Uncompahgre National Forest proposes cap on number of hikers on Blue Lakes Trail

The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests’ recently announced that they are proposing new regulations that will cap the number of hikers on the popular Blue Lakes Trail each day. Based on public comments and findings from an Environmental Assessment, the draft decision for the proposed Blue Lakes Visitor Use Management Plan would limit hiker access on the Blue Lakes Trail to only 40 people per day. Additionally, a maximum of 24 campers in four designated sites per day would also be permitted.

“This decision is based on years of monitoring data, public input and the environmental analysis findings that demonstrated the need for action to protect these areas from the impacts of increased visitor use,” said Dana Gardunio, Ouray District Ranger. “The permit system and additional management actions are critical to enabling us to effectively manage, restore and protect this cherished area.”

The Montrose Daily Press reports that nearly 35,000 people are hiking the trail each year. Visitor logs indicate that more than 100 people are hiking the trail each day during peak hiking season, with a record of around 500 in one day!

Gardunio was also quoted in the Montrose Daily Press, stating, “You see a lot of human waste by the trail or by the lakes, we see trash or dog feces, dog poop bags by the trail. We have a lot of people creating their own little side trails, creating their own campsites, so you start to see this creep of trampled vegetation, things brought down to bare soil, which then causes some erosion concerns both on the trails and also into the lakes and creeks themselves.”

The final plan incorporates changes in response to public comments. Some of the changes include pushing back the start date for the permit season in the Wilderness Zone to June 1, prohibiting dogs in the Mount Sneffels Zone, prohibiting overnight stock use in the Wilderness Zone and adjustments to indicators and thresholds that would trigger adaptive management.

The plan will be implemented in phases as capacity allows. One of the first actions to be implemented will be reconstructing the Blue Lakes Trailhead parking area, including installing two new toilets, which is expected to occur in the spring of 2025. Additionally, the Forest Service will begin creating a monitoring plan and working with Recreation.gov to implement a reservation system for a limited entry day-use and overnight permit for the Wilderness Zone in the plan. Depending on technical feasibility and resources, the reservation system may be online as early as the summer of 2025. Permit administration will likely include a processing fee for the reservation transaction.

The GMUG will investigate options for providing additional resources that could include a permit fee under the Federal Land Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA) since implementation of the plan will require additional resources for restoration and enhanced services on the ground that are currently not being provided. A separate public process is required for new or increased FLREA fees. Future phases and implementation timelines for other management activities, such as designated camping, improved signage and closures of user-created trails, will be included in the implementation plan that will be developed over the next year.

Objection Process:

The release of the draft Decision initiates a 45-day objection period. Individuals who submitted timely and specific written comments during the scoping period (April 8–May 20, 2022) and/or the comment period on the draft Environmental Analysis (Oct. 18–Dec. 4, 2023) have eligibility to file an objection to the draft decision notice under 36 CFR 218 Subparts A and B.

Objections, including attachments, must be filed via mail, fax, email or hand-delivery to Reviewing Officer James Pitts, Attn: Blue Lakes Visitor Use Management Plan, 2250 South Main St., Delta, Colorado 81416; FAX: 970-874-6698, or electronically.

Objections must be submitted within 45 calendar days following the publication of a legal notice in the Montrose Daily Press. The legal notice is anticipated to be published on approximately April 17, 2024. The publication date in the newspaper of record is the exclusive means for calculating the time to file an objection. Those wishing to object should not rely upon dates or timeframe information provided by any other source. The regulations prohibit extending the time to file an objection.

For more information on the proposed Blue Lakes Visitor Use Management Plan and other documents associated with this release, visit the project webpage.



Jeff
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Rocky Mountain National Park Proposes Changes In Campground Fees

Rocky Mountain National Park is proposing a change in its current camping fees at four campgrounds beginning next year, in 2025.

The park is proposing a 10-dollar increase to overnight fees at four reservation campgrounds including Moraine Park, Glacier Basin, Aspenglen and Timber Creek Campgrounds. This proposed increase in summer fees would be from $35 to $45 per night. There is also a proposed additional increase of $10 for the new electrical sites that are being constructed at the Moraine Park Campground. The proposed fee for these forty-nine electrical sites is $55 per night.

There are no fee changes to group sites, the Longs Peak Campground which is a first come, first-served summer campground with no water available, or winter rates.

These proposed campground fee increases are based on comparable fees for similar services in nearby campgrounds.

The proposed fee increases are necessary for Rocky Mountain National Park to improve and maintain high-quality visitor services. While basic park operations are funded by direct appropriations from Congress, the recreation use fees collected by the park are used to support new projects and the ongoing maintenance of park facilities that directly enhance the visitor experience.

The Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA) is the legislation that allows the park to collect entrance and amenity fees. This law allows parks like Rocky Mountain National Park to retain 80 percent of the fees collected in park for use on projects that directly enhance the experience of park visitors. The remaining 20 percent of all collected fees is distributed for use throughout the National Park System.

Some of the projects funded through the collection of entrance station and campground fees at Rocky Mountain National Park include:

* Hazard Tree Mitigation: The park is among many areas along the Rocky Mountains where trees have been dying from a beetle epidemic. Recreation fee monies have funded extensive mitigation of hazard trees in or near developed areas and other popular park facilities, such as campgrounds, parking lots, road corridors, housing areas and visitor centers.

* Campground Improvements: The park continues to use recreation fee monies to replace tent pad log linings, fire rings, maintain walking paths and repair and replace picnic tables.

* Hiking Trail Repairs and Improvements: Many hiking trail repair projects have been funded by recreation fee monies, such as repairing washed out sections of trail, the installation of bridges, and the installation of vault toilets at heavily used trailheads.

* Bear Management: Park entrance and campground fees help keep bears wild at Rocky Mountain National Park. Thanks in part to fee dollars collected over the past 20 years, 100% of the park’s garbage cans, recycling bins, and dumpsters are now bear-resistant. The park has also gone from zero food storage lockers to 352. Your recreation fees also help support visitor education programs focused on black bears.

Public engagement is an important part of the park’s planning process. Rocky Mountain National Park is accepting public comments on the proposed fee increases. Please submit all comments here. 

Comments may also be submitted via mail to:

Rocky Mountain National Park
Office of the Superintendent
1000 US Hwy 36
Estes Park, CO 80517

Please be advised, before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment – including your personal identifying information – may be made publicly available at any time. Although you can ask in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee we will be able to do so.

All public comments on the proposed fee increases will be accepted through May 23, 2024.



Jeff
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Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
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The Legacy of Abner Sprague

"We came here for small ranch operations, but guests and visitors became so numerous, at first wanting eggs, milk, and other provisions, then wanting lodging, and finally demanding full accommodations, that we had to go into the hotel business or go bankrupt from keeping free company!"

    - Abner Sprague

In 1874, just 14 years after Joel Estes settled in what is now Estes Park, Abner Sprague began building a humble homestead in Moraine Park. Almost immediately he began hosting travelers at his cabin, thus establishing the first tourism business within the boundaries of the future national park. The homestead would eventually become a lodge that was used for hunting, fishing, dude ranching, and even golf at one point. By the turn of the century Sprague’s lodge and guest cabins could accommodate up to 100 guests per night. In 1900 (or 1904) the property was sold to James Stead, which remained in business as the Stead’s Ranch and Hotel until 1962.

After selling the lodge the Sprague's moved to Loveland. However, in 1910, seeking "to prevent my homesickness for Estes Park and the mountains from becoming chronic", Abner Sprague and his wife built another guest lodge in the Glacier Basin area. This was located in the current parking area for Sprague Lake. In 1932, the National Park Service purchased the property, but gave the Sprague's a twenty-year operating lease before razing the buildings in 1957.

Abner Sprague would go down in Rocky Mountain National Park history once more when he became the first visitor to pay an entrance fee in 1939.

Today, 12,713-foot Sprague Mountain, Sprague Lake, Sprague Glacier, and Sprague Pass all bear his name. Additionally, Alberta Falls is named for Alberta Sprague, Abner's wife of 55 years.



Jeff
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Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
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Most Colorado fourteeners are about to get a little shorter

Mt. Elbert has shrunk! And at some point in the future it will be official. Fortunately, however, the iconic mountain will retain its status as the highest peak in Colorado.

Meanwhile, Colorado has a brand new lowest fourteener. After shrinking nearly two feet, Huron Peak is set to be demoted. As a result of this, and Sunshine Peak growing about a half-foot, Sunshine Peak will officially surpass Huron by a few inches. Quandary Peak, one of Colorado's more popular fourteeners, has also lost 2.1 feet.

The biggest losers were Mt. Massive and Longs Peak, both having lost more than three feet. In fact, nearly every fourteener in Colorado will officially lose elevation once the new national vertical datum is implemented. The new elevations were recently published in the Journal of Geodesy by a team of researchers from the National Geodetic Survey (NGS).

According to the NGS, the key takeaways from the study include:

* All of the 14ers have updated estimated elevations and uncertainties. The changes in elevations are due to both:

-- the upcoming adoption of a new national geopotential datum

-- as well as a re-analysis of the original heights based on classical geodetic surveying techniques

* All the 14ers continue to be above the 14,000’ threshold, though there is some “shuffling” in their rankings. No peak is newly ‘elevated’ to the 14er level. Huron Peak, is now the lowest 14er, with an estimated elevation of 14,004.1’ in the new geopotential datum.

* Currently published North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88) elevations on the mountain peak triangulation stations are found to be systematically too high by roughly 1 meter. To investigate and correct this, the team developed a novel technique to redetermine these heights from the historical triangulation data that was measured in the 1950s.

The mountain summit elevations were determined using a combination of two data sources:

* Airborne LiDAR data, acquired via the United States Geological Survey (USGS) 3-D Elevation Program (3DEP) and Colorado Water Conservation Board. These data were used to provide raw ellipsoidal heights.

* A number of available geoid models (i.e. high-resolution models of the Earth’s geopotential field) were used to convert the ellipsoidal heights into orthometric heights (i.e. “heights above sea level”). A combination of these models was used as a proxy for the eventual, “final” model that will serve as the new vertical datum in the National Spatial Reference System (NSRS).

The results of this paper have broad implications for all elevations across the nation with the upcoming modernization of the National Spatial Reference System. The new NSRS will be the foundation for all surveying and mapping in the US going forward.

Jeff
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Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
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GMUG Acquires Rare Dinosaur Trackway, Additions to Silvershield Trail

On Tuesday, April 9th, the Grand Mesa, Uncompahge, and Gunnison National Forests acquired three patented mining claim parcels totaling approximately 27 acres in Ouray County, Colorado. Two of the three parcels contain a rarely recorded fossilized dinosaur trackway comprised of 134 consecutive footprints, 106 yards long, known as the West Gold Hill Dinosaur Track site. The site is recorded as the largest continuous dinosaur trackway in the world. The acquisition solidifies public access along National Forest System Trail (NFST) #199 –Silvershield trail and protects the rare dinosaur tracks for generations to come.

“Acquisition of these new parcels, with the unique dinosaur trackway, highlights our dedication to conservation," stated Jim Pitts, Acting Forest Supervisor for the GMUG. "By preserving these fossilized imprints, we are not only safeguarding a valuable scientific resource but also creating an incredible opportunity for the public to connect with the distant past, inspiring curiosity, education and stewardship." The parcels were purchased from the Charles Real Estate Trust with funding from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) for recreation access. Created by Congress in 1964, the LWCF provides money to federal, state and local governments to purchase land, water and wetlands for the benefit of all Americans.

The Charles family has owned the parcels since 1945, with the dream of prospecting for gold. Jack Charles and his five children often spent their summer vacation packing supplies for their camp to improve the sites and trails. It wasn’t until 2021 that the family became aware that the pothole-like features on their property were prehistoric dinosaur tracks. The tracks, which often held water, were a favorite resting spot for their family dogs. The family approached the Forest Service in 2022 about the agency’s interest in acquiring the land for public and research benefit due to the unique features along the trail.

“The family is happy to offer this unique trackway to the U.S. Forest Service, ensuring that the land is protected and enjoyed by future generations,” said Anita McDonald, daughter of Jack Charles and a trustee of the estate.

The dinosaur trackway is located at 9,300 feet in elevation and is etched in sandstone layers that are over 150 million years old. The tracks were made by a single long-neck sauropod dinosaur, looping in a 270-degree turn, a rarely recorded occurrence in the fossil record of dinosaurs.

Now that the parcels are in public ownership, the Forest Service plans to develop interpretive information, including signage and a web page, to inform visitors about the site's significance and natural history. Those interested in learning more about the trackway can see it via Google Earth or read more about the site's significance here.

Visitors wanting to view the site in person can access the trackway via a two-mile hike (one way) via Silvershield Trail. Trail conditions are steep and rugged, with an elevation gain of approximately 1,600 feet. The trailhead and parking are accessed via County Road 17 near Ouray, Colorado and is open to foot and horse travel only. Parking is limited and located on private property in a residential neighborhood, so please be considerate to others. Visitors are reminded to “know before you go” and be prepared for sudden weather changes or unexpected circumstances.



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

The Father of Glacier National Park

George Bird Grinnell is widely regarded as a towering figure in the American conservation movement. Not only is he recognized as "The Father of Glacier National Park", but he's also recognized as "The Father of American Conservation".

Born in 1849, Grinnell was an explorer, historian, anthropologist, naturalist, writer and founder of the Audubon Society. As editor of Forest and Stream he crusaded for more than a decade for more stringent protection of Yellowstone’s wildlife. He campaigned tirelessly to defend the fledgling park from commercialization, and specifically focused on protecting bison from hunters, as Yellowstone was its last refuge. In 1894 he fully exploited a famous poaching incident that occurred within the park boundaries. Less than two months after the incident, the Lacey Act of 1894 was passed by Congress, which was a direct result of Grinnell's persistent reporting. The act protected wildlife in Yellowstone, and made violations punishable.

Grinnell made his first visit to Glacier in 1885. He was so inspired by the scenery that he spent the next two decades working to establish it as a national park. In 1896 he was one of three commissioners to sign the treaty with the Blackfeet Indians that transferred ownership of the land that would become Glacier National Park.

During his first visit to the future park Grinnell would discover the glacier that now bears his name. Today, Mount Grinnell, Grinnell Lake, Grinnell Falls and Grinnell Glacier are all named in honor of him. During his final visit to the eponymous glacier in 1926, Grinnell noted in his diary that, "the glacier is melting very fast and the amount of water coming from it is great. All these glaciers are receding rapidly and after a time will disappear."

Grinnell (second from right) and a hiking party on Grinnell Glacier in 1926:

Grinnell and his wife, Elizabeth, circa 1925:

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

American Hiking Society to Celebrate the 32nd Annual National Trails Day on June 1, 2024

Millions of people from across the country will hit the trail on Saturday, June 1, 2024, celebrating American Hiking Society’s 32nd annual National Trails Day®.

This year is about celebrating the trails, giving back, and finding community in the outdoors. Hikers, cyclists, horseback riders, paddlers, trail clubs, federal and local agencies, land trusts, and businesses will partner at events across the country to forge a more inclusive trail community and advocate for, maintain, and clean up trails and public lands, collectively working together to build a world where everyone feels welcome and has access to enjoy the great outdoors.

American Hiking and the nationwide trails community invite people of all ages and abilities to connect with their local community around their love of being outside. Anyone can join the national movement by giving back to the trails and making sure everyone can enjoy the outdoors with three simple actions:

* Join: Find a local event;

* Pledge: Commit to leaving the trail and the outdoor community better than you found them. American Hiking provides simple ways to make a positive impact;

* Connect: Share how you’ll leave the trail and the outdoor community better than you found them by tagging #NationalTrailsDay and @AmericanHiking on social media.

American Hiking Society invites individuals and organizations alike to register an event for National Trails Day® for free on the searchable directory of events on NationalTrailsDay.org. Tens of thousands of people will use the event database to find events in their local community. Event registration will continue until National Trails Day®, but American Hiking encourages events to be registered by early May so interested participants can begin planning for National Trails Day®.

Last year, over 74,000 individuals participated in events at nearly 800 sites nationwide, and more than 7,000 trail volunteers built and maintained 558 miles of trails in celebration of National Trails Day® in 2023.



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

Roads Opening at Black Canyon

Two roads at Black Canyon closed in winter will opened for the season on the morning of Friday, April 12, 2024.

The six-mile (9.7 km) section of the South Rim Road between the South Rim Visitor Center and the road’s end at High Point opened to vehicles, providing access to numerous canyon overlooks and picnic areas. Be prepared for lingering snow and mud on some trails and overlooks.

East Portal Road, managed and maintained by the Bureau of Reclamation, was also opened to public traffic. Leading into the depths of Black Canyon and the historic East Portal district of Curecanti National Recreation Area, this road is extremely steep and winding. Vehicles longer than 22 feet (6.7 m), including trailers, are prohibited on East Portal Road due to the 16% grade and hairpin curves. Use low gear and conserve brakes on the six-mile (9.7 km) descent.

Major road construction projects continue at Black Canyon throughout 2024. Please use extreme caution and patience while traveling on park roadways, especially during construction. Plan extra time for visiting the park during the roadwork. Crews will be working Monday through Friday in daylight hours, and roads will have alternating one-way traffic. Expect delays up to 30 minutes and greatly-reduced parking.



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

Rocky Mountain National Park Celebrates National Park Week, National Volunteer Week, Earth Day, and National Junior Ranger Day with Fun Activities for All Ages

Celebrate National Park Week, National Volunteer Week, Earth Day, and National Junior Ranger Day at Rocky Mountain National Park. What is National Park Week? This is a week-long celebration of our national parks that begins on Saturday, April 20 and continues through Sunday, April 28, 2024.

On Saturday, April 20:

National Park Week kicks off with a fee free day. All park entrance fees will be waived on this date. Camping, overnight wilderness backpacking, and all other administrative fees remain in effect.

Additional activities include:

* On the east side of the park, join NPS and Rocky Mountain Conservancy staff at Beaver Meadows Visitor Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Explore informational booths and fun interactive activities for all ages.

* Earn your Junior Ranger badge

* Learn about different plants and wildlife that call Rocky home

* Learn about hiking safety

* Participate in an interactive Rocky Lab activity

* Decorate a tree cookie

* and more!

On the west side of the park, join NPS and Grand County Library District staff at Kawuneeche Visitor Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Explore informational booths and fun interactive activities for all ages.

* Earn your Junior Ranger badge

* Learn about different plants and wildlife that call Rocky home

* Learn about hiking safety

* Participate in story time with a Grand Lake Librarian

* Plan fun games while exploring the wonders of Rocky

On Sunday, April 21:

Join us on the east side of RMNP at Beaver Meadows Visitor Center at 2 p.m. for the presentation “Dr. Steller’s Jay: A Living History Presentation Done in the Person of G.W. Steller,” with Pete Devine, former Yosemite Conservancy Education Director (retired). This special talk is the final presentation in Rocky Mountain National Park and Rocky Mountain Conservancy’s 2024 Winter Speaker Series. To learn more, visit https://rmconservancy.org/upcoming-events/

Unable to visit in person? Join Rocky’s online celebration! Follow us @RockyNPS on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. We will be sharing fun and interesting stories all week long!



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

The Suspicious Death of Robert Ray Hamilton

Did you know that Signal Mountain in Grand Teton National Park received its name as a result of a highly suspicious death?

In the spring of 1890, John Dudley Sargent, along with his partner, Robert Ray Hamilton, began construction on Merymere Lodge, a 10-room cabin overlooking Jackson Lake north of Colter Bay. In August of that year, Robert, who happened to be the great-grandson of Alexander Hamilton, mysteriously went missing while hunting for antelope. Search parties were immediately organized with instructions to light a "signal" fire atop an isolated mountain east of Jackson Lake once he was found. A week later searchers found his body floating in the Snake River. As directed, a fire was lit, and the name "Signal Mountain" stuck for the low-lying mountain.

Speculation swirled for years as to whether Hamilton was murdered by his business partner, who would also be suspected of murdering his wife several years later. The circumstances surrounding both cases were strange and entangled. In the end, neither accusation was ever proved, or completely solved.

Without going into the long details of what transpired before and after Hamilton's death, as well as the somewhat confusing and contradictory details of his death, it's assumed that he drowned while trying to ford the Snake River at a particularly dangerous location. The prevailing rumor around Jackson Hole was that Sargent gave Hamilton directions to cross at this spot, knowing full well that this was a highly treacherous ford. Moreover, the supposition was that Sargent wanted Hamilton dead so that he could gain sole possession of the lodge.

Seven years later, as mentioned, Sargent's first wife also died under highly suspicious circumstances. Again, the settlers in Jackson Hole immediately suspected Sargent of murder. In 1913, Sargent himself was found dead in his cabin by passing travelers who could smell his decomposing body from the road. He was found sitting in a rocking chair, with a string tied from his big toe to the trigger of his rifle.

Here's John Dudley Sargent in his cabin, presumably in the chair that he died in:

Jeff
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Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
Exploring Glacier National Park
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Celebrate National Park Week from April 20 through 28

During National Park Week, experience the beauty of natural surroundings, explore the country’s rich heritage, and engage your senses in all things national parks. The celebration begins with an entrance fee-free day on April 20 and continues through April 28. Pick a place and activity, keep a safe distance from any wild animals, and enjoy a full week of special events.

“With countless options of things to do and see, there really is something for everyone in our country’s national parks,” said National Park Service Director Chuck Sams. “During National Park Week, and throughout the year, I encourage people to discover and enjoy the natural, cultural, historical, and recreational opportunities available in national parks and through National Park Service community programs.”

A trip planning guide, safety tips, and detailed information about each national park are available on NPS.gov and the official NPS app. An online calendar of activities provides information about National Park Week happenings. In addition, each day will feature an aspect of the National Park Service (NPS) and related people, partners, places and stories. Don’t forget to join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #NationalParkWeek.  

Saturday, April 20: Discovery – Did you know that there are 429 national parks, with at least one in every state, including national seashores, historical sites, and recreation areas?

Sunday, April 21: Volunteers – Did you know that 123,000 people volunteered their time and talent with the NPS last year?

Monday, April 22: Earth Day – Did you know that the NPS has a Green Parks Plan that incorporates sustainability in national parks and that you can also practice conservation at home?

Tuesday, April 23: Innovation – Did you know that many national parks honor American ingenuity and that the NPS uses innovative measures to make improvements in park infrastructure?

Wednesday, April 24: Workforce Wednesday – Did you know that thousands of employees, interns, fellows, volunteers, contractors, and partners work to preserve parks and provide visitors with enjoyable experiences?  

Thursday, April 25: Youth Engagement – Did you know that the next generation of stewards are already making a difference in national parks?

Friday, April 26: Community Connections – Did you know that the NPS administers almost 100 community-based programs that support recreation, conservation, and preservation efforts in almost every county in America?

Saturday, April 27: Junior Ranger Day – Did you know that kids (and kids at heart) can become a Junior Ranger through in-person or online activities?

Sunday, April 28: Arts in Parks – Did you know that there is a long and ongoing history of parks providing artistic inspiration?

For more information about National Park Week, please visit NPS.gov/npweek.



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

Cut Bank Chalets

The Cut Bank Chalets on the east side of Glacier National Park were one of nine backcountry chalet complexes built by the Great Northern Railway during the second decade of the 20th Century. Located near the present day Cut Bank Trailhead, the railway constructed four structures between 1911 and 1912, including an 18x80 foot dining hall/kitchen, two single room cabins, and a two-story six-room cabin with a lounge area. The chalets officially opened in 1913, and were able to accommodate up to 42 guests during its heyday. As a result of its location near the North Fork Cut Bank Creek, the rustic lodge became a very popular destination for fishermen.

In 1917 the NPS constructed a ranger station near the chalet. This is the only building from that era that still remains in the Cut Bank valley. Due to declining business the lodge closed in 1933. By 1949 the structures were regarded as "beyond repair" and an "eyesore," and were dismantled by the park.

The historic photo below was taken by T.J. Hileman around 1925. Above the main building is Bad Marriage Mountain:

Here's a close-up photo of the main building, taken by George A. Grant in 1932:

Though the chalets are long gone, the somewhat remote Cut Bank valley still offers hikers outstanding hiking opportunities, including Medicine Grizzly Lake and Triple Divide Pass.



Jeff
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HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com

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

Outdoor recreationists advised to take extra avalanche safety precautions this spring to avoid avalanche paths

The Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) and Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) remind outdoor enthusiasts participating in outdoor recreation to check avalanche forecasts at Colorado.gov/avalanche before going into the backcountry.

“More backcountry users were caught in avalanches in March than any other month this year–especially the last ten days of the month,” said CAIC Director Ethan Greene. “Thankfully, no one has been seriously injured or worse. We want everyone to enjoy our wonderful public lands and go home alive and well to their family and friends.”

CAIC has recorded more than 5,000 avalanches this season, with 112 people caught, 38 partially buried, six fully buried, and 14 injured. Tragically, two people have been killed in avalanches this season.

“It might be early April and officially spring, but we still have winter avalanche conditions. People should make travel plans based on the current snowpack—not the calendar,” said CAIC’s Director Ethan Greene. We need everyone headed into the backcountry to check the avalanche forecast and make sure their plan for the day fits the current avalanche conditions.”

In Colorado, people who recreate in the backcountry must be mindful of the risks of avalanche weather and constantly shifting weather patterns. Dangerous weather conditions that raise concerns are unpredictable, such as strong wind gusts, heavy snow storms, cold water temperatures, and avalanches.

Below are outdoor recreation and avalanche safety tips to help you recreate responsibly. Avalanches happen in Colorado, so planning and monitoring the weather will ensure the safest time possible.

Avalanche Safety Tips:
* Check the forecast (www.colorado.gov/avalanche)
* Get some training (article, online material, evening to multi-day class)
* Be prepared (regarding avalanches, carry avalanche transceiver, probe pole, and shovel)
* Park in designated areas — undesignated parking can destroy vegetation and block outdoor first-responder vehicles in an emergency.



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 Moraine Park Loop

The Moraine Park Loop is a great introductory hike for those that are new to Rocky Mountain National Park, looking for an easy hike, or looking for something at the lower elevations while acclimating to the altitude. The loop offers spectacular views of Snowdrift Peak and Stones Peak towering above the valley floor. You'll also stand a great chance of seeing elk along this route.

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 Old Forest Inn

Located near The Pool in Rocky Mountain National Park is the former site of the Forest Inn. Established in 1917, the Forest Inn featured a lodge, dining room, lounge, and several cabins and tents throughout its lifespan. According to a 1934 park brochure, the Forest Inn "on Fern Lake Trail, offers board and lodging (tents) at prices from $3 to $4 a day and $15 to $20 a week. If you occupy a cabin, the charge is from $4 to $5 a day, and $20 to $25 a week. Single meals are $1 each. F. D. Tecker operates Forest Inn."

The resort closed its doors in 1951, was sold to the National Park Service during the following year, and was finally razed in 1959.

Like the old Fern Lake Lodge, the resort was only accessible by trail. Today, the Old Forest Inn backcountry campsite occupies the former resort site. The two campsites are located roughly 200 yards above The Pool.

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

Bluebird Lake

Bluebird Lake in the Wild Basin area of Rocky Mountain National Park is one of my all-time favorite hikes. The hike offers several attractions along the way, including Copeland Falls, Calypso Cascades, Ouzel Falls and Ouzel Lake. Bluebird Lake, however, is definitely the star attraction:

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

Ptarmigan Tunnel in 1932

Below are two photos from the historic Ptarmigan Tunnel in Glacier National Park. The 240-foot tunnel was originally built by the Civilian Conservation Corp in 1930 so that hikers, horses and early guided park tours could pass between the Belly River and Many Glacier valleys. The tunnel was bored near the top of the arete that divides the two valleys, at an elevation of roughly 7255 feet.

Using two opposing steel jackhammers drilling from either side of the arete, and a series of dynamite charges, workers broke through the mountain in less than three months. The blasted rock was used to build doorway entrances, also known as adits, on either end of the tunnel, as well as retaining walls alongside the trail. In 1975 the National Park Service added steel doors to both ends of the tunnel, which now remain closed between October 1st and the opening of the trail, usually around the middle of July.

From Ptarmigan Tunnel's south entrance hikers will enjoy stunning views of Mt. Wilbur, Ptarmigan Lake and the glacially sculpted, U-shaped valley between the Ptarmigan Wall and Crowfeet Mountain. From the north entance you'll enjoy commanding views of Natoas Peak, Crosley Ridge, Old Sun Glacier on the slopes of Mt. Merritt, and the Belly River as it flows into Elizabeth Lake.

These photos were taken by George Grant in 1932, a year after the tunnel officially opened. The horseback party is looking towards the south in both photos:

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

Take "Exploring Glacier National Park" with you on the trail

Are you planning to visit Glacier National Park this summer - or anytime down the road? I wanted to take a brief moment to remind you about the eBook we've published (and recently updated), which provides hikers with access to detailed trail information while hiking in the park.

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 readers with convenient access to the information contained on HikinginGlacier.com 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, which provide readers with a visual representation of the change in elevation they’ll encounter on each hike. Some hikes will also include historical tidbits related to the trail. 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.

As with our three websites, this book also contains several directories that will help you choose the best hikes suited to your preferences and abilities. This includes hikes listed by location within the park, hikes listed by key trail feature, and hikes sorted by difficulty rating. I’ve also included lists of our top 10 hikes, the best easy hikes, the top fall hikes, and the top early season hikes.

The guide is available on Amazon.



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 Coyote Valley Trail

The Coyote Valley Trail is another great introductory hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Located roughly 5.5 miles north of the Grand Lake Entrance on the west side of the park, the trail explores the beautiful Kawuneeche Valley, and offers hikers a great chance of spotting a wide variety of wildlife, including elk, moose, deer, coyotes, beaver, golden eagles, ospreys, kingfishers and maybe even river otter near the Colorado River.

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 epic one-way hike from Bear Lake to the Fern Lake Trailhead

As a result of Rocky Mountain National Park's excellent shuttle system, hikers have the option of taking the epic one-way hike from Bear Lake to the Fern Lake Trailhead in the Moraine Park area. Along the way you'll visit four magnificent lakes, a 60-foot waterfall, plus you'll make the descent into the spectacular Odessa Gorge. Here's a photo of Lake Helene, one of the lakes you'll visit on this hike:

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

Colorado bill defines requirements related to outdoor recreation on privately-owned land

Last week Governor Polis signed the "Landowner Liability Recreational Use Warning Sign" bill into law. The bill will open access to privately owned 14ers in the state, while also protecting landowners from liability. The bill states:

In current law, the "Colorado Recreational Use Statute" (CRUS) protects landowners (owners) from liability resulting from the use of their lands by other individuals for recreational purposes. However, the CRUS does not limit an owner's liability for injuries or death resulting from the owner's willful or malicious failure to guard or warn against a known dangerous condition, use, structure, or activity likely to cause harm (willful or malicious failure).

The bill states that under such circumstances, an owner does not commit a willful or malicious failure if:

* The owner posts a warning sign at the primary access point where the individual entered the land, which sign satisfies certain criteria;

* The owner maintains photographic or other evidence of the sign; and

* The dangerous condition, use, structure, or activity that caused the injury or death is described by the sign.

The bill requires an individual who accesses land for recreational purposes to stay on the designated recreational trail, route, area, or roadway unless the owner expressly allows otherwise, or be deemed a trespasser.

Here's a report from FOX31 Denver:





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 Lawn Lake Flood

In 1903 a 26-foot high earthen dam was built at Lawn Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park to enhance the natural lake from 16.4 acres to 48 acres. This was done to help with crop irrigation in the Loveland area. Nearly 80 years later, on July 15, 1982, the dam catastrophically failed, which released more than 300 million gallons of water down the Roaring River valley. Some witnesses claim the failure created a wall of water 25 to 30 feet high! As the water ripped through the landscape it created the Alluvial Fan near the confluence with Fall River in Horseshoe Park. After killing three campers the water rushed down Elkhorn Avenue in Estes Park (see photos below) before stopping at Lake Estes. In all, damages to the area totaled roughly $31 million. Even today sections of the Roaring River's high gully walls remain unstable and prone to sudden collapse. The dam failure led to the removal of three other man-made dams within the park, including Pear Lake, Sandbeach Lake and Bluebird Lake.

Evidence of some of the destruction from the infamous Lawn Lake Flood are still on display along the Lawn Lake Trail, but the lake itself appears to have fully recovered. In my opinion, Lawn Lake is one of the more scenic lakes in the park.

Photos courtesy of the Denver and Coloradoan Libraries.



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

Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission approves 29 Outdoor Recreational Trail Grants

Governor Polis and the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission announced trail-funding allocations for the 2024 Non-Motorized Trail and Land and Water Conservation Grants at its meeting in Denver on March 13. The Commission unanimously approved the grants.

“Colorado’s hiking trails are a major way we experience and enjoy our great outdoors. Whether it’s hiking through your favorite state park, exploring a new corner of our state, or taking a walk with family and friends, we are now helping more people get outside and have healthy fun by expanding trails and increasing access to them across Colorado,” said Governor Jared Polis.

There were a total of 29 Outdoor Recreational Grants funded this year totaling $7,918,274. Statewide Trails Program Manager Fletcher Jacobs highlighted the Colorado Recreational Trails Committee’s wildlife review process which emphasizes the importance of balancing wildlife and habitat needs with recreation needs in Colorado.

CPW is excited to also launch a new Trail Stewardship pilot program with additional support from Great Outdoors Colorado. This program provides funding specifically to support trail stewardship crews hired by land managers and non-profits who focus on maintenance work throughout Colorado. The State Trails Program will utilize $500,000 in funding from Great Outdoors Colorado to start this pilot based on the “Good Management” concept, which the OHV Program has operated successfully for trail maintenance and resource protection.

The Non-Motorized Trails Grant Program is a multi-agency partnership that includes CPW, Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO), Colorado Lottery, and the Federal Recreational Trails Program (RTP). The LWCF Grant Program is the state-managed 50:50 matching grant program for the acquisition and development of public outdoor recreation areas and facilities. Funds are appropriated annually by Congress to the National Park Service and divided among the states.

Grant Stats:

Construction: 4 grants totaling $751,377

Maintenance: 9 grants totaling $919,521

Planning: 5 grants totaling $172,956

Support: 1 grant totaling $45,000

Land and Water Conservation Fund: 5 grants totaling $5,478,998

You can click here to review some of the highlights from this year’s awarded projects.



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

Lion Lake No. 1

For whatever reason, I never took the chance to hike to Lion Lake No. 1 until just a few years ago. Wow! What was I waiting for? The rugged subalpine landscape that surrounds this lake offers some of the most beautiful scenery in Rocky Mountain National Park, while also arguably making it the most scenic lake in Wild Basin:

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

USDA invests nearly $66M to improve roads, trails, and water quality

Earlier this week the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced nearly $66 million to improve water quality, roads, trails, bridges and fish habitat on national forests and grasslands nationwide.

With more than 160,000 miles of trails, 7,200 trail bridges, 6,700 road bridges, and 370,000 miles of roads in national forests, this investment will support urgently needed maintenance and repairs on roads and trails, including road decommissioning, and removal of barriers to fish passage, increasing resiliency on our forest lands across the country.

National forests are also home to more than 400,000 miles of streams and 3 million acres of lakes. Approximately 80 million people rely on clean drinking water sources that originate on national forests and grasslands. These investments will protect infrastructure and support healthy watersheds in national forests so that they can continue to provide clean drinking water to the people and communities that depend on them.

Of the total funding, $37.5 million will be invested in the Legacy Roads and Trails Program, which improves water quality, restores habitat for threatened and endangered fish or wildlife, and maintains access for visitors, businesses and wildland firefighters on national forests and grasslands.

$28.1 million will be invested through the Collaborative Aquatic Restoration Program to support a second round of projects to improve water quality, prevent the spread of E. coli, restore fish passage for threatened, endangered, and other aquatic species, increase landscape resiliency, and eliminate high sediment loads in drinking water systems.

For a complete list of projects being funding in fiscal year 2024, visit Legacy Roads and Trails and Collaborative Aquatic Landscape Restoration.



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