On Tuesday, April 9th, the Grand Mesa, Uncompahge, and Gunnison National Forests acquired three patented mining claim parcels totaling approximately 27 acres in Ouray County, Colorado. Two of the three parcels contain a rarely recorded fossilized dinosaur trackway comprised of 134 consecutive footprints, 106 yards long, known as the West Gold Hill Dinosaur Track site. The site is recorded as the largest continuous dinosaur trackway in the world. The acquisition solidifies public access along National Forest System Trail (NFST) #199 –Silvershield trail and protects the rare dinosaur tracks for generations to come.
“Acquisition of these new parcels, with the unique dinosaur trackway, highlights our dedication to conservation," stated Jim Pitts, Acting Forest Supervisor for the GMUG. "By preserving these fossilized imprints, we are not only safeguarding a valuable scientific resource but also creating an incredible opportunity for the public to connect with the distant past, inspiring curiosity, education and stewardship."
The parcels were purchased from the Charles Real Estate Trust with funding from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) for recreation access. Created by Congress in 1964, the LWCF provides money to federal, state and local governments to purchase land, water and wetlands for the benefit of all Americans.
The Charles family has owned the parcels since 1945, with the dream of prospecting for gold. Jack Charles and his five children often spent their summer vacation packing supplies for their camp to improve the sites and trails. It wasn’t until 2021 that the family became aware that the pothole-like features on their property were prehistoric dinosaur tracks. The tracks, which often held water, were a favorite resting spot for their family dogs. The family approached the Forest Service in 2022 about the agency’s interest in acquiring the land for public and research benefit due to the unique features along the trail.
“The family is happy to offer this unique trackway to the U.S. Forest Service, ensuring that the land is protected and enjoyed by future generations,” said Anita McDonald, daughter of Jack Charles and a trustee of the estate.
The dinosaur trackway is located at 9,300 feet in elevation and is etched in sandstone layers that are over 150 million years old. The tracks were made by a single long-neck sauropod dinosaur, looping in a 270-degree turn, a rarely recorded occurrence in the fossil record of dinosaurs.
Now that the parcels are in public ownership, the Forest Service plans to develop interpretive information, including signage and a web page, to inform visitors about the site's significance and natural history. Those interested in learning more about the trackway can see it via Google Earth or read more about the site's significance here.
Visitors wanting to view the site in person can access the trackway via a two-mile hike (one way) via Silvershield Trail. Trail conditions are steep and rugged, with an elevation gain of approximately 1,600 feet. The trailhead and parking are accessed via County Road 17 near Ouray, Colorado and is open to foot and horse travel only. Parking is limited and located on private property in a residential neighborhood, so please be considerate to others. Visitors are reminded to “know before you go” and be prepared for sudden weather changes or unexpected circumstances.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
Friday, April 19, 2024
Wednesday, April 17, 2024
The Father of Glacier National Park
George Bird Grinnell is widely regarded as a towering figure in the American conservation movement. Not only is he recognized as "The Father of Glacier National Park", but he's also recognized as "The Father of American Conservation".
Born in 1849, Grinnell was an explorer, historian, anthropologist, naturalist, writer and founder of the Audubon Society. As editor of Forest and Stream he crusaded for more than a decade for more stringent protection of Yellowstone’s wildlife. He campaigned tirelessly to defend the fledgling park from commercialization, and specifically focused on protecting bison from hunters, as Yellowstone was its last refuge. In 1894 he fully exploited a famous poaching incident that occurred within the park boundaries. Less than two months after the incident, the Lacey Act of 1894 was passed by Congress, which was a direct result of Grinnell's persistent reporting. The act protected wildlife in Yellowstone, and made violations punishable.
Grinnell made his first visit to Glacier in 1885. He was so inspired by the scenery that he spent the next two decades working to establish it as a national park. In 1896 he was one of three commissioners to sign the treaty with the Blackfeet Indians that transferred ownership of the land that would become Glacier National Park.
During his first visit to the future park Grinnell would discover the glacier that now bears his name. Today, Mount Grinnell, Grinnell Lake, Grinnell Falls and Grinnell Glacier are all named in honor of him. During his final visit to the eponymous glacier in 1926, Grinnell noted in his diary that, "the glacier is melting very fast and the amount of water coming from it is great. All these glaciers are receding rapidly and after a time will disappear."
Grinnell (second from right) and a hiking party on Grinnell Glacier in 1926:
Grinnell and his wife, Elizabeth, circa 1925:
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
Born in 1849, Grinnell was an explorer, historian, anthropologist, naturalist, writer and founder of the Audubon Society. As editor of Forest and Stream he crusaded for more than a decade for more stringent protection of Yellowstone’s wildlife. He campaigned tirelessly to defend the fledgling park from commercialization, and specifically focused on protecting bison from hunters, as Yellowstone was its last refuge. In 1894 he fully exploited a famous poaching incident that occurred within the park boundaries. Less than two months after the incident, the Lacey Act of 1894 was passed by Congress, which was a direct result of Grinnell's persistent reporting. The act protected wildlife in Yellowstone, and made violations punishable.
Grinnell made his first visit to Glacier in 1885. He was so inspired by the scenery that he spent the next two decades working to establish it as a national park. In 1896 he was one of three commissioners to sign the treaty with the Blackfeet Indians that transferred ownership of the land that would become Glacier National Park.
During his first visit to the future park Grinnell would discover the glacier that now bears his name. Today, Mount Grinnell, Grinnell Lake, Grinnell Falls and Grinnell Glacier are all named in honor of him. During his final visit to the eponymous glacier in 1926, Grinnell noted in his diary that, "the glacier is melting very fast and the amount of water coming from it is great. All these glaciers are receding rapidly and after a time will disappear."
Grinnell (second from right) and a hiking party on Grinnell Glacier in 1926:
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
Monday, April 15, 2024
American Hiking Society to Celebrate the 32nd Annual National Trails Day on June 1, 2024
Millions of people from across the country will hit the trail on Saturday, June 1, 2024, celebrating American Hiking Society’s 32nd annual National Trails Day®.
This year is about celebrating the trails, giving back, and finding community in the outdoors. Hikers, cyclists, horseback riders, paddlers, trail clubs, federal and local agencies, land trusts, and businesses will partner at events across the country to forge a more inclusive trail community and advocate for, maintain, and clean up trails and public lands, collectively working together to build a world where everyone feels welcome and has access to enjoy the great outdoors.
American Hiking and the nationwide trails community invite people of all ages and abilities to connect with their local community around their love of being outside. Anyone can join the national movement by giving back to the trails and making sure everyone can enjoy the outdoors with three simple actions:
* Join: Find a local event;
* Pledge: Commit to leaving the trail and the outdoor community better than you found them. American Hiking provides simple ways to make a positive impact;
* Connect: Share how you’ll leave the trail and the outdoor community better than you found them by tagging #NationalTrailsDay and @AmericanHiking on social media.
American Hiking Society invites individuals and organizations alike to register an event for National Trails Day® for free on the searchable directory of events on NationalTrailsDay.org. Tens of thousands of people will use the event database to find events in their local community. Event registration will continue until National Trails Day®, but American Hiking encourages events to be registered by early May so interested participants can begin planning for National Trails Day®.
Last year, over 74,000 individuals participated in events at nearly 800 sites nationwide, and more than 7,000 trail volunteers built and maintained 558 miles of trails in celebration of National Trails Day® in 2023.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
This year is about celebrating the trails, giving back, and finding community in the outdoors. Hikers, cyclists, horseback riders, paddlers, trail clubs, federal and local agencies, land trusts, and businesses will partner at events across the country to forge a more inclusive trail community and advocate for, maintain, and clean up trails and public lands, collectively working together to build a world where everyone feels welcome and has access to enjoy the great outdoors.
American Hiking and the nationwide trails community invite people of all ages and abilities to connect with their local community around their love of being outside. Anyone can join the national movement by giving back to the trails and making sure everyone can enjoy the outdoors with three simple actions:
* Join: Find a local event;
* Pledge: Commit to leaving the trail and the outdoor community better than you found them. American Hiking provides simple ways to make a positive impact;
* Connect: Share how you’ll leave the trail and the outdoor community better than you found them by tagging #NationalTrailsDay and @AmericanHiking on social media.
American Hiking Society invites individuals and organizations alike to register an event for National Trails Day® for free on the searchable directory of events on NationalTrailsDay.org. Tens of thousands of people will use the event database to find events in their local community. Event registration will continue until National Trails Day®, but American Hiking encourages events to be registered by early May so interested participants can begin planning for National Trails Day®.
Last year, over 74,000 individuals participated in events at nearly 800 sites nationwide, and more than 7,000 trail volunteers built and maintained 558 miles of trails in celebration of National Trails Day® in 2023.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
Sunday, April 14, 2024
Roads Opening at Black Canyon
Two roads at Black Canyon closed in winter will opened for the season on the morning of Friday, April 12, 2024.
The six-mile (9.7 km) section of the South Rim Road between the South Rim Visitor Center and the road’s end at High Point opened to vehicles, providing access to numerous canyon overlooks and picnic areas. Be prepared for lingering snow and mud on some trails and overlooks.
East Portal Road, managed and maintained by the Bureau of Reclamation, was also opened to public traffic. Leading into the depths of Black Canyon and the historic East Portal district of Curecanti National Recreation Area, this road is extremely steep and winding. Vehicles longer than 22 feet (6.7 m), including trailers, are prohibited on East Portal Road due to the 16% grade and hairpin curves. Use low gear and conserve brakes on the six-mile (9.7 km) descent.
Major road construction projects continue at Black Canyon throughout 2024. Please use extreme caution and patience while traveling on park roadways, especially during construction. Plan extra time for visiting the park during the roadwork. Crews will be working Monday through Friday in daylight hours, and roads will have alternating one-way traffic. Expect delays up to 30 minutes and greatly-reduced parking.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
The six-mile (9.7 km) section of the South Rim Road between the South Rim Visitor Center and the road’s end at High Point opened to vehicles, providing access to numerous canyon overlooks and picnic areas. Be prepared for lingering snow and mud on some trails and overlooks.
East Portal Road, managed and maintained by the Bureau of Reclamation, was also opened to public traffic. Leading into the depths of Black Canyon and the historic East Portal district of Curecanti National Recreation Area, this road is extremely steep and winding. Vehicles longer than 22 feet (6.7 m), including trailers, are prohibited on East Portal Road due to the 16% grade and hairpin curves. Use low gear and conserve brakes on the six-mile (9.7 km) descent.
Major road construction projects continue at Black Canyon throughout 2024. Please use extreme caution and patience while traveling on park roadways, especially during construction. Plan extra time for visiting the park during the roadwork. Crews will be working Monday through Friday in daylight hours, and roads will have alternating one-way traffic. Expect delays up to 30 minutes and greatly-reduced parking.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
Saturday, April 13, 2024
Rocky Mountain National Park Celebrates National Park Week, National Volunteer Week, Earth Day, and National Junior Ranger Day with Fun Activities for All Ages
Celebrate National Park Week, National Volunteer Week, Earth Day, and National Junior Ranger Day at Rocky Mountain National Park. What is National Park Week? This is a week-long celebration of our national parks that begins on Saturday, April 20 and continues through Sunday, April 28, 2024.
On Saturday, April 20:
National Park Week kicks off with a fee free day. All park entrance fees will be waived on this date. Camping, overnight wilderness backpacking, and all other administrative fees remain in effect.
Additional activities include:
* On the east side of the park, join NPS and Rocky Mountain Conservancy staff at Beaver Meadows Visitor Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Explore informational booths and fun interactive activities for all ages.
* Earn your Junior Ranger badge
* Learn about different plants and wildlife that call Rocky home
* Learn about hiking safety
* Participate in an interactive Rocky Lab activity
* Decorate a tree cookie
* and more!
On the west side of the park, join NPS and Grand County Library District staff at Kawuneeche Visitor Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Explore informational booths and fun interactive activities for all ages.
* Earn your Junior Ranger badge
* Learn about different plants and wildlife that call Rocky home
* Learn about hiking safety
* Participate in story time with a Grand Lake Librarian
* Plan fun games while exploring the wonders of Rocky
On Sunday, April 21:
Join us on the east side of RMNP at Beaver Meadows Visitor Center at 2 p.m. for the presentation “Dr. Steller’s Jay: A Living History Presentation Done in the Person of G.W. Steller,” with Pete Devine, former Yosemite Conservancy Education Director (retired). This special talk is the final presentation in Rocky Mountain National Park and Rocky Mountain Conservancy’s 2024 Winter Speaker Series. To learn more, visit https://rmconservancy.org/upcoming-events/
Unable to visit in person? Join Rocky’s online celebration! Follow us @RockyNPS on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. We will be sharing fun and interesting stories all week long!
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
On Saturday, April 20:
National Park Week kicks off with a fee free day. All park entrance fees will be waived on this date. Camping, overnight wilderness backpacking, and all other administrative fees remain in effect.
Additional activities include:
* On the east side of the park, join NPS and Rocky Mountain Conservancy staff at Beaver Meadows Visitor Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Explore informational booths and fun interactive activities for all ages.
* Earn your Junior Ranger badge
* Learn about different plants and wildlife that call Rocky home
* Learn about hiking safety
* Participate in an interactive Rocky Lab activity
* Decorate a tree cookie
* and more!
On the west side of the park, join NPS and Grand County Library District staff at Kawuneeche Visitor Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Explore informational booths and fun interactive activities for all ages.
* Earn your Junior Ranger badge
* Learn about different plants and wildlife that call Rocky home
* Learn about hiking safety
* Participate in story time with a Grand Lake Librarian
* Plan fun games while exploring the wonders of Rocky
On Sunday, April 21:
Join us on the east side of RMNP at Beaver Meadows Visitor Center at 2 p.m. for the presentation “Dr. Steller’s Jay: A Living History Presentation Done in the Person of G.W. Steller,” with Pete Devine, former Yosemite Conservancy Education Director (retired). This special talk is the final presentation in Rocky Mountain National Park and Rocky Mountain Conservancy’s 2024 Winter Speaker Series. To learn more, visit https://rmconservancy.org/upcoming-events/
Unable to visit in person? Join Rocky’s online celebration! Follow us @RockyNPS on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. We will be sharing fun and interesting stories all week long!
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
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