Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Book pre-announcement
FYI, everyone: I'm excited to announce that a brand new edition of Ramble On: A History of Hiking will be released in early February! Please check back for more information!
Friday, January 16, 2026
New Dinosaur Fossils Excavated at Dinosaur National Monument
Recent parking lot construction work in Dinosaur National Monument revealed previously uncovered dinosaur fossils near the Quarry Exhibit Hall, marking the first fossil excavations at this location since 1924.
The new fossils were identified by park staff on Sept. 16, 2025, after asphalt removal exposed a portion of the dinosaur-bearing sandstone. Following the discovery, construction was paused to allow paleontologists to assess and excavate the fossils. The fossils belong to a large, long-necked dinosaur, most likely Diplodocus, which is common in this bonebed. Park staff, a Utah Conservation Corps crew, volunteers and on-site construction crews assisted in the fossil removal.
This location had not been excavated for fossils since the original excavations at the site ended in 1924. Historic excavations were led by the Carnegie Museum from 1909 to 1922, the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in 1923 and the University of Utah in 1924. Dinosaur National Monument was established in 1915.
Roughly 3,000 pounds of fossils and rock were removed during the new excavation between mid-September to mid-October. Work is now underway to clean and study the remains, which are currently housed at the Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum in Vernal, Utah. The work can be viewed in the museum’s fossil preparation lab. Fossils from the excavation are also on display at the Quarry Exhibit Hall and the Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum.
The Quarry Exhibit Hall, also known as the “Wall of Bones,” is the most popular area to visit in Dinosaur National Monument. The building sits over a preserved section of the historic Carnegie dinosaur fossil quarry where visitors can see approximately 1,500 dinosaur fossils still encased in the rock.
The parking lot and road improvement project were completed following the excavation. The project included extensive concrete and asphalt work and accessibility improvements around the Quarry Exhibit Hall. The Exhibit Hall is open daily except on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Visit nps.gov/dino for more information and hours.
P.S.: if you would like to see dinosaur tracks up close, check out the hike to West Gold Hill Dinosaur Trackway in Ouray.
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Check out our online trail guides:
The new fossils were identified by park staff on Sept. 16, 2025, after asphalt removal exposed a portion of the dinosaur-bearing sandstone. Following the discovery, construction was paused to allow paleontologists to assess and excavate the fossils. The fossils belong to a large, long-necked dinosaur, most likely Diplodocus, which is common in this bonebed. Park staff, a Utah Conservation Corps crew, volunteers and on-site construction crews assisted in the fossil removal.
This location had not been excavated for fossils since the original excavations at the site ended in 1924. Historic excavations were led by the Carnegie Museum from 1909 to 1922, the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in 1923 and the University of Utah in 1924. Dinosaur National Monument was established in 1915.
The Quarry Exhibit Hall, also known as the “Wall of Bones,” is the most popular area to visit in Dinosaur National Monument. The building sits over a preserved section of the historic Carnegie dinosaur fossil quarry where visitors can see approximately 1,500 dinosaur fossils still encased in the rock.
The parking lot and road improvement project were completed following the excavation. The project included extensive concrete and asphalt work and accessibility improvements around the Quarry Exhibit Hall. The Exhibit Hall is open daily except on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Visit nps.gov/dino for more information and hours.
P.S.: if you would like to see dinosaur tracks up close, check out the hike to West Gold Hill Dinosaur Trackway in Ouray.
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Check out our online trail guides:
- Glacier National Park: HikinginGlacier.com
- Grand Teton National Park: TetonHikingTrails.com
- Rocky Mountain National Park: RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Friday, January 9, 2026
Winter Pile Burning Operations Planned When Conditions Permit in Rocky Mountain National Park
Fire managers at Rocky Mountain National Park plan to take advantage of favorable winter weather and conditions to conduct pile burning operations in a variety of locations including Deer Mountain, near Lily Lake, near Moraine and Glacier Basin Campgrounds, off Highway 7 in the Wild Basin area and near Allenspark. Slash from hazard fuels treatments has been cut and piled by NPS fire crews and contractors over the last two years and are now ready to be burned. Pile burning will only occur this winter when weather and conditions allow.
The primary goal of this fuels reduction project is to reduce the threat of wildland fire to adjacent communities and NPS infrastructure to help reduce the amount of fuels available in case of a wildfire. When fighting the East Troublesome Fire in 2020 and the Fern Lake Fire in 2012, firefighters were able to take advantage of previous and existing prescribed fire and hazardous fuels treatment areas that provided a buffer between the fires and the town of Estes Park. Prior hazard fuels projects were instrumental in stopping both fires from crossing Bear Lake and Trail Ridge Roads.
Pile burning operations only take place when conditions allow. Firefighters will be on scene for the duration of the operation and will be patrolling the burn pile areas. Smoke from the burn will be visible throughout the day of the burn, mostly during the warmest part of the day. With cooler temperatures in the evening, smoke may linger and accumulate in low-lying areas. Fuels reduction projects like these are not designed to be a stand-alone defense against wildfires nor do they guarantee to hold a wildfire in the worst of conditions. We all need to do our part. Homeowners are encouraged to complete wildfire mitigation on your property. For tips and resources, visit www.firewise.org and https://nocofireshed.org/resources/ Smoke may be visible both inside and outside the park. Every effort will be made to minimize smoke impacts on visitors and the adjacent community; however, some smoke is anticipated to disperse east of the park. Prescribed fire smoke may affect your health. For more information on the health effects of wildland fire smoke and how to reduce your exposure, please visit the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment website, Wood Smoke and Health.
Safety factors, weather conditions, air quality, personnel availability and environmental regulations are continually monitored as part of any fire management operation. For more information please contact the park Information Office at (970) 586-1206.
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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:
The primary goal of this fuels reduction project is to reduce the threat of wildland fire to adjacent communities and NPS infrastructure to help reduce the amount of fuels available in case of a wildfire. When fighting the East Troublesome Fire in 2020 and the Fern Lake Fire in 2012, firefighters were able to take advantage of previous and existing prescribed fire and hazardous fuels treatment areas that provided a buffer between the fires and the town of Estes Park. Prior hazard fuels projects were instrumental in stopping both fires from crossing Bear Lake and Trail Ridge Roads.
Pile burning operations only take place when conditions allow. Firefighters will be on scene for the duration of the operation and will be patrolling the burn pile areas. Smoke from the burn will be visible throughout the day of the burn, mostly during the warmest part of the day. With cooler temperatures in the evening, smoke may linger and accumulate in low-lying areas. Fuels reduction projects like these are not designed to be a stand-alone defense against wildfires nor do they guarantee to hold a wildfire in the worst of conditions. We all need to do our part. Homeowners are encouraged to complete wildfire mitigation on your property. For tips and resources, visit www.firewise.org and https://nocofireshed.org/resources/ Smoke may be visible both inside and outside the park. Every effort will be made to minimize smoke impacts on visitors and the adjacent community; however, some smoke is anticipated to disperse east of the park. Prescribed fire smoke may affect your health. For more information on the health effects of wildland fire smoke and how to reduce your exposure, please visit the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment website, Wood Smoke and Health.
Safety factors, weather conditions, air quality, personnel availability and environmental regulations are continually monitored as part of any fire management operation. For more information please contact the park Information Office at (970) 586-1206.
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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:
Tuesday, January 6, 2026
CPW update on Larimer County mountain lion investigation
Colorado Parks and Wildlife has ended the active search for a third mountain lion in the area of the fatal attack on a woman on the Crosier Mountain Trail in Larimer County. CPW officers, federal agency staff and houndsmen with trained dogs searched thoroughly for more than 72 hours. No fresh tracks or scents were detected. Crosier Mountain Trail is back open to the public, and mountain lion signage with education messages will remain. Permanent signage warning of lion activity and how to handle conflicts has been in place on the trail for years.
Any mountain lion sightings or conflicts should immediately be reported to CPW by contacting either the Denver office at 303-291-7227, the Fort Collins office at 970-472-4300 or Colorado State Patrol at *CSP (*277) to reach an on-call officer. Crosier Mountain Trail lies in mountain lion habitat. Residents and visitors should continue to remain vigilant.
“Our hearts go out to the victim’s family,” said Mark Leslie, Regional Manager for CPW’s Northeast Region. “This is a terrible tragedy. This hiker did what many people did on New Year’s Day. She went out in nature on the first day of a new year, and the fact that she did not return to her family and friends is nothing short of heartbreaking. We encourage the public to have compassion and empathy for her and her loved ones.”
CPW thanks the agencies who assisted in the initial response and search: Larimer County Sheriff’s Office, Estes Park Police Department, Larimer County Parks and Open Space, Glen Haven Area Volunteer Fire Department and U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services.
Necropsy results:
Necropsies were performed by CPW pathologists on two mountain lions. Initial results indicate a family group consisting of one approximately 12-month old male subadult lion and one approximately 12-month old female subadult lion in very good body condition with no signs of organ abnormalities (subadult refers to lions older than kittens but not yet to breeding age, typically breeding age is 2.5 to 3 years). Human DNA was found on all four paws of the male subadult lion. No human DNA was detected on the female subadult. Both lions tested negative for rabies. The final necropsy report has not yet been completed.
On January 1, witnesses observed a mountain lion standing over the victim on the Crosier Mountain Trail. As they approached, they began throwing rocks to scare the lion from the area and attend to the woman. Witnesses also called 911. When officers arrived on scene, the male subadult lion approached the incident area, was shot by an officer and ran off. CPW officers on the ground and houndsmen tracked this lion and euthanized it, noting it had a wound from the earlier officer’s shot. The second lion, the female subadult, was seen in close vicinity to the site and was tracked and euthanized by CPW. Shortly after, a third lion was observed by officers approaching the incident area. This lion was also pursued by hounds but CPW officers were unable to locate it. Due to multiple lions present at the attack area and evidence found at the scene, CPW officers suspected a family group was responsible.
“It is very unlikely that these lions were in such close proximity to the scene by coincidence,” said Leslie. “This is not a decision we take lightly. CPW is charged with protecting human safety. Given the gravity of this situation and the rarity of this type of behavior, this was a necessary, if unfortunate action.”
Recent mountain lion activity in the Glen Haven area reported to CPW and subsequent management actions:
* On 10/28/2025, a man was hiking with a dog off-leash in the 2000 block of McGraw Ranch Road in Estes Park. A mountain lion attacked and killed the dog. The incident was reported to CPW on 11/20/2025.
* On 10/29/2025, a woman was hiking with her dog off-leash on West Creek Road in Larimer County. A mountain lion suddenly appeared and took her dog. The incident was reported to CPW on 10/30/2025. A CPW officer responded to the scene and was unable to locate any lions.
* On 11/12/2025, a man was trail running on Crosier Mountain Trail and observed a lion in front of him in the trees. The lion approached the man but never made contact. The man successfully hazed the mountain lion with a tree branch and by throwing objects. The incident was reported to CPW on 11/12/2025. CPW officers responded to the area and were unable to locate any lions. Signs warning of increased mountain lion activity were placed in the area, in addition to the permanent mountain lion signage at the Crosier Mountain Trail. The temporary signs were removed after a few weeks.
* On 11/30/2025, a man and woman were hiking near Crosier Mountain Trail summit when they encountered two mountain lions. One lion was spotted in front of them, another was spied behind the couple. They were able to successfully haze the lions by yelling and throwing rocks. No physical contact was made. The incident was reported by voicemail to CPW and received on 12/1/2025. CPW officers responded to the area and were unable to locate lions on the trail. A temporary sign warning of mountain lion activity in the area was placed at the trailhead, in addition to the permanent signage warning of mountain lion presence on the Croiser Mountain Trail. The temporary sign was in place on January 1.
* On 12/23/2025, a man living off County Road 43 in Glen Haven found a mountain lion attacking his dog in his yard. He shot and killed the 3-year-old adult male lion. The incident was reported to CPW on 12/24/2025. A CPW officer responded, investigated and no citations were issued. A necropsy showed the adult male lion did not have any abnormalities. Due to its age, CPW biologists do not think it was a parent to either of the subadults.
* No other mountain lion-related attacks or sightings have been reported to CPW in the Glen Haven area during this time period.
“Timeliness is critical for tracking and responding to mountain lion conflicts,” said Jason Duetsch, CPW Area Wildlife Manager. “We encourage anyone to immediately report encounters with lions so CPW officers can have the most effective response.”
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Check out our online trail guides:
Any mountain lion sightings or conflicts should immediately be reported to CPW by contacting either the Denver office at 303-291-7227, the Fort Collins office at 970-472-4300 or Colorado State Patrol at *CSP (*277) to reach an on-call officer. Crosier Mountain Trail lies in mountain lion habitat. Residents and visitors should continue to remain vigilant.
“Our hearts go out to the victim’s family,” said Mark Leslie, Regional Manager for CPW’s Northeast Region. “This is a terrible tragedy. This hiker did what many people did on New Year’s Day. She went out in nature on the first day of a new year, and the fact that she did not return to her family and friends is nothing short of heartbreaking. We encourage the public to have compassion and empathy for her and her loved ones.”
CPW thanks the agencies who assisted in the initial response and search: Larimer County Sheriff’s Office, Estes Park Police Department, Larimer County Parks and Open Space, Glen Haven Area Volunteer Fire Department and U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services.
Necropsy results:
Necropsies were performed by CPW pathologists on two mountain lions. Initial results indicate a family group consisting of one approximately 12-month old male subadult lion and one approximately 12-month old female subadult lion in very good body condition with no signs of organ abnormalities (subadult refers to lions older than kittens but not yet to breeding age, typically breeding age is 2.5 to 3 years). Human DNA was found on all four paws of the male subadult lion. No human DNA was detected on the female subadult. Both lions tested negative for rabies. The final necropsy report has not yet been completed.
On January 1, witnesses observed a mountain lion standing over the victim on the Crosier Mountain Trail. As they approached, they began throwing rocks to scare the lion from the area and attend to the woman. Witnesses also called 911. When officers arrived on scene, the male subadult lion approached the incident area, was shot by an officer and ran off. CPW officers on the ground and houndsmen tracked this lion and euthanized it, noting it had a wound from the earlier officer’s shot. The second lion, the female subadult, was seen in close vicinity to the site and was tracked and euthanized by CPW. Shortly after, a third lion was observed by officers approaching the incident area. This lion was also pursued by hounds but CPW officers were unable to locate it. Due to multiple lions present at the attack area and evidence found at the scene, CPW officers suspected a family group was responsible.
“It is very unlikely that these lions were in such close proximity to the scene by coincidence,” said Leslie. “This is not a decision we take lightly. CPW is charged with protecting human safety. Given the gravity of this situation and the rarity of this type of behavior, this was a necessary, if unfortunate action.”
Recent mountain lion activity in the Glen Haven area reported to CPW and subsequent management actions:
* On 10/28/2025, a man was hiking with a dog off-leash in the 2000 block of McGraw Ranch Road in Estes Park. A mountain lion attacked and killed the dog. The incident was reported to CPW on 11/20/2025.
* On 10/29/2025, a woman was hiking with her dog off-leash on West Creek Road in Larimer County. A mountain lion suddenly appeared and took her dog. The incident was reported to CPW on 10/30/2025. A CPW officer responded to the scene and was unable to locate any lions.
* On 11/12/2025, a man was trail running on Crosier Mountain Trail and observed a lion in front of him in the trees. The lion approached the man but never made contact. The man successfully hazed the mountain lion with a tree branch and by throwing objects. The incident was reported to CPW on 11/12/2025. CPW officers responded to the area and were unable to locate any lions. Signs warning of increased mountain lion activity were placed in the area, in addition to the permanent mountain lion signage at the Crosier Mountain Trail. The temporary signs were removed after a few weeks.
* On 11/30/2025, a man and woman were hiking near Crosier Mountain Trail summit when they encountered two mountain lions. One lion was spotted in front of them, another was spied behind the couple. They were able to successfully haze the lions by yelling and throwing rocks. No physical contact was made. The incident was reported by voicemail to CPW and received on 12/1/2025. CPW officers responded to the area and were unable to locate lions on the trail. A temporary sign warning of mountain lion activity in the area was placed at the trailhead, in addition to the permanent signage warning of mountain lion presence on the Croiser Mountain Trail. The temporary sign was in place on January 1.
* On 12/23/2025, a man living off County Road 43 in Glen Haven found a mountain lion attacking his dog in his yard. He shot and killed the 3-year-old adult male lion. The incident was reported to CPW on 12/24/2025. A CPW officer responded, investigated and no citations were issued. A necropsy showed the adult male lion did not have any abnormalities. Due to its age, CPW biologists do not think it was a parent to either of the subadults.
* No other mountain lion-related attacks or sightings have been reported to CPW in the Glen Haven area during this time period.
“Timeliness is critical for tracking and responding to mountain lion conflicts,” said Jason Duetsch, CPW Area Wildlife Manager. “We encourage anyone to immediately report encounters with lions so CPW officers can have the most effective response.”
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Check out our online trail guides:
- Glacier National Park: HikinginGlacier.com
- Grand Teton National Park: TetonHikingTrails.com
- Rocky Mountain National Park: RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Monday, January 5, 2026
Can Pole Walking Help With Weight Loss?
It's a new year, and if past is prologue, then we can probably assume that many of us are trying to figure out how we're going to lose all that weight we gained over the holidays. The solution might already be in our closets. Did you know that Nordic walking, or walking with poles, can burn as much as 20% more calories during the same amount of time that you normally spend walking or hiking? Honestly, this came as a bit of a revelation to me recently, but it makes complete sense. Using trekking poles while walking also gives your upper body a workout. Apparently, scientific research has confirmed this:
For more information, you can click here, here and here.
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Check out our online trail guides:
For more information, you can click here, here and here.
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Check out our online trail guides:
- Glacier National Park: HikinginGlacier.com
- Grand Teton National Park: TetonHikingTrails.com
- Rocky Mountain National Park: RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Sunday, January 4, 2026
Update: Three hikers found dead on Mount Baldy in California
Because of the strange circumstances surrounding the deaths of three hikers on Mount Baldy in Southern California last week, I thought it was important to provide an update. Yesterday, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department provided this bit of information on their website:
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Check out our online trail guides:
On Friday, January 2, 2026, the Sheriff’s Coroner Division positively identified Juan Sarat Lopez and Bayron Pedro Ramos Garcia, two Guatemalan Nationals residing in Los Angeles, were among the three deceased males located at Mt. Baldy. Investigators believe Lopez and Ramos Garcia fell from the Devil’s Backbone Trail the same day they were found.Also, ABC7 out of LA added this piece of information:
Additional updates will be provided as they become available.
Authorities said Lopez and Garcia were not hiking with Casanova at the time of the incident, but they believe they fell from the same Devil's Backbone trail.
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Check out our online trail guides:
- Glacier National Park: HikinginGlacier.com
- Grand Teton National Park: TetonHikingTrails.com
- Rocky Mountain National Park: RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Friday, January 2, 2026
CPW investigating suspected fatal mountain lion attack in Larimer County
Colorado Parks and Wildlife is investigating a suspected fatal mountain lion attack on the Crosier Mountain trail in unincorporated Larimer County. Around 12:15 p.m., hikers reported seeing a mountain lion near a person lying on the ground from approximately 100 yards away. As they approached, the witnesses scared the lion from the area by throwing rocks at the animal. The hikers then attended to the adult woman victim but did not find a pulse.
CPW officers, Larimer County Sheriff deputies, Estes Park police and Glen Haven Area Volunteer firefighters responded to the area to launch an extensive search for any mountain lions. A CPW biologist who was conducting aerial deer surveys in the county was able to assist in spotting and personnel transportation. Houndsmen assisted by using dogs to track the scent of lions.
Officers located one lion at the scene, shot the animal and it ran from the area. Officers tracked the mountain lion and it was euthanized. A short time later, a second mountain lion was found nearby and euthanized. It is unknown if one or multiple animals were involved in the suspected attack. According to CPW policies, wildlife involved in attacks on humans must be euthanized to ensure public safety.
CPW pathologists will perform a necropsy on the animals, checking for abnormalities and neurological diseases like rabies and avian influenza. Larimer County Coroner will release the identity of the victim and cause of death.
Mountain lion attacks on humans in Colorado are considered to be rare, with 28 previous attacks reported to CPW since 1990. The last fatal attack was in 1999.
Along the Front Range and Larimer County, hikers and people enjoying the outdoors should expect to encounter wildlife. Mountain lions are more visible in winter as they follow deer and elk to lower elevations. If lions are spotted, make noise to scare them from the area, hold objects overhead to appear bigger and start backing away from the animal. Pets should be kept on-leash and not interact with wildlife.
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Check out our online trail guides:
CPW officers, Larimer County Sheriff deputies, Estes Park police and Glen Haven Area Volunteer firefighters responded to the area to launch an extensive search for any mountain lions. A CPW biologist who was conducting aerial deer surveys in the county was able to assist in spotting and personnel transportation. Houndsmen assisted by using dogs to track the scent of lions.
Officers located one lion at the scene, shot the animal and it ran from the area. Officers tracked the mountain lion and it was euthanized. A short time later, a second mountain lion was found nearby and euthanized. It is unknown if one or multiple animals were involved in the suspected attack. According to CPW policies, wildlife involved in attacks on humans must be euthanized to ensure public safety.
CPW pathologists will perform a necropsy on the animals, checking for abnormalities and neurological diseases like rabies and avian influenza. Larimer County Coroner will release the identity of the victim and cause of death.
Mountain lion attacks on humans in Colorado are considered to be rare, with 28 previous attacks reported to CPW since 1990. The last fatal attack was in 1999.
Along the Front Range and Larimer County, hikers and people enjoying the outdoors should expect to encounter wildlife. Mountain lions are more visible in winter as they follow deer and elk to lower elevations. If lions are spotted, make noise to scare them from the area, hold objects overhead to appear bigger and start backing away from the animal. Pets should be kept on-leash and not interact with wildlife.
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Check out our online trail guides:
- Glacier National Park: HikinginGlacier.com
- Grand Teton National Park: TetonHikingTrails.com
- Rocky Mountain National Park: RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
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