CMC Video: The 10 Essentials

Planning a backcountry trip into the mountains this summer? If you're new to hiking or backpacking, or maybe it's been awhile, you might want to watch this video first - as a first step towards building (or refreshing) your backcountry skills set. This is the second video in the Colorado Mountain Club's series focused on backcountry education. The series was made possible by the CMC Steve Gladbach Memorial Fund.



Steve Gladbach was a beloved Colorado mountaineer, a long time member of the Colorado Mountain Club, and belonged to the 14ers.com community. He loved climbing. In the summer of 2013 he lost his life while descending Thunder Pyramid Peak.

One of Steve's passions was mountaineering education and safety. Through the generosity of family and friends, the Steve Gladbach Memorial Fund was created to promote Colorado mountaineering education.

If you're in need of any new gear, maps or guide books, please check out our online store.






Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com

Flood Advisory for North Central Colorado thru May 31, 2014

A National Weather Service (NWS) flood advisory is in effect through Saturday for rivers and streams in Grand County and across the U.S. Forest Service’s Sulphur Ranger District.

Warmer weather, anticipated rainfall and accelerated snowmelt will continue to cause water levels to rise through Saturday, May 31. Of particular concern, according to the NWS, are the Fraser, Williams Fork and Colorado rivers as well as the Muddy, Troublesome and St. Louis creeks.

Do not attempt to travel across flooded roads. Be advised that water is moving swiftly and river banks are possibly unstable.

Due to flooding and road damage, lower Cabin Creek Road (FSR 112) is being reclosed this morning. Short portions of Stillwater Road (FSR 123) remain open on both ends, but washouts have occurred just above the gate on the west end and the barricade on the east end. The majority of roads on the Sulphur Ranger District remain under a seasonal closure through at least June 15. Snowpack persists on many higher elevation roads and may delay the opening.

Several county roads also are closed due to flooding, notably County Road 841 at County Road 84. The 48-inch culverts we unable to accommodate debris flow in that area, causing the road to wash out. The debris has since been removed. County Road 84 is also experiencing damage.

Road conditions are updated at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/roads



Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com

Teenage Hiker Rescued From Ledge On Longs Peak

Samuel Frappier, a 19-year-old visitor from Quebec, was ascending Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park with a friend on Tuesday when they became separated. As Frappier attempted to descend he got himself stranded in an extremely precarious location known as the Broadway Ledge, at an elevation of roughly 13,000 feet, which forced him to call for help.

Although Frappier was reported to be fit, he had no technical climbing equipment and no experience as a mountaineer. Wearing only tennis shoes and cotton clothing, he was also unprepared for a night on the mountain in snow and ice and near freezing temperatures.

A rescue operation was immediately launched. The park’s SAR team was joined in the effort by Rocky Mountain Rescue and a Teton Interagency helicopter. Nearly 30 people were committed to the operation.

On Wednesday evening Frappier was helped off the ledge by rescuers, flown to a landing zone in Upper Beaver Meadows, and then taken to Estes Park Medical Center. The teen was subsequently checked-out and released by the hospital. Frappier will not be billed for the rescue, which cost several thousand dollars.

Reaching the summit of Longs Peak is not a hike. The 1.3-mile Keyhole Route is considered to be a climb - a classic mountaineering route that should not be underestimated. However, hikers can reach the Keyhole on a long day hike.



Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com

Volunteering needed for flood-damaged trails near Estes Park

As part of the flood recovery process, the Poudre Wilderness Volunteers (PWV) are continuing to help the Forest Service by coordinating volunteer trail work. The next scheduled trail restoration workday open to the public is June 14-15 for the Lion Gulch Trail near Estes Park.

The outpouring of support for recovery work has been greatly appreciated; however, this work has to be carefully coordinated. There are many crews helping the Forest repair and recover from the September 2013 floods and this work must be organized, prioritized, and meet the various requirements of the U.S. Forest Service. All work done on National Forest System lands must be approved by the forest before occurring.

PWV is the key contact for the Canyon Lakes Ranger District for public work days. PWV works closely with the Forest Service and are trained by the forest in trail restoration.

Volunteers of all skill levels can participate, but must be at least 18 years old. Work includes moving rocks and downed trees, reestablishing the trail and helping with drainage issues. Some work has already been done on portions of this trail to help make the area safer for volunteers. Volunteers spent a wet Memorial Day weekend working on the trail, but there is still much more to do.

Damage done to the first few miles of this trail was bad, but nothing compared to the middle part of the trail, where the trail is all but gone. Some analysis will be needed before this portion of the trail can be fully repaired. The Lion Gulch Trail will remain closed even after this volunteer trail work, until its length is safe for the public.

Those wanting to volunteer can sign up online. Details will be provided when volunteers sign up. Volunteers need to wear long sleeved shirts and pants (no shorts) and work boots. Be sure to bring water and snacks. Hard hats, gloves and tools will be provided.

More volunteer trail work days could be planned in the future. For additional work about flood recovery efforts or future events on the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland, please click here.



Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com

Volunteers Needed at the Historic Deadman Lookout Tower

The U.S. Forest Service is looking for people who enjoy great views and are not afraid of heights to volunteer as visitor information hosts and amateur fire spotters at the only fire tower remaining on the Canyon Lakes Ranger District in the Roosevelt National Forest.

During the extreme fire conditions of 2012, Deadman Lookout was used by professional firefighters, along with lookout volunteers, as an active fire lookout for the first time in decades. In 2013 a record number of volunteers worked at the tower and allowed hours to be extended for visitors.

The historic Deadman Lookout, last officially staffed in the 1970s, is located 15 miles west of Red Feather Lakes at an elevation of 10,700 feet. The lookout is typically snowed in until July. It is then that dedicated volunteers keep the lookout open for scores of stair-climbing visitors through Labor Day.

Climbing into the top of the 1961 lookout is like stepping back in time. Original furniture and equipment are still usable and in place. Volunteers share fire lookout history with visitors, along with providing information on area recreation such as camping, fishing and scenic driving. Volunteers also work as amateur fire spotters for the district.

Hosts volunteer a minimum of two days per season. The lookout is open regularly Friday through Monday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hosts need to be in good health, enjoy working with people, and have transportation to and from the lookout.

Evening classroom training on June 18th is required. New volunteers will also spend a training day with a mentor-volunteer at the lookout.

If interested or for additional information, please contact Kristy Wumkes at 970-295-6721 or kwumkes@fs.fed.us.



Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com