Grand Teton National Park has extended two existing wildlife closures to protect bighorn sheep because of persistent winter conditions and deep snowpack at high elevations throughout the Teton Range. The existing park closures, near the summits of Static Peak, Mount Hunt and Prospectors Mountain, are extended through May 15, 2023. Recreational use in these areas is prohibited during this time.
These winter closures have been in effect since the late 1990s and early 2000s to limit disturbance of wintering bighorn sheep. Grand Teton National Park also asks recreationists to continue to voluntarily avoid bighorn sheep winter zones within the park through mid-May.
“Wildlife, including bighorn sheep, need help from all of us after a tough winter,” said Park Superintendent Chip Jenkins. “We are asking people to be actively engaged in the stewardship of these animals, because their survival depends on it.”
This winter has been very hard on wildlife populations throughout Wyoming. The bighorn sheep that live in the Teton Range spend the winter at high elevation, in extreme conditions. Spring is a challenging time of year for all wildlife, as winter fat reserves have been depleted and new plant growth is minimally available. Bighorn sheep need to conserve their energy in order to survive. Be a steward for bighorn sheep and other wildlife by giving them the space they need.
Grand Teton National Park officials remind backcountry recreationists that it is their responsibility to know where these prohibited areas and winter zones are located. Maps of the closures and zones can be found at go.nps.gov/tetonclosures and tetonsheep.org.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
Friday, April 28, 2023
Thursday, April 27, 2023
Recreational Trails Program Seeks Public Comment On Recommended 2023 Awards
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on the proposed award of almost $1.6 million in grant funds to 36 applicants through the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) in 2023.
This year, FWP received a total of 46 RTP applications requesting over $2.5 million. FWP administers RTP, a federally funded program that provides funding for trail and trail-related projects across the state. Eligible projects include development and rehabilitation work on urban, rural and backcountry trails; planning and construction of community trails; snowmobile and cross-country ski trail maintenance and grooming operations; and a variety of trail stewardship and safety education programs.
A complete list of recommended awards is available online at: fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/grant-programs/recreational-trails.
Comments will be accepted online at fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/public-comment-opportunities; in writing sent to P.O. Box 200701 Helena, MT 59620-0701; and by email to FWPFACB@mt.gov.
Comments will be accepted until May 11 at 5 p.m.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
This year, FWP received a total of 46 RTP applications requesting over $2.5 million. FWP administers RTP, a federally funded program that provides funding for trail and trail-related projects across the state. Eligible projects include development and rehabilitation work on urban, rural and backcountry trails; planning and construction of community trails; snowmobile and cross-country ski trail maintenance and grooming operations; and a variety of trail stewardship and safety education programs.
A complete list of recommended awards is available online at: fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/grant-programs/recreational-trails.
Comments will be accepted online at fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/public-comment-opportunities; in writing sent to P.O. Box 200701 Helena, MT 59620-0701; and by email to FWPFACB@mt.gov.
Comments will be accepted until May 11 at 5 p.m.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
Saturday, April 22, 2023
National Park Week special: 50% off “Ramble On”
As you might already be aware, this week is National Park Week. As a result, I wanted to let you know that my new book, Ramble On: How Hiking Became One of the Most Popular Outdoor Activities in the World, will be on sale throughout the week. Beginning today, and continuing through April 30th, the paperback version of Ramble On will be on sale at 50% off the regular price. During this timeframe hiking enthusiasts will be able to purchase the book on Amazon for only $10.95.
Additionally, the eBook version of the book will be available at just $4.99 during this same timeframe, which is also a 50% discount off the regular price.
Ramble On is an outstanding gift idea for yourself, or anyone who loves hiking, and wishes to learn more about the rich and amazing history of one of the world’s top pastimes.
This will likely be the only time that I offer a discount on this book. So now is a great time to purchase your copy at this low price!
As always, thank you very much!
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
Additionally, the eBook version of the book will be available at just $4.99 during this same timeframe, which is also a 50% discount off the regular price.
Ramble On is an outstanding gift idea for yourself, or anyone who loves hiking, and wishes to learn more about the rich and amazing history of one of the world’s top pastimes.
This will likely be the only time that I offer a discount on this book. So now is a great time to purchase your copy at this low price!
As always, thank you very much!
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
Wednesday, April 19, 2023
Celebrate National Park Week with FREE Admission and Special Events
The National Park Service, in partnership with the National Park Foundation, will be celebrating National Park Week, April 22 through April 30, with free admission and special events nationwide. With more than 400 national parks hosting a mix of special programs, activities and digital experiences, the National Park Service and the National Park Foundation invite all to explore and enjoy national parks during this annual event. The week begins this Saturday, April 22, with free entrance to all national parks to kick off the celebration.
“Since Yellowstone National Park was established 150 years ago, over 400 extraordinary places have been added to the National Park System,” said National Park Service Director Chuck Sams. “Throughout the country, these sites are sources of inspiration, recreation, and education—each one preserving and sharing a part of our national story. I hope National Park Week provides a spark to visit a nearby national park and make some memories.”
With at least one in every state, national parks provide close-to-home opportunities to engage the senses and experience something different during each visit. Every park has remarkable features and lesser-known gems, so consider adding some new places to your bucket list and explore a path less taken! The best place to start any national park trip is with a stop at NPS.gov or the official NPS app. You can search for parks by state, activity, or topic and get the latest updates and details about each park. Involve the kids in planning your next park visit by using the new online Junior Ranger Park Explorer program “Ready, Set, Go” where they can complete activities and print a badge.
“National Park Week is a great time to explore a lesser-known site,” said National Park Foundation President and CEO Will Shafroth. “In 2021, most park visits occurred in just 25 parks. This National Park Week, try something new. There is so much beauty and cultural heritage to experience in your own backyard.”
The overall theme for this year’s National Park Week is “Your Park Story.” Throughout the week individual theme days highlight various ties that can help ensure the enjoyment of national parks for current and future visitors. You can follow NPS stories on social media using #YourParkStory, while sharing your own stories using #MyParkStory. For more information on the individual themes for each day, as well as events scheduled across the country, please click here.
As part of National Park Week I also wanted to let you know that my new book on the history of hiking, Ramble On: How Hiking Became One of the Most Popular Outdoor Activities in the World, will be on sale throughout the entire week. Beginning Saturday, and continuing through April 30th, both the paperback and eBook versions of Ramble On will be on sale at 50% off the regular price!
Also, throughout the week, I will be posting several hiking and national parks related anecdotes associated with each day’s theme on Twitter. You can follow me at @GlacierHiker1
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
“Since Yellowstone National Park was established 150 years ago, over 400 extraordinary places have been added to the National Park System,” said National Park Service Director Chuck Sams. “Throughout the country, these sites are sources of inspiration, recreation, and education—each one preserving and sharing a part of our national story. I hope National Park Week provides a spark to visit a nearby national park and make some memories.”
With at least one in every state, national parks provide close-to-home opportunities to engage the senses and experience something different during each visit. Every park has remarkable features and lesser-known gems, so consider adding some new places to your bucket list and explore a path less taken! The best place to start any national park trip is with a stop at NPS.gov or the official NPS app. You can search for parks by state, activity, or topic and get the latest updates and details about each park. Involve the kids in planning your next park visit by using the new online Junior Ranger Park Explorer program “Ready, Set, Go” where they can complete activities and print a badge.
“National Park Week is a great time to explore a lesser-known site,” said National Park Foundation President and CEO Will Shafroth. “In 2021, most park visits occurred in just 25 parks. This National Park Week, try something new. There is so much beauty and cultural heritage to experience in your own backyard.”
The overall theme for this year’s National Park Week is “Your Park Story.” Throughout the week individual theme days highlight various ties that can help ensure the enjoyment of national parks for current and future visitors. You can follow NPS stories on social media using #YourParkStory, while sharing your own stories using #MyParkStory. For more information on the individual themes for each day, as well as events scheduled across the country, please click here.
As part of National Park Week I also wanted to let you know that my new book on the history of hiking, Ramble On: How Hiking Became One of the Most Popular Outdoor Activities in the World, will be on sale throughout the entire week. Beginning Saturday, and continuing through April 30th, both the paperback and eBook versions of Ramble On will be on sale at 50% off the regular price!
Also, throughout the week, I will be posting several hiking and national parks related anecdotes associated with each day’s theme on Twitter. You can follow me at @GlacierHiker1
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
Saturday, April 15, 2023
GNP Announces 2022 Visitation Data
Glacier National Park continues to be in the top 10 most visited National Parks in 2022, hosting 2,908,458 recreation visits for the year.
Recreational visits were down 5.6% from 2021, due mostly to a drop in visitation in the months of January, March, April, October, November, and December. Monthly records were set for February and September. Despite these monthly shifts in visitation, Glacier has consistently hosted around 3 million visitors each year for the last 5 years, aside from 2020 due to pandemic related closures.
The list below shows the annual trend for recreation visits over the last several years.
2022- 2,908,458
2021- 3,081,656
2020- 1,698,864 (Park closed March 24 to June 8, east side of the park remained closed)
2019- 3,049,839
2018- 2,965,309
2017- 3,305,512 (Highest on record)
While Glacier remains one of the most visited parks in the nation, park officials confirm the past two years of the vehicle reservation pilot program have successfully spread visitation throughout the day during peak hours on Going-to-the-Sun Road resulting in fewer closures, better traffic management, and a more enjoyable park experience during peak season.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
Recreational visits were down 5.6% from 2021, due mostly to a drop in visitation in the months of January, March, April, October, November, and December. Monthly records were set for February and September. Despite these monthly shifts in visitation, Glacier has consistently hosted around 3 million visitors each year for the last 5 years, aside from 2020 due to pandemic related closures.
The list below shows the annual trend for recreation visits over the last several years.
2022- 2,908,458
2021- 3,081,656
2020- 1,698,864 (Park closed March 24 to June 8, east side of the park remained closed)
2019- 3,049,839
2018- 2,965,309
2017- 3,305,512 (Highest on record)
While Glacier remains one of the most visited parks in the nation, park officials confirm the past two years of the vehicle reservation pilot program have successfully spread visitation throughout the day during peak hours on Going-to-the-Sun Road resulting in fewer closures, better traffic management, and a more enjoyable park experience during peak season.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
Thursday, April 13, 2023
Yellowstone National Park’s Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel spring 2023 opening delayed
Yellowstone National Park’s Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel spring 2023 opening has been delayed until the wastewater treatment system in the area is completed and operational. Due to the heavy winter and difficult construction conditions, the new system will not be operational by April 28 as originally planned, the scheduled Mammoth Hotel opening date. The park is working closely with contractors to complete the project as quickly as possible.
The hotel closed immediately after the 2022 historic June flood because of damage to the area’s wastewater system. The North Entrance (Gardiner, Montana) and Northeast Entrance (Silver Gate and Cooke City, Montana) are open to all traffic with no restrictions. Both road corridors were repaired last fall following the flood.
Although the hotel will be closed to overnight guests temporarily, the hotel’s gift shop, coffee and beverage service, and lobby will open as scheduled on April 28. Overnight accommodations will reopen immediately after construction of the wastewater system is completed. The hotel dining room and Terrace Grill will be temporarily closed and regularly scheduled tours departing from Mammoth Hotel will not be available.
The opening of the Mammoth Campground will also be delayed until the wastewater system is operational. The campground closed immediately following the 2022 flood and remains closed because the campground lacks an outlet for wastewater.
All other services in Mammoth Hot Springs will be open.
The park has authorized Yellowstone National Park Lodges to open other visitor accommodations earlier than normal to offset inconveniences to displaced guests with existing reservations for the Mammoth Hotel. Guests with reservations at the Mammoth Hotel will be offered opportunities to rebook at other Yellowstone National Park Lodges properties in the park based on available space.
Yellowstone staff are working to make the wastewater system operational and ensure it can handle expected use. It’s important that the system is fully functional, safe and meets required environmental standards prior to the park reopening the hotel in Mammoth Hot Springs.
All other Yellowstone National Park Lodges properties will open as scheduled. All communities near Yellowstone are open year-round, with local businesses offering a wide range of overnight lodging and recreation opportunities. Visit Gardiner, Montana; Silver Gate and Cooke City, Montana; Cody, Wyoming; Jackson Hole, Wyoming; and West Yellowstone, Montana.
In related news, beginning at 8 a.m. Friday, April 21, 2023, select roads in Yellowstone National Park will open to the public, weather permitting. Roads routinely open this time of year and remain open until Nov.1, when they close in preparation for the winter season. These include:
* West Entrance (West Yellowstone, Montana) to Old Faithful (via Madison Junction)
* Mammoth Hot Springs to Old Faithful (via Norris Junction and Madison Junction)
* Norris Junction to Canyon Village
* Additional park roads will open throughout May, weather permitting.
* The park's North Entrance (Gardiner, Montana) and Northeast Entrance (Silver Gate and Cooke City, Montana) are open to all traffic with no restrictions. Both road corridors have been repaired after last year's historic flood event.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
The hotel closed immediately after the 2022 historic June flood because of damage to the area’s wastewater system. The North Entrance (Gardiner, Montana) and Northeast Entrance (Silver Gate and Cooke City, Montana) are open to all traffic with no restrictions. Both road corridors were repaired last fall following the flood.
Although the hotel will be closed to overnight guests temporarily, the hotel’s gift shop, coffee and beverage service, and lobby will open as scheduled on April 28. Overnight accommodations will reopen immediately after construction of the wastewater system is completed. The hotel dining room and Terrace Grill will be temporarily closed and regularly scheduled tours departing from Mammoth Hotel will not be available.
The opening of the Mammoth Campground will also be delayed until the wastewater system is operational. The campground closed immediately following the 2022 flood and remains closed because the campground lacks an outlet for wastewater.
All other services in Mammoth Hot Springs will be open.
The park has authorized Yellowstone National Park Lodges to open other visitor accommodations earlier than normal to offset inconveniences to displaced guests with existing reservations for the Mammoth Hotel. Guests with reservations at the Mammoth Hotel will be offered opportunities to rebook at other Yellowstone National Park Lodges properties in the park based on available space.
Yellowstone staff are working to make the wastewater system operational and ensure it can handle expected use. It’s important that the system is fully functional, safe and meets required environmental standards prior to the park reopening the hotel in Mammoth Hot Springs.
All other Yellowstone National Park Lodges properties will open as scheduled. All communities near Yellowstone are open year-round, with local businesses offering a wide range of overnight lodging and recreation opportunities. Visit Gardiner, Montana; Silver Gate and Cooke City, Montana; Cody, Wyoming; Jackson Hole, Wyoming; and West Yellowstone, Montana.
In related news, beginning at 8 a.m. Friday, April 21, 2023, select roads in Yellowstone National Park will open to the public, weather permitting. Roads routinely open this time of year and remain open until Nov.1, when they close in preparation for the winter season. These include:
* West Entrance (West Yellowstone, Montana) to Old Faithful (via Madison Junction)
* Mammoth Hot Springs to Old Faithful (via Norris Junction and Madison Junction)
* Norris Junction to Canyon Village
* Additional park roads will open throughout May, weather permitting.
* The park's North Entrance (Gardiner, Montana) and Northeast Entrance (Silver Gate and Cooke City, Montana) are open to all traffic with no restrictions. Both road corridors have been repaired after last year's historic flood event.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
Friday, April 7, 2023
Public invited to join rangers to observe strutting sage grouse
The public is invited to join park rangers on an early-morning tour to observe strutting sage grouse perform their annual mating dance near Mormon Row.
Grouse strut programs are a unique opportunity to witness greater sage grouse congregate where the males perform animated mating displays during the spring breeding season. As part of the ritualistic strut, in open areas called “leks,” males use their tail feathers and expandable air sacs under their throats to compete with other males for an optimum position on the lek and to gain the attention of females. During the tour, rangers will provide information about sage grouse and conservation efforts underway for populations that are declining throughout much of the American West.
Ranger-led grouse strut programs will be offered free of charge, by reservation only, Saturday, April 22, Sunday, April 23, Saturday, April 29, and Sunday, April 30. Participants will meet at the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center in Moose at 5:30 a.m. Participants should bring cameras, binoculars, water, warm layers, and comfortable walking shoes. To reserve your spot and for more information, please call 307-739-3399 (Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. MT).
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
Grouse strut programs are a unique opportunity to witness greater sage grouse congregate where the males perform animated mating displays during the spring breeding season. As part of the ritualistic strut, in open areas called “leks,” males use their tail feathers and expandable air sacs under their throats to compete with other males for an optimum position on the lek and to gain the attention of females. During the tour, rangers will provide information about sage grouse and conservation efforts underway for populations that are declining throughout much of the American West.
Ranger-led grouse strut programs will be offered free of charge, by reservation only, Saturday, April 22, Sunday, April 23, Saturday, April 29, and Sunday, April 30. Participants will meet at the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center in Moose at 5:30 a.m. Participants should bring cameras, binoculars, water, warm layers, and comfortable walking shoes. To reserve your spot and for more information, please call 307-739-3399 (Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. MT).
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
Wednesday, April 5, 2023
The Crawford Path: The world's first hiking trail
Did you know that the Crawford Path in New Hampshire celebrated its bicentennial on August 9, 2019? Even more significantly, this historic path to the summit of Mt. Washington is most likely the first hiking trail to be built specifically for recreational purposes anywhere in the world. “Ramble On: How Hiking Became One of the Most Popular Outdoor Activities in the World” discusses the important role this path and its builders, Abel Crawford and his son, Ethan Allen Crawford, played in the development of hiking in America in the early-to-mid 1800s.
For more information and to order your copy of the book, please click here. Thank you very much!
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
For more information and to order your copy of the book, please click here. Thank you very much!
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
Sunday, April 2, 2023
Gunsight Pass Trail and other closures
I don't believe this has been announced on the Glacier National Park website, or any of their social media sites. However, this was posted in the "Show Notifications" tab on the Glacier National Park Wilderness Permits page of Recreation.gov. This news will impact both day hikers and backpackers:
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
* Gunsight Lake Campground (GUN) and the trail from Gunsight Pass to Jackson Glacier Overlook trailhead will be closed from 9/1/23 - 9/16/23 due to a native trout preservation project at Gunsight Lake.
* The Gunsight Pass Trail from Lake Ellen Wilson Campground to Reynolds Creek Campground will be closed from 9/1/23 until 9/16/23. Backpackers planning to through hike from Lake McDonald to Jackson Glacier Overlook will need to modify their hiking plans during this time period.
* Round Prairie (ROU), Kintla Lake Head (KIN), Upper Kintla Lake (UPK), Boulder Pass (BOU), Hole in the Wall (HOL), Brown Pass (BRO), Bowman Lake Head (BOW), and Akokala Lake (AKO) campgrounds will be closed from 9/1/23 - 11/18/23 due to a bridge replacement project near the Polebridge ranger station.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park