Rocky Mountain National Park is seeking public comment on an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the park’s long-range day use visitor access plan. This plan is needed to provide day use visitor access in a way that protects resources while creating opportunities for high-quality visitor experiences.
The park experienced a 44 percent increase in visitation from 2012 to 2019. In 2021 the park received 4.4 million visits making it the second busiest visitation year. 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 visitor and staff safety concerns, and created a heavy strain on the park’s facilities and ability to perform daily operations. The goal of the plan is to identify strategies that will help protect park resources, offer varied opportunities for high quality visitor experiences, and enhance visitor and staff safety.
Between 2016 and 2023, the park piloted several day-use visitor management strategies to address crowding, congestion, and impacts on park resources. The park also asked the public for their participation in envisioning the future of day use visitor access at Rocky Mountain National Park during the summer of 2021 and the winter of 2022-2023. Based on public feedback and information gathered during the pilots, the preferred alternative described in the EA would establish two timed entry reservation systems, one for the Bear Lake Road Corridor and one for the rest of the park, similar to the 2021, 2022, and 2023 pilots.
Park staff are eager to continue engaging with stakeholders and park visitors about the purpose and need for action; the environmental issues and impacts being addressed, and the proposed alternatives. We hope to hear from members of the public who have visited the park, local businesses, and the surrounding community. Park staff invite members of the public to submit their comments via the park’s Planning, Environment and Public Comment (PEPC) website at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/ROMO_DUVAS through December 14, 2023.
The park will host public open houses on Tuesday, November 14, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Grand Lake Center in Grand Lake, Colorado and Monday, November 27, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Estes Valley Community Center in Estes Park, Colorado. These open houses will provide an opportunity to drop in, meet with National Park Service (NPS) staff, and learn more about the EA and the proposed alternatives.
The park is also hosting a virtual public meeting on Wednesday, November 8, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. to provide opportunities for the public to learn more about the EA, ask questions of NPS staff, and learn how to provide formal written comments through the PEPC website.
To participate in the virtual meeting, please register here. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with information on how to join the Teams Webinar. We recommended joining the webinar via computer to have full use of the webinar tools that Teams provides.
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
Tuesday, October 31, 2023
Saturday, October 28, 2023
Bullhead Lake
Though it's a 7.2-mile roundtrip hike, Bullhead Lake in Glacier National Park is relatively easy, considering there's only 425 feet of elevation gain. Along the route hikers will visit Fishercap Lake, Redrock Lake and Redrock Falls begore reaching Bullhead. From Bullhead hikers will enjoy great views of Swiftcurrent Mountain, Swiftcurrent Glacier, as well as the headwall above the lake:
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
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
Thursday, October 26, 2023
CPW wildlife officers respond to a bear attack in Aspen late Monday night
Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers responded to a bear attack at the St. Regis Aspen Resort in Aspen late Monday night. The victim, a male security guard, was transported to an area hospital by ambulance with injuries to his back.
Around 11 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 23, Colorado Parks and Wildlife was notified by Aspen Police Department (APD) of a bear attack inside the kitchen of the hotel.
After receiving reports of a bear inside the hotel, the on-duty security guard went to investigate. While in the kitchen, the security guard surprised the bear as he was going around a corner into another area of the kitchen. The bear attacked the guard, swiping at him and knocking him down to the ground. He was able to get away from the bear and call 911. The victim was transported by ambulance to a local hospital where he received care for scratches to his back, and was later released from the hospital early Tuesday morning.
Wildlife officers arrived on scene just after midnight, Tuesday, Oct. 24 to investigate and search for the bear. During the investigation wildlife officers learned the bear had entered the hotel through a series of doors near the courtyard. Wildlife officers were also able to get a description of the bear, including specific identification markers to assist in locating and properly identifying the bear.
CPW wildlife officers remained in the area to search for the bear responsible for the attack. As of early Tuesday morning, wildlife officers were able to locate the bear in an area near the hotel; however, due to public safety they were unable to safely tranquilize and capture the bear. Wildlife officers will return to the area and continue search efforts Tuesday evening.
This incident serves as an unfortunate reminder that bears are still active as they prepare for hibernation. While it is common for people to see bears and other wildlife inside Aspen town limits, it is everyone's responsibility to give wildlife space and remember the importance of being “bear aware” at all times.
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
Around 11 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 23, Colorado Parks and Wildlife was notified by Aspen Police Department (APD) of a bear attack inside the kitchen of the hotel.
After receiving reports of a bear inside the hotel, the on-duty security guard went to investigate. While in the kitchen, the security guard surprised the bear as he was going around a corner into another area of the kitchen. The bear attacked the guard, swiping at him and knocking him down to the ground. He was able to get away from the bear and call 911. The victim was transported by ambulance to a local hospital where he received care for scratches to his back, and was later released from the hospital early Tuesday morning.
Wildlife officers arrived on scene just after midnight, Tuesday, Oct. 24 to investigate and search for the bear. During the investigation wildlife officers learned the bear had entered the hotel through a series of doors near the courtyard. Wildlife officers were also able to get a description of the bear, including specific identification markers to assist in locating and properly identifying the bear.
CPW wildlife officers remained in the area to search for the bear responsible for the attack. As of early Tuesday morning, wildlife officers were able to locate the bear in an area near the hotel; however, due to public safety they were unable to safely tranquilize and capture the bear. Wildlife officers will return to the area and continue search efforts Tuesday evening.
This incident serves as an unfortunate reminder that bears are still active as they prepare for hibernation. While it is common for people to see bears and other wildlife inside Aspen town limits, it is everyone's responsibility to give wildlife space and remember the importance of being “bear aware” at all times.
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
Wednesday, October 25, 2023
The Sprague Lake Boardwalk Replacement Project is Complete Inside Rocky Mountain National Park
The Sprague Lake Boardwalk Replacement Project is now complete inside Rocky Mountain National Park. Located along Bear Lake Road, the Sprague Lake Loop is a 0.7-mile trail around the lake. Sprague Lake is a popular destination where visitors can enjoy scenic views of the lake and the Continental Divide as well as activities like fishing and wildlife viewing. There is also a picnic area and vault toilets located near the parking area in addition to an accessible backcountry campsite located a short distance from the lake.
On Friday, October 20, 2023 Gary Ingram, Superintendent of Rocky Mountain National Park, and RMNP staff members were joined by Rocky Mountain Conservancy Board President Brian Ross and other members of the Conservancy Board and staff to celebrate the completion of this important project.
Over the 2023 summer season, NPS Staff and partners worked to replace a 230-linear feet section of the Sprague Lake Trail (or 2044-square feet). This section of trail included an elevated boardwalk that crosses riparian habitat along the southwest shore of the lake. This project worked to replace an old boardwalk that was built in 2000 and had outlived its lifespan, addressing structural deficiencies and widening the trail to improve accessibility for visitors who use wheelchairs and strollers.
This project involved removing the old wooden boardwalk, improving the substructure, installing a steel frame as the support base to protect wetlands areas, widening this section of the trail, and installing new wooden boards on the surface of the boardwalk. This project also widened and improved two scenic overlooks. The new boardwalk contains nearly 50,000 pounds of materials.
Many people were involved with the successful completion of this project, including Rocky’s trail crew staff, members of the Rocky Mountain Conservancy-Conservation Corps, NPS staff from the Denver Service Center, Northern Colorado Helitack, volunteers with Teens Inc. and volunteers with Heli-Pile.
This project was funded primarily through recreation fee dollars with additional funds from the Rocky Mountain Conservancy. Thank you to the Rocky Mountain Conservancy for helping to support the Sprague Lake Boardwalk Replacement Project for the enjoyment of current and future generations.
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
On Friday, October 20, 2023 Gary Ingram, Superintendent of Rocky Mountain National Park, and RMNP staff members were joined by Rocky Mountain Conservancy Board President Brian Ross and other members of the Conservancy Board and staff to celebrate the completion of this important project.
Over the 2023 summer season, NPS Staff and partners worked to replace a 230-linear feet section of the Sprague Lake Trail (or 2044-square feet). This section of trail included an elevated boardwalk that crosses riparian habitat along the southwest shore of the lake. This project worked to replace an old boardwalk that was built in 2000 and had outlived its lifespan, addressing structural deficiencies and widening the trail to improve accessibility for visitors who use wheelchairs and strollers.
This project involved removing the old wooden boardwalk, improving the substructure, installing a steel frame as the support base to protect wetlands areas, widening this section of the trail, and installing new wooden boards on the surface of the boardwalk. This project also widened and improved two scenic overlooks. The new boardwalk contains nearly 50,000 pounds of materials.
Many people were involved with the successful completion of this project, including Rocky’s trail crew staff, members of the Rocky Mountain Conservancy-Conservation Corps, NPS staff from the Denver Service Center, Northern Colorado Helitack, volunteers with Teens Inc. and volunteers with Heli-Pile.
This project was funded primarily through recreation fee dollars with additional funds from the Rocky Mountain Conservancy. Thank you to the Rocky Mountain Conservancy for helping to support the Sprague Lake Boardwalk Replacement Project for the enjoyment of current and future generations.
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
Monday, October 23, 2023
Grand View Point
This is what the Grand Tetons looked like about a month ago. After a couple of days of rain and thick fog, the mountains finally emerged in all their glory. This was taken from Grand View Point:
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
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
Friday, October 20, 2023
New Members Needed on the Greater Rocky Mountain Resource Advisory Committee
The USDA Forest Service Rocky Mountain Region is seeking new members with diverse backgrounds and interests to serve on the Greater Rocky Mountain Resource Advisory Committee. Committee members recommend special projects that should be implemented on Forest Service lands with Title II Secure Rural Schools funds. The committee functions under a formal charter in accordance with the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act and is subject to the Federal Advisory Committee Act.
The Greater Rocky Mountain Resource Advisory Committee is the largest of its kind, representing the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, Gunnison, Routt, Pike, Roosevelt, San Isabel, Rio Grande, San Juan, and White River National Forests in Colorado and the Medicine Bow, Bighorn, and Shoshone National Forests in Wyoming. The committee consists of 15 people who work in collaboration with natural resource managers and community members to help make project decisions that benefit federal lands and local communities. Serving on the committee provides a great opportunity for citizens to have a voice in future management actions across the region. Members volunteer to serve a 4-year term without pay, but may be reimbursed for travel expenses.
Projects are funded primarily by Title 2, and must improve forest health, fish, wildlife, soils, watersheds, or other resources; maintain, de-commission or obliterate roads; improve trails and other infrastructure; or control noxious weeds. Previous projects have included meadow restoration in wetland areas, wildlife habitat improvements, and the installation of Aquatic Organism Passages to replace undersized culverts. The projects must be located on or provide a direct benefit to National Forest lands. The committee is also responsible for monitoring projects and making recommendations for improvements.
Those who are interested in serving on the committee are invited to submit nominations. Nominations must be received by December 1, 2023. Final selections will be vetted and approved by the Secretary of Agriculture. For a list of criteria nominees must meet, 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
The Greater Rocky Mountain Resource Advisory Committee is the largest of its kind, representing the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, Gunnison, Routt, Pike, Roosevelt, San Isabel, Rio Grande, San Juan, and White River National Forests in Colorado and the Medicine Bow, Bighorn, and Shoshone National Forests in Wyoming. The committee consists of 15 people who work in collaboration with natural resource managers and community members to help make project decisions that benefit federal lands and local communities. Serving on the committee provides a great opportunity for citizens to have a voice in future management actions across the region. Members volunteer to serve a 4-year term without pay, but may be reimbursed for travel expenses.
Projects are funded primarily by Title 2, and must improve forest health, fish, wildlife, soils, watersheds, or other resources; maintain, de-commission or obliterate roads; improve trails and other infrastructure; or control noxious weeds. Previous projects have included meadow restoration in wetland areas, wildlife habitat improvements, and the installation of Aquatic Organism Passages to replace undersized culverts. The projects must be located on or provide a direct benefit to National Forest lands. The committee is also responsible for monitoring projects and making recommendations for improvements.
Those who are interested in serving on the committee are invited to submit nominations. Nominations must be received by December 1, 2023. Final selections will be vetted and approved by the Secretary of Agriculture. For a list of criteria nominees must meet, 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
Wednesday, October 18, 2023
Trail Ridge Road is Closed to Through Travel for the 2023 Season
Today, Wednesday, October 18, Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) officially closed for the season to through travel. Many popular driving destinations for this time of year include Bear Lake Road, Moraine Park, and Horseshoe Park on the east side of the park as well as the section of Trail Ridge Road along the Kawuneeche Valley on the west side of the park, are all open.
Trail Ridge Road is not designed to be an all-season road, with 11 miles above 11,500 feet, few guard rails and no shoulders. Winter conditions of drifting snow, high winds and below- freezing temperatures occur above 10,000 feet. Trail Ridge Road is currently closed at Many Parks Curve on the east side of RMNP and at the Colorado River Trailhead on the west side of the park. Closure points on the road may fluctuate this fall, however the road is closed to through travel for the season.
Trail Ridge Road normally opens the last week in May, weather permitting. This year Trail Ridge Road opened on Friday, May 26.
Old Fall River Road closed for the season to vehicles on October 3. Trail Ridge Road and Old Fall River Road will remain open to bicycles, hikers, and people walking leashed pets through November 30. Leashed pets and bicycles are only allowed on the road, not on side trails. On December 1, both of these roads will revert to "winter trail status" which means that bicycles and leashed pets will no longer be permitted beyond the closed gates, but pedestrians, snowshoers and skiers are.
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 Ridge Road is not designed to be an all-season road, with 11 miles above 11,500 feet, few guard rails and no shoulders. Winter conditions of drifting snow, high winds and below- freezing temperatures occur above 10,000 feet. Trail Ridge Road is currently closed at Many Parks Curve on the east side of RMNP and at the Colorado River Trailhead on the west side of the park. Closure points on the road may fluctuate this fall, however the road is closed to through travel for the season.
Trail Ridge Road normally opens the last week in May, weather permitting. This year Trail Ridge Road opened on Friday, May 26.
Old Fall River Road closed for the season to vehicles on October 3. Trail Ridge Road and Old Fall River Road will remain open to bicycles, hikers, and people walking leashed pets through November 30. Leashed pets and bicycles are only allowed on the road, not on side trails. On December 1, both of these roads will revert to "winter trail status" which means that bicycles and leashed pets will no longer be permitted beyond the closed gates, but pedestrians, snowshoers and skiers are.
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
Tuesday, October 17, 2023
TetonHikingTrails.com Adds 10 New Hikes!
This past September Kathy and I had the fortune and pleasure to travel around Montana and Wyoming for roughly three weeks. Included on our itinerary was the Beartooth Highway, Glacier National Park, Bozeman and Grand Teton National Park. Other than a few rainy and foggy days, we really had a fantastic trip. Along the way we saw some amazing sights, had a few unique wildlife encounters, hiked several new trails, and re-visted several old favorites that allowed us to replace some subpar photos on our websites.
While there were two or three days where we experienced some relatively heavy fog, the fog actually provided for some really cool scenery in some instances, especially in Grand Teton. One day, as we were driving to the trailhead, we saw our first fogbow. Though we stopped to take a few photos, they really didn't represent what we actualy saw.
In all, we saw eleven bears during our trip: nine were grizzlies, and two were spotted while hiking. Fortunately those two bears were well off the trail. One morning, well before sunrise, I noticed a dark object on the edge of the road as we drove towards Logan Pass in Glacier. As we got a little closer I could see three more objects. After slowing almost to a crawl we realized it was a grizzly sow and her three cubs. After getting past the bears we continued driving, knowing that bears can become habituated to humans - even when they're in their cars. Earlier that week we saw our first albino chipmunk at the top of Ptarmigan Falls. Actually, I didn't even know they existed! On the following day we heard a loud splash in the water as we walked along Swiftcurrent Lake. On the opposing side we could see a cow moose and her calf walking into the lake, and continued to watch as they began swimming. After about a minute it appreared that they were intending to swim across the lake. Sure enough, they swam all the way across the lake, a distance of at least a quarter-of-a-mile. More amazingly, they were heading almost directly towards where we were standing. Although they didn't actually come ashore, the calf looked as if he/she was ready to stand on solid land. The mother, however, was quite content to feed on the aquatic plants just off the shore. We stood there watching for several minutes, but left after their presence started drawing crowds.
While staying in Wilson just outside of Grand Teton we saw five different moose, at various times, hanging out just below our 2nd story condominium balcony. Among these was this bull moose, who just began the process of digging a rut pit. As he dug he periodically urinated in it. Bull moose use wallows like these to ensure the odor from their urine is coated on their bodies, which is highly attractive to cows:
As a result of this extended trip we were able to add ten new hikes to our TetonHikingTrails.com website. All of these are located within the Greater Yellowstone region. This includes Fred’s Mountain at Grand Targhee Resort on the west side of Grand Teton National Park. Along the Wyoming portion of the Beartooth Highway we hiked to Night Lake, Beauty Lake and Sheepherder Lakes, each of them located in an area known as the High Lakes, and all being quite superb hikes:
Off the Beartooth Highway near Red Lodge, Montana we hiked to Silver Run Lakes Basin, and then up to Silver Run Plateau where we enjoyed some awesome panoramic views.
While in Bozeman we hiked to Lava Lake, and Beehive Basin, which is an absolutely outstanding hike:
Finally, on our way from Bozeman to the west side of Grand Teton, we briefly stopped in Yellowstone to do the Harlequin Lake and Two Ribbons Trail hikes.
All of these hikes now reside on our Other Wyoming Hikes page.
Before closing out I wanted to give a shout-out to Montana Ale Works in Bozeman for the best meal both Kathy and I have had in a couple of years. If you're ever in that area, I highly recommend checking this place out. A few other honerable mentions include the mini charcuterie board we thoroughly enjoyed at Urban Kitchen in Bozeman, the kielbasa at Miazga's in Jackson, the smoked pastrami at WYOld West Taproom in Cody, as well as the enchiladas at J's Pub in Caspar. Last but not least, the tiramisu at Calico in Wilson was simply out of this world. Of course you can't beat the ambiance of the rooftop at Dornan's, and despite what my philosophy professor said many years ago - that you can't argue aesthetics - no one will ever be able to convince me that the best place for a beer isn't on the back porch of the Many Glacier Hotel (a huckleberry beer, of course!).
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
While there were two or three days where we experienced some relatively heavy fog, the fog actually provided for some really cool scenery in some instances, especially in Grand Teton. One day, as we were driving to the trailhead, we saw our first fogbow. Though we stopped to take a few photos, they really didn't represent what we actualy saw.
In all, we saw eleven bears during our trip: nine were grizzlies, and two were spotted while hiking. Fortunately those two bears were well off the trail. One morning, well before sunrise, I noticed a dark object on the edge of the road as we drove towards Logan Pass in Glacier. As we got a little closer I could see three more objects. After slowing almost to a crawl we realized it was a grizzly sow and her three cubs. After getting past the bears we continued driving, knowing that bears can become habituated to humans - even when they're in their cars. Earlier that week we saw our first albino chipmunk at the top of Ptarmigan Falls. Actually, I didn't even know they existed! On the following day we heard a loud splash in the water as we walked along Swiftcurrent Lake. On the opposing side we could see a cow moose and her calf walking into the lake, and continued to watch as they began swimming. After about a minute it appreared that they were intending to swim across the lake. Sure enough, they swam all the way across the lake, a distance of at least a quarter-of-a-mile. More amazingly, they were heading almost directly towards where we were standing. Although they didn't actually come ashore, the calf looked as if he/she was ready to stand on solid land. The mother, however, was quite content to feed on the aquatic plants just off the shore. We stood there watching for several minutes, but left after their presence started drawing crowds.
While staying in Wilson just outside of Grand Teton we saw five different moose, at various times, hanging out just below our 2nd story condominium balcony. Among these was this bull moose, who just began the process of digging a rut pit. As he dug he periodically urinated in it. Bull moose use wallows like these to ensure the odor from their urine is coated on their bodies, which is highly attractive to cows:
As a result of this extended trip we were able to add ten new hikes to our TetonHikingTrails.com website. All of these are located within the Greater Yellowstone region. This includes Fred’s Mountain at Grand Targhee Resort on the west side of Grand Teton National Park. Along the Wyoming portion of the Beartooth Highway we hiked to Night Lake, Beauty Lake and Sheepherder Lakes, each of them located in an area known as the High Lakes, and all being quite superb hikes:
While in Bozeman we hiked to Lava Lake, and Beehive Basin, which is an absolutely outstanding hike:
All of these hikes now reside on our Other Wyoming Hikes page.
Before closing out I wanted to give a shout-out to Montana Ale Works in Bozeman for the best meal both Kathy and I have had in a couple of years. If you're ever in that area, I highly recommend checking this place out. A few other honerable mentions include the mini charcuterie board we thoroughly enjoyed at Urban Kitchen in Bozeman, the kielbasa at Miazga's in Jackson, the smoked pastrami at WYOld West Taproom in Cody, as well as the enchiladas at J's Pub in Caspar. Last but not least, the tiramisu at Calico in Wilson was simply out of this world. Of course you can't beat the ambiance of the rooftop at Dornan's, and despite what my philosophy professor said many years ago - that you can't argue aesthetics - no one will ever be able to convince me that the best place for a beer isn't on the back porch of the Many Glacier Hotel (a huckleberry beer, of course!).
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
Monday, October 16, 2023
The Lake Josephine Loop
The Lake Josephine Loop in Glacier National Park provides some of the most beautiful and iconic scenery just about anywhere. We had the fortune to hike this trail once again during our September trip to the park. We also had the fortune of hiking during an absolutely beautiful bluebird day. Here's Mt. Gould towering above Morning Eagle as she awaits her first passengers of the day:
The beach area on the far eastern end of Lake Josephine just may be the most scenic spot in all of Glacier National Park. Hikers will enjoy stunning views of Angel Wing, the Garden Wall and Grinnell Glacier from this vantage point:
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
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
Thursday, October 12, 2023
Colorado Parks and Wildlife secures source population of gray wolves for initial reintroduction efforts from Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
In a one-year agreement announced today between Colorado Parks and Wildlife and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon will be a source for up to 10 wolves for the Colorado gray wolf reintroduction effort. These wolves will be captured and translocated between December 2023 and March 2024.
The CPW Commission approved the final Colorado Wolf Restoration and Management Plan in May, clearing the way for CPW biologists to introduce gray wolves in the Western Slope area and meet the voter-approved deadline of reintroduction by December 31, 2023.
“In 2020, Colorado voted to reintroduce wolves to our great state by the end of 2023. Colorado Parks and Wildlife and our administration have worked tirelessly to safely reintroduce wolves consistent with that voter-mandated deadline. To that end we have met with many stakeholders, held public meetings, and collected feedback from more than 3,400 Coloradans. The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission voted unanimously in support of the wolf reintroduction plan. We are deeply grateful for Oregon’s partnership in this endeavor, and we are now one step closer to fulfilling the will of the voters in time,” said Colorado Governor Jared Polis.
“Oregon has a long history of helping other states meet their conservation goals by providing animals for translocation efforts. Some of our wildlife populations were also restored thanks to other states doing the same for us, including Rocky Mountain elk, bighorn sheep and Rocky Mountain goat,” said Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Director Curt Melcher. “The wolves will come from northeast Oregon, where wolves are most abundant in the state and where removal of 10 wolves will not impact any conservation goals.”
CPW will begin capture operations this December, with ODFW providing some assistance by sharing wolf location information and best practices for wolf capture. CPW will be responsible for all costs associated with capture and transport of wolves.
Animals with major injuries – things like having several broken canines, missing eyes, fractured or missing limbs, mange or lice infection - will not be chosen for reintroduction. CPW will make efforts to transplant wolves that have not been involved in repeated depredations.
“The wolves will be released at select sites in Colorado as soon as possible once they arrive in the state to minimize stress on the animals,” said CPW Wolf Conservation Program Manager Eric Odell. “CPW will aim to capture and reintroduce an equal number of males and females. We anticipate that the majority of animals will be in the 1- to 5-year-old range, which is the age that animals would typically disperse from the pack they were born in.”
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 CPW Commission approved the final Colorado Wolf Restoration and Management Plan in May, clearing the way for CPW biologists to introduce gray wolves in the Western Slope area and meet the voter-approved deadline of reintroduction by December 31, 2023.
“In 2020, Colorado voted to reintroduce wolves to our great state by the end of 2023. Colorado Parks and Wildlife and our administration have worked tirelessly to safely reintroduce wolves consistent with that voter-mandated deadline. To that end we have met with many stakeholders, held public meetings, and collected feedback from more than 3,400 Coloradans. The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission voted unanimously in support of the wolf reintroduction plan. We are deeply grateful for Oregon’s partnership in this endeavor, and we are now one step closer to fulfilling the will of the voters in time,” said Colorado Governor Jared Polis.
“Oregon has a long history of helping other states meet their conservation goals by providing animals for translocation efforts. Some of our wildlife populations were also restored thanks to other states doing the same for us, including Rocky Mountain elk, bighorn sheep and Rocky Mountain goat,” said Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Director Curt Melcher. “The wolves will come from northeast Oregon, where wolves are most abundant in the state and where removal of 10 wolves will not impact any conservation goals.”
CPW will begin capture operations this December, with ODFW providing some assistance by sharing wolf location information and best practices for wolf capture. CPW will be responsible for all costs associated with capture and transport of wolves.
Animals with major injuries – things like having several broken canines, missing eyes, fractured or missing limbs, mange or lice infection - will not be chosen for reintroduction. CPW will make efforts to transplant wolves that have not been involved in repeated depredations.
“The wolves will be released at select sites in Colorado as soon as possible once they arrive in the state to minimize stress on the animals,” said CPW Wolf Conservation Program Manager Eric Odell. “CPW will aim to capture and reintroduce an equal number of males and females. We anticipate that the majority of animals will be in the 1- to 5-year-old range, which is the age that animals would typically disperse from the pack they were born in.”
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
Tuesday, October 10, 2023
Broad Scale Search Efforts For Chad Pallansch Suspended
Search efforts continued through the weekend for Chad Pallansch in Rocky Mountain National Park. Search teams included ground searchers, dog teams and a State of Colorado Department of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) drone team. A DFPC helicopter assisted efforts by inserting ground teams and searchers were onboard the aircraft conducting aerial reconnaissance. Recent efforts were focused on areas around Black Lake, Lake Powell, Stone Man Pass, Chiefs Head Peak, McHenry’s Peak, Mount Alice, and surrounding ridgeline areas. Search efforts have not provided further clues at this point. Investigations are ongoing and NPS Search and Rescue Team members continue to review aerial photographs and drone footage.
Broad scale search efforts are being suspended but patrols will continue to occur in the search area when conditions warrant and further actions may be considered. Reported clues will be investigated as appropriate. Chad Pallansch is still a missing person and our investigation will continue.
The closure that was put in place this weekend to limit scent distractions and assist the effectiveness of the dog teams has been lifted.
Pallansch, 49, of Fort Collins, Colorado was reported overdue on September 28, and park rangers confirmed his vehicle was still parked at the North Inlet Trailhead on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Pallansch was last heard from around noon on Wednesday, September 27 when a text that was received at that time indicated he was almost to the summit of Mount Alice and roughly 7 miles from the Bear Lake area.
Pallansch started from the East Inlet Trailhead near Grand Lake on Wednesday, September 27. His reported itinerary was an expansive 28-mile route which included crossing the Continental Divide and traveling on established trails as well as off trail travel through steep talus slopes. Potential travel areas include Lake Verna, Mount Alice, Chiefs Head Peak, Black Lake, Mills Lake, and Flattop Mountain. Pallansch had not attempted this route previously but is an experienced trail runner who has run numerous routes in the park including Longs Peak more than 30 times.
Pallansch is described as 5’7,” 155 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. He is described as a fit runner with both trail running and marathon experience. He is likely wearing a black ultralight jacket, black running shorts or leggings and a grey fanny pack. Pallansch had personal navigation with him, but the device was not designed for emergency assistance.
Search efforts have included air reconnaissance, a drone team, heat sensing fixed-wing flights, dog teams, as well as ground crews on the North Inlet and East Inlet Trails, Mount Alice, Black Lake, Upper Glacier Gorge area, Thunder Lake, Lion Lakes, Sandbeach Lake, Boulder-Grand Pass, Lowell Peak, McHenry’s Peak, Arrowhead, Thatchtop, Stone Man Pass, Chiefs Head Peak, west ridge of Pagoda, Andrews Glacier, Upper Chaos Canyon, and Tyndall Glacier areas.
Assisting Rocky Mountain National Park Search and Rescue Team members include Larimer County Search and Rescue (LCSAR), Grand County Search and Rescue (GCSAR), Rocky Mountain Rescue Group (RMR), Front Range Rescue Dogs (FRRD), Colorado Search and Rescue Association (CSAR), Alpine Rescue Team, El Paso County Search and Rescue, aircraft from the State of Colorado Department of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC), Northern Colorado Interagency Helitack (US Forest Service) and a contracted helicopter with Trans Aero.
If you have information that could help investigators, if you may have seen or know Chad Pallansch, or if you were in the areas listed above on September 27, please contact us. You don't have to tell us who you are, but please tell us what you know. CALL the National Park Service Investigative Services Bureau Tip Line 888-653-0009, ONLINE form go.NPS.gov/SubmitATip or EMAIL nps_isb@nps.gov.
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
Broad scale search efforts are being suspended but patrols will continue to occur in the search area when conditions warrant and further actions may be considered. Reported clues will be investigated as appropriate. Chad Pallansch is still a missing person and our investigation will continue.
The closure that was put in place this weekend to limit scent distractions and assist the effectiveness of the dog teams has been lifted.
Pallansch, 49, of Fort Collins, Colorado was reported overdue on September 28, and park rangers confirmed his vehicle was still parked at the North Inlet Trailhead on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Pallansch was last heard from around noon on Wednesday, September 27 when a text that was received at that time indicated he was almost to the summit of Mount Alice and roughly 7 miles from the Bear Lake area.
Pallansch started from the East Inlet Trailhead near Grand Lake on Wednesday, September 27. His reported itinerary was an expansive 28-mile route which included crossing the Continental Divide and traveling on established trails as well as off trail travel through steep talus slopes. Potential travel areas include Lake Verna, Mount Alice, Chiefs Head Peak, Black Lake, Mills Lake, and Flattop Mountain. Pallansch had not attempted this route previously but is an experienced trail runner who has run numerous routes in the park including Longs Peak more than 30 times.
Pallansch is described as 5’7,” 155 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. He is described as a fit runner with both trail running and marathon experience. He is likely wearing a black ultralight jacket, black running shorts or leggings and a grey fanny pack. Pallansch had personal navigation with him, but the device was not designed for emergency assistance.
Search efforts have included air reconnaissance, a drone team, heat sensing fixed-wing flights, dog teams, as well as ground crews on the North Inlet and East Inlet Trails, Mount Alice, Black Lake, Upper Glacier Gorge area, Thunder Lake, Lion Lakes, Sandbeach Lake, Boulder-Grand Pass, Lowell Peak, McHenry’s Peak, Arrowhead, Thatchtop, Stone Man Pass, Chiefs Head Peak, west ridge of Pagoda, Andrews Glacier, Upper Chaos Canyon, and Tyndall Glacier areas.
Assisting Rocky Mountain National Park Search and Rescue Team members include Larimer County Search and Rescue (LCSAR), Grand County Search and Rescue (GCSAR), Rocky Mountain Rescue Group (RMR), Front Range Rescue Dogs (FRRD), Colorado Search and Rescue Association (CSAR), Alpine Rescue Team, El Paso County Search and Rescue, aircraft from the State of Colorado Department of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC), Northern Colorado Interagency Helitack (US Forest Service) and a contracted helicopter with Trans Aero.
If you have information that could help investigators, if you may have seen or know Chad Pallansch, or if you were in the areas listed above on September 27, please contact us. You don't have to tell us who you are, but please tell us what you know. CALL the National Park Service Investigative Services Bureau Tip Line 888-653-0009, ONLINE form go.NPS.gov/SubmitATip or EMAIL nps_isb@nps.gov.
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 announces official opening of the new Fooses Creek realignment on Segment 15
After over a decade of work by The Colorado Trail Foundation and partners, the South Fooses Creek trail, which is part of the nationally recognized Monarch Crest mountain bike ride, realignment is officially open! This new realignment is about three miles long and is a product of partnership and collaboration between CTF, USFS, Colorado Mountain Club, and many other partners! The CTF is proud to share this news and more background on this project.You can read the full post on The Colorado Trail Foundation blog.
Trail users might remember this section of The Colorado Trail, which is near the southern terminus of Collegiate East on Segment 15, as one of the steepest sections of the entire trail. The realignment will offer sustainable grades utilizing switchbacks, excellent views of the valley and the Monarch Crest (portions of which can be done as an outstanding day hike), and improved camp sites and water access....
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
Monday, October 9, 2023
Locomotive Bells in Glacier National Park
Believe it or not, locomotive bells were once placed atop four mountain passes in Glacier National Park. Why were they placed there, who pushed the idea, and what became of them?
To further enhance the Swiss experience for park visitors, W. R. Mills, an advertising agent for the Great Northern Railway, and H. A. Noble, manager of the Glacier Park Hotel Company, requested permission from the park in 1925 to place locomotive bells atop the summits of several passes. According to Donald H. Robinson's administrative history of Glacier National Park, the request originated from on an old Swiss custom of placing bells on mountain tops and passes so that hikers and horseback riders could ring loud bells in the mountains, and signal to people in the valleys that they had reached their destination. In September of 1926 the request was finally approved to place bells at Swiftcurrent Pass, Siyeh Pass and Piegan Pass. Three years later a fourth bell was added at Scenic Point in Two Medicine. Visitors continued ringing the bells until the fall of 1943, at which point they were removed by the hotel company and donated to a World War II scrap metal drive.
Today, the stone platform that supported the bell atop Piegan Pass still stands. This is what it looked like just a few weeks ago:
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
To further enhance the Swiss experience for park visitors, W. R. Mills, an advertising agent for the Great Northern Railway, and H. A. Noble, manager of the Glacier Park Hotel Company, requested permission from the park in 1925 to place locomotive bells atop the summits of several passes. According to Donald H. Robinson's administrative history of Glacier National Park, the request originated from on an old Swiss custom of placing bells on mountain tops and passes so that hikers and horseback riders could ring loud bells in the mountains, and signal to people in the valleys that they had reached their destination. In September of 1926 the request was finally approved to place bells at Swiftcurrent Pass, Siyeh Pass and Piegan Pass. Three years later a fourth bell was added at Scenic Point in Two Medicine. Visitors continued ringing the bells until the fall of 1943, at which point they were removed by the hotel company and donated to a World War II scrap metal drive.
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
Saturday, October 7, 2023
Dangerous bear that charged two boys put down by CPW
On the evening of Wednesday, Oct. 4, Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers responded to a call for help that was initially described as a bear attack with injuries involving two boys in a heavily wooded open space in Colorado Springs.
Officers immediately responded, arriving around 5:30 p.m. to find an aggressive sow had twice charged at the boys, ages 12 and 13, causing one boy to run into a tree branch, suffering a minor injury.
The CPW officers, along with officers with the Colorado Springs Police Department, immediately began a search of the open space to find the sow, estimated to be 150 pounds, and her two cubs, each weighing about 50 pounds.
Quickly, they found the sow. The bear was aggressive toward the officer, as it had threatened the boys, and the CPW officer euthanized the bear. Then the team began an hours-long search in the darkness in heavy brush for the cubs. The goal was to capture them and release them in the mountains in more suitable bear habitat. At their age and weight, the cubs were old enough to survive on their own.
Officers placed a trap above the spot where the bears were first encountered.
Meanwhile, a CSPD drone was brought to the scene to search for heat signatures that would locate the bears. The cubs were located and officers scared them up a tree so they could be tranquilized.
CPW officers darted each cub with a tranquilizing drug, causing them to fall from the tree. The officers then carried them out of the brush and drove them to the CPW Southeast Region office where they were tagged for release and given a drug to reverse the tranquilizer. However, one of the cubs never revived. The surviving cub was released Friday morning in a remote mountain location.
“This was an unfortunate situation where a sow had become dangerously aggressive toward people instead of being scared of humans,” said Tim Kroening, CPW wildlife manager for the Pikes Peak area. “There was no choice but to put it down after it repeatedly charged people.
“And the death of the cub was a sad reminder of why CPW is reluctant to tranquilize wildlife. There are many risks involved when tranquilizing wildlife.”
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
Officers immediately responded, arriving around 5:30 p.m. to find an aggressive sow had twice charged at the boys, ages 12 and 13, causing one boy to run into a tree branch, suffering a minor injury.
The CPW officers, along with officers with the Colorado Springs Police Department, immediately began a search of the open space to find the sow, estimated to be 150 pounds, and her two cubs, each weighing about 50 pounds.
Quickly, they found the sow. The bear was aggressive toward the officer, as it had threatened the boys, and the CPW officer euthanized the bear. Then the team began an hours-long search in the darkness in heavy brush for the cubs. The goal was to capture them and release them in the mountains in more suitable bear habitat. At their age and weight, the cubs were old enough to survive on their own.
Officers placed a trap above the spot where the bears were first encountered.
Meanwhile, a CSPD drone was brought to the scene to search for heat signatures that would locate the bears. The cubs were located and officers scared them up a tree so they could be tranquilized.
CPW officers darted each cub with a tranquilizing drug, causing them to fall from the tree. The officers then carried them out of the brush and drove them to the CPW Southeast Region office where they were tagged for release and given a drug to reverse the tranquilizer. However, one of the cubs never revived. The surviving cub was released Friday morning in a remote mountain location.
“This was an unfortunate situation where a sow had become dangerously aggressive toward people instead of being scared of humans,” said Tim Kroening, CPW wildlife manager for the Pikes Peak area. “There was no choice but to put it down after it repeatedly charged people.
“And the death of the cub was a sad reminder of why CPW is reluctant to tranquilize wildlife. There are many risks involved when tranquilizing wildlife.”
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
Friday, October 6, 2023
Rocky Mountain National Park Announces that Hazardous Fuels Reduction Projects Planned for the Fall 2023-Winter 2024 Season
Rocky Mountain National Park announces that hazardous fuels reduction projects are planned to take place in strategic locations this fall and winter season within Rocky Mountain National Park on and near Deer Mountain, as well as within the park boundary west of the Allenspark Trailhead.
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 to 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.
The planned projects will create openings and gaps in the forest, which mimic the outcome of a stand-replacing fire and reduce fuels available for a wildfire. These projects will take place in areas of subalpine forest dominated by lodgepole pine trees. The work will include removing dead trees, dead and down logs, and ladder fuels which can carry a fire burning in low-growing vegetation to surrounding taller vegetation. The removal of ladder fuels may include removing the lower limbs of live trees and the removal of live some live trees. Resulting woody materials will be piled on site and burned during winter, when conditions allow.
Certain vegetation, such as aspen and limber pine trees, and trees which are critical for wildlife habitat will be avoided.
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 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 to 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.
The planned projects will create openings and gaps in the forest, which mimic the outcome of a stand-replacing fire and reduce fuels available for a wildfire. These projects will take place in areas of subalpine forest dominated by lodgepole pine trees. The work will include removing dead trees, dead and down logs, and ladder fuels which can carry a fire burning in low-growing vegetation to surrounding taller vegetation. The removal of ladder fuels may include removing the lower limbs of live trees and the removal of live some live trees. Resulting woody materials will be piled on site and burned during winter, when conditions allow.
Certain vegetation, such as aspen and limber pine trees, and trees which are critical for wildlife habitat will be avoided.
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
Thursday, October 5, 2023
On-Going Search Efforts Necessitate Closures In Rocky Mountain National Park
While weather including snow, ice and wind at high elevations has hampered on the ground search efforts for Chad Pallansch; ongoing investigations as well as reviewing aerial reconnaissance photographs and preparing for a concentrated ground search effort is taking place. Helicopter flights are occurring today for aerial reconnaissance and to confirm suitable landing zones to insert teams in the field beginning tomorrow. Weather and resources permitting, ground searchers and dog teams will be flown to several locations. To limit scent distractions and assist the effectiveness of the dog teams, a closure is in effect beginning tonight at 6 p.m. from Mount Alice to McHenry’s Peak including Black Lake and Lion Lake 1, Lion Lake 2 and Snowbank Lake.
Pallansch, 49, of Fort Collins, Colorado was reported overdue on September 28, and park rangers confirmed his vehicle was still parked at the North Inlet Trailhead on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Pallansch was last heard from around noon on Wednesday, September 27 when a text that was received at that time indicated he was almost to the summit of Mount Alice and roughly 7 miles from the Bear Lake area.
Pallansch started from the East Inlet Trailhead near Grand Lake on Wednesday, September 27. His reported itinerary was an expansive 28-mile route which included crossing the Continental Divide and traveling on established trails as well as off trail travel through steep talus slopes. Potential travel areas include Lake Verna, Mount Alice, Chiefs Head Peak, Black Lake, Mills Lake, and Flattop Mountain. Pallansch had not attempted this route previously but is an experienced trail runner who has run numerous routes in the park including Longs Peak more than 30 times.
Pallansch is described as 5’7,” 155 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. He is described as a fit runner with both trail running and marathon experience. He is likely wearing a black ultralight jacket, black running shorts or leggings and a grey fanny pack. Pallansch had personal navigation with him, but the device was not designed for emergency assistance.
Search efforts have included air reconnaissance, a heat sensing fixed-wing flight, dog teams, as well as ground crews on the North Inlet and East Inlet Trails, Mount Alice, Black Lake, Upper Glacier Gorge area, Thunder Lake, Lion Lakes, Sandbeach Lake, Boulder-Grand Pass, Lowell Peak, McHenry’s Peak, Arrowhead, Thatchtop, Stone Man Pass, Chiefs Head Peak, west ridge of Pagoda, Andrews Glacier, Upper Chaos Canyon, and Tyndall Glacier areas. Search efforts and the ongoing investigation have not provided further clues at this point.
Assisting Rocky Mountain National Park Search and Rescue Team members include Larimer County Search and Rescue (LCSAR), Grand County Search and Rescue (GCSAR), Rocky Mountain Rescue Group (RMR), Front Range Rescue Dogs (FRRD), Colorado Search and Rescue Association (CSAR), aircraft from the State of Colorado Department of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC), Northern Colorado Interagency Helitack (US Forest Service) and a contracted helicopter with Trans Aero.
If you have information that could help investigators, if you may have seen or know Chad Pallansch, or if you were in the areas listed above on September 27, please contact us. You don't have to tell us who you are, but please tell us what you know. CALL the National Park Service Investigative Services Bureau Tip Line 888-653-0009, ONLINE form go.NPS.gov/SubmitATip or EMAIL nps_isb@nps.gov.
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
Pallansch, 49, of Fort Collins, Colorado was reported overdue on September 28, and park rangers confirmed his vehicle was still parked at the North Inlet Trailhead on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Pallansch was last heard from around noon on Wednesday, September 27 when a text that was received at that time indicated he was almost to the summit of Mount Alice and roughly 7 miles from the Bear Lake area.
Pallansch started from the East Inlet Trailhead near Grand Lake on Wednesday, September 27. His reported itinerary was an expansive 28-mile route which included crossing the Continental Divide and traveling on established trails as well as off trail travel through steep talus slopes. Potential travel areas include Lake Verna, Mount Alice, Chiefs Head Peak, Black Lake, Mills Lake, and Flattop Mountain. Pallansch had not attempted this route previously but is an experienced trail runner who has run numerous routes in the park including Longs Peak more than 30 times.
Pallansch is described as 5’7,” 155 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. He is described as a fit runner with both trail running and marathon experience. He is likely wearing a black ultralight jacket, black running shorts or leggings and a grey fanny pack. Pallansch had personal navigation with him, but the device was not designed for emergency assistance.
Assisting Rocky Mountain National Park Search and Rescue Team members include Larimer County Search and Rescue (LCSAR), Grand County Search and Rescue (GCSAR), Rocky Mountain Rescue Group (RMR), Front Range Rescue Dogs (FRRD), Colorado Search and Rescue Association (CSAR), aircraft from the State of Colorado Department of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC), Northern Colorado Interagency Helitack (US Forest Service) and a contracted helicopter with Trans Aero.
If you have information that could help investigators, if you may have seen or know Chad Pallansch, or if you were in the areas listed above on September 27, please contact us. You don't have to tell us who you are, but please tell us what you know. CALL the National Park Service Investigative Services Bureau Tip Line 888-653-0009, ONLINE form go.NPS.gov/SubmitATip or EMAIL nps_isb@nps.gov.
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
Monday, October 2, 2023
Search Operations Continue on Day 5 for Missing Man Inside Rocky Mountain National Park
Search efforts continue for Chad Pallansch in Rocky Mountain National Park. There are 51 individuals involved in today’s efforts, including 38 search team members in the field. Two dog teams also assisted with the search efforts. Efforts are focused on areas around Black Lake, Stone Man Pass, Chiefs Head Peak, west ridge of Pagoda, Andrews Glacier, Upper Chaos Canyon, and Tyndall Glacier. This morning search team members were able to run aerial reconnaissance via helicopter while weather was favorable, focusing on Mount Alice, Chiefs Head Peak, and surrounding ridgeline areas. Precipitation that was forecast prevented afternoon aerial flights.
Pallansch, 49, of Fort Collins, Colorado was reported overdue on September 28, and park rangers confirmed his vehicle was still parked at the North Inlet Trailhead on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Pallansch was last heard from around noon on Wednesday, September 27.
Pallansch started from the East Inlet Trailhead near Grand Lake on Wednesday, September 27. His reported itinerary was an expansive 28-mile route which included crossing the Continental Divide and traveling on established trails as well as off trail travel through steep talus slopes. Potential travel areas include Lake Verna, Mount Alice, Chiefs Head Peak, Black Lake, Mills Lake, and Flattop Mountain. Pallansch had not attempted this route previously but is an experienced trail runner who has run numerous routes in the park including Longs Peak more than 30 times.
Pallansch is described as 5’7,” 155 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. He is described as a fit runner with both trail running and marathon experience. He is likely wearing a black ultralight jacket, black running shorts or leggings and a grey fanny pack. Pallansch had personal navigation with him, but the device was not designed for emergency assistance.
Search efforts have included air reconnaissance, a heat sensing fixed-wing flight, dog teams, as well as ground crews on the North Inlet and East Inlet Trails, Black Lake, Upper Glacier Gorge area, Thunder Lake, Boulder-Grand Pass, McHenry’s Peak, Arrowhead, Thatchtop and Lake Powell areas. Park rangers are also continuing investigations.
Assisting Rocky Mountain National Park Search and Rescue Team members include Larimer County Search and Rescue (LCSAR), Grand County Search and Rescue (GCSAR), Rocky Mountain Rescue Group (RMR), Front Range Rescue Dogs (FRRD), Colorado Search and Rescue Association (CSAR), the State of Colorado Department of Fire Prevention and Control’s (DFPC) Multi-Mission Aircraft (MMA), Northern Colorado Interagency Helitack (US Forest Service) and a contracted helicopter with Trans Aero.
If you have information that could help investigators, if you may have seen Chad Pallansch, or if you were in the areas listed above on September 27, please contact us. You don't have to tell us who you are, but please tell us what you know. CALL the National Park Service Investigative Services Bureau Tip Line 888-653-0009, ONLINE form go.NPS.gov/SubmitATip or EMAIL nps_isb@nps.gov.
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
Pallansch, 49, of Fort Collins, Colorado was reported overdue on September 28, and park rangers confirmed his vehicle was still parked at the North Inlet Trailhead on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Pallansch was last heard from around noon on Wednesday, September 27.
Pallansch started from the East Inlet Trailhead near Grand Lake on Wednesday, September 27. His reported itinerary was an expansive 28-mile route which included crossing the Continental Divide and traveling on established trails as well as off trail travel through steep talus slopes. Potential travel areas include Lake Verna, Mount Alice, Chiefs Head Peak, Black Lake, Mills Lake, and Flattop Mountain. Pallansch had not attempted this route previously but is an experienced trail runner who has run numerous routes in the park including Longs Peak more than 30 times.
Pallansch is described as 5’7,” 155 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. He is described as a fit runner with both trail running and marathon experience. He is likely wearing a black ultralight jacket, black running shorts or leggings and a grey fanny pack. Pallansch had personal navigation with him, but the device was not designed for emergency assistance.
Search efforts have included air reconnaissance, a heat sensing fixed-wing flight, dog teams, as well as ground crews on the North Inlet and East Inlet Trails, Black Lake, Upper Glacier Gorge area, Thunder Lake, Boulder-Grand Pass, McHenry’s Peak, Arrowhead, Thatchtop and Lake Powell areas. Park rangers are also continuing investigations.
Assisting Rocky Mountain National Park Search and Rescue Team members include Larimer County Search and Rescue (LCSAR), Grand County Search and Rescue (GCSAR), Rocky Mountain Rescue Group (RMR), Front Range Rescue Dogs (FRRD), Colorado Search and Rescue Association (CSAR), the State of Colorado Department of Fire Prevention and Control’s (DFPC) Multi-Mission Aircraft (MMA), Northern Colorado Interagency Helitack (US Forest Service) and a contracted helicopter with Trans Aero.
If you have information that could help investigators, if you may have seen Chad Pallansch, or if you were in the areas listed above on September 27, please contact us. You don't have to tell us who you are, but please tell us what you know. CALL the National Park Service Investigative Services Bureau Tip Line 888-653-0009, ONLINE form go.NPS.gov/SubmitATip or EMAIL nps_isb@nps.gov.
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
Sunday, October 1, 2023
Search Continues Inside Rocky Mountain National Park for Missing Man
Search efforts continue for Chad Pallansch in Rocky Mountain National Park. There are 55 individuals involved in today’s efforts, including 38 search team members in the field. Efforts are focused on the Boulder Grand Pass, Mount Alice, McHenry’s Peak, Arrowhead, Stoneman Pass, Chiefs Head Peak, Thatchtop, Powell Peak and Andrews Glacier areas. Teams are also searching trail sections on the west side of the park that were potentially on his route. Winds at higher elevations are hampering air operations.
Pallansch, 49, of Fort Collins, Colorado was reported overdue on September 28, and park rangers confirmed his vehicle was still parked at the North Inlet Trailhead on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Pallansch was last heard from around noon on Wednesday, September 27.
Pallansch started from the East Inlet Trailhead near Grand Lake on Wednesday, September 27. His reported itinerary was an expansive 28-mile route which included crossing the Continental Divide and traveling on established trails as well as off trail travel through steep talus slopes. Potential travel areas include Lake Verna, Mount Alice, Chiefs Head Peak, Black Lake, Mills Lake, and Flattop Mountain. Pallansch had not attempted this route previously but is an experienced trail runner who has run numerous routes in the park including Longs Peak more than 30 times.
Pallansch is described as 5’7,” 155 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. He is described as a fit runner with both trail running and marathon experience. He is likely wearing a black ultralight jacket, black running shorts or leggings and a grey fanny pack. Pallansch had personal navigation with him, but the device was not designed for emergency assistance.
Search efforts have included air reconnaissance, a heat sensing fixed-wing flight, as well as ground crews on the North Inlet and East Inlet Trails, Black Lake and Upper Glacier Gorge area, Thunder Lake and Lake Powell. Park rangers are also continuing investigations.
Assisting Rocky Mountain National Park Search and Rescue Team members include Larimer County Search and Rescue (LCSAR), Grand County Search and Rescue, Rocky Mountain Rescue Group (RMR), Colorado Search and Rescue Association (CSAR), the State of Colorado Department of Fire Prevention and Control’s (DFPC) Multi-Mission Aircraft (MMA), Northern Colorado Interagency Helitack (US Forest Service) and a contracted helicopter with Trans Aero.
If you have information that could help investigators, if you may have seen Chad Pallansch, or if you were in the areas listed above on September 27, please contact us. You don't have to tell us who you are, but please tell us what you know. CALL or TEXT the National Park Service Investigative Services Bureau Tip Line 888-653-0009, ONLINE form www.nps.gov/ISB or EMAIL nps_isb@nps.gov
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
Pallansch, 49, of Fort Collins, Colorado was reported overdue on September 28, and park rangers confirmed his vehicle was still parked at the North Inlet Trailhead on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Pallansch was last heard from around noon on Wednesday, September 27.
Pallansch is described as 5’7,” 155 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. He is described as a fit runner with both trail running and marathon experience. He is likely wearing a black ultralight jacket, black running shorts or leggings and a grey fanny pack. Pallansch had personal navigation with him, but the device was not designed for emergency assistance.
Search efforts have included air reconnaissance, a heat sensing fixed-wing flight, as well as ground crews on the North Inlet and East Inlet Trails, Black Lake and Upper Glacier Gorge area, Thunder Lake and Lake Powell. Park rangers are also continuing investigations.
Assisting Rocky Mountain National Park Search and Rescue Team members include Larimer County Search and Rescue (LCSAR), Grand County Search and Rescue, Rocky Mountain Rescue Group (RMR), Colorado Search and Rescue Association (CSAR), the State of Colorado Department of Fire Prevention and Control’s (DFPC) Multi-Mission Aircraft (MMA), Northern Colorado Interagency Helitack (US Forest Service) and a contracted helicopter with Trans Aero.
If you have information that could help investigators, if you may have seen Chad Pallansch, or if you were in the areas listed above on September 27, please contact us. You don't have to tell us who you are, but please tell us what you know. CALL or TEXT the National Park Service Investigative Services Bureau Tip Line 888-653-0009, ONLINE form www.nps.gov/ISB or EMAIL nps_isb@nps.gov
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
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