Baker Gulch is a vital step in the preparation for the reintroduction of greenback cutthroat trout. The greenback cutthroat trout is Colorado's State Fish and is listed as "Threatened" under the Endangered Species Act.

Parika Lake and Baker Gulch are both located in the Never Summer Wilderness. The lake has historically been stocked with brook trout, which outcompete the native greenback and present an enormous threat to the viability of the eventual population of the greenback in the Poudre Headwaters Project. Sterile, non-reproducing brook trout will later be reintroduced to maintain the recreational opportunity at the lake. Unable to reproduce, the sterile brook trout do not present a threat to the greenback in long-term population dynamics. This removal is done using rotenone, an Environmental Protection Agency-approved organic compound used for decades to control fish populations.

As part of the reintroduction project, the Sulphur Ranger District is temporarily closing the area around Parika Lake and a portion of Baker Gulch for public health and safety during the non-native fish removal activities. The closure includes a quarter-mile buffer around Parika Lake and Baker Gulch and segments of Forest System Trails 29 and 29.1 that fall within the buffer area (see map).

Subsequent phases of treatment in the Poudre Headwaters Project will establish approximately 37 miles of stream and 300 acres of lake habitats for greenback cutthroat trout. More information about the Poudre Headwaters Project can be found here. 

 Based on the closure map, it appears that the trail to Baker Pass will remain open.



Jeff
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Sprague Lake Boardwalk Replacement Project Starting Monday, July 31

Work to start the repair of the Sprague Lake Boardwalk will begin on Monday, July 31st. The majority of the Sprague Lake Trail, accessed from Bear Lake Road, will remain open to park visitors. There will be a full closure in place for a small portion of the Sprague Lake as crews work to replace and repair a 210-foot-long section. Because of this closure, the trail will only be accessible as an out and back instead of a loop.

The initial boardwalk was created in 2000. During the Sprague Lake Boardwalk Replacement Project, the park’s trail crew, assisted by a Rocky Mountain Conservancy Conservation Corps trail crew, will replace failing wooden boards, as well as widen a section of the boardwalk. Crews will also repair the substructure by replacing with steel beams to extend the total life of the bridge. These improvements will improve accessibility for visitors who use wheelchairs and strollers. The project will also improve two scenic overlooks. Once complete in the fall of 2023, the new Sprague Lake Boardwalk will look very similar to the Lily Lake Boardwalk.

This project is funded by park entrance fees to help improve visitor experience and protect resources for future generations.



Jeff
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Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
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Fatality on Mount Ida Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park

On the afternoon of Monday, July 17, a 51-year-old male from Carencro, Louisiana was found unresponsive a little over one mile from the Mount Ida Trailhead by park visitors hiking in the area. They notified park rangers via a personal locator beacon and began CPR on the individual. Park rangers responded to the scene and continued CPR and initiated advanced medical care. The man was later pronounced deceased.

As is standard protocol the incident is under investigation. Park staff conducted recovery efforts via a litter carryout to the Mount Ida Trailhead. The man’s body was transferred to the Grand County Coroner’s Office who will determine the cause of death. The man’s name will be released by the coroner’s office after next of kin are notified.

The park was assisted by Grand County Sheriff’s Office, Grand County EMS, Grand Lake Fire and Classic Air Medical, stationed in Steamboat Springs.



Jeff
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Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
Exploring Glacier National Park
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Reminder: Wild Basin Road to close to all uses beginning today

Beginning 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
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Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
Exploring Glacier National Park
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Volunteer clean-up project on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park

Are you interested in participating in a volunteer clean-up project?

Rocky Mountain National Park and the Rocky Mountain Conservancy are hosting a clean-up project on the west side of the park. Participants will meet at the Holzwarth Historic Site Parking Area on Friday, July 21, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This family-friendly event is fun for all ages! Registration is required. For more details and to sign up, visit www.RMConservancy.org/volunteer.



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

Two Climbers Rescued on the Diamond of Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park

On the evening of Tuesday, July 11, 2023, park rangers received a report of two climbers stranded and unable to complete their climb on Longs Peak. Neither party was injured. Rangers remained in contact with both climbers overnight and Rocky Mountain National Park Search and Rescue team members set out at first light on Wednesday, July 12.

The two climbers set out on the morning of July 11 from Chasm Lake and began to ascend the Casual Route on the East Face of Longs Peak, also known as the Diamond. The climbers were unprepared for conditions on Longs Peak and did not have the equipment necessary to self-rescue or to spend an unplanned night in cold temperatures.

Members of Rocky Mountain National Park’s Search and Rescue Team were involved in this rescue operation. NPS staff assisted the two climbers out of steep technical terrain. After climbing to the summit, the two climbers and the NPS rescue team came down together via the North Face of Longs Peak and hiked out, returning to the Longs Peak Trailhead on Wednesday evening.

At 14,259 feet, Longs Peak is the highest elevation peak inside Rocky Mountain National Park and towers over all other summits. Climbing Longs Peak is a serious objective with serious outcomes. For most of the year, Longs Peak is in winter conditions, which requires winter mountaineering experience and knowledge of equipment. Disregard for the mountain environment any time of year has inherent danger. All climbers should have knowledge of climbing routes, the necessary equipment and knowledge to self-rescue, and necessary gear in the event of an unexpected overnight stay on the mountain.

My new book on the history of hiking, Ramble On, includes the story of the incredible attempted rescue of two foolishly unprepared teenagers on the Diamond back in 2014. During the incident, which actually turned into an improbable self-rescue, 46 rescuers and two helicopters were used at a cost of roughly $41,000 to the National Park Service. I highlighted this particular story to demonstrate how avoidable SARs are on the rise as the result of more adventurers heading into the backcountry in recent years.



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

The Potomac Appalachian Trail Club publishes review of "Ramble On"!

Earlier this month the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, founded in 1927 for the purpose of constructing hundreds of miles of the original Appalachian Trail, and is now in charge of maintaining the trail in the Mid-Atlantic region, published a review of my new book, Ramble On: How Hiking Became One of the Most Popular Outdoor Activities in the World. I want to sincerely thank Wayne Limberg for publishing his detailed review of the book in the latest edition of The Potomac Appalachian, the monthly newsletter of the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club.

In the review, Limberg notes that "One of the more entertaining chapters in “Ramble On” deals with the evolution of hiking gear. Using old guides and catalogs, Doran describes what the well-dressed hiker wore from roughly the 1840s to present, with short histories and pictures of the development of boots, fleece, breathable waterproof fabrics, and packs. The section on women’s fashions speaks volumes on the social mores of the Victorian age. Doran gets high marks for highlighting the role of women in the hiking movement throughout the book."

Mr. Limberg concluded his extensive appraisal by also stating,“Ramble On” closes with an intelligent discussion of the future of hiking. Doran identifies overcrowding as the biggest challenge to hiking and offers some good stats, arguing that hiking’s popularity has become its worst enemy. The pandemic only added to the problem. Doran offers some familiar solutions, including more trails, shuttles to trailheads, user fees, and corporate sponsorship, but also includes arguments on both sides as to their likely impact and success."

To read the entire review (on page 12), please click here. To purchase the book on Amazon, please click here.



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

Fatality on Blitzen Ridge in Rocky Mountain National Park

On Sunday, July 9, 2023, a 26-year-old female from Boulder, Colorado died after an approximate 500-foot-fall while free-solo climbing on the Four Aces of Blitzen Ridge in Rocky Mountain National Park. Blitzen Ridge is located on Ypsilon Mountain on the east side of the park.

A 27-year-old-male climbing partner, also from Boulder, notified park rangers, via cell phone, of her fall. Rocky Mountain National Park Search and Rescue Team members were able to reach him last night. Because of his location, the park requested assistance from a Colorado Air National Guard helicopter from Buckley Air Force Base to extricate the male climbing partner via a hoist operation, using a winch operated cable. He was uninjured. Rocky Mountain Rescue Group assisted with the helicopter hoist operations.

Early yesterday morning, Rocky Mountain National Park Search and Rescue Team members hiked to the area above Ypsilon Lake to prepare for a helicopter long-line recovery. The victim’s body was flown by Northern Colorado Interagency Helitak to a helispot in the Upper Beaver Meadows area of the park. Her body was then transferred to the Larimer County Coroner/Medical Examiner’s Office who will determine the cause of death. The woman’s name will be released after next of kin are notified.

In addition to the Colorado Air National Guard, Rocky Mountain Rescue Group, and the Northern Colorado Helitak, the park was assisted by a Flight for Life Air Ambulance for initial air reconnaissance.



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

Ranger-led talks offered at the Holzwarth Historic Site

Rocky Mountain National Park recently posted this blurb on their social media for those wishing to learn more about the pioneers who settled in the area before Rocky Mountain became a park:

Have you ever wondered what life as a homesteader in the Rocky Mountains would have been like? Take a step back in time and visit the Holzwarth Historic Site.

The Holzwarth Historic Site buildings are open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Ranger-led talks are offered daily at 11 a.m. and at 3 p.m. Interested in learning more about the Holzwarth Historic Site? Visit: https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/holzwarth-historic-site.htm

For more information about the hike to the Holzwarth Historic Site, please click here.



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

Fatality at West Creek Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park

On Sunday, July 2, 2023, a 25-year-old male from Providence, Rhode Island died after falling and being pulled underwater at West Creek Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park. His body was recovered last evening. West Creek Falls is located on the east side of the park.

Yesterday morning, the victim’s body was flown by Northern Colorado Interagency Helitak to a helispot in the Upper Beaver Meadows area of the park. His body was then transferred to the Larimer County Coroner/Medical Examiner’s Office who will determine the cause of death. The man’s name will be released after next of kin are notified.

The park was assisted by the Larimer Country Sheriff’s Office, Estes Park Health, Estes Park Police Department, and Estes Valley Crisis Advocates.

Mountain rivers, streams, and waterfalls are running very cold and very fast this time of year. The depth and current of all waterways can be deceivingly deep and swift. Park visitors are reminded to keep back from the banks of streams, rivers and waterfalls. Rocks and vegetation near water sources are often very slippery. Powerful currents can quickly pull a person underwater. Always provide proper supervision for children, who by nature, tend to be attracted to water.



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

National Park Service selects new superintendent of Rocky Mountain National Park

The National Park Service (NPS) has selected Gary Ingram as superintendent of Rocky Mountain National Park. Ingram will begin his new assignment in August. As superintendent, Ingram will oversee 150 permanent staff and approximately 250 seasonal staff and will work to continue to address complex challenges such as climate change and wildland fire; ecosystem restoration; and managing day use visitation that sustains the park's resources and offers varied quality visitor experiences.

“Gary is a seasoned leader who comes to Rocky with a wealth of knowledge and experience gained during his 30 years with the NPS,” said Regional Director Kate Hammond. “His energy, enthusiasm and optimism will elevate an already high-functioning, high-performing team.”

Most recently, Ingram served as the superintendent at Cumberland Island National Seashore and Fort Frederica National Monument. Prior to that he was superintendent at Jimmy Carter National Historic Park and special assistant to the Alaska Regional Director. He began his NPS career in Yosemite National Park where he served in variety of positions including law enforcement, horse patrol, emergency medical services, fire fighter, shift supervisor, chief liaison officer, and management assistant.

"I am profoundly honored to be selected as the superintendent of Rocky Mountain National Park,” said Ingram. “The magnificent natural wonders and rich cultural history make it one of the world's most special places. I look forward to working with and serving the visitors, park staff, park partners, and affiliated Tribes as we continue to protect and enjoy this incredible resource."

Ingram will be moving to the area with his wife, Athena. He succeeds Darla Sidles who recently retired after serving seven years as the park superintendent. Kyle Patterson, Rocky Mountain National Park’s Public Affairs Officer, will serve as interim superintendent between Sidles’ departure and Ingram's arrival.



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