tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30575348098789366242024-03-19T07:00:33.944-04:00Rocky Mountain JournalThe Smoky Mountain Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05019731497259511008noreply@blogger.comBlogger1787125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057534809878936624.post-15855913210275139312024-03-19T07:00:00.001-04:002024-03-19T07:00:00.142-04:00The Lawn Lake FloodIn 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, in order to help with crop irrigation in the Loveland area. Nearly 80 years later, on July 15, 1982, the dam catastrophically failed, while releasing 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.
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Evidence of some the destruction from the infamous Lawn Lake Flood are still on display along the <a href="https://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/lawn-lake.htm" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Lawn Lake Trail</b></span></a>, but the lake itself appears to have completely recovered. In my opinion, Lawn Lake is one of the more scenic lakes in the park.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHOcyQJ9DNR4TtsNZ8W5GbvGlBCPP09LQC0f-brG_HqpyBtmVfIszMiDfIrBoL-tWzPX380kehnK9ZNG_0pXggO8LMRdC6qSrwFsVSGRwkLTV-JSYUQ_vjI65tLARmo-55x2oZR_z-Py5_lVFlBSahEZ4NMiOcZPcnMZZX5phC2kmUVSAxK94tCv-M9Img/s500/1%20-%20lawn.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHOcyQJ9DNR4TtsNZ8W5GbvGlBCPP09LQC0f-brG_HqpyBtmVfIszMiDfIrBoL-tWzPX380kehnK9ZNG_0pXggO8LMRdC6qSrwFsVSGRwkLTV-JSYUQ_vjI65tLARmo-55x2oZR_z-Py5_lVFlBSahEZ4NMiOcZPcnMZZX5phC2kmUVSAxK94tCv-M9Img/s400/1%20-%20lawn.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha6Y23aziwunlzmow8ikv-DvqdB9KetvyEJC0ZOmefyS8O2GxGM_odjj9oANfnR2KOJ5jrOoTnCPuqbP1YbcPl6K0hwFkuASt9yAkHIZ-cqVPeFH3TmkWTV72jtLhTgL6kO43E-EYpt3hYG8cYOmv5K6XgDAsIyvz8w-biuZvpfTNzVJ0BdEjcBymGFmSN/s660/1%20-%20lawn%20lake%20webp.webp" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="660" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha6Y23aziwunlzmow8ikv-DvqdB9KetvyEJC0ZOmefyS8O2GxGM_odjj9oANfnR2KOJ5jrOoTnCPuqbP1YbcPl6K0hwFkuASt9yAkHIZ-cqVPeFH3TmkWTV72jtLhTgL6kO43E-EYpt3hYG8cYOmv5K6XgDAsIyvz8w-biuZvpfTNzVJ0BdEjcBymGFmSN/s400/1%20-%20lawn%20lake%20webp.webp" width="500" /></a></div>
Photos courtesy of the Denver and Coloradoan Libraries.
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Jeff
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<a href="http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>RockyMountainHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.hikinginglacier.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>HikinginGlacier.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.tetonhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>TetonHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTRVVRYT?&linkCode=sl1&tag=tetons-20&linkId=31ebb97810a507c9cfb6e746fdaf998a&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Ramble On</i></b></span></a> (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084VGN2SB/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=68c60ff73d8ed98f2158dfc7930a14d1&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Glacier National Park</i></b></span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083G78RM3/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=9dc036893cad3b36af8b606c6ea23889&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Grand Teton National Park</i></b></span></a>The Smoky Mountain Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05019731497259511008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057534809878936624.post-27850114265090755302024-03-18T07:00:00.096-04:002024-03-18T07:00:00.138-04:00Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission approves 29 Outdoor Recreational Trail GrantsGovernor 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.
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“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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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<b><u>Grant Stats:</u></b><br />
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Construction: 4 grants totaling $751,377
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Maintenance: 9 grants totaling $919,521
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Planning: 5 grants totaling $172,956
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Support: 1 grant totaling $45,000
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Land and Water Conservation Fund: 5 grants totaling $5,478,998
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You can <a href="https://cpw.state.co.us/aboutus/Pages/News-Release-Details.aspx?NewsID=4063" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">click here</span></a> to review some of the highlights from this year’s awarded projects.
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Jeff
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<a href="http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>RockyMountainHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.hikinginglacier.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>HikinginGlacier.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.tetonhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>TetonHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTRVVRYT?&linkCode=sl1&tag=tetons-20&linkId=31ebb97810a507c9cfb6e746fdaf998a&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Ramble On</i></b></span></a> (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084VGN2SB/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=68c60ff73d8ed98f2158dfc7930a14d1&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Glacier National Park</i></b></span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083G78RM3/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=9dc036893cad3b36af8b606c6ea23889&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Grand Teton National Park</i></b></span></a>The Smoky Mountain Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05019731497259511008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057534809878936624.post-13067449039097083042024-03-16T07:00:00.003-04:002024-03-16T07:00:00.251-04:00Lion Lake No. 1For whatever reason, I never took the chance to hike to <a href="https://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/lion-lake.htm" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Lion Lake No. 1</b></span></a> 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:
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimMrUAZVP09gN2OGZlrwkIZld13trDTqBRmX1XIiH0NhuYc_ldd6SAFzUTpjbRfEYmRGJ9a-hRjdghKKu2pk6LsxBmnyNt6CwzVgYmum2SaCpcjWjcQyr8vhGLyFOhrNnWttXArS-i3wkSAHsG9BQrZbEFN1EnCSNjNx27l_F7ehw9BEKqqsTblvmvHxw/s1600/lion-lake-no-1.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="386" data-original-width="515" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimMrUAZVP09gN2OGZlrwkIZld13trDTqBRmX1XIiH0NhuYc_ldd6SAFzUTpjbRfEYmRGJ9a-hRjdghKKu2pk6LsxBmnyNt6CwzVgYmum2SaCpcjWjcQyr8vhGLyFOhrNnWttXArS-i3wkSAHsG9BQrZbEFN1EnCSNjNx27l_F7ehw9BEKqqsTblvmvHxw/s1600/lion-lake-no-1.jpg" /></a></div>
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Jeff
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<a href="http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>RockyMountainHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.hikinginglacier.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>HikinginGlacier.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.tetonhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>TetonHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTRVVRYT?&linkCode=sl1&tag=tetons-20&linkId=31ebb97810a507c9cfb6e746fdaf998a&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Ramble On</i></b></span></a> (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084VGN2SB/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=68c60ff73d8ed98f2158dfc7930a14d1&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Glacier National Park</i></b></span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083G78RM3/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=9dc036893cad3b36af8b606c6ea23889&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Grand Teton National Park</i></b></span></a>The Smoky Mountain Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05019731497259511008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057534809878936624.post-6822369925783928612024-03-14T07:00:00.003-04:002024-03-14T07:00:00.132-04:00USDA invests nearly $66M to improve roads, trails, and water qualityEarlier 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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$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.
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For a complete list of projects being funding in fiscal year 2024, visit <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/national-forests-grasslands/legacy-roads-trails" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Legacy Roads and Trails</span></a> and <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/natural-resources/collaborative-aquatic-landscape-restoration" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Collaborative Aquatic Landscape Restoration</span></a>.
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Jeff
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<a href="http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>RockyMountainHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.hikinginglacier.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>HikinginGlacier.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.tetonhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>TetonHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTRVVRYT?&linkCode=sl1&tag=tetons-20&linkId=31ebb97810a507c9cfb6e746fdaf998a&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Ramble On</i></b></span></a> (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084VGN2SB/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=68c60ff73d8ed98f2158dfc7930a14d1&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Glacier National Park</i></b></span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083G78RM3/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=9dc036893cad3b36af8b606c6ea23889&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Grand Teton National Park</i></b></span></a>The Smoky Mountain Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05019731497259511008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057534809878936624.post-76984288694323537052024-03-13T07:00:00.000-04:002024-03-13T07:00:00.137-04:00Road improvement projects to impact Black CanyonRoad improvement projects at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park will begin in 2024 and continue through 2025. These much-needed improvements will create significant impacts in accessing the park. Visitors should plan on delays of up to 30 minutes during their visit and a significantly reduced number of parking spots available.
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A road improvement project will begin on the South Rim in late March 2024. This project will include road rehabilitation from the park boundary on Highway 347 to the visitor center, approximately 1.8 miles (2.8 km) of roadway. This work will last approximately seven months. In 2025, there will be continuation of road rehabilitation work from the visitor center to the end of the South Rim Drive and a pavement preservation project that will impact access to and parking at overlooks along the South Rim Drive and South Rim campground availability.
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This year the project is funded through the Federal Lands Transportation Program (FLTP). Next year's project is funded through the Federal Highways Administration's Pavement Preservation Program. After the summer of 2025, all paved roads at South Rim will either be completely resurfaced or have a preservation treatment such as crack sealing and patching and then a chipseal or micro seal applied. The result will be a greatly improved roadway for visitors to the national park.
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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 be alternating one-way traffic.
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Consider alternative recreational areas during construction. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is co-managed with neighboring Curecanti National Recreation Area, encompassing Blue Mesa Reservoir. Curecanti also has numerous hiking trails, all of which are dog friendly. Several trails lead into the gorge to the Gunnison River and to the reservoirs. Besides being well known for its fishing and kayaking, the recreation area offers a variety of camping experiences and spectacular stargazing. The National Park Service thanks you in advance for your patience during construction activities.
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More information about camping and recreational opportunities at both parks can be found at <a href="http://www.nps.gov/blca"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">www.nps.gov/blca</span></a> and <a href="http://www.nps.gov/cure"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">www.nps.gov/cure</span></a>.
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Jeff
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<a href="http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>RockyMountainHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.hikinginglacier.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>HikinginGlacier.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.tetonhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>TetonHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTRVVRYT?&linkCode=sl1&tag=tetons-20&linkId=31ebb97810a507c9cfb6e746fdaf998a&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Ramble On</i></b></span></a> (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084VGN2SB/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=68c60ff73d8ed98f2158dfc7930a14d1&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Glacier National Park</i></b></span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083G78RM3/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=9dc036893cad3b36af8b606c6ea23889&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Grand Teton National Park</i></b></span></a>The Smoky Mountain Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05019731497259511008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057534809878936624.post-3345230109948545182024-03-11T07:00:00.045-04:002024-03-11T12:24:17.072-04:00Park Saddle Tour at Dawson PassSitting along the Continental Divide at an elevation of 7598 feet, Dawson Pass forms the saddle between 8538-foot Mt. Helen towards the south, and 9225-foot Flinsch Peak to the north. The pass is named for Thomas Dawson, the son of Andrew Dawson, who was an official for the American Fur Company at Fort Benton. His mother was a Blackfoot Indian. Dawson's Blackfoot name was Little Chief, or Inuxina. The pass, therefore, is called Inuxina ozitamisohpi in the Blackfeet language. Dawson also acted as a guide during the early days of Glacier National Park.
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If you've ever had the chance to dine at Serrano's Mexican Restaurant in East Glacier Park, you actually stepped foot in Tom Dawson's home. Built in 1909, the converted building is now the oldest house in East Glacier Park.
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From its inception as a national park, <a href="https://www.hikinginglacier.com/dawson-pass.htm" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Dawson Pass</b></span></a> has been a popular destination in the Two Medicine area. This photo was taken from the pass in the 1930s, and is likely a group from a Park Saddle Horse tour:
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXX8dRRV9pEpDxxsVFG6utH1QL7MideG1OUH56xbrjOXRD-2rjqsZz6Hs17ruHjuuT-HPWQOXvks-_ygnIFx0XilvHhbcgVF1zrXZo4QYXG67R3ludMqnTTvTRgcHw2wp9hJB8_lPD4A9NfVMvSsn-birCMMDMAgWFKvgUcAUxb2kPYCHWedygAvzwrnc/s1000/1%20-%20dawson%20pass%20circa%201930.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="520" data-original-height="641" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXX8dRRV9pEpDxxsVFG6utH1QL7MideG1OUH56xbrjOXRD-2rjqsZz6Hs17ruHjuuT-HPWQOXvks-_ygnIFx0XilvHhbcgVF1zrXZo4QYXG67R3ludMqnTTvTRgcHw2wp9hJB8_lPD4A9NfVMvSsn-birCMMDMAgWFKvgUcAUxb2kPYCHWedygAvzwrnc/s400/1%20-%20dawson%20pass%20circa%201930.jpg"/></a></div>
The photo below is also likely that of a Park Saddle Horse tour near Dawson Pass from the 1920s or 30s:
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh91EdFXBGARmy1-ib3cLuaEPDirhkviR7YTYJgmqFM45sJeHPwfxpHNzKcq7h4wtHWLD9dAE-TJZUn4z-ywIzyP6Nu2iwYYj08gQHX51CH9heOReS0-LqIQ1HDATBnV9_YaIR5uk2VnzZidfac3MrV5IhEnL3qQvb3oXLq0M_mODp0R0aZJ3OS5r58jKVx/s635/Dawson%20Pass.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="635" data-original-width="431" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh91EdFXBGARmy1-ib3cLuaEPDirhkviR7YTYJgmqFM45sJeHPwfxpHNzKcq7h4wtHWLD9dAE-TJZUn4z-ywIzyP6Nu2iwYYj08gQHX51CH9heOReS0-LqIQ1HDATBnV9_YaIR5uk2VnzZidfac3MrV5IhEnL3qQvb3oXLq0M_mODp0R0aZJ3OS5r58jKVx/s400/Dawson%20Pass.png" /></a></div>
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Jeff
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<a href="http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>RockyMountainHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.hikinginglacier.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>HikinginGlacier.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.tetonhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>TetonHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTRVVRYT?&linkCode=sl1&tag=tetons-20&linkId=31ebb97810a507c9cfb6e746fdaf998a&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Ramble On</i></b></span></a> (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084VGN2SB/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=68c60ff73d8ed98f2158dfc7930a14d1&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Glacier National Park</i></b></span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083G78RM3/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=9dc036893cad3b36af8b606c6ea23889&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Grand Teton National Park</i></b></span></a>The Smoky Mountain Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05019731497259511008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057534809878936624.post-33255269475039683782024-03-09T07:00:00.003-05:002024-03-09T07:00:00.139-05:00The "CCY Route"For those willing to take on the challenge, climbing the trifecta of 12,454-foot Mt. Chapin, 13,069-foot Mt. Chiquita and 13,514-foot Ypsilon Mountain is likely to be the highlight of anyone's trip to Rocky Mountain National Park. The amazing panoramic views from the three peaks along the "<a href="https://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/ypsilon-mountain.htm" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>CCY Route</b></span></a>" are some of the best in the park.
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Here's a view of the three mountains from Trail Ridge Road:
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5kJF-itqLXRfnEnmSX72d-r-oaE7pEAUWwu2pGzfBwbDyPaaS8NscO7JiWnuzXwAOANcDQ-_1lBlEWdGcXPVXyYWkn7qONSTVUeXuKaZ1JNP1Io4P-TqognYOlHk4_3CIk59rqB9eJqMBYu6Nyq_wO6e_a07l4KF0z7flJd2aQcdQZ5XtnqHt_AJPeMg/s4288/ypsilon%20036.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3216" data-original-width="4288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5kJF-itqLXRfnEnmSX72d-r-oaE7pEAUWwu2pGzfBwbDyPaaS8NscO7JiWnuzXwAOANcDQ-_1lBlEWdGcXPVXyYWkn7qONSTVUeXuKaZ1JNP1Io4P-TqognYOlHk4_3CIk59rqB9eJqMBYu6Nyq_wO6e_a07l4KF0z7flJd2aQcdQZ5XtnqHt_AJPeMg/s400/ypsilon%20036.jpg" width="520" /></a></div>
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Jeff
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<a href="http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>RockyMountainHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
<br />
<a href="http://www.hikinginglacier.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>HikinginGlacier.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.tetonhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>TetonHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTRVVRYT?&linkCode=sl1&tag=tetons-20&linkId=31ebb97810a507c9cfb6e746fdaf998a&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Ramble On</i></b></span></a> (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084VGN2SB/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=68c60ff73d8ed98f2158dfc7930a14d1&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Glacier National Park</i></b></span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083G78RM3/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=9dc036893cad3b36af8b606c6ea23889&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Grand Teton National Park</i></b></span></a>The Smoky Mountain Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05019731497259511008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057534809878936624.post-85816168901472243672024-03-07T07:00:00.011-05:002024-03-07T07:00:00.135-05:00Wolverine reintroduction bill is introduced through Colorado LegislatureColorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) and a bipartisan group of legislators joined together on Monday to announce legislation that would give the agency the authority to reintroduce the North American wolverine to Colorado.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi7FkuGOkWYDo5r9EbzmUdw3lH3ukypl4c-MwNcImmqx0bbE7S82WUU5WywVp1Kq_O3YZzAzbN3YIrOHQ2djP6MN-hJYWCaDidU8rGR4Dzxnk5wwWfNfe_L3T_fg8PoMd3QwB9C0ykAOG7G7dADS979DRdcbUZhPGG5PmVZ-4O3ZfGw-SYOSEK8DqK1CUY/s270/wolverine.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="212" data-original-width="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi7FkuGOkWYDo5r9EbzmUdw3lH3ukypl4c-MwNcImmqx0bbE7S82WUU5WywVp1Kq_O3YZzAzbN3YIrOHQ2djP6MN-hJYWCaDidU8rGR4Dzxnk5wwWfNfe_L3T_fg8PoMd3QwB9C0ykAOG7G7dADS979DRdcbUZhPGG5PmVZ-4O3ZfGw-SYOSEK8DqK1CUY/s400/wolverine.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Colorado wildlife officials considered the restoration of wolverine, along with Canada lynx, in the 1990s. However, due to complexities, the wolverine restoration plans were delayed in favor of lynx restoration. After lynx restoration was deemed a success, CPW returned to the idea in 2010 and completed a plan for reintroduction informed by partners and stakeholders, but that was halted because of uncertainty surrounding a federal listing decision.
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Because the wolverine has been listed as a threatened species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under the Endangered Species Act, SB24-171 states that reintroduction of wolverines would not begin until a final rule designating the North American wolverine in Colorado as a nonessential experimental population (known as a 10(j) rule), had taken effect.
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“Colorado is the right state to take on this work,” said CPW Director Jeff Davis. “The North American wolverine requires a high-elevation habitat with persistent, deep snowpack, and Colorado has some of the best remaining unoccupied wolverine habitat in the lower 48 states. This legislation would put us on the right path toward a successful wolverine reintroduction effort in Colorado.”
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For more information, please <a href="https://cpw.state.co.us/aboutus/Pages/News-Release-Details.aspx?NewsID=4055" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">click here</span></a>.
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Jeff
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<a href="http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>RockyMountainHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
<br />
<a href="http://www.hikinginglacier.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>HikinginGlacier.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.tetonhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>TetonHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTRVVRYT?&linkCode=sl1&tag=tetons-20&linkId=31ebb97810a507c9cfb6e746fdaf998a&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Ramble On</i></b></span></a> (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084VGN2SB/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=68c60ff73d8ed98f2158dfc7930a14d1&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Glacier National Park</i></b></span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083G78RM3/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=9dc036893cad3b36af8b606c6ea23889&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Grand Teton National Park</i></b></span></a>The Smoky Mountain Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05019731497259511008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057534809878936624.post-67607949133526916202024-03-05T07:00:00.162-05:002024-03-05T07:00:00.147-05:00The Bear Lake LodgeBelow is a photo of the old Bear Lake Lodge along the eastern shore of Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. The first building on this property was constructed in 1915. After additional cabins were added in subsequent years, the resort was able to accommodate up to 75 guests per day during its heyday.
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In 1919, Roger Toll, then Superintendent of Rocky Mountain, published <i>Mountaineering in the Rocky Mountain National Park</i>. In the book he noted that accommodations at the lodge cost $20.00 per week. Apparently inflation was kept to a minimum in the years that followed (especially during the Great Depression). A park pamphlet from 1937 stated:
<blockquote>"Bear Lake Lodge, located on Bear Lake, offers cabin accommodations, ranging in price from $2.50 to $3.50 a day and $15 to $20 a week. Meals: Breakfast, a la carte; luncheon, 65 cents to $1; dinner, $1 to $1.50." </blockquote>
The lodge remained in business until 1958; however, within two years, the National Park Service had razed all of the buildings on the property. They eventually restored portions of the area back to its natural state, and converted another portion into the current parking area.
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Today, the landscape around Bear Lake looks much different when compared to the early 1900s. In addition to the commercial development around the lake, this area was also badly burned during the "Big Fire" of 1900, which was started by picnickers. According to the park website, the fire "raged for two months". Most visitors who hike around <a href="https://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/bear-lake-nature-trail.htm" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Bear Lake</b></span></a> today are likely unaware of the rich history that took place here during the first half of the 20th Century.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik5xHUIccUtzOglbjpy0U8yWDeLCCTETiWLppeXkfCre2OHyXEVeKCD4VNkrELjBlGxPQu6YBxxeV_kYSMuHX-jMh8Esw1qwAfJs6xnRtq2Fn1l3Me_yN2eMr19cFyN1ZtNJsAXKK3FeCV7R7a926gsznsk-oyL2XrAd6f0MrHVqvvP-fMY_7QXr7sXs5X/s620/1%20-%20Bear%20Lake%20Lodge.webp" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="376" data-original-width="620" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik5xHUIccUtzOglbjpy0U8yWDeLCCTETiWLppeXkfCre2OHyXEVeKCD4VNkrELjBlGxPQu6YBxxeV_kYSMuHX-jMh8Esw1qwAfJs6xnRtq2Fn1l3Me_yN2eMr19cFyN1ZtNJsAXKK3FeCV7R7a926gsznsk-oyL2XrAd6f0MrHVqvvP-fMY_7QXr7sXs5X/s400/1%20-%20Bear%20Lake%20Lodge.webp" width="520" /></a></div>
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Jeff
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<a href="http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>RockyMountainHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
<br />
<a href="http://www.hikinginglacier.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>HikinginGlacier.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.tetonhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>TetonHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTRVVRYT?&linkCode=sl1&tag=tetons-20&linkId=31ebb97810a507c9cfb6e746fdaf998a&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Ramble On</i></b></span></a> (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084VGN2SB/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=68c60ff73d8ed98f2158dfc7930a14d1&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Glacier National Park</i></b></span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083G78RM3/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=9dc036893cad3b36af8b606c6ea23889&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Grand Teton National Park</i></b></span></a>The Smoky Mountain Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05019731497259511008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057534809878936624.post-21600514088359166412024-03-03T07:00:00.001-05:002024-03-03T07:00:00.139-05:00Colorado saw fewer human-bear conflicts in 2023 due to good natural food production compared to recent yearsColorado Parks and Wildlife received 3,526 reports of sightings and conflicts with bears in 2023, which is a 21 percent decrease from the average number of reports received in 2019 - 2023. Trash continues to be the number one source of conflicts between humans and bears.
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Of the 3,526 reports CPW received in 2023, 1,795 resulted in property damage to a shed, garage, home, vehicle, fence, etc. Around 92 percent of property damage reported from bears is linked to an attractant of some kind, with over 51 percent linked to trash, 20 percent to livestock, chickens and beehives, and 19 percent to bird seed, pet food, barbeque grills, coolers and refrigerators.
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There are an estimated 17,000 to 20,000 bears in Colorado and every year the majority of incident reports involve bears trying to access human food sources. 2023 was no different with trash continuing to be the number one source of conflicts. Other constant sources of conflict included birdfeeders, livestock and bears accessing open garages and other human-originated items that are left unsecured. These conflicts could all easily be reduced if the public takes some simple steps around their homes and properties to prevent bears from accessing them.
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Nature and human behavior play a role in the amount of bear activity that we see annually. Drought conditions and other factors that may influence the availability of natural food crops for bears, such as a late freeze, vary across the state, as does the behavior of people when it relates to human-bear interactions.
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In 2023, the majority of the East Slope received adequate temperatures and rainfall to produce natural forage for bears. Compared to 2022, reports on the East Slope remained steady with CPW’s Northeast region receiving 905 reports and the Southeast regions receiving 696 reports.
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CPW’s Northwest region has the largest bear population in the state and received 1,228 reports, a 35 percent reduction from the previous year. Despite good natural forage in the area, an unreasonable number of bears were reported entering homes. Reports remained steady in CPW’s Southwest region at 697.
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Below is the number of reports and bears euthanized and relocated by CPW annually since 2020:
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2023: 3,526 reports, 33 relocated, 63 euthanized <br />
2022: 4,147 reports, 59 relocated, 94 euthanized<br />
2021: 3,598 reports, 51 relocated, 66 euthanized <br />
2020*: 4,806 reports, 118 relocated, 158 euthanized
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*2020 was a notoriously bad year for natural forage production with drought conditions and a late spring freeze severely limiting berry and shrub oak availability. These conditions led to a disproportionately high number of human-bear conflicts.
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For more information, <a href="https://cpw.state.co.us/aboutus/Pages/News-Release-Details.aspx?NewsID=4046" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">click here</span></a>. To watch a progression map of reported bear activity across Colorado in 2023, <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1k4v4XnJBn-xKe2HjO34MOZyIdqAblSgQ/view" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">click here</span></a>.
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Jeff
<br />
<a href="http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>RockyMountainHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
<br />
<a href="http://www.hikinginglacier.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>HikinginGlacier.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.tetonhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>TetonHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTRVVRYT?&linkCode=sl1&tag=tetons-20&linkId=31ebb97810a507c9cfb6e746fdaf998a&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Ramble On</i></b></span></a> (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084VGN2SB/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=68c60ff73d8ed98f2158dfc7930a14d1&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Glacier National Park</i></b></span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083G78RM3/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=9dc036893cad3b36af8b606c6ea23889&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Grand Teton National Park</i></b></span></a>The Smoky Mountain Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05019731497259511008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057534809878936624.post-92184405363556203182024-02-29T07:00:00.347-05:002024-02-29T07:00:00.134-05:00The Legacy of Richard "Beaver Dick" LeighLying in the valley below the Teton Range are a chain of glacially-carved lakes. The Grand Teton region, especially these lakes, are steeped in history intertwined with an Englishman by the name of Richard "Beaver Dick" Leigh, who led a fairly long and adventurous life. Born in Manchester, England in 1831, his family migrated to America when Richard was just seven years old. Nine years later he would run away from home to join the Hudson's Bay Company. During the following year he enlisted in the army to fight in the Mexican War. After the war he worked as a trapper, gold prospector, ferryboatman, and eventually as a hunting guide. In 1872 he guided the Hayden Geological Survey during their time in Jackson Hole, while his wife and children assisted with camp logistics. In 1891 he had a chance meeting with Theodore Roosevelt and his hunting party while camping in the Two Ocean area. His nickname, “Beaver Dick,” was purportedly given to him by Brigham Young.
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In 1863 Leigh married a Shoshone woman, whom he would call Jenny. They immediately built a cabin in the Teton Basin on the west side of the Teton Range. Later that same year Leigh came across the isolated camp of a young Bannock family that went by the name of Tadpole. The wife of this couple happened to be in labor, and apparently was in need of some help. Leigh volunteered to act as a midwife. So grateful for his timely assistance the couple offered their newborn daughter, Susan, in marriage after she came of age. Leigh, already married at that point, declined the offer.
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While serving as guide in the Jackson Hole area for the Hayden Geological Survey of 1872, expedition photographer William Henry Jackson took this photograph of Beaver Dick, Jenny and their four children in front of their tepee camp:
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC2Pq3N1rFh0zbLJEPgb7BUYrc9rkRwLFkijrXDUBubCLi0UE4XC7UgdhKqAoSDgH9bI_4_XuGTFIQlXmrn0zCPXl6Hb1oCeJTIAf2QBA6_vrBwD7Bk2HXYjLCmXFzI37LdaSXDH1_xu-uIp361uDdTXuJZeTqobNrMRXAYdHinVC4NqgfIFGxuzclux0L/s1180/1%20-Richard%20Beaver%20Dick%20Leigh,%201872,%20with%20his%20first%20wife,%20Jenny,%20a%20Shoshone.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="819" data-original-width="1180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC2Pq3N1rFh0zbLJEPgb7BUYrc9rkRwLFkijrXDUBubCLi0UE4XC7UgdhKqAoSDgH9bI_4_XuGTFIQlXmrn0zCPXl6Hb1oCeJTIAf2QBA6_vrBwD7Bk2HXYjLCmXFzI37LdaSXDH1_xu-uIp361uDdTXuJZeTqobNrMRXAYdHinVC4NqgfIFGxuzclux0L/s400/1%20-Richard%20Beaver%20Dick%20Leigh,%201872,%20with%20his%20first%20wife,%20Jenny,%20a%20Shoshone.jpg" width="520" /></a></div>
Hayden was so impressed with the services rendered by the Leigh family that he named three lakes after them. This included <a href="https://www.tetonhikingtrails.com/leigh-lake.htm" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Leigh Lake</b></span></a>, <a href="https://www.tetonhikingtrails.com/jenny-lake.htm" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Jenny Lake</b></span></a> and Beaver Dick Lake, which was later renamed as <a href="https://www.tetonhikingtrails.com/string-lake-loop.htm" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>String Lake</b></span></a> in the 1930s.
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In December of 1876 Jenny gave birth to their sixth child. However, just a few days later, the wife of a trapper came into the Leigh home seeking food and shelter. The woman's husband had just died of smallpox. Unbeknownst to this woman she was also carrying the virus, and died a few days later. Before succumbing to the deadly disease she inadvertently spread it to the entire Leigh family. Within two weeks Jenny and their six children were dead, while Beaver Dick barely survived.
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Three years later Leigh would remarry. At the age of 48 he serendipitously married Susan Tadpole, the baby girl who was promised to him 16 years earlier. The couple and their three children posed for this photograph sometime in the mid-1890s:
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisSXRKTBEbyCT5sTJpj5kKiNvqou8Xxw4qHH-4vIRr1s3UncUB5YTyCDSlWOZ9qd8GbyNjYyivqXDf33t80cTvEC8JLFKPkpFPWo1JtjN6JohZLyfMM7PMvLrLaVINrByWKVC6ZL47IQ6w-BRVkEhYVA4nl7vf9xMTYjSfZRT917PXHRKpL0qlAatd7paQ/s1600/1%20-richard-beaver-dick-leigh-and-souix-family.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="286" data-original-width="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisSXRKTBEbyCT5sTJpj5kKiNvqou8Xxw4qHH-4vIRr1s3UncUB5YTyCDSlWOZ9qd8GbyNjYyivqXDf33t80cTvEC8JLFKPkpFPWo1JtjN6JohZLyfMM7PMvLrLaVINrByWKVC6ZL47IQ6w-BRVkEhYVA4nl7vf9xMTYjSfZRT917PXHRKpL0qlAatd7paQ/s1600/1%20-richard-beaver-dick-leigh-and-souix-family.jpg" /></a></div>
In March of 1899 Leigh passed away at the age of 68.
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<br />
<br />
Jeff
<br />
<a href="http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>RockyMountainHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
<br />
<a href="http://www.hikinginglacier.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>HikinginGlacier.com</b></span></a>
<br />
<a href="http://www.tetonhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>TetonHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTRVVRYT?&linkCode=sl1&tag=tetons-20&linkId=31ebb97810a507c9cfb6e746fdaf998a&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Ramble On</i></b></span></a> (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084VGN2SB/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=68c60ff73d8ed98f2158dfc7930a14d1&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Glacier National Park</i></b></span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083G78RM3/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=9dc036893cad3b36af8b606c6ea23889&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Grand Teton National Park</i></b></span></a>The Smoky Mountain Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05019731497259511008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057534809878936624.post-27211652774648768092024-02-27T07:00:00.011-05:002024-02-27T07:00:00.130-05:00Take "Exploring Grand Teton National Park" with you on the trailAre you planning to visit Grand Teton 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.
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirMGcBjUJw-3qtTDNWyKVrdCpmmtyim554TEN1vdrlhE2Paa0ATXAx7x3z5MGoZAibOlVf-tKVDMQAA5iOcVat758qQRkrxhejJz5d5d6jiBYBRJgDwsTGkQzDSsuGqtsz-VANm7onthM/s1600/tetons-cover-social.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="495" data-original-width="309" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirMGcBjUJw-3qtTDNWyKVrdCpmmtyim554TEN1vdrlhE2Paa0ATXAx7x3z5MGoZAibOlVf-tKVDMQAA5iOcVat758qQRkrxhejJz5d5d6jiBYBRJgDwsTGkQzDSsuGqtsz-VANm7onthM/s320/tetons-cover-social.jpg" width="199" /></a></div>
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083G78RM3/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=9dc036893cad3b36af8b606c6ea23889&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Grand Teton National Park</i></b></span></a> 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 readers with convenient access to the information contained on TetonHikingTrails.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.
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<b><i>Exploring Grand Teton National Park</i></b> covers 44 hikes. This includes 41 hikes within Grand Teton National 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, 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 Grand Teton's backcountry, this book provides all the tools you'll need to make your hiking trip as enjoyable as possible.
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As with our four 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.
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The guide is <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083G78RM3/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=9dc036893cad3b36af8b606c6ea23889&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><b>available on Amazon</b></span></a>.
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Jeff
<br />
<a href="http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>RockyMountainHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
<br />
<a href="http://www.hikinginglacier.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>HikinginGlacier.com</b></span></a>
<br />
<a href="http://www.tetonhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>TetonHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTRVVRYT?&linkCode=sl1&tag=tetons-20&linkId=31ebb97810a507c9cfb6e746fdaf998a&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Ramble On</i></b></span></a> (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084VGN2SB/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=68c60ff73d8ed98f2158dfc7930a14d1&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Glacier National Park</i></b></span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083G78RM3/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=9dc036893cad3b36af8b606c6ea23889&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Grand Teton National Park</i></b></span></a>The Smoky Mountain Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05019731497259511008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057534809878936624.post-40416477017580880502024-02-26T07:00:00.003-05:002024-02-26T07:00:00.133-05:00Hidden gems, off-season trips highlights of 325.5 million national park visits in 2023While overall visitation continues to grow across America's national parks, visitors are increasingly discovering opportunities in less well-known parks and during park off-seasons.
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Today, the National Park Service announced that 400 national parks reported a total of 325.5 million recreation visits in 2023, an increase of 13 million or 4% over 2022. In addition to the continued growth in overall numbers, NPS data shows that visitation is increasing in the more traditional off-seasons at many parks, with more visits in the spring and fall than seen in years past. And 20 parks—many of them less well-known—broke visitation records in 2023.
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Visitation figures and trends guide how the National Park Service manages parks to ensure the best experience possible for park visitors. The Visitation Statistics Dashboard on NPS.gov provides recreational visit statistics for every park in the US for 2023 and also for previous years, dating back to 1979 for some parks. Of the 429 parks in the National Park System, 400 parks counted visitors in 2023. For the first time, there are now parks reporting their visitation numbers from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and four US territories. Five national parks began reporting in 2023, and this is the first year a park from Delaware is included.
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The 20 parks that broke visitation records in 2023 are:
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* Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site<br />
* Congaree National Park<br />
* Dry Tortugas National Park<br />
* Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve<br />
* Glen Canyon National Recreation Area<br />
* Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument<br />
* John Muir National Historic Site<br />
* Joshua Tree National Park<br />
* Kaloko Honokōhau National Historic Park<br />
* Keweenaw National Historic Park<br />
* Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park<br />
* Lincoln Memorial<br />
* Longfellow House Washington’s Headquarters National Historic Site<br />
* Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historic Park<br />
* Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Memorial<br />
* Minidoka National Historic Site<br />
* Mojave National Preserve<br />
* New River Gorge National Park & Preserve<br />
* Nez Perce National Historic Park<br />
* Ninety Six National Historic Site
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Jeff
<br />
<a href="http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>RockyMountainHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
<br />
<a href="http://www.hikinginglacier.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>HikinginGlacier.com</b></span></a>
<br />
<a href="http://www.tetonhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>TetonHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTRVVRYT?&linkCode=sl1&tag=tetons-20&linkId=31ebb97810a507c9cfb6e746fdaf998a&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Ramble On</i></b></span></a> (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084VGN2SB/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=68c60ff73d8ed98f2158dfc7930a14d1&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Glacier National Park</i></b></span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083G78RM3/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=9dc036893cad3b36af8b606c6ea23889&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Grand Teton National Park</i></b></span></a>The Smoky Mountain Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05019731497259511008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057534809878936624.post-69427135833065331252024-02-25T07:00:00.029-05:002024-02-25T07:00:00.130-05:00Public Input Sought on Transportation and Transit Planning EffortThe National Park Service (NPS) is seeking public feedback on initial proposed ideas for Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve’s Transportation and Transit Planning effort. Staff will share the park’s transportation improvement concept at public meetings and gather public feedback on the initial concept to address challenges presented by increased and changing visitor use patterns.
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“We are working through a planning effort to focus on relieving congestion and improving opportunities for the public to have a more enjoyable and safe experience when they visit the park,” said Park Superintendent Andrea Compton. "We want to hear from our community, partners, and stakeholders so we can improve transportation and create solutions that work well for our visitors."
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Great Sand Dunes invites the public to learn about and provide input on the Transportation and Transit Planning effort by way of virtual or in person meetings. The meetings will occur on Feb. 28 (virtual), March 13 (in person in Alamosa, Colo.), and March 14 (in person in Crestone, Colo.). A 30-day public comment period will also begin Feb. 28, 2024. For more information about the public meetings please visit this page: <a href="https://parkplanning.nps.gov/GRSA_TTP"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">https://parkplanning.nps.gov/GRSA_TTP
</span></a><br />
<br /><br /><b><u>
Virtual Public Meeting </u></b>
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<br />
Feb. 28, 2024, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. MST
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<br />
Please join via a <a href="https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_YzExYmFkYjYtNmVmNi00MzQwLThhYTMtNDIwMWNkNzI1NmVj%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%2220b9e761-5fd9-47e7-aa8e-d0c61e6a322d%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22a677a064-7ca0-471a-92b8-1664749e9c01%22%7d" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>virtual Teams meeting</b></span></a>.
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<br />
Link that will be open during that time.<br />
<br /><br /><b><u>
In-Person Public Meeting 1
</u></b><br />
<br />
March 13, 2024, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. MST
<br />
<br />
Alamosa, Colorado
<br />
<br />
Rio Grande Water Conservation District, 8805 Independence Way, Alamosa CO 81101
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<br /><br /><b><u>
In-Person Public Meeting 2
</u></b><br />
<br />
March 14, 2024, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. MST
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<br />
Crestone, Colorado
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Baca National Wildlife Refuge office, 69812 County Road T., Crestone, CO 81131
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The Baca NWR is located approximately 10.5 miles east of Highway 17 on the south side of County Road T. The gate at the end of the refuge driveway is between two large timbers, with “Luis Maria Baca Grant” in cast iron lettering above it.
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Public Comment
</u></b><br />
<br />
Beginning Feb. 28, 2024, the public can also provide formal comments. The preferred method for submitting comments is online at <a href="https://parkplanning.nps.gov/GRSA_TTP"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">https://parkplanning.nps.gov/GRSA_TTP</span></a>. Comments may also be mailed or hand-delivered to: Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center, Attn: Transportation and Transit Planning, 11999 State Highway 150, Mosca CO 81146. The deadline to submit comments is March 29, 2024.
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At the conclusion of the 30-day public comment period, the NPS will analyze and consider all comments received. A draft environmental assessment will likely be released for public review fall 2024. A final decision is expected in early 2025.
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Jeff
<br />
<a href="http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>RockyMountainHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
<br />
<a href="http://www.hikinginglacier.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>HikinginGlacier.com</b></span></a>
<br />
<a href="http://www.tetonhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>TetonHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTRVVRYT?&linkCode=sl1&tag=tetons-20&linkId=31ebb97810a507c9cfb6e746fdaf998a&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Ramble On</i></b></span></a> (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084VGN2SB/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=68c60ff73d8ed98f2158dfc7930a14d1&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Glacier National Park</i></b></span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083G78RM3/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=9dc036893cad3b36af8b606c6ea23889&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Grand Teton National Park</i></b></span></a>The Smoky Mountain Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05019731497259511008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057534809878936624.post-8991443173563385092024-02-22T07:00:00.004-05:002024-02-22T07:00:00.349-05:00Who was Agnes Vaille?If you've ever had the chance to hike to the <a href="https://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/longs-peak-keyhole.htm" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Keyhole on Longs Peak</b></span></a> in Rocky Mountain National Park, you likely noticed the beehive-shaped stone shelter just below the famous rock formation. The original shelter was constructed in 1927, just two years after the tragic death of Agnes Vaille.
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On January 12, 1925, Agnes Vaille became the first woman to ascend Longs Peak during the winter. At 4:00 a.m. that morning, she and her climbing partner, Walter Kiener, reached the summit where they recorded an incredibly frigid temperature of −14°F. During their descent, in a fierce blizzard, Ms. Vaille slipped and fell roughly 150 feet. Completely spent with fatigue, Vaille insisted she needed a short nap, but froze to death before Kiener could bring back help. As a memorial to Ms. Vaille, and as a shelter for climbers and hikers in need during a storm, the park constructed the original Agnes Vaille Shelter. Eight years later, in 1935, her family re-built the shelter that we see today.
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Prior to her death Agnes was an avid climber, and a prominent member of the Colorado Mountain Club. According to records I found, she had climbed at least 21 of Colorado's 54 fourteeners in her bid to become the 4th member of the CMCs 14,000-Footers Club. In 1923 she also made the first recorded solo winter ascent of 13,294-foot James Peak. Like other members of the CMC during World War I, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTRVVRYT?&linkCode=sl1&tag=tetons-20&linkId=31ebb97810a507c9cfb6e746fdaf998a&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>Vaille served the country</b></span></a> by volunteering for the Red Cross Canteen Service in both France and Germany.
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Below is a photo of Agnes (left) and Mary Cronin (right) on Mount Meeker in 1923:
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqanT7Nojub9dsJXkxWGLHZKXm_ZVfkvQ0PwCGrEIJTLrGE5nINKlOX3UnrHAzLYufptfuY63uZfmSbZuo4FxpXvPS91s8sZXbpW8z8qSJjsA83-Ju3zHZrGWnbjD7Beq95jPhKYRucr2KNbairo-DvWYX_aygW8JsiKHQ3u1STZ2u7HZGi8GsyWF5c1A/s476/1%20-%20Agnes%20Vaille%20%28left%29.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="476" data-original-width="290" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqanT7Nojub9dsJXkxWGLHZKXm_ZVfkvQ0PwCGrEIJTLrGE5nINKlOX3UnrHAzLYufptfuY63uZfmSbZuo4FxpXvPS91s8sZXbpW8z8qSJjsA83-Ju3zHZrGWnbjD7Beq95jPhKYRucr2KNbairo-DvWYX_aygW8JsiKHQ3u1STZ2u7HZGi8GsyWF5c1A/s400/1%20-%20Agnes%20Vaille%20%28left%29.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Jeff
<br />
<a href="http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>RockyMountainHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
<br />
<a href="http://www.hikinginglacier.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>HikinginGlacier.com</b></span></a>
<br />
<a href="http://www.tetonhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>TetonHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTRVVRYT?&linkCode=sl1&tag=tetons-20&linkId=31ebb97810a507c9cfb6e746fdaf998a&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Ramble On</i></b></span></a> (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084VGN2SB/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=68c60ff73d8ed98f2158dfc7930a14d1&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Glacier National Park</i></b></span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083G78RM3/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=9dc036893cad3b36af8b606c6ea23889&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Grand Teton National Park</i></b></span></a>The Smoky Mountain Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05019731497259511008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057534809878936624.post-66253757141721130202024-02-20T17:12:00.002-05:002024-02-20T17:12:48.296-05:00New Transponder Devices Available for Transponder Lane at Rocky Mountain National ParkVoluntary automated gate transponders are available for purchase at Rocky Mountain National Park for annual and lifetime passholders, including RMNP, America the Beautiful, Senior, Military, Veterans, Access and Fourth grade passes. There is currently a transponder lane at Beaver Meadows Entrance and a new transponder lane is being constructed at Fall River Entrance. The lane at the Grand Lake Entrance is being reconstructed after it was destroyed in the East Troublesome Fire. The transponder lanes will be closed in 2024 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. when the timed entry reservation system is in effect (May 24 to October 15).
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<br />
A transponder is a small, credit card-sized device that must be attached to a vehicle’s window. The amenity fee for those interested in this voluntary transponder is $15. One transponder may be purchased per valid annual or lifetime pass and the transponder is valid for up to one year. It can be renewed each year for $5 after the initial purchase. Transponders must be attached to a vehicle’s window and are non-removable, non-transferable, and non-refundable. When using a transponder in the park, visitors must have their passes with them as well. The transponders are available for purchase at the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center on Thursdays and Sundays beginning on February 22 through May 2, from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Beginning on Sunday May 5, transponders will be available for purchase on Sundays only at the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center from 8 a.m. to noon.
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<br />
Transponder lanes assist passholders and park staff by reducing queuing and congestion at entrance stations particularly on busy winter weekends, as well as prior to 9 a.m. and after 2 p.m. during months when timed entry reservation permits are in place.
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<br />
In 2004, Rocky Mountain National Park constructed a fast pass lane at the Beaver Meadows Entrance and in 2011, an additional fast pass lane was installed at the Grand Lake Entrance. Rocky Mountain National Park was one of the only national parks with fast pass lanes for visitors. Visitors who purchased an annual park pass or lifetime pass were able to use their pass to operate the automated gate. However, in 2019, the National Park Service modified the format of annual and lifetime passes. The new national passes are not compatible with the park’s fast pass gate system technology and the fast pass gate has not been operational for the last few years. Based on this change, the park has transitioned to windshield transponders for interested annual and lifetime passholders to access the transponder lane, outside of any pilot timed entry permit reservation system times, which in 2024 is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 24 to October 15.
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Jeff
<br />
<a href="http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>RockyMountainHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
<br />
<a href="http://www.hikinginglacier.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>HikinginGlacier.com</b></span></a>
<br />
<a href="http://www.tetonhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>TetonHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTRVVRYT?&linkCode=sl1&tag=tetons-20&linkId=31ebb97810a507c9cfb6e746fdaf998a&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Ramble On</i></b></span></a> (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084VGN2SB/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=68c60ff73d8ed98f2158dfc7930a14d1&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Glacier National Park</i></b></span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083G78RM3/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=9dc036893cad3b36af8b606c6ea23889&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Grand Teton National Park</i></b></span></a>The Smoky Mountain Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05019731497259511008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057534809878936624.post-12704962721959183842024-02-15T16:09:00.004-05:002024-02-15T16:09:56.488-05:00Temporary Closures In Lumpy Ridge And Loch Vale Areas To Protect Nesting Raptors In Rocky Mountain National ParkEach year, to protect breeding and nesting sites of raptors (also known as birds of prey), Rocky Mountain National Park officials initiate temporary closures in the park. Raptors that are protected include multiple species of hawks, owls, golden eagles, and peregrine falcons.
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To ensure that these birds can nest undisturbed, specific areas within the park are closed temporarily to public use during their breeding and nesting season. These areas are monitored by park wildlife managers. Raptor closures begin on February 15 and continue through July 31, if appropriate. These closures may be extended longer or rescinded at an earlier date depending on nesting activity.
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A closure is in place in the <a href="https://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/the-loch.htm" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Loch Vale</b></span></a> area which includes Cathedral Wall. The areas above the Loch Vale-<a href="https://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/sky-pond.htm" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Sky Pond Trail</b></span></a> are closed to off trail travel.
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In the <a href="https://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/lumpy-ridge-loop.htm" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Lumpy Ridge</b></span></a> area closures include Checkerboard Rock, Lightning Rock, Batman Rock, Batman Pinnacle, Sundance, Thunder Buttress, The Parish, Bookmark Pinnacle, The Left Book, Bookmark, Twin Owls, Rock One and the Needle. These closures include the named formations. Closures include all climbing routes, outcroppings, cliffs, faces, ascent and descent routes and climber access trails to the named rock formations. Check the park’s website at <a href="https://www.nps.gov/romo/raptor-closures.htm"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">https://www.nps.gov/romo/raptor-closures.htm</span></a> for all details on specific raptor closure areas, including maps.
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The National Park Service is committed to preserving birds of prey. If nest sites are located or territorial behaviors such as aggressive divebombing/vocalizing or birds fleeing nest sites due to human disturbance are observed, please report the general location to <a href="mailto:ROMO_Information@nps.gov"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">ROMO_Information@nps.gov</span></a>.
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The same cliffs that are critical for raptors also appeal to climbers. The cooperation of climbing organizations and individuals continues to be essential to the successful nesting of raptors in the park.
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Jeff
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<a href="http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>RockyMountainHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.hikinginglacier.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>HikinginGlacier.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.tetonhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>TetonHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTRVVRYT?&linkCode=sl1&tag=tetons-20&linkId=31ebb97810a507c9cfb6e746fdaf998a&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Ramble On</i></b></span></a> (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084VGN2SB/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=68c60ff73d8ed98f2158dfc7930a14d1&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Glacier National Park</i></b></span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083G78RM3/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=9dc036893cad3b36af8b606c6ea23889&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Grand Teton National Park</i></b></span></a>The Smoky Mountain Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05019731497259511008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057534809878936624.post-57738426289155820362024-02-12T07:00:00.009-05:002024-02-12T07:00:00.135-05:00Historic Photos From Piegan PassBelow are two of photos of tourists at Piegan Pass in the early 1930s. As discussed in my book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTRVVRYT?&linkCode=sl1&tag=tetons-20&linkId=31ebb97810a507c9cfb6e746fdaf998a&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Ramble On</i></b></span></a>, multi-day guided horseback tours along trails constructed by the Great Northern Railway, such as the Piegan Pass Trail, were the primary method of seeing Glacier National Park before the Going-to-the-Sun Road was completed in 1932.
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You could make a strong argument that Piegan Pass is somewhat overlooked by modern-day hikers, who tend to gravitate towards its nearby neighbors; Siyeh Pass and the Highline Trail. In my opinion, that might be a mistake! The <a href="https://www.hikinginglacier.com/piegan-pass.htm" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Piegan Pass Trail</b></span></a> also offers stunningly beautiful scenery - without the crowds.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3aJEeeQZgrEALprjfzu6mli4ItBGcrMCnXMLfVZS7z8OrEs-Vnyxxq8ncCEqbDQ5z6rc1Sl6hFmVb-uDanYhS4bG8qC2hiqRGTzQhnwaPIcK83A8LoecHDwUYj198xRczqQtO9pes9K1aN0RyyWhoFGdHsxXKOWKE-KYnB8U0hKdryDq97pwzZ3XGFp4/s720/piegan%20pass%20horse.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="503" height="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3aJEeeQZgrEALprjfzu6mli4ItBGcrMCnXMLfVZS7z8OrEs-Vnyxxq8ncCEqbDQ5z6rc1Sl6hFmVb-uDanYhS4bG8qC2hiqRGTzQhnwaPIcK83A8LoecHDwUYj198xRczqQtO9pes9K1aN0RyyWhoFGdHsxXKOWKE-KYnB8U0hKdryDq97pwzZ3XGFp4/s400/piegan%20pass%20horse.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaoTRSniQ_DjUL6fLNnnB6Str7Qvt7Za4L7GvKtNi1K7z7d71myAIdGccw3PBJhEap7sTOEUR21twpfiQwRxf0lKd26XraEHiJknLrmirzC2q_-AwjzwXE9kbii7ZtbSbFls2URIUzagVel08E1KsMtwCYHfe53aiI8GWDgquJIWEZcXKksKLwVK1BsTM/s660/piegan%20pass.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="410" data-original-width="660" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaoTRSniQ_DjUL6fLNnnB6Str7Qvt7Za4L7GvKtNi1K7z7d71myAIdGccw3PBJhEap7sTOEUR21twpfiQwRxf0lKd26XraEHiJknLrmirzC2q_-AwjzwXE9kbii7ZtbSbFls2URIUzagVel08E1KsMtwCYHfe53aiI8GWDgquJIWEZcXKksKLwVK1BsTM/s400/piegan%20pass.png" width="520" /></a></div>
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Jeff
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<a href="http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>RockyMountainHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.hikinginglacier.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>HikinginGlacier.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.tetonhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>TetonHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTRVVRYT?&linkCode=sl1&tag=tetons-20&linkId=31ebb97810a507c9cfb6e746fdaf998a&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Ramble On</i></b></span></a> (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084VGN2SB/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=68c60ff73d8ed98f2158dfc7930a14d1&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Glacier National Park</i></b></span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083G78RM3/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=9dc036893cad3b36af8b606c6ea23889&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Grand Teton National Park</i></b></span></a>The Smoky Mountain Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05019731497259511008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057534809878936624.post-39321867880324382962024-02-08T16:03:00.000-05:002024-02-08T16:03:32.476-05:00Visitors to northern Front Range National Forests encouraged to plan ahead and Know Before You GoNow is the time to start planning your 2024 summer adventures on the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests & Pawnee National Grassland. From camping and hunting to boating on lakes or trekking through the wilderness, most outdoor adventures require advance planning and preparation.
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All campgrounds on the Forests and Grassland are extremely popular due to their proximity to major highways and metropolitan areas. Campground reservations are available online six months in advance at recreation.gov, so visitors looking to book for the peak summer season can start planning now.
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Online reservations will be required for the most popular developed recreation areas, while wilderness permits and recreation passes should be purchased online. Reservations will be required for Mount Blue Sky and Brainard Lake in 2024. Day use reservations are expected to be available on a rolling basis for both areas beginning in mid-May. The Brainard Lake welcome station is scheduled to open June 14, and Mount Blue Sky typically opens for Memorial Day weekend, depending on snow conditions. More information on reservations will be available in May.
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Online permits for the rugged Indian Peaks Wilderness Area, a popular destination for visitors seeking a more remote experience, become available at 8 a.m. mountain time, Tuesday, March 5 on recreation.gov. Permits are required for all overnight camping in Indian Peaks Wilderness Area from June 1 to Sept. 15. Visitors should plan their itineraries in advance by using the resources available on the Forest’s <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/arp/recarea/?recid=80803" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">website</span></a>.
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Overnight parking reservations for visitors planning to use the Brainard Lake Recreation Area trailheads for permitted overnight camping in the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area also will be available starting March 5 on recreation.gov. If you plan to use the Hessie or Fourth of July trailheads, check the Boulder County <a href="https://bouldercounty.gov/open-space/parks-and-trails/hessie-trailhead/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">website</span></a> for information on shuttles and parking. Information on that page will be updated before the season begins.
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National Forest maps and annual and lifetime recreation passes that cover fees for National Parks and National Forests can be purchased online through <a href="http://USGS.gov"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">USGS.gov</span></a>. The Forest Service partners with outdoor retail and visitor center locations around the area to provide National Forest passes, maps, and information. See a <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/arp/about-forest/offices" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">full list</span></a> of current partner locations. Passholders are still required to make reservations and pay administrative fees through recreation.gov.
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If you need help planning your trip, call the Forest Information Line at 970-295-6600 or email VisitARP@usda.gov. If calling, press 0 to speak to a Forest Service representative.
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Jeff
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<a href="http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>RockyMountainHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.hikinginglacier.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>HikinginGlacier.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.tetonhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>TetonHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTRVVRYT?&linkCode=sl1&tag=tetons-20&linkId=31ebb97810a507c9cfb6e746fdaf998a&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Ramble On</i></b></span></a> (2nd edition book on the rich <a href="https://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/history-of-hiking.htm" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>history of hiking</b></span></a>)
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084VGN2SB/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=68c60ff73d8ed98f2158dfc7930a14d1&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Glacier National Park</i></b></span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083G78RM3/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=9dc036893cad3b36af8b606c6ea23889&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Grand Teton National Park</i></b></span></a>The Smoky Mountain Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05019731497259511008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057534809878936624.post-6348779605502412492024-02-06T07:00:00.037-05:002024-02-06T07:00:00.136-05:00The Father of Rocky Mountain National Park<a href="https://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/mills-lake.htm" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Mills Lake</b></span></a> is among the popular hiking destinations in the Bear Lake area. It's named for Enos Mills, the man commonly referred to as the "father of Rocky Mountain National Park". Mills became the area's first naturalist, and made great contributions to the field that would eventually lead to the profession of interpretive park rangers. He also established a guide service that led tourists to the summit of Longs Peak. At the age of 15 he made his first ascent of the park's highest peak, and over the course of his life would make the trip 40 times by himself, and nearly 300 times as a guide. The photo below shows a very young Mills (on the right) making that first ascent in 1885.
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Mills most significant contribution, however, was spending numerous years lecturing across the nation, lobbying Congress, and writing thousands of letters and articles that would eventually lead to the creation of Rocky Mountain National Park on January 26, 1915.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirapf0WVxC9hyMEXs8opSi11RGPz08nnQCSrYwoh62JDdXXgD5QssphGGdTVJZNTvIrtU0Ft6Pb08-B3InR-YFVRtOfVAG-hhckhnxiTIMygQ0c8Twb1yEOpafa8ChT1SzvoohKEjkHi0YgQ9Iqesf3TZXiQEI70CNW-7mVo6fm2Tly7MR2SQ9sDrUunuS/s1970/1%20-%20enos%20mills.webp" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1970" data-original-width="1200" height="680" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirapf0WVxC9hyMEXs8opSi11RGPz08nnQCSrYwoh62JDdXXgD5QssphGGdTVJZNTvIrtU0Ft6Pb08-B3InR-YFVRtOfVAG-hhckhnxiTIMygQ0c8Twb1yEOpafa8ChT1SzvoohKEjkHi0YgQ9Iqesf3TZXiQEI70CNW-7mVo6fm2Tly7MR2SQ9sDrUunuS/s320/1%20-%20enos%20mills.webp" /></a></div>
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Jeff
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<a href="http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>RockyMountainHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.hikinginglacier.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>HikinginGlacier.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.tetonhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>TetonHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTRVVRYT?&linkCode=sl1&tag=tetons-20&linkId=31ebb97810a507c9cfb6e746fdaf998a&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Ramble On</i></b></span></a> (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084VGN2SB/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=68c60ff73d8ed98f2158dfc7930a14d1&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Glacier National Park</i></b></span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083G78RM3/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=9dc036893cad3b36af8b606c6ea23889&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Grand Teton National Park</i></b></span></a>The Smoky Mountain Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05019731497259511008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057534809878936624.post-52446449451055588972024-01-31T07:00:00.015-05:002024-01-31T07:00:00.133-05:00Colorado Parks and Wildlife seeks public feedback on Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation PlanEvery five years, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) leads the development of the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP), to maintain eligibility for funding through the Land and Water Conservation Fund and to inform investments from other federal, state, local and private programs.
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Given the significance of outdoor recreation in Colorado, the SCORP is more than a federal requirement for funding. The plan reflects Colorado outdoor partners' shared vision and commitment to advancing recreation enjoyment and conservation of Colorado’s outdoor resources.
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Colorado’s previous 2019-2023 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) was developed in close collaboration with a wide range of partners to provide a shared vision for the future of Colorado’s outdoors. This plan also looks at current and changing demographics and recreation trends to help the outdoor recreation sector be culturally relevant and respond to future shifts.
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The SCORP identifies four top priorities:
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1) Enhance sustainable access and opportunity to enjoy the outdoors<br />
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2) Promote stewardship of natural, cultural, and recreational resources <br />
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3) Conserve lands, waters, and wildlife<br />
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4) Ensure adequate funding to sustain Colorado’s outdoors for the future<br />
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Currently, CPW is asking for feedback from the public on the relevance and importance of Colorado's outdoor recreation objectives that help achieve the top priorities listed in the 2019-2023 plan. There are nine main objectives listed in the 2019 SCORP, which help prioritize outdoor recreation and conservation projects across the state based on the priority areas.
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CPW staff want to ensure that the objectives we use to accomplish our outdoor recreation and conservation priorities in the 2024-2028 SCORP reflect the values of our community’s diverse interests. Share your feedback with us using the comment form on <a href="https://engagecpw.org/statewide-comprehensive-outdoor-recreation-plan" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">EngageCPW</span></a>. Comments on this plan are open now through Feb. 28, 2024.
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Jeff
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<a href="http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>RockyMountainHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.hikinginglacier.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>HikinginGlacier.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.tetonhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>TetonHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTRVVRYT?&linkCode=sl1&tag=tetons-20&linkId=31ebb97810a507c9cfb6e746fdaf998a&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Ramble On</i></b></span></a> (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084VGN2SB/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=68c60ff73d8ed98f2158dfc7930a14d1&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Glacier National Park</i></b></span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083G78RM3/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=9dc036893cad3b36af8b606c6ea23889&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Grand Teton National Park</i></b></span></a>The Smoky Mountain Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05019731497259511008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057534809878936624.post-60118123498339889962024-01-29T07:00:00.004-05:002024-02-02T18:50:26.672-05:00Along The Trail At The Head Of Cascade CanyonUpdate: after discussion on social media, and a closer analysis of the photo, I now believe this photo was taken from South Teton. It appears the photo may have been taken by Don Grant, who appears to have been a mountain climber from that era.
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The photo below was originally published by the U.S. Department of the Interior in a pamphlet called, <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/files/36128/36128-h/36128-h.htm" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><i>Grand Teton [Wyoming] National Park</i></span></a>. Published in 1937, the photograph appears with the title, <i>Along The Trail At The Head Of Cascade Canyon</i>. I could be wrong on this, but it appears the photo was taken from Jenny Lake, or possibly somewhere along the lower portions of Hanging Canyon. I believe the trail seen in this photo is either the Jenny Lake Trail or the western segment of the horse trail that links up with the Cascade Canyon Trail west of Inspiration Point. I also believe that the rock outcropping in the lower left-hand corner of the photo is <a href="https://www.tetonhikingtrails.com/inspiration-point.htm" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Inspiration Point</b></span></a>. Obviously the terrain around this area was much different back then. This area is mostly wooded now, which to me, makes this a pretty amazing shot:
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXZwNzojXvmDaX-kFch7sNz-uxlAzBw0amb0Dz8DPn5GkYQlfbv1FmIRMWdTPEAZrMohwdeAGq5KRKDcvZ8axT2pL5-n0QMLI68och1c1HB6w5clwYGaD0v8yGHOun-mLYG2QdpQH3G7lUkRT7qo5ogoETgVlTGt2TKbQnZHQ-3DIZZtxbfETQoSoAm3U/s800/1%20-%20cascade.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="502" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXZwNzojXvmDaX-kFch7sNz-uxlAzBw0amb0Dz8DPn5GkYQlfbv1FmIRMWdTPEAZrMohwdeAGq5KRKDcvZ8axT2pL5-n0QMLI68och1c1HB6w5clwYGaD0v8yGHOun-mLYG2QdpQH3G7lUkRT7qo5ogoETgVlTGt2TKbQnZHQ-3DIZZtxbfETQoSoAm3U/s400/1%20-%20cascade.jpg" width="520" /></a></div>
Even as far back as 85 years ago, <a href="https://www.tetonhikingtrails.com/cascade-canyon.htm" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Cascade Canyon</b></span></a> was considered to be a popular destination in the park. The Spring 1939 issue of <i>Grand Teton Nature Notes</i> reports that, "By far the most popular trail in the park is the lower portion of the Cascade Canyon Trail which leaves Jenny Lake and climbs above Hidden Falls."
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Jeff
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<a href="http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>RockyMountainHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.hikinginglacier.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>HikinginGlacier.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.tetonhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>TetonHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTRVVRYT?&linkCode=sl1&tag=tetons-20&linkId=31ebb97810a507c9cfb6e746fdaf998a&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Ramble On</i></b></span></a> (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084VGN2SB/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=68c60ff73d8ed98f2158dfc7930a14d1&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Glacier National Park</i></b></span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083G78RM3/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=9dc036893cad3b36af8b606c6ea23889&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Grand Teton National Park</i></b></span></a>The Smoky Mountain Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05019731497259511008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057534809878936624.post-5159080811130737622024-01-26T07:00:00.017-05:002024-01-26T07:00:00.131-05:00New map will help inform Coloradans on general areas inhabited by gray wolves in ColoradoA map published earlier this week on Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s <a href="https://cpw.state.co.us/learn/Pages/Wolves-Activity-Map.aspx" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">website</span></a> will inform the public, recreationists and livestock producers on where wolves have been in the past month. This map will be updated with new information on a monthly basis, produced on the fourth Wednesday of every month, and will reflect data for the prior month, give or take several days.
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These maps are created using GPS collar data collected from all 12 collared wolves in Colorado. This includes the 10 animals reintroduced from Oregon, as well as the two collared wolves in North Park.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://mcusercontent.com/5144ed31c5f2ba642e0393361/images/e51094a0-be79-1101-120a-7acf91935f20.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" src="https://mcusercontent.com/5144ed31c5f2ba642e0393361/images/e51094a0-be79-1101-120a-7acf91935f20.png" width="520" /></a></div>
This map depicts watersheds where the 12 collared wolves in Colorado have been for the last month. A watershed is a geographic unit that drains water into a specific waterbody. These are also known as Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUC). Information is shared at the HUC 10 level. Watersheds are the appropriate mapping unit to display wolf activity information because wolves are far more likely to use geographic features to affect their distribution than they are political boundaries.
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In order for a watershed to indicate wolf activity, at least one GPS point from the wolf collars was recorded within the boundaries of the watershed. Simply because a watershed indicates wolf activity, it does not mean that a wolf or wolves are present throughout the entire watershed nor that they are currently in the watershed. For example, a wolf has not yet been located south of I-70, even though the watershed in which a wolf was detected spans both north and south of the Interstate.
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Jeff
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<a href="http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>RockyMountainHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.hikinginglacier.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>HikinginGlacier.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.tetonhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>TetonHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTRVVRYT?&linkCode=sl1&tag=tetons-20&linkId=31ebb97810a507c9cfb6e746fdaf998a&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Ramble On</i></b></span></a> (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084VGN2SB/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=68c60ff73d8ed98f2158dfc7930a14d1&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Glacier National Park</i></b></span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083G78RM3/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=9dc036893cad3b36af8b606c6ea23889&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Grand Teton National Park</i></b></span></a>The Smoky Mountain Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05019731497259511008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057534809878936624.post-58734138580772510712024-01-25T07:00:00.003-05:002024-01-25T07:00:00.455-05:002024 Colorado Trail Crews open for registration on Feb 1, 2024!The Colorado Trail Foundation is seeking trail crews for the upcoming season. Here's some information they sent me via email:
<blockquote>With snow covering most of the Trail and the rest of the Colorado high country, the reminder that trail season is just around the corner may come as a surprise. Soon, the snow will start melting, trail enthusiasts will pick up their packs, and trail crew volunteers will grab their green CTF hard hats. If you are one of the latter group, you'll be excited to see the 2024 trail crew schedule below.
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Trail crews are made up of volunteers from many different groups and backgrounds. Some have been volunteering on the CT for decades, some have done trail work in other areas and are eager to put those skills and passion to work on the CT this year, and some have had a life-changing experience on the Trail and are now looking for a way to give back through trail work for the first time.
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Whether you're a seasoned volunteer or someone that's excited, and maybe even a bit nervous, to try out trail work for the first time, we welcome you! I'm confident you will find the CTF trail crew community to be welcoming, supportive, and appreciative. All the information you need to join one of this year's crews can be found on our website. New to volunteering and not sure what it's all about? Visit our website to view a short orientation video that tells you all about volunteer trail crews and answers many common questions.
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If you are more interested in supporting our trail crew efforts through a financial contribution, reach out to me via email at <a href="mailto:tisha@coloradotrail.org"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">tisha@coloradotrail.org</span></a> to get further details or <a href="https://coloradotrail.org/donate-special-cause/?mc_cid=2279b5fd7d&mc_eid=6130f59cec" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">click here</span></a> to make your donation online and pick which crew you would like to support. Each trail crew sponsorship is $2,000 (based on the average cost of our 2024 trail crews), which covers supplies, food for volunteers, construction materials, and other associated costs. In the past, CTF charged a fee from participating volunteers to help cover a small portion of these fees; however, we changed this policy to no longer ask participants to pay to help off-set these costs. Instead, each trail crew will be sponsored by a donor looking for a specific project to fund to support CTF's ongoing efforts to keep the Colorado Trail the most well-maintained long-distance trail in America!
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Now that you have the schedule, mark your calendars to head over to <a href="https://coloradotrail.org/volunteer/trail-crews/?mc_cid=2279b5fd7d&mc_eid=6130f59cec" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">our website</span></a> on Feb 1st to register. Some trail crews fill up very quickly, and we want to be able to see all of you out on the Trail this year!</blockquote>
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Jeff
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<a href="http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>RockyMountainHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.hikinginglacier.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>HikinginGlacier.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.tetonhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>TetonHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTRVVRYT?&linkCode=sl1&tag=tetons-20&linkId=31ebb97810a507c9cfb6e746fdaf998a&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Ramble On</i></b></span></a> (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084VGN2SB/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=68c60ff73d8ed98f2158dfc7930a14d1&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Glacier National Park</i></b></span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083G78RM3/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=9dc036893cad3b36af8b606c6ea23889&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Grand Teton National Park</i></b></span></a>The Smoky Mountain Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05019731497259511008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3057534809878936624.post-55447971066016288912024-01-23T18:31:00.000-05:002024-01-23T18:31:55.339-05:00Avalanche danger remains "considerable" throughout Rocky Mountain National ParkPosted on Rocky Mountain's social media earlier today:
<blockquote>Following recent storms, there is fresh snow on most trails in Rocky. Before heading out on any backcountry trip, make sure that everyone in your group is avalanche aware. Avalanche danger remains "considerable" throughout Rocky Mountain National Park.<br />
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Travel across and under steep slopes is not advised unless all members of your party have rescue equipment, education and experience to make informed decisions about traveling in avalanche terrain. An avalanche can be triggered by skiers, snowshoers, and even wildlife.
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To see the latest avalanche forecast and additional safety information, visit the Colorado Avalanche Information Center's webpage at <a href="https://avalanche.state.co.us/"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">https://avalanche.state.co.us/</span></a>.</blockquote>
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Jeff
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<a href="http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>RockyMountainHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.hikinginglacier.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>HikinginGlacier.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.tetonhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>TetonHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTRVVRYT?&linkCode=sl1&tag=tetons-20&linkId=31ebb97810a507c9cfb6e746fdaf998a&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Ramble On</i></b></span></a> (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084VGN2SB/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=68c60ff73d8ed98f2158dfc7930a14d1&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Glacier National Park</i></b></span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083G78RM3/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=9dc036893cad3b36af8b606c6ea23889&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Grand Teton National Park</i></b></span></a>The Smoky Mountain Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05019731497259511008noreply@blogger.com0