Sunday, November 17, 2024

Etymology: Hiking

There are many terms that have been used to describe the sport of hiking. Walking, strolling, wandering, sauntering, tramping, ambling, roaming, rambling, traipsing, marching, bushwalking, trekking and backpacking have all been used to describe the act of walking in the woods (or any wilderness area) for pleasure. Perhaps the first term to describe the act of taking a leisurely walk in nature was “rambling”. The word originally meant to wander, or roam aimlessly, but eventually came to describe hiking. The expression was widely used in England through the 19th Century. It was also used in America for a time, though much less frequently. While rambling is still sometimes used in the United Kingdom, it’s now looked at as being an old fashion word. Walking, hillwalking, fellwalking and even hiking are more commonly used now. Fellwalking, a word used to describe hiking in the mountains, comes from the English word fell or fjall, which is an old Norse term that means mountain.

Words used to describe hiking have evolved over time, and differ according to region. For example, in Australia, bushwalking is the preferred term for hiking. Trekking is a term used to describe multi-day hiking in many mountainous regions around the world. However, in North America, backpacking is the preferred term. In Europe, however, backpacking refers to a form of budget travel where travelers normally stay in hostels.

In Victorian England, during the mid-1800s, wandering vagrants were derogatively known as tramps, a word that would eventually refer to hikers, and now used by New Zealanders to describe backpacking. Tramping was also used by some in America in the late 1800s and early 1900s, including John Muir. Both Henry David Thoreau and John Muir also used the term saunter.

Webster's Dictionary indicates that the first use of the word "hike" occurred around 1809; however, it had a different meaning at that time. It was originally meant "to move, pull or raise with a sudden motion." The dictionary implies that it wasn't until 1865 before the word was adopted to mean "a long walk esp, for pleasure or exercise." Etymonline.com claims the word hike comes from the English term, hyke, which meant "to walk vigorously." It also states that the first use of "hyke" appeared in 1809. Additionally, the site quotes a definition of the term from the 1830 version of the Vocabulary of East Anglia: "to go away. It is generally used in a contemptuous sense Ex. 'Come, hike,' i.e. take yourself off; begone."

It appears that the use of the words "hike" and "hiking" as we know them today didn't become widespread until at least the early 20th Century. Up to that point most clubs used the word "mountain" or "alpine" in their name. It wasn't until the Wanderlusters Hiking Club out of Washington DC formed in 1910 that the word "hiking" was used in a club name. One of the earliest uses of the term “hiking boots” appeared in the December 1914 issue of Mazama, the journal of The Mazamas mountaineering club out of Oregon. In his book, The Mountain Trail and Its Message, published in 1911, Albert Palmer relayed this discussion with John Muir:
"One day as I was resting in the shade Mr. Muir overtook me on the trail and began to chat in that friendly way in which he delights to talk with everyone he meets. I said to him: "Mr. Muir, someone told me you did not approve of the word 'hike.' Is that so?" His blue eyes flashed, and with his Scotch accent he replied: "I don't like either the word or the thing. People ought to saunter in the mountains - not hike!"
Perhaps we have a definition of what it actually meant to "hike" at that time. In that same book, Albert said:
"There are always some people in the mountains who are known as "hikers." They rush over the trail at high speed and take great delight in being the first to reach camp and in covering the greatest number of miles in the least possible time. they measure the trail in terms of speed and distance."
Over the years the terms that Thoreau and Muir preferred are really no longer in use. Nearly everyone in North America now uses hiking. If past is prologue, however, perhaps that may change some day down the road (path).

In addition to getting out on the trail, what better way is there to celebrate National Hiking Day than by learning about the rich history of hiking? Just think, after reading Ramble On: How Hiking Became One of the Most Popular Outdoor Activities in the World you could be the smartest person on the trail next summer!!

Friday, November 15, 2024

Boulder Falls in Boulder Canyon due to rockslide

The City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) Department has temporarily closed the Boulder Falls area in Boulder Canyon due to a recent rockslide that has damaged the trail. This proactive visitor safety closure follows recent weather conditions that likely triggered soil movement, causing a slide that damaged key trail infrastructure designed to capture rocks and sediment from the hillside. Trails are always susceptible to natural hazards and weather events, and OSMP reminds visitors to stay alert while recreating outdoors.

OSMP is assessing trail damage to determine future repairs and maintenance work that might be necessary in the popular waterfall area west of Boulder. At this time, there is no estimated timeline for when the area may reopen, and more information will be provided once an assessment is completed. OSMP reminds community members to visit OSMPTrails.org to view current trail closures.



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Wednesday, November 13, 2024

Celebrating National Hiking Day

Mark your calendars: this Sunday is National Hiking Day! This is a great opportunity to invite a friend or take a family member out on a hike, especially those that have never really experienced the joys of traipsing through the woods. For those of you who might be asking; yes, this is a relatively new "holiday." In 2015, the American Hiking Society officially designated November 17 of each year as National Hiking Day, also known as “Take A Hike Day,” to encourage more people to get out and enjoy the great outdoors.

To help celebrate National Hiking Day I’ve put my entire collection of eBooks on sale (see below). Right now, all four of my eBooks are half off at Amazon – just $4.95 each. What better way to learn about every day hike in Glacier or Grand Teton? Or, help you discover new hikes across the entire Rocky Mountain Range? Or, if you really want to impress your hiking friends with your knowledge of our favorite pastime, check out my book on the history of hiking!

Lastly, with Christmas just around the corner, these books will also make great gifts for all your hiking friends. And as a bonus, now's a great opportunity to get ahead of the Black Friday madness!


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From Montana to New Mexico, the American Rockies stretch for more than a thousand miles. Within this spectacular mountain range are thousands of miles of hiking trails. With such an overwhelming number of options, how will you find and choose the most scenic and rewarding hikes?

Ultimate Hiking Guide to the Rocky Mountains takes all the guesswork out by focusing on some of the most amazing hikes across this range, and provides you with a handpicked list of options that will allow you to make the most of your trips in the Rockies:

[This book is also available in paperback]


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Glacier National Park preserves more than a million acres of some of the most spectacular scenery on Earth. With more than 740 miles of trails meandering throughout this vast park, how will you find and choose the most scenic and rewarding hikes?

Exploring Glacier National Park takes all the guesswork out by focusing on the most amazing hikes, and provides you with handpicked recommendations that will allow you to make the most of your trip to Glacier:


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Rising more than 7000 feet above Jackson Hole, the majestic mountains of Grand Teton National Park provide one of the most dramatic landscapes in the world. With more than 240 miles of trails meandering throughout this park, how will you find and choose the most scenic and rewarding hikes?

Exploring Grand Teton National Park takes all the guesswork out by focusing on the most amazing hikes, and provides you with handpicked recommendations that will allow you to make the most of your trip to Grand Teton:


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Virtually no one went hiking before the 19th century. What occurred that inspired ordinary people to take a walk in the woods for pleasure?

Ramble On explores the rich history of hiking, and how it evolved into one of the most popular pastimes in the world:

[This book is also available in paperback]

As always, thank you very much!



Thursday, November 7, 2024

Rocky Mountain National Park announces 2025 timed entry reservation system

Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) will implement its 2025 timed-entry reservation system, beginning May 23, 2025. This reservation system provides day use visitor access in a way that protects resources while creating opportunities for high-quality visitor experiences.

The system, established through the Day Use Visitor Access Plan finalized in May 2024, manages day use visitor access in a way that protects the park's resources, maintains positive visitor experiences, promotes safety, and supports the park’s ability to maintain daily operations. The system will be similar to 2024, with two types of reservations available. One permit will be for the Bear Lake Road Corridor, which includes the entire corridor, as well as access to the rest of the park. This reservation period will be from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. The second permit will be for the “rest of the park,” excluding the Bear Lake Road corridor. This “rest of park” reservation period will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Permits issued using the reservation system will allow park visitors to enter the park within two-hour windows of availability, with no set time for departure. The reservation system will apply to all areas of the park. The only cost associated with booking a reservation is a $2 recreation.gov processing fee. The Bear Lake Road Corridor timed entry reservation system will end on Monday, Oct. 20. However, the rest of the park reservation system will end on Tuesday, Oct. 14.

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

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

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

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

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

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

When planning to visit Rocky Mountain National Park, take time to consider your preparedness, skills, fitness and experience. No matter how you choose to recreate, be prepared to turn back when conditions change or if you are being pushed to your limits. Weather and conditions can change quickly in the Rockies. Before starting any trip, take time to explore the park's website and plan ahead for a safer and more enjoyable visit.

RMNP is one of the most visited national parks. The park experienced a 44 percent increase in visitation from 2012 to 2019. In 2022, the park received 4.3 million visits. Even with a pilot vehicle reservation timed entry system in place, the park received some of the highest visitation in its history. Between 2016 and 2023, the park piloted several day-use visitor management strategies to address crowding, congestion, and impacts on park resources. These pilots demonstrated this strategy is effective at easing congestion impacts and improved the visitor experience in the park. The park also asked the public for their participation in envisioning the future of day use visitor access at RMNP during the summer of 2021 and the winter of 2022-2023.






Saturday, November 2, 2024

Colorado Parks and Wildlife releases its 2024 Future Generations Act Report

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is pleased to share this year’s annual 2024 Future Generations Act Report, which documents CPW's work towards fulfilling the 10 goals outlined in the Future Generations Act legislation. CPW has committed to fulfilling these 10 goals by 2025. Through ongoing and intentional work by CPW to achieve the goals, significant progress has been made towards ensuring that future generations have access to the quality hunting, fishing and outdoor recreational opportunities we enjoy today. “The

2024 Future Generations Act Report demonstrates our commitment to preserving Colorado’s outdoor heritage while adapting to the needs of a growing and diverse population,” said CPW Director Jeff Davis. “From expanding access to outdoor recreation to enhancing conservation efforts, our work supports sustainable outdoor opportunities for all Coloradans.”

CPW is making progress on all 10 goals outlined in the Future Generations Act. Here are a few examples as they pertain to hikers:

Goal 4: Supporting Access Programs on Public and Private Lands. CPW continues investing in Colorado’s public lands. The Keep Colorado Wild (KCW) Pass, launched in January 2023, has generated approximately $62 million as of June 30, 2024. This $29 annual pass gives all Coloradans easy access to all state parks and the added benefit of investing in our great outdoors and wildlife.

Goal 4: Supporting Access Programs on Public and Private Lands. CPW remains committed to expanding public access to outdoor recreation. In 2024, CPW awarded 24 non-motorized trail grants totaling $2.4 million, five Land and Water Conservation Fund grants totaling $5.5 million, 52 off-highway vehicle (OHV) grants exceeding $6.2 million, and 36 snowmobile grants nearing $1.3 million.

Expanding access through trails:

Since its establishment in 1971, CPW’s Recreational Trails Program has actively encouraged the development of trails through a number of annual grant programs. Local, county, and state governments, federal agencies, special recreation districts, and non-profit organizations with management responsibilities over public lands may apply for and are eligible to receive non-motorized and motorized trail grants. CPW strives to enhance the experience of Colorado trail users by funding trail maintenance, enforcement, planning, and construction grants and increasing the number of hours of maintenance performed by trail crews. The State Trails Program continues to emphasize maintenance projects for both non-motorized and off-highway vehicle (OHV) trail grant projects to address the increased need to repair and improve existing trails and address resource impacts due to increased visitation on public lands. In FY24, they funded almost 150,542 trail crew hours and awarded over $15.4 million in grants.



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