Annual meadow closures go into effect in Rocky Mountain National Park

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

Beginning on September 1, annual meadow closures go into effect in Rocky Mountain National Park to prevent the disturbance and harassment of elk during their fall mating season, also known as the elk rut. Meadow closures are also in place to enhance wildlife viewing experiences for all park visitors.

Meadow closures are in place between the hours of 5 p.m. to 10 a.m. Areas that are closed include meadow areas in Horseshoe Park, Upper Beaver Meadows, Moraine Park, Harbison Meadow, and Holzwarth Meadow. During the specified hours, these areas are closed to all travel on foot or via horseback off established roadways and established trails.

Fishing locations along the Fall River, Thompson River, and Colorado River that are accessed by walking through closed areas are closed to fishing between the hours of 5 p.m. and 7 a.m. These closures remain in place through October 31.

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

Expect Flash Flooding in Rocky Mountain National Park

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

Planning a trip to Rocky? Rain is in the forecast for Rocky Mountain National Park this Friday and Saturday.

Friday continues to look like a day to watch for the potential of flash flooding. Thunderstorms are expected Friday afternoon through early Saturday. Rainfall rates and amounts, and the location of the heaviest rain, are still uncertain. If you are planning travel Friday-Saturday or live in flood-prone area, please be aware of your surroundings and have a way to receive flash flood warnings.

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

Rocky Mountain National Park striping roads - expect 15-minute delays

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

Beginning on Monday, August 21 through Friday, September 1, paved roads and parking areas inside Rocky Mountain National Park will be striped between the daylight hours of 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This will include road striping on Trail Ridge Road from Rainbow Curve to Milner Pass and on Bear Lake Road, weather and resources permitting. During the day, when striping occurs, travelers should expect rolling delays up to 15-minutes.

Striping work in parking areas along both roads will be completed at night.

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

Two Separate Incidents in Rocky Mountain National Park this Weekend

On Saturday afternoon, August 12, a 21-year-old female from Severance, Colorado died after an approximate 300-foot fall. A 25-year-old male from San Angelo, Texas also fell approximately 300 feet and suffered critical injuries. The two individuals fell while descending in the Flying Dutchman couloir. This couloir is located inside Rocky Mountain National Park between Longs Peak and Mount Meeker.

Park visitors in the area contacted park rangers via cell phone in addition to activating a personal locator beacon. Bystanders provided initial care to the seriously injured male. Park rangers, a park paramedic and an Estes Park Health paramedic provided advanced medical care on scene. Because of the severity of the 25-year-old male's injuries, park rangers asked for assistance from a Colorado Air National Guard helicopter from Buckley Air Force Base to extricate him via hoist operation, using a winch operated cable. Rocky Mountain Rescue Group assisted with helicopter hoist operations. This occurred last night. The man was transferred to a Flight for Life air ambulance at Upper Beaver Meadows and flown to Medical Center of the Rockies.

Overall, 31 people were involved in this rescue operation including Rocky Mountain National Park Search and Rescue team members assisted by Estes Park Health, Rocky Mountain Rescue and Colorado Air National Guard.

As is standard protocol, this incident is under investigation. Recovery operations for the female were hampered by weather on Sunday and will take place on Monday, weather and resources permitting. Her body will be transferred to the Boulder County Coroner's Office. The woman's name will be released after positive identification has been made and next of kin are notified.

Late Friday afternoon, August 11, a 64-year-old male from College Station, Texas took an approximate 60-foot tumbling fall above the Ledges on the Keyhole Route on Longs Peak. A bystander provided critical care to him until park rangers arrived on scene. Rocky Mountain National Park Search and Rescue team members provided advanced medical care. Because of the location and severity of the man's injuries park rangers asked for assistance from a Colorado Air National Guard helicopter from Buckley Air Force Base to extricate him via a hoist operation, using a winch operated cable. Rocky Mountain Rescue Group assisted with helicopter hoist operations. The man was transferred to a Flight for Life air ambulance at Upper Beaver Meadows and flown to Medical Center of the Rockies. RMNP Search and Rescue Team members hiked out and reached the Longs Peak Trailhead at midnight on Friday night.

Update:

On the morning of Monday, August 14, recovery efforts were completed in the Flying Dutchman couloir for the body of a 21-year-old female from Severance, Colorado. Park rangers requested assistance from a Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control helicopter and helitack crew. Her body was flown to Upper Beaver Meadows and then transferred to Boulder County Coroner's Office.



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 Piedmont Appalachian Trail Hikers club reviews "Ramble On"!

Earlier this month the Piedmont Appalachian Trail Hikers club published a review of my new book, Ramble On: How Hiking Became One of the Most Popular Outdoor Activities in the World. The Piedmont Appalachian Trail Hikers (or PATH) is one of 31 volunteer clubs associated with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy that helps to maintain the Appalachian Trail. PATH is responsible for maintaining 66 miles of the National Scenic Trail in southwest Virginia. I want to sincerely thank Karl Kunkel for publishing his detailed review of the book in the latest edition of PATHWAYS, a quarterly publication by the Piedmont Appalachian Trail Hikers.

In the review, Kunkel notes that "Hikers of all levels — whether they be long-distance backpackers or Sunday afternoon day-hikers— have probably spent some quiet time along a trail, wondering about the history of this pursuit they have embraced. The author's heavily researched book offers a solid springboard for the curious. Thanks to his detailed history, a reader can branch out into any number of avenues."

Mr. Kunkel concludes his appraisal by declaring that “This history offers much food for thought for those interested in uncovering the many strands of a sport — and a passion — that are intricately woven into our culture."

To read the entire review (on page 3), please click here. To purchase the book on Amazon, 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

See the Perseid Meteor Shower in Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park posted this star viewing invite on their social media ealrier today:

"I've loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night." - Galileo Galilei

For thousands of years, people have looked up to explore the wonders of the night sky. Join park rangers and expert astronomers this Friday to explore the Milky Way and many other features of the night sky. This week will be particularly special, as this weekend will be the peak of the Perseid Meteor Shower.

On Friday, August 11 meet at the Upper Beaver Meadows Trailhead at 8:30 p.m. for the program "Astronomy in the Park." The evening will kick off with a 30-minute ranger-led program followed by the opportunity to view the night sky using telescopes.

Parking is limited; it is recommended to arrive early. This program is free (park entrance fees still apply) and open to participants of all ages.

Pick up your Junior Ranger Night Explorer book and participate in fun interactive activities. Remember to dress warmly and bring a flashlight (a red-light or red-light filter is recommended to help protect night vision). All night sky programs are weather permitting.

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

Trail Alert for Collegiate West 02

The Colorado Trail Foundation recently issued this alert for those hiking the Colorado Trail in the Collegiate Peaks region:

New trail alert! For those hiking on segment CW02 (Collegiate West 02) between Lake Ann and Texas Creek Trailhead, you’ll want to take note.

The USFS and partners have been working to construct a new trail that will allow nonmotorized traffic to bypass the motorized Timberline Trail between Lake Ann and Texas Creek Trailhead if they choose to do so. This trail, which is marked with signage directing you to go toward Prospector Gulch, has officially been opened by the USFS and can be seen on the attached map; however, there is a section of the new trail that is not yet clearly defined. The Colorado Trail Foundation seeks to inform trail users that this new trail is open, but we also urge trail users to take caution when navigating through this new area. As the new trail is used, it will become more defined and easier to follow, but those seeking to explore the area in the immediate future will need to pay close attention. The Timberline Trail will remain open and is a great option for trail users that want to stick with the existing route until the new trail is more clearly defined.

Trail users can reach out to the USFS Gunnison Ranger District with any questions regarding this new section of trail.

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

Portion of Long Draw Road temporarily closed beginning August 7

Long Draw Road, located near the top of Poudre Canyon, will be temporarily closed past the Corral Creek Trailhead beginning Monday, Aug. 7, due to the construction of a bypass road for the installation of a culvert. Saturday, Aug. 5 will be the last night to camp at Grandview or Long Draw campgrounds.

The Corral Creek Trailhead will remain open. A foot path will be open to walk past the construction site if visitors would like to access Long Draw Reservoir or La Poudre Pass Trailhead during the closure. There will be no motorized access past the work site. The closure will remain in effect through Aug. 14 or until construction work is completed.



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