Black Canyon and Curecanti fees will increase in January 2024

Beginning January 1, 2024, Black Canyon National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area will increase camping and boat launch fees. Campground fees have remained unchanged since before 2016, while boat launch fees have not changed since at least 2003. The new pricing structure will bring the parks into closer alignment with nearby and comparable campground and boating services. The increased fees will provide additional revenue to fund operations and deferred maintenance projects.

Fee Schedule Effective January 1, 2024

Curecanti Boat Launch Permits
Seasonal Permit $40.00
Seven-day Permit $20.00

Curecanti Camping Fees
Stevens Creek, Ponderosa, Dry Gulch, Red Creek, and East Portal Campgrounds $20.00
Elk Creek, Lake Fork, and Cimarron Campgrounds $24.00
Electric sites at Loop D in Elk Creek Campgrounds $34.00

Black Canyon Camping Fees
North Rim Campground $20.00 South Rim Campground Loops A and C $20.00
South Rim Campground Loop B $34.00

While basic park operations are funded by Congressional appropriations, the recreation use fees collected by the parks support new projects and the ongoing maintenance of park facilities that directly enhance the visitor experience. Changes to the fees reflect rates comparable to local sites with similar amenities and help offset the rising costs of operations. The fee generated will be used for improvements to services for visitors in the parks.

The 30-day public comment period on the fee changes occurred in August through the Planning, Environment, and Public Comment (PEPC) website at https://parkplanning.nps.gov. The public comment period was part of the planning and compliance process that provides the park valuable information and feedback on preferences from the public. This news release is part of the 30-day notice of the proposed changes to occur.

Camping and boating fees are authorized under the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA). This law allows parks to retain 80 percent of the fees collected for use on projects that directly benefit visitors. The remaining 20 percent is distributed throughout the National Park System. Recent projects completed at Black Canyon and Curecanti using FLREA funds include rehabilitation of trails, upgrading a campground amphitheater, and improvements to the Elk Creek Boat Launch and marina systems. Future funds will continue to support facility operations and assist with additional visitor services such as improvements to interpretive exhibits, increased ranger programming, and ability to purchase park maps for visitor enjoyment.

In 2022, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area visitors spent an estimated $70.2 million in local gateway regions while visiting Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area. These expenditures supported a total of 799 jobs and $85.9 million in economic output in local gateway economies surrounding Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti Recreation Area.

More information about camping and recreational opportunities at both parks can be found at www.nps.gov/blca and www.nps.gov/cure.



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

Books For Hikers

I know it's Black Friday and you're probably already sick of being bombarded with Christmas ads, but I was hoping I could possibly simplify your shopping experience by pointing out a couple of gift ideas that you may want to consider for all your favorite hikers. And yes, as some of you may recognize, all three of these books were written by yours truly!

Ramble On: How Hiking Became One of the Most Popular Outdoor Activities in the World chronicles the rich history of hiking: its roots in alpinism and mountaineering, the societal trends that fostered its growth, some of the early hikers from the 18th and 19th centuries, the first trails built specifically for hiking, the formation of the first hiking clubs, as well as what the early hikers wore, and what some of the key inventions and innovations were that led to our modern array of gear and apparel. Ramble On also examines how hiking was able to germinate and grow as a result of Romanticism and Transcendentalism, the Industrial Revolution, the labor movement, the rise of automobiles, environmentalism, club culture, and even art. The book is available in both paperback and eBook editions.

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

Exploring Glacier National Park covers 68 hikes. Like the website, the book includes driving directions to each trailhead, detailed trail descriptions, key features along the route, difficulty ratings, photographs, maps and elevation profiles. Whether you're looking for an easy stroll in the park, or an epic hike deep into Glacier's backcountry, this book provides all the tools you'll need to make your hiking trip as enjoyable as possible. The book is available on Amazon as an eBook.

Exploring Grand Teton National Park is the mobile version of TetonHikingTrails.com, the most comprehensive website on the internet for hiking trail information in Grand Teton National Park. This book was published to provide hikers with convenient access to the information contained on our website while in the park, or on the trail. The book covers 44 hikes; including 41 hikes within the park, as well as 3 hikes in the Teton Pass area, located just south of the park boundary. Like the website, the book includes driving directions to each trailhead, detailed trail descriptions, key features along the route, difficulty ratings, photographs, maps and elevation profiles. Whether you're looking for an easy stroll in the park, or an epic hike deep into Grand Teton's backcountry, this book provides all the tools you'll need to make your hiking trip as enjoyable as possible. The book is available on Amazon as an eBook.

As always, thank you very much!



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 Seeks Winter Volunteers

Rocky Mountain National Park posted this on their social media over the weekend:

Have you ever wanted to volunteer in Rocky? The park is currently accepting applications for multiple winter positions. Open positions include "Winter Trailhead Support" and a "Winter Facilities Caretaker."

Winter Trailhead Support volunteers are stationed on the east side of the park at Bear Lake Trailhead or at the Hidden Valley Snow Play Area. Volunteers in these positions should be comfortable working outside in winter conditions and interacting with the public. These volunteers help provide general visitor information and answer visitor questions at two of Rocky's most popular winter destinations.

The park's Winter Facilities Caretaker volunteer will help support winter facility maintenance like snow shoveling, in addition to assisting with science communication projects and special event coordination. Housing is available with this position if candidates volunteer a minimum of 30 hours per week.

To apply, visit www.volunteer.gov and search for "Rocky Mountain 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

Hermitage Point

Hermitage Point in Grand Teton National Park. Another excellent hike that offers great views and a bit of solitude:

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 and USDA Forest Service seek public input on proposed guidance for managing climbing, protecting natural and cultural resources in wilderness areas

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service and the Department of the Interior’s National Park Service (NPS) are seeking public input on proposed guidance that would guide agency personnel in managing climbing opportunities on national forests, grasslands and parks. The public is invited to provide input on both agencies’ guidance through Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024.

Climbing activities (including rock climbing, snow and ice climbing, mountaineering, canyoneering, and caving) are popular in national forests, national parks and across public lands. Fixed climbing equipment, also referred to as fixed anchors, includes bolts or other equipment that is left permanently in place after the climb. Some fixed anchors may be necessary for safe public use of the resource. The proposed guidance affirms that climbing is an appropriate use of public lands, including in wilderness areas, and should be managed in a manner that helps protect cultural and natural resources.

The draft guidance reflects input received during NPS- and USFS-held Tribal listening and Tribal consultation sessions for Tribes, Native Hawaiian Organizations and Alaskan Tribes and Organizations. Following the public comment period, the NPS and USFS will develop and publish final policy and guidance informed by public comments.

National Park Service
This draft NPS guidance will help NPS wilderness and climbing managers make informed decisions regarding the placement and/or replacement of permanent bolts, chains, or other climbing equipment used in NPS wilderness areas. The draft guidance outlines the processes for managing existing and new climbing routes in wilderness. The analysis will help NPS determine what level of fixed anchor use best preserves the totality of wilderness character while taking account of human safety concerns.

“Like many in the climbing community, I share a lifelong love and appreciation of outdoor recreation sparked by a childhood spent exploring and enjoying the natural world,” National Park Service Director Chuck Sams said. “The proposed guidance will help provide a consistent process for installing new or replacing existing fixed anchors in wilderness and ensure that we are managing these important areas for the benefit of current and future generations.”

U.S. Forest Service
The proposed U.S. Forest Service guidance will clarify management and provide specific guidance for climbing on National Forest System lands, including within Congressionally designated wilderness areas. The proposed guidance includes language that highlights the need for climbing area management plans that balance objectives with site-specific needs and opportunities, including alignment with the Wilderness Act. Currently, national guidance is not in place regarding acceptable climbing practices on national forests and grasslands.

“Climbing is a popular way to enjoy the outdoors and recreate on public lands,” said Forest Chief Randy Moore. “The proposed directive would ensure the Forest Service supports world-class climbing opportunities while also protecting natural and cultural resources for future generations.”

Like any recreational activity, best practices for climbing can help climbers avoid damage to natural and cultural resources. The proposed guidance will provide local Forest Service land managers with direction on how to guide climbers on the most appropriate places and practices to recreate responsibly and protect resources.

The proposed guidance follows the 2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act, which directs the Forest Service to develop guidance to manage climbing on national forests and grasslands.

Learn more about the proposed U.S. Forest Service guidance and submit your comments online: https://cara.fs2c.usda.gov/Public/CommentInput?project=ORMS-3524 Starting November 17, learn more about the proposed National Park Service guidance and submit your comments online: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/document.cfm?documentID=132387



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 West That Has Passed

In 1911 Charlie Russell opened his first national exhibit at the Folsom Galleries in New York City. Widely regarded as one of one of the greatest cowboy artists, the exhibit featured more than two dozen paintings and bronze sculptures, which Russell called “The West That Has Passed.” The exhibit was effectively a requiem for the era of cowboys and Indians, the open range, and free-roaming bison that had passed during his lifetime. This wasn’t a life he observed from afar, but rather a life he witnessed growing up in Missouri, and one that he actually lived after moving to Montana at the age of sixteen.

Fast-forward to 1968 and we find Edward Abbey railing against the National Park Service for making parks more accessible. Abbey’s now famous “polemic” was written well after the west had transitioned from a land that needed to be tamed, to a land that was to be used and exploited - save for a few islands preserved for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts. In his book, Desert Solitaire, Abbey bemoaned the idea of paved roads being built in Arches National Monument, his place of employment in the mid-1950s. More pointedly, he decried “The Developers, the dominant faction” within the National Park Service who sought to make parks more accessible by means of what he called “Industrial Tourism”. He feared, or foresaw, how more roads, hotels and restaurants would lead to national parks becoming overrun by “mechanized tourists,” those that he defined as the “indolent millions born on wheels and suckled on gasoline, who expect and demand paved highways to lead them in comfort, ease and safety into every nook and corner of the national parks.” He argued that these types of tourists didn’t belong in parks because they didn’t appreciate them the way he did, nor did they share his wilderness ethic.

Equally provocative, Harvey Manning asked readers in the summer 1975 issue of Backpacker Magazine: “Where did all these damn hikers come from?” In this piece Manning concluded that automobiles were squarely to blame for making trails and wilderness areas more accessible, and thus more crowded. Without question, good or bad, automobiles have played a major role in the overcrowding of parks and trails. Honestly, however, when I made my first pilgrimage to the west in 1986 I never would’ve recognized either of these complaints as legitimate. Not having anything to compare with, I didn’t see these “crowds” as being problematic.

If your first visit to a major national park occurred after the dawn of the social media age you may not be aware that the experience has profoundly changed when compared to just a few years ago. To illustrate the extent of this transformation, consider that between 2013 and 2019 total national park recreational visits jumped by nearly 20%! That’s almost 54 million additional visits per year. And it shows. Discounting a reprieve in 2020 due to Covid, visitation remains near record levels.

I really don’t remember how the conversation arose, but somehow my friends and I hatched the radical idea of driving out west from our homes in suburban Cincinnati. Radical, because I don’t believe any of us had ever been west of Indiana up to that point. Being poor college kids there was never a question that this was going to be a camping trip. Several weeks later the three of us packed all of our camping equipment, a box of canned foods that we appropriated from our parents pantries, and loaded it all into John’s mid-1970s Ford Pinto hatchback. If you’ve ever seen a Pinto from this era you may be wondering how three guys and their camping equipment could fit into such a cramped vehicle. Let me tell you, it was tough! We had to lay the back seat down, which forced us to take turns lying stretched-out in the back.

We really didn’t have a plan on what we were going to do on this whirlwind trip; only the places we intended to visit, and that we would be gone for 10 days. Though there were brief stops in the Badlands and Mount Rushmore, our focus was Yellowstone, Grand Teton and Rocky Mountain national parks. Unlike today, we didn’t need a reservation to camp in the parks. We simply drove up to the campground, paid our fee, and then selected our site. We also didn’t need any timed entry permits. We drove in and out of the parks as we pleased. In fact, I don’t recall ever having to sit in any lines at any of the park entrances. Most importantly, we always found parking spots at the trailheads or the points of interest we visited. We never had to wake up before sunrise to beat the crowds into the park. Nor did we ever have to fight traffic, or sit in any slowdowns, unless of course they were caused by a herd of bison or a random bear sighting.

We had a great time. Though it was a lot of driving in a very short period of time, and we really didn’t do all that much hiking, this will always be my most memorable road trip. In Yellowstone each of us saw our first 10,000-foot peaks, our first geothermal features, our first moose, our first elk, and our first bison. One evening, after watching the sunset atop Signal Mountain in Grand Teton, we saw our first grizzly bears while driving back to our campsite in Colter Bay. One of the most sublime moments for me occurred one evening while taking a solo walk along the shores of Jackson Lake. While fully entranced by a spectacular fiery sunset, a gaggle of geese flew overhead in a perfect V formation. I was hooked forever.

Subsequent trips in the following years were similar. No matter the time of day, we never had any issues getting to any trailheads or major points of interest. Believe it or not, but once upon a time you could drive up to Logan Pass in Glacier, Glacier Gorge in Rocky Mountain, or even Jenny Lake in Grand Teton at just about any time of day and parking spaces would be available. You may be thinking that shuttles can or should’ve solved the problems of overcrowding in recent years. That doesn’t appear to be the case. In fact, there are unintended consequences associated with shuttles. According to one study, after the introduction of shuttles in 2007 the annual number of people hiking to Avalanche Lake in Glacier National Park had tripled to 90,000 by 2011. During that same time period the number of visitors hiking the Highline Trail from Logan Pass to “The Loop” exploded from just 1800 hikers per year to more than 40,000, despite overall park visitation remaining flat during this time period. The study’s author, Norma P. Nickerson, Ph.D., blames the increase on the park’s shuttle system, which has made trailheads more accessible. Prior to the introduction of shuttles hikers were forced to go elsewhere once trailhead parking areas became full.

Today’s experience is significantly different in multiple ways. In recent years more precise planning is required. Hotel reservations are now needed at least 9 or 10 months in advance. You need to be at your computer at a precise moment to ensure you’ll be able to secure timed entry permits for the park you’re planning to visit. As a result, you now need to know several months ahead of time which hikes, or at least the area of some parks you plan to visit on any given day. Even with timed entry permits it’s still a race to arrive at some trailheads in time to ensure you’ll have a parking spot waiting for you. That effectively means waking up in the wee hours and being at the trailhead by sunrise in many instances. If you wait just a little later you run the chance of not finding a parking spot, or encountering lines to get into the park. After your hike, depending on the park, you may run into more congestion on the roads. Our past two trips to Grand Teton, including this past September, were the absolute worst. We encountered major traffic jams between Teton Village, Wilson and Jackson, as well coming into Jackson from the north. We also experienced heavy traffic on the Idaho side of the park. If you plan to dine at a restaurant afterwards you may need a reservation, arrive early, or wait in yet another line.

In short, at least for me, the national park experience has deteriorated in recent years. Perhaps my perspective is the same as that of Russell, Abbey and Manning, in that I see the west as the way it used to be, and lament for those bygone days. Whether that’s perception or reality, I’ll concede is up for debate. However, as I see it, the national parks are now in a bit of a conundrum. On the one hand they were established so that all Americans can enjoy their exceptional natural beauty, while at the same time the National Park Service has been mandated to leave parks “unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.” Some fear that allowing too many people to enjoy parks now could irreparably impair them for future generations. While I fully embrace the broader meaning of the line, “I know he'd be a poorer man if he never saw an eagle fly” in John Denver’s “Rocky Mountain High”, something clearly needs to be done. While it’s beyond the scope of this article, I do offer several detailed suggestions in my book on the history of hiking. The final chapter is dedicated to the future of hiking, and how overcrowding is impacting trails and parks.



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

Hidden Lake in Glacier National Park

A view of Hidden Lake in Glacier National Park from the trail heading down to the lake:

Here's the view of Hidden Lake taken from the pass along the route to the Dragon's Tail. The Dragon's Tail is the prominent rock feature seen on the left side of the photo above:

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 Announces a Pilot Reservation System Using Timed Entry in 2024

Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) will implement a pilot reservation system using timed entry in 2024, beginning May 24.

The pilot is similar to that used in 2023 with two types of reservations available. One permit will be for the Bear Lake Road Corridor, which includes the entire corridor, as well as access to the rest of the park. This reservation period will be from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. The second permit will be for the “rest of the park,” excluding the Bear Lake Road corridor. This “rest of park” reservation period will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Permits issued using the reservation system will allow park visitors to enter the park within two-hour windows of availability, with no set time for departure. The reservation system will apply to all areas of the park. The only cost associated with booking a reservation is a $2 recreation.gov processing fee. The Bear Lake Road Corridor timed entry reservation system will continue through Sunday, Oct. 20. However, the rest of the park reservation system will end on Tuesday, Oct. 15.

Reservations to enter the park will be available through www.recreation.gov following the below schedule.

* Beginning at 8a.m. MT on Monday, May 1. This round of reservations will be available to enter the park from May 24 through June 30.

* The next release will occur on June 1, for the month of July and any remaining days that have not been booked for June.

* On July 1, reservations will be available for the month of August and any remaining days that have not been booked for July.

* On Aug. 1, reservations will be available for the month of September and any remaining days in August that have not been booked.

* On Sept. 1, reservations will be available for October and any remaining days in September that have not been booked. 

Modifications from the 2023 pilot system to the 2024 pilot system include making the night before reservations available at 7 p.m. MT through recreation.gov, rather than 5 p.m. These are expected to run out quickly and visitors are encouraged to plan ahead when possible.   

RMNP is currently accepting public feedback on its Environmental Assessment for the park’s long-range day use visitor access plan. More details are available here - comments can be submitted through Dec. 14, 2023. This plan is needed to provide day use visitor access in a way that protects resources while creating opportunities for high-quality visitor experiences in the long term.

RMNP is one of the most visited national parks. The park experienced a 44 percent increase in visitation from 2012 to 2019. In 2021, the park received 4.4 million visits. Even with a vehicle reservation timed entry system in place, the park received some of the highest visitation in its history. Between 2016 and 2023, the park piloted several day-use visitor management strategies to address crowding, congestion, and impacts on park resources. These pilots have demonstrated this strategy is effective at easing congestion impacts and improved the visitor experience in the park. 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.



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

USFWS finalizes designation of gray wolf experimental population in Colorado

In support of a statewide voter-led initiative passed in November 2020, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has finalized the designation of an experimental population of gray wolves (Canis lupus) in Colorado under section 10(j) of the Endangered Species Act. This action provides management flexibility in support of the state of Colorado’s voter-mandated gray wolf reintroduction program.

The final 10(j) rule and final Record of Decision are available today in the Reading Room and on the project webpage. The 10(j) rule becomes effective on December 8, 2023, 30 days after publication in the Federal Register.

The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission intends to reintroduce the gray wolf in a portion of the species' historical range in Colorado by December 31, 2023. Colorado Parks and Wildlife requested the designation of an experimental population under section 10(j) of the ESA to provide the state with increased flexibility to manage wolves once reintroduced in Colorado. CPW completed and published a Final Wolf Restoration and Management Plan for reintroducing the species. The state management plan provides for differing management tools based on achieving recovery targets. As the state achieves these recovery targets, tools available to the public under state laws and regulations may be more restrictive than what is allowable under the Service’s federal rule.

Yesterday's announcement follows extensive coordination and outreach among many partners in Colorado at the local, state, federal, and Tribal levels. On September 15, 2023, the Service previously announced the draft ROD and Final Environmental Impact Statement. The final ROD concludes that the Service will implement proposed “alternative 1” from the scoping and draft process to finalize a 10(j) experimental population designation.

This final Service experimental population rule designates management flexibility to the state for reintroduced gray wolves in Colorado. This management flexibility can help to address potential conflicts between wolves and humans, and wolves and domestic animals while contributing to the conservation of the species. Learn more about 10(j) rules and experimental populations online.

Additional information, documents, and frequently asked questions about the experimental population designation can be found at https://www.fws.gov/coloradowolf.



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 is Hiring!

Rocky is hiring numerous summer seasonal positions that support critical Resource Stewardship Programs including the Vegetation Program, Wildlife Program, Geospatial Program, and the Continental Divide Research Learning Center! The Resource Stewardship Division supports natural and cultural resource management in Rocky Mountain National Park through research, monitoring, restoration, and compliance.

Vegetation Positions – Do you have a green thumb? Rocky has several types of vegetation positions focused on restoration work, exotic plant removal, native plant cultivation in Rocky's greenhouse, rare plant surveys, and volunteer coordination.

Wildlife Positions – These positions support the conservation, monitoring, and visitor education of important wildlife like raptors, boreal toads, and cutthroat trout. Wildlife positions may also work to support the park’s Elk and Vegetation Management Plan.

GIS Position – Do you love data? Rocky’s Geospatial Program is recruiting one position to assist with park-wide mapping needs, data management, and geospatial analysis.

Visitor Use Monitoring Position – Are you interested in collecting data that supports visitor use management in Rocky? The Continental Divide Research Learning Center is recruiting one position to assist with traffic and trail use monitoring, impact monitoring, and other research.

Community Science Coordinator Position – The Continental Divide Research Learning Center is recruiting one position to lead the coordination and implementation of several community science projects that facilitate public engagement with data collection and scientific research.

To learn more about all open positions and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov and search for openings in Estes Park or Grand Lake, Colorado.



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

Mt. Ida in Rocky Mountain National Park

Hands down, Mount Ida is the best hike in Rocky Mountain National Park (in my opinion, of course). The views from the 12,889-foot summit are simply epic. In fact, hikers will enjoy sweeping panoramic views along much of the route. Although the terrain becomes fairly rugged on the final leg to the summit, you'll have very little exposure to steep drop-offs.

Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.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

Three Gift Ideas For Hikers

With the Christmas shopping season around the corner, I just wanted to take a brief moment to point out a couple of gift ideas you may want to consider for all your favorite hikers. And yes, as some of you may recognize, all three of these books were written by yours truly!

Ramble On: How Hiking Became One of the Most Popular Outdoor Activities in the World chronicles the rich history of hiking: its roots in alpinism and mountaineering, the societal trends that fostered its growth, some of the early hikers from the 18th and 19th centuries, the first trails built specifically for hiking, the formation of the first hiking clubs, as well as what the early hikers wore, and what some of the key inventions and innovations were that led to our modern array of gear and apparel. Ramble On also examines how hiking was able to germinate and grow as a result of Romanticism and Transcendentalism, the Industrial Revolution, the labor movement, the rise of automobiles, environmentalism, club culture, and even art. The book is available in both paperback and eBook editions.

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

Exploring Glacier National Park covers 68 hikes. Like the website, the book includes driving directions to each trailhead, detailed trail descriptions, key features along the route, difficulty ratings, photographs, maps and elevation profiles. Whether you're looking for an easy stroll in the park, or an epic hike deep into Glacier's backcountry, this book provides all the tools you'll need to make your hiking trip as enjoyable as possible. The book is available on Amazon as an eBook.

Exploring Grand Teton National Park is the mobile version of TetonHikingTrails.com, the most comprehensive website on the internet for hiking trail information in Grand Teton National Park. This book was published to provide hikers with convenient access to the information contained on our website while in the park, or on the trail. The book covers 44 hikes; including 41 hikes within the park, as well as 3 hikes in the Teton Pass area, located just south of the park boundary. Like the website, the book includes driving directions to each trailhead, detailed trail descriptions, key features along the route, difficulty ratings, photographs, maps and elevation profiles. Whether you're looking for an easy stroll in the park, or an epic hike deep into Grand Teton's backcountry, this book provides all the tools you'll need to make your hiking trip as enjoyable as possible. The book is available on Amazon as an eBook.

As always, thank you very much!



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

GMUG Seeks Input on Proposed Blue Lakes Visitor Use Management Plan

The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests’ Ouray Ranger District is seeking public comment on the draft Blue Lakes Visitor Use Management Plan Environmental Assessment (EA).

The primary purpose of the proposed plan is to provide comprehensive management of visitors and to reduce visitor impacts for 16,200 acres within the Mt. Sneffels Wilderness and surrounding areas, including Mt. Sneffels Peak, Yankee Boy Basin, Blaine Basin and the lower East Dallas area. The draft EA includes a limited permit system for overnight and day use for Blue Lakes Trail, Lower Blue Lake and Upper Blue Lake – both high alpine lakes that have seen a surge in popularity over the last decade. Other key features of the plan include components addressing visitor impacts to the area for camping and human waste disposal.

“The goal of this plan is to have people be able to enjoy their public lands and maintain the experience they came here for,” said GMUG Ouray District Ranger Dana Gardunio. “The proposed permit system and management tools are critical to enabling us to effectively manage, restore and protect this cherished area.”

The Ouray Ranger District is hosting an open house to discuss this proposal Nov. 6, 2023, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Ouray County Fairgrounds and Event Center, 22739 Hwy 550, Ridgway, Colorado. Members of the public and other interested parties are encouraged to attend to learn more about the proposal, speak to project specialists and get answers to questions.

More information about the proposal and how to submit a comment can be found on the project website. Comments must be received or postmarked no later than 45 days after the publishing of the legal notice in the Montrose Daily Press or Grand Junction Daily Sentinel, whichever publishes later. Comments may be submitted via:

Online: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=61979

Mail or hand delivery: Ouray Ranger District Attn: Dana Gardunio, 2505 South Townsend Ave., Montrose, CO 81401



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