Rocky Mountain National Park Raises Backcountry Camping Fees

Effective for the 2015 summer season, the cost of obtaining a permit for backcountry camping in Rocky Mountain National Park will increase from $20 to $26 per trip. This administrative permit fee, established in 1995 and last increased to $20 in 2004, is necessary to recover the administrative costs associated with managing the program, including costs of a computerized permit and reservation system.

Permits for backcountry camping are an integral part of a program that rations and distributes use throughout the park's backcountry, intended to minimize impacts to resources, help provide a quality experience, and ensure that sites are available for those able to plan ahead and reserve a permit in advance. While an overnight permit is required for backcountry camping year-round, the fee for obtaining the permit only applies for camping that occurs during the months of May through October when demand typically exceeds availability in many areas of the park's backcountry. The six dollar increase for the non-refundable permit becomes effective March 1, 2015, for anyone making advance reservations or after May 1, for those obtaining a permit over the counter at one of the park's Backcountry Offices.

Different from an entrance fee or fee for camping in a developed campground, the backcountry permit is based on cost recovery and all funds are applied directly to the costs of administering the program. This past October, the park proposed a change in its current recreational use fees for entrance and developed campgrounds. A public comment period followed and the proposal is still under review. A decision on those recreational use fees is expected late winter or early spring.

According to Superintendent Vaughn Baker, "Rocky Mountain National Park retains one hundred percent of the administrative fees charged for backcountry camping permits. In addition to providing the opportunity to reserve and secure campsites in advance, funds recovered through the permit fee allow for staff to provide trip planning advice and information for a safe and enjoyable trip into the wilderness. Requirements for food storage necessary to protect bears and other wildlife, mountain weather, hazards, and Leave No Trace ethics are among the information received during the permitting process. Fees that we charge enable us to provide these services."



Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
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Outdoor Recreation Participation Report: Camping and Backpacking Continues to Decline

The Outdoor Foundation is reporting that a record number of Americans participated in at least one outdoor activity in 2013, with nearly 50% of all Americans ages six and older taking part in at least one of the 43 outdoor activities, according to the latest Outdoor Recreation Participation Report. That percentage equates to 142.6 million American outdoor participants. Although the number of participants rose, the percentage of participants fell slightly from 49.4% in 2012 to 49.2% in 2013, due to population increase.

Compared to 2012, participation in outdoor activities increased or remained flat among youth and young adults - signaling a positive trend in America's inactivity crisis. The participation rate among children ages six to 12 rose one percentage point to 64%. Participation among young adults ages 18 to 24 also rose one point to 58%, while hard-to-reach adolescents, ages 13 to 17, remained flat at 60%.

Below are a few stats of interest:

* Participation in day hiking remained relatively flat again for the second year in a row. However, the latest figures don't reflect the strong growth in the outdoor pursuit in recent years. Compared to 2006 (the first year of the study), hiking is up 15.1%. Compared to 2010, participation in hiking has increased by 5.8%.

* Though backpacking has seen an increase in the number of participants over each of the last 2 years, the average number of outings per backpacker has dropped off sharply. As a result, backpacking has dropped out of the top 5 favorite outdoor activities for adults (ages 25+), based on the frequency of activity.

* Camping (within a 1/4 mile of a vehicle or home) continues to decline: down 11% when compared to 2011, and down almost 18% since 2006.

* Participation in adventure racing and triathlons saw the largest increases over the past three years. Adventure racing increased by 28%, while off-road triathlons increased by 25% and road triathlons increased by 10%.

In 2013, the top 5 most popular outdoor activities for adults (ages 25+), based on participation rates were:

1. Running, Jogging and Trail Running - 16.2% of adults
2. Fishing - 14.8% of adults
3. Bicycling (Road, Mountain and BMX) - 13.1% of adults
4. Hiking - 11.4% of adults
5. Camping (Car, Backyard and RV) - 10.6% of adults

The top 5 favorite outdoor activities for adults (ages 25+), based on frequency of activity were:

1. Running, Jogging and Trail Running - 81.4 average outings per runner
2. Bicycling (Road, Mountain and BMX) - 51.7 average outings per cyclist
3. Birdwatching - 37.7 average outings per birdwatcher
4. Wildlife Viewing - 25.2 average outings per viewer
5. Hunting - 24.2 average outings per hunter

The report is based on online and household surveys of more than 19,000 Americans ages six and older, and covers 43 different outdoor activities, making it the largest survey of its kind. To download a complete copy of the 2014 Outdoor Recreation Topline Participation Report, visit The Outdoor Foundation website.


Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com

Andrew Skurka Presents: The Ultimate Lightweight Hiking Skills Clinic

Renowned long-distance backpacker and former National Geographic "Adventurer of the Year", Andrew Skurka, will be at the American Mountaineering Center in Golden, Colorado next month to present his clinic on Lightweight Hiking Skills.

The event is sponsored by the Colorado Mountain Club, and will take place at 7pm on May 7th.

A backpacking trip consists of two distinct activities: hiking and camping. In this instructional clinic Skurka will discuss the gear, supplies and skills necessary to make hiking more fun and less work, without compromising your safety or your comfort in camp.

It begins with a discussion about how to define trip objectives and how to assess the environmental and route conditions that are typically encountered on a backpacking trip - like temperatures and precipitation. Skurka will then explain exactly what he would bring on a hypothetical multi-day trip in a nearby and familiar location of the audience’s choosing. He focuses not just on his footwear, shelter, food, and other gear and supplies, but also on critical skills like foot care, campsite selection, and food protection techniques.

Questions from and discussions with audience members are highly encouraged, and are in fact critical to maximizing the value of the clinic.

In addition to a variety of high profile adventures, Mr. Skurka is also the author of The Ultimate Hiker's Gear Guide.

For more information on the event, please click here.



Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com

Backpacking Basics

Let the Denver area REI stores help take the mystery out of backpacking with an overview of planning, preparation and gear. Participants in the 1.5-hour program will learn how to choose a pack, and select proper clothing and footwear. REI will also give you important notes on trail etiquette and Leave No Trace principles. In all, REI will help you understand what you need to reach your destination.

The 1.5-hour program will take place from 6:30 - 8:00 PM next month at several Denver-area REIs. You can choose from these dates and locations:

March 4th: Boulder, Lakewood and Englewood

March 6th: Westminster

For more information, please click here.






Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com

Backpacking the Teton Crest Trail

The Teton Crest Trail in the Grand Tetons is truly one of the epic hikes in America. In this video, backpacker Dan Mccoy did an excellent job of capturing the majestic beauty of the Grand Tetons during his four-day backpacking trip in 2011:




Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com

First day to reserve backcountry camping permits in Rocky Mountain National Park is today

Today is the first day backpackers can reserve backcountry camping permits for the upcoming summer season in Rocky Mountain National Park. Park officials are warning that phone lines "get super jammed today, so please be patient".

To clarify the rules for backcountry camping permits, backpackers may obtain day-of-trip permits in person year‑round. You can also make reservations by mail or in person anytime after March 1st for a permit for that calendar year.

However, you may only make reservations by phone between March 1st and May 15th, and anytime after October 1st for a permit for that calendar year. To make a reservation you can send to:

Rocky Mountain National Park
Backcountry Office
1000 W. Hwy 36
Estes Park, CO 80517

Or call: (970) 586-1242
TTY: (970) 586-1319

There is a $20 administrative fee for permits during peak season periods that are non-refundable and non-exchangeable.

For more information, please visit the Backcountry Camping Guide.


Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com

32 Days on the Colorado Trail in 15 Minutes

Get a taste of what it's like to thru-hike the Colorado Trail:




Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com