Trail Ridge Road Opens For The Season - Night Closures Are In Place

Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park opened today, Friday, May 29. Due to heavy melting on the road during the day and freezing temperatures at night, visitors should plan for night closures occurring at 8:00 p.m. until conditions change. This May's snowy and wet weather patterns hampered this year's efforts to get the road open by Memorial Day. Road crews and rangers will reassess conditions each morning and reopen the road when and if conditions allow. Alpine Visitor Center and Trail Ridge Store are expected to open soon.

Trail Ridge Road historically opens on Memorial Day weekend; last year the road opened on May 23. The earliest the road has opened was on May 7, 2002; the latest June 26, 1943. Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved road in the United States, climbs to 12,183 feet and connects the towns of Estes Park and Grand Lake. Trail Ridge Road officially closed for the season last year on November 4.

National Park Service plow operators normally begin clearing the snow in the middle of April. Crews from the west side of the park and crews from the east side of the park move along the road and eventually meet at the Alpine Visitor Center. The visitor center is the highest in the National Park Service, sitting at 11,796 feet above sea level. Spring storms often impact plowing activities. This year, plow operators encountered average snow drifts from 18 to 22 feet. Significant storms on the east side of the divide in May provided additional challenges for park snowplow operators.

Because weather conditions may change rapidly, park visitors should be prepared to adjust travel plans accordingly and are encouraged to call the park's Trail Ridge Road recorded phone line at (970) 586-1222.

Park staff will update the recorded line during and after regular office hours, when the road status changes. For more information about Rocky Mountain National Park visit www.nps.gov/romo or call the park's Information Office at (970) 586-1206.



Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
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Rocky Mountain National Park Will Increase Entrance And Camping Fees Beginning October 1st

Starting on October 1st, Rocky Mountain National Park will increase entrance fees in order to fund important maintenance and improvement projects within the park. Because of Rocky's proximity to the populated Colorado Front Range, the park will be adding a single day pass to the existing option of fees. This "Day Use Pass" will be $20 while the weekly pass will increase to $30 for those visitors who intend to enjoy the park for multiple days. The annual park pass will increase to $50 and eventually increase to $60 by 2017. Campground fees will increase to $26 a night in 2016. Campground fees are based on comparable fees for similar services in nearby campgrounds.

"We are committed to keeping Rocky Mountain National Park affordable and we also want to provide visitors with the best possible experience," said Baker. "We feel this modest fee increase is still an incredible value when considering other family and recreational experiences one can enjoy. Plus, 80 percent of those funds stay right here in Rocky to benefit visitors. As we celebrate Rocky's Centennial, these funds will be critical as we move forward into the next one hundred years."

While basic operations of the park are funded by direct appropriations from Congress, the fee program is intended to provide for various enhancements to visitor services and facilities.

Entrance fees have supported a wide range of projects that improve the park and visitor experiences, including renovating all campground restroom facilities, rehabilitating and maintaining approximately 100 of the park's 350 miles of trails, replacing trailhead signs, replacing picnic tables throughout the park, mitigating hazard trees in or near park facilities such as campgrounds, parking lots, road corridors and visitor centers, and operating the park's visitor shuttle bus system.

In the fall of 2014, the National Park Service conducted a nationwide review of entrance fees. Rocky Mountain National Park staff solicited public input beginning in October 2014. During the public comment period, the park received 95 formal comments that were related to the park's proposed fee changes. Based on comments received, there was significantly more support for the proposed fee rate changes than opposed. Park visitors seem to be highly supportive of fees in general and making the connection with the park's effort in providing tangible benefits to visitors through fee revenue.

The Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA) is the legislation under which the park currently collects entrance and amenity fees. This law allows parks to retain 80 percent of the fees collected for use on projects that directly benefit visitors. The remaining 20 percent is distributed throughout the National Park System. Since the beginning of FLREA and its predecessor program Fee Demo, the park has spent over $66 million in repairs, renovations, improvements and resource restoration.

Rocky Mountain National Park is a strong economic engine for the surrounding area. In 2014, more than 3.4 million park visitors spent $217 million and supported 3,382 jobs, which had a cumulative benefit to the economy of $329 million.

In January 2005, Rocky Mountain National Park was the last of the larger size parks in the Intermountain Region to adopt the $20 per vehicle weekly rate. That same year the annual pass increased to $35, and to $40 in 2009, the last year of any increase in fees. Last year, Rocky Mountain National Park was the fifth most visited national park in the United States.



Jeff
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Climbing Longs Peak

It dominates the horizon in northern Colorado. It's been photographed by Ansel Adams, has been featured on the Colorado state quarter, and is the most-climbed fourteener in Colorado. At 14,259 feet Longs Peak is also the highest point in Rocky Mountain National Park, and is the only mountain in the park to exceed 14,000 feet.

I once "attempted" to summit Longs Peak. I got about two hundred yards or so above The Keyhole and discovered that I really wasn't a mountaineer. I thought the sheer drop-offs from the trail along that narrow stretch were downright frightening. Although many people summit the mountain each summer, many others are satisfied just to reach The Keyhole. Although a very tough day hike, the views are quite spectacular along the way, as well as from The Keyhole itself. Moreover, hikers don't have to worry about falling off the mountain to get there!

In the video below the editors of Backpacker Magazine take viewers on a vicarious climb to the top of Longs Peak. You be the judge - would you do this?





Jeff
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Gear Review: The New Dare 2B Stalwart Jacket

This morning I finally had the opportunity to test the Stalwart Jacket, a new line of outdoor apparel from Dare 2B, an outdoor clothing company out of the United Kingdom. In addition to cycling, running and snow sports, the clothing company also focuses on apparel for hikers.

And, just in time for the spring and summer season, Dare 2B has launched a new line of active wear which now includes its new Body Seamless technology, which is designed to reduce friction in critical areas during active sports, while ensuring that you'll have maximum comfort at all times and at all levels of activity. As part of this new line is the brand new Stalwart Jacket.

Dare 2B touts the jacket as "the ultimate fast and light defense from the elements". This 4-way stretch shell is waterproof, breathable and is super lightweight. The jacket features taped seams, has a full front zip and underarm zips for ventilation, an adjustable shockcord hem system, multiple pockets, adjustable cuffs, a shaped hood with a technical wired peak to keep the rain out, and has a roll away hood function.

So after hanging in my closet for a couple of weeks, I finally had the opportunity to give the jacket a real live field test this morning. I was waiting for the opportunity to take a walk in the rain to see if the jacket lived up to its billing. Overall I was very pleased.

During my somewhat brisk half-hour walk around the neighborhood in a steady rain, the jacket kept me completely dry. Moreover, at 65 degrees, I worried that I was going to overheat inside the jacket. To my surprise this didn't happen. In fact, I felt completely comfortable during the entire circuit. This surprised me because the jacket is thicker than a standard shell, and even has a light lining. Now, if I had to climb some substantial elevation in these same conditions, the result might be a little different. That, however, remains to be seen.

I also thought that the wired peak feature on the hood was a plus, acting similarly to that of a baseball cap.

My only real complaint with the Stalwart Jacket is with the design of the hood. When turning my head from side to side, the hood wouldn't move. To remedy this I had to pull the hood with my hand in order to see on either side of me.

Americans will also have to get used to the zipper being switched to the opposite side. Maybe its because I'm left-handed, but it takes a little practice to get used to the English/European version. Potential customers should also note that the Stalwart Jacket is cut a little more slimmer than their American cousins.

All in all I thought this was a great jacket, and look forward to using it in the mountains when the weather turns sour.



Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
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Visitors Should Expect Wet, Snowy Conditions and Closed Roads on National Forests This Weekend

Memorial Day weekend brings many visitors to the Roosevelt and Arapaho National Forests west of Boulder and Denver. While this holiday weekend is traditionally the kick-off to the camping season, please be aware that snow lingers and continues to accumulate at the higher elevations. Spring rains and snowmelt have made some roads too snowy, wet and muddy for driving. Even lower elevation hiking trails may have mud and snow patches. Many higher elevation trails will remain snow packed until later in June.

Four campgrounds near Boulder are open: Kelly Dahl, Camp Dick, Peaceful Valley and Olive Ridge. Although many campsites are already booked, first come, first served spots are available at these campgrounds. Meeker Park Campground is scheduled to open June 12. Rainbow Lakes and Pawnee Campgrounds will not open until later in June. For a full list of campgrounds and opening dates please click here.

Three campgrounds off Highway 119 (Peak to Peak) are open: Cold Springs, Columbine and Pickle Gulch Group Campground. Although many campsites are already booked, Cold Springs and Columbine have some first come, first served spots. Water is not yet available at any of these campgrounds. West Chicago Creek Campground will not open this weekend due to snow and is tentatively scheduled to open May 28. The higher elevation campgrounds of Clear Lake, Guanella Pass and Echo Lake open in June. For a full list of campgrounds and opening dates please click here.

Eight National Forest campgrounds in Grand County will be open for Memorial Day weekend, including all five campgrounds in the Arapaho National Recreation Area. In the Winter Park/Fraser area, St. Louis Creek and Idlewild campgrounds will open Friday. Denver Creek Campground on Colo. Highway 125 will also be open. Water may not be available in all campgrounds, so be sure to call ahead or check here.

Most National Forest System roads west of Boulder remain closed due to mud or snow. This includes motorized access into the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. This road is not scheduled to open until June 12. This also includes the road to Mount Evans. For more information on the status of Mount Evans, visit the Colorado Department of Transportation website. Forest visitors should note that the Boulder area still has road and trail closures due to flood damage. Detailed information can be found online here. According to the Sulphur Ranger District's Motor Vehicle Use Map, which can be found online, the majority of National Forest roads become available for use around June 15, if conditions allow.

Be cautious when driving down forest roads. Turn around if the road becomes muddy or snow packed. This spring, visitors should check the latest road information before heading out.

Lower elevation hiking, including trails located along and east of the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway (Highways 119, 72 and 7), have mud and snow patches. Most trails west of these routes will remain snow packed until later in June

The trails around Monarch Lake make a very popular loop hike in the early season. Portions of those trails, as well as many others on the district, are still snowy or muddy, so if you plan to hike the entire loop, be sure to wear appropriate footwear.

The Idaho Springs visitor center is open seven days a week with summer hours starting Memorial Day Weekend from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Call the Visitor Center at 303-567-4382 for more information.



Jeff
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Trail Ridge Road Opening Delayed Due To Wet Spring Snow

Due to continuing winter conditions at high elevations in Rocky Mountain National Park, Trail Ridge Road's opening will be delayed. Trail Ridge Road historically opens on Memorial Day weekend; last year the road opened on May 24.

According to Park Superintendent, Vaughn Baker, "This May's snowy and wet weather patterns have certainly hampered this year's efforts. As is typical, park plow operators have dealt with days of low to no visibility, wind, drifting snow and icy road conditions. This May, freezing temperatures above 10,000 feet, the lack of sunshine and the fact that Memorial Day is earlier this year have added to the challenges."

Park snowplow operators will continue to plow the road; the road will open as soon as it is safe to do so. Due to the extended forecast for winter conditions at higher elevations, it is too soon to predict when that might be.

Every year, Rocky Mountain National Park snowplow operators begin plowing Trail Ridge Road in mid-April. Crews from the west side of the park and crews from the east side of the park move along the road and eventually meet near the Alpine Visitor Center. This occurred last Thursday, May 14, near the Gore Range overlook. Plow operators normally encounter drifts from 18 to 22 feet and are accustomed to plowing the same section of road over and over. Trail Ridge Road was completed in 1932. The earliest the road has opened was on May 7, 2002; the latest June 26, 1943. In 2011, the road opened on June 6.

Park staff expect a busy Memorial Day Weekend throughout Rocky Mountain National Park. The three reservation campgrounds in the park are full for the weekend. Visitors planning to recreate in the park's backcountry, depending on their destination, should be prepared for a variety of conditions including snow, ice, slush and mud.

For further information about Rocky Mountain National Park please contact the park Information Office at (970) 586-1206, the Trail Ridge Road status recorded phone line at (970) 586-1222 or check the park's website.

With the summer hiking season just around the corner, now's the time to make your plans to visit Rocky Mountain during its Centennial Anniversary this year. Don't forget, in addition to comprehensive hiking information, we also provide accommodation listings, as well as other things to do during your visit to the area. Please support our partners by visiting their websites!



Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Grand Teton Hiking
HikinginGlacier.com
HikingintheSmokys.com

North Fork Trail Closed this Summer; Volunteer Workdays Scheduled

The flood-damaged North Fork Trail, located near Glen Haven, will be closed June 1 through Aug. 24, 2015. Poudre Wilderness Volunteers are hosting workdays throughout the summer to help restore this very popular trail.

Although North Fork Trail is closed, the Dunraven Trailhead will remain open providing access to the Bulwark Ridge Trail. Note that work continues to take place on County Road 43 and there may be travel delays in this area.

Last year Poudre Wilderness Volunteers started work on the North Fork Trail, dedicating more than 4,000 volunteer hours of work. Major work, such as bridge replacements and rebuilding trail, has been started but more work is still needed. This great volunteer organization has planned seven public trail restoration volunteer weekends, with the first one this Memorial Day weekend. You can register here.

Volunteers of all skill levels can participate, but must be at least 18 years old or 16 years old if accompanied by a parent. No dogs are allowed. Work includes moving rocks and downed trees, reestablishing the trail and helping with drainage issues. Volunteers need to wear long sleeved shirts and pants (no shorts) and work boots. Be sure to bring water and rain gear. Hard hats, gloves and tools will be provided. Volunteers will also receive breakfast, snacks and lunch.

PWV is the key contact for the Canyon Lakes Ranger District for public work days. PWV works closely with the Forest Service for 20 years and are trained by the forest in trail restoration. The outpouring of support for recovery work has been greatly appreciated; however, this work has to be carefully coordinated.



Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
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Rocky Mountain Makes Progress With Snow Removal on Trail Ridge Road

Every year Rocky Mountain National Park snowplow operators begin plowing Trail Ridge Road in mid April. Crews from the west side of the park and crews from the east side move along the road to eventually meet near the Alpine Visitor Center. This just happened this past Thursday.

This year, snowplow operators have encountered less snow on the west side of the Continental Divide, and average snow pack on the east side. Park plow operators have dealt with days of low to no visibility, wind, drifting snow and icy road conditions

Weather permitting, park officials are continuing to work towards opening the road on Friday, May 22nd.

Below is a video recently published by the park showing some of the progress being made atop Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved highway in the United States, which reaches an elevation of 12,183 feet:



With summer hiking season just around the corner, now's the time to make your plans to visit Rocky Mountain during its Centennial this year. Don't forget, in addition to the comprehensive hiking information we provide, we also provide accommodation listings, as well as other things to do during your visit to the area. Please support our partners by visiting their websites!



Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Grand Teton Hiking
HikinginGlacier.com
HikingintheSmokys.com

Rocky Mountain National Park Search and Rescue Team Receives Valor Awards

From evacuating federal workers being stalked by a mass murderer to rescuing injured mountain climbers, 15 National Park Service employees were feted last week at the 70th Honor Awards Convocation in Washington, D.C.

“On any given day, National Park Service employees set the standard for superior public service. From the maintenance workers to park rangers, we are forever grateful to these individuals for their bravery in the face of incredible danger; even death,” said National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis.

Secretary Jewell also recognized Michael Hogrefe and Solomon Teneyck with the Citizens Award for Bravery. When Mr. Hogrefe saw a father and daughter get swept down-river while swimming in the National Buffalo River in Arkansas, he selflessly came to their aid and saved the life of the child.

Members of the Rocky Mountain National Park Search and Rescue Team, Stephen A. Baxter, Michael L. Lukens, Joshua K. McCoy, Larry V. Roberts, and Kevin A. Sturmer planned and executed a complex and hazardous rescue mission of a climber who sustained multiple injuries after a 50-foot fall attempting to scale the 14,259 foot summit of Longs Peak.

To see the full list of the Valor Award winners, please click here.



Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
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Listening Sessions Set to Discuss Valles Caldera Transition to National Park

The Intermountain Region of the National Park Service (NPS) will hold three public listening sessions in northern New Mexico next month to discuss the transition in management of Valles Caldera National Preserve from the Valles Caldera Trust (Trust) to the NPS.

The meetings are scheduled for Monday through Wednesday, May 11-13, in Albuquerque, Jemez Springs and Los Alamos. Each begins at 6 p.m. and concludes at 8:30 p.m.

“This is an opportunity for the National Park Service to get to know the communities around the Valles Caldera, and for us to begin to establish the kind of strong working relationships that are at the heart of effectively managing the preserve,” said Intermountain Region Director Sue Masica.

In December, Congress designated the preserve as a new unit of the National Park System. The legislation requires that the Valles Caldera Trust be terminated and the management of the area be turned over to the NPS.

The listening sessions will include a brief presentation with a time for questions, followed by multiple small group discussion circles, each assisted by a Park Service facilitator to help guide the conversation and ensure all points of view are received and heard. Circle participants may include partners of NPS and the Trust as well as members of the general public and various “stakeholders,” from local governments and businesses to recreation and conservation interests. Discussion points, views, questions and suggestions will be recorded for incorporation into NPS planning for future management of the preserve.

The 89,000-acre expanse of abundant wildlife and scenic beauty lies atop a dormant supervolcano in the Jemez Mountains of north-central New Mexico. The preserve will continue to be managed until the end of September by the Trust, a government corporation overseen by a nine-member board of trustees appointed by the president.

“This is a great opportunity for significant public involvement as we move forward in the transition of stewardship for this great resource,’’ said Charles Strickfaden, NPS interim superintendent for Valles Caldera.

Jorge Silva Bañuelos, executive director of the Trust, said, “This process will help the Park Service continue the good work of the Trust and preserve this amazing place.”

The meeting dates, cities, times and locations are:

Monday, May 11 — Albuquerque
6-8:30 p.m. MDT
Albuquerque International Balloon Museum
9201 Balloon Museum NE
Albuquerque, NM 87113

Tuesday, May 12 — Jemez Springs
6-8:30 p.m. MDT
Valles Caldera National Preserve administrative headquarters
90 Villa Louis Martin
Jemez Springs, NM 87025

Wednesday, May 13 — Los Alamos
6-8:30 p.m. MDT
Betty Ehart Senior Center
1101 Bathtub Row
Los Alamos, NM 87544

The NPS and the Trust continue to collaborate on the transition of the preserve’s management. The law that transferred Valles Caldera into the National Park Service required that an interim budget and agreement for transitional management be completed in March. Additional milestones include formal handoff of management responsibility this fall. Livestock grazing, hunting (including the fall 2015 elk hunt) and other public recreational access to the preserve will continue in 2015 as it has in the past. The NPS will work with the New Mexico Department of Game & Fish to discuss the hunt program for 2016 and beyond.



Jeff
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RMNP Evening Program: The Photographer's Guide to Colorado's National Parks and Monuments

Join author and naturalist Cindy Maynard and professional photographer Bob Maynard to learn about their new book The Photographer's Guide to Colorado's National Parks and Monuments Saturday, May 9, at 7:00 p.m. at the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center auditorium in Rocky Mountain National Park. Bob and Cindy will share their extensive personal experience, entertaining anecdotes, and a selection of Bob's photographs during this 45 minute presentation.

Nearly half their book is devoted to Rocky Mountain National Park. It provides guidance on photographically interesting spots in the park. This guide offers aid to photographers who wish to do their own exploring and provides tips for photographers to be in the right place, at the right time, with the right lens.

Bob Maynard is an award-winning photographer. He has been exploring the Colorado Rockies and the desert southwest since 1969. Having accumulated over 1400 photo credits, Bob's images have appeared in Audubon and Rocky Mountain Raptor Center publications. He is Chairman of the Louisville National Juried Photography Show and provides photo tour, photography workshops and corporate wall art services in Colorado, the Everglades and Utah.

Cindy Maynard is an experienced naturalist with an extensive background teaching and writing about the natural world. She has been a volunteer naturalist for Boulder County Open Space since 2002, and has taught classes on dozens of natural history topics. She is a regular contributor to Images Magazine, published by Boulder County. She serves on the Board of Directors for Boulder County Nature Association and Boulder County Audubon Society. She has extensive experience teaching and writing about the natural world.

Few states in the continental United States offer the range of geography and topography that Colorado does. The variety of scenic locations draws millions of annual visitors, most hoping to document their visit in photographs.

This program is free and open to the public.For more information about Rocky Mountain National Park please call the park's Information Office at (970) 586-1206.



Jeff
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Go Higher This Summer

Backpacker Magazine Senior Editor and professional mountain guide, Shannon Davis, offers several tips for hikers who want to ascend higher. Whether your goal is to tackle Static Peak Divide in the Grand Tetons, or to summit Mt. Elbert, the highest mountain in Colorado, these useful tips will help you achieve your goals:



By the way, in the video, Shannon mentions the "Rest Step". This is a technique any hiker can use on steep terrain. You can click here for more information on how to use it.



Jeff
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Mesa Verde National Park Trip-Planning Services Available at Colorado Welcome Center

A full range of trip-planning services including tickets for ranger-guided cliff dwelling tours and bus tours are now available at the Colorado Welcome Center (CWC) at 928 East Main Street in Cortez. The CWC is currently open seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It will be open daily for extended hours from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. from May 22 through September 7.

Tickets are available now for Balcony House tours at Mesa Verde National Park. Tickets for Long House and Cliff Palace tours will also be available for purchase when these sites open for tours on May 22. Tours are $4.00 per person, per tour;purchase your tickets up to two days in advance at the CWC or at the park's Visitor and Research Center (VRC) located just off Highway 160 at the park entrance.

While at the CWC you can also reserve space on Aramark's "700 Years" four-hour bus tours of Mesa Verde National Park. In addition, the CWC offers a broad selection of information, maps and publications about the park as well as the many recreational opportunities and visitor services available throughout the Four Corners region. Knowledgeable local residents staff the CWC's Mesa Verde Park Store and the Welcome Center information desk. Cliff dwelling tour ticket sales have been sold at the CWC seasonally since 2010 as a convenience for visitors and local residents. The CWC also offers ample car, RV and bus parking and large, clean restrooms.

Mesa Verde National Park is able to offer tour ticket sales at the CWC through the assistance of its nonprofit park partner, the Mesa Verde Museum Association (MVMA). MVMA inspires life-long stewardship of the Mesa Verde region's cultural and natural heritage. Through MVMA's operation of park bookstores, free or low-cost seminars, workshops, and special programs, visitors of all ages gain a new, behind-the-scenes understanding of Mesa Verde. Proceeds from all association programs support Mesa Verde National Park.

Additional Colorado Welcome Center information may be obtained by calling 970-564-0780. Additional information on visiting Mesa Verde may be obtained by visiting the park's Plan Your Visit webpage or by calling the park's main information line at 970-529-4465.



Jeff
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Wetherill Mesa Opens for Spring Season Today

Wetherill Mesa will open for the spring season today, according to Mesa Verde National Park Superintendent Cliff Spencer. Spring season activities include hiking most of the trails or riding your bicycle on the 5-mile Long House Loop paved trail. Long House and Step House are not open for visitation until May 22, 2015. "We're experimenting this year with opening Wetherill Mesa with limited services in spring," he said. "We hope people will enjoy this quiet season on Wetherill Mesa before we change to our summer operation on May 22."

The 12-mile road to Wetherill Mesa begins near Far View Lodge and leads to the Wetherill Mesa parking area. Bicycles are not permitted on this road. Beginning at the Wetherill Mesa parking area, visitors may hike, ride their bicycles, or walk their leashed pets on the Long House Loop, which is a paved 5-mile loop trail. Certain other trails are open to leashed pets and/or bicycles. To enjoy this area, remember:

Services are limited in spring. Bring water, snacks, layers of warm clothing, and everything you need to repair your bicycle. Rangers will be on patrol but the information kiosk doesn't open until May 22. Be prepared in the event of changing weather or an emergency.

Bicycles are welcome on the Long House Loop and other marked trails, including the Badger House Community trail. Bikes are not allowed within the archeological site shelters; bike racks are available.

Some trails are open for bicycles, while others are for pedestrians only. Please check signs at trailheads before taking your bicycle on any trail.

Bike racks are provided throughout Wetherill Mesa, and at all trailheads; we recommend you lock your bikes.

Off-trail hiking, riding your bicycle off a permitted trail, and entering closed sites or areas is prohibited.

Pets must be leashed and under control at all times. Pet friendly trails will be marked, and include the Long House Loop and Nordenskiold Site #16 trails. Pets are not allowed in the restrooms or in the sales and food service areas of the Wetherill Mesa Information kiosk. Please clean up after your pet. A number of pet-waste stations are available along the trails.



Jeff
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