The unthinkable: Hiker suspension bridge collapses!

Okay, this video is a little dated, but I just saw it yesterday. This 2015 video shows several French backpackers taking a bath after the suspension bridge they were walking across collapsed. Fortunately, all four survived, and no one was seriously injured. According to the video description:

While walking on Lake Waikaremoana in New Zealand, these hikers fell off the last bridge when it collapsed under their weight. The bridge was designed to carry a maximum of 10 people and collapsed under the weight of three. Three hikers fell 8 meters (26 feet) into the river below. No one was seriously injured.

I'm pretty sure the next time we walk across a hiker suspension bridge, it won't be so casual! Here's the video:





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

Moose-Wilson Road weekday opening delayed

Due to rainy, wet conditions this spring, construction progress was slowed on the Moose-Wilson Road and the road opening schedule has been delayed. The construction of the southern portion of Moose-Wilson Road will continue between the Granite Canyon Entrance and the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve (LSRP), opening to weekend traffic only through late July. The road closure is necessary to assure public safety during construction.

The National Park Service is working in partnership with the Western Federal Lands Highway Division (WFLHD) to provide as much public access as possible along the Moose-Wilson corridor this summer.

Updated Moose-Wilson Road schedule

* Through late July: Closed to traffic on weekdays. Open on weekends 5 p.m. Friday through 7 a.m. Monday.

* Fourth of July weekend: Open 3 p.m. Friday, June 30 through 7 a.m. Thursday, July 6.

* Late July: The road will open to through traffic, seven days a week, with possible 20-minute delays.

* Granite Canyon Trailhead is closed summer and fall 2023. The trail network is accessible from Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.

The speed limit through the construction zone is 20 mph, or as posted. Bicycle use is permitted only when the road is open to vehicular traffic. It is unlawful and extremely dangerous for cyclists to ride in a closed construction zone. Access to the LSRP and Death Canyon Trailhead will remain available from the north, via Moose, WY.

Moose-Wilson Road improvements

* The contractor is working to complete the road base and install asphalt south of the LSRP.

* Granite Canyon Trailhead construction will be completed in the fall with parking lot paving, the addition of vault toilets, concrete walks, pavement markings, signs, and site restoration.

* Granite Entrance Station site construction will be completed in the fall, with improved entrance and exit lanes, and construction of a bicycle connection to the Teton County pathway to follow in 2024. Site restoration and the architectural addition at the entrance station will occur after the road construction is complete.

* Poker Flats will open for equestrian activity in the fall, with an accessible horse mounting area and redesigned trails to better connect with the new parking lot.

Phase I of the Moose-Wilson Road project is funded by the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) Legacy Restoration Fund. The GAOA was created to significantly reduce maintenance backlogs in national parks, public lands, and Tribal schools. As consideration for additional weekday road closures, WFLHD will issue a contract modification, returning some project funds to the National Park Service.

Grand Teton National Park reminds visitors to plan ahead, especially during summer months. To check the status of the Moose-Wilson Road, visit Grand Teton’s Live Road Status Map at go.nps.gov/tetonroads or call 307-739-3682. The park will continue to use Twitter to communicate Moose-Wilson Road weekend openings and closings. Follow Grand Teton on Twitter @GrandTetonNPS.



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

Yellowstone National Park’s Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel to open July 1st

Yellowstone National Park’s Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins will open July 1, 2023. The hotel closed immediately after the historic 2022 flood because of damage to the area’s wastewater system.

The hotel gift shop with sandwiches, snacks and beverages, and lobby are currently open. The Terrace Grill with sandwiches, salads, ice cream and beverages, is currently open for lunch and dinner and will add breakfast hours beginning July 2. The hotel dining room will open at a later date. Visit operating hours and services for updates.

All tours departing from the Mammoth Hotel will begin July 1.

In June 2022, unprecedented amounts of rainfall caused severe damage to the North Entrance Road between Mammoth Hot Springs and the park’s North Entrance in Gardiner, Montana. In addition, a sewer line adjacent to the road that carried wastewater from Mammoth Hot Springs to a sewage treatment plant in Gardiner was ruptured. Staff quickly rerouted the wastewater into percolation ponds used between the 1930s and 1960s, allowing for day-use visitors and residents to stay in the area. In just a year, a new wastewater treatment system has been built and is now operational. The system serves the Mammoth area including the hotel and campground. Once the Mammoth Campground is repaired and connected to the new system, it will open.

The hotel concessioner is in the process of notifying guests with reservations about the good news.



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

NPS seeks public input on the potential impacts of e-bikes in parks across the National Park System

Last week the National Park Service (NPS) announced an open comment period for members of the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies to provide feedback on a programmatic environmental assessment (PEA) that evaluates the potential national-level impacts of electric bicycle (e-bike) use in national parks. The comment period is open from June 21 to July 21, 2023.

E-bikes can have many benefits for parks and visitors including making travel easier, expanding access for those with physical limitations, and providing healthy recreation opportunities. At the same time, the NPS must manage this emerging form of access and recreation, like others that occur in park areas, in a manner that protects park resources, values, and visitors. The PEA evaluates potential impacts to natural and cultural resources, and visitor use and experience, and wildlife on a national scale.

Currently, NPS regulations authorize park superintendents to allow e-bikes, where appropriate, on roads and trails where traditional bicycles are allowed. Public lands designated by Congress as “wilderness areas” remain off-limits to both traditional bicycles and e-bikes. The NPS is conducting the PEA consistent with court direction to complete an analysis consistent with the National Environmental Policy Act.

How to provide feedback

Online: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/e-bikes

Mail or hand deliver to: Electric Bicycle Programmatic EA, National Park Service, 1849 C Street NW, MS-2472 Washington, DC 20240.

Note that comments will not be accepted by fax, email, or in any way other than those specified above. Comments delivered on external electronic storage devices (flash drives, compact discs, etc.) will not be accepted. Bulk comments in any format (hard copy or electronic) submitted on behalf of others will not be accepted.



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 Evolution of Hiking Boots

The following is an adapted excerpt from my new book, Ramble On: How Hiking Became One of the Most Popular Outdoor Activities in the World:

Prior to the 1970s and 80s most hikers wore hunting, riding, military or everyday work boots while hiking. Some even wore gym shoes. Grandma Gatewood famously wore Keds sneakers during her first thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail in 1955. While so-called “mountain boots” were also available as early as the 1850s, they were mostly worn by climbers and adventurers from the upper classes who could afford their high price tags. One of the earliest uses of the term “hiking boots” appeared in the December 1914 issue of Mazama, the journal of The Mazamas mountaineering club out of Portland, Oregon. The use of this phrase in this instance, however, likely referred to “mountain boots”.

The first major improvement in mountaineering boots came about as a result of a deadly climbing accident in 1935. While descending Punta Rasica, a mountain on the Swiss-Italian border, an expedition led by Vitale Bramani was caught in a severe snowstorm. Unable to descend along the icy rock walls, six of the climbers died from exhaustion, exposure and frostbite. As was the custom at that time, climbers wore heavy, hobnailed boots along the lower slopes of mountains. As they climbed higher they would exchange their boots for lighter rock climbing shoes, usually made with thin leather, felt-bottom soles that offered little protection against cold temperatures or moisture. Though they worked relatively well in normal weather conditions, the shoes offered virtually no grip in icy conditions. Convinced that inadequate footwear played a major role in the deaths of his six companions, Bramani set out to find a solution to this problem. Two years later he introduced a sole with an innovative tread design that he called Carrarmato, an Italian word that means “tank tread.” The sole was made from vulcanized rubber, and featured heavy lugs that were designed to take the place of hobnails. The rubber lug pattern provided boots with outstanding traction, and allowed them to be used on a variety of surfaces, including uneven forest floors, bare rock, loose scree slopes and hard-packed snow. Moreover, the rubber soles were highly durable, abrasion-resistant, waterproof, and provided much more insulation against the cold than leather soles. In 1937, with the financial backing of Leopoldo Pirelli, grandson of the founder of Pirelli Tires, Bramani launched his revolutionary new product. Taking the first two letters of his first name, and the first four letters of his last name, Vitale Bramani named his new company "Vibram". Almost immediately the new lugged soles caught on with the climbing community, and eventually with hikers by the 1960s and 70s.

By the 1970s American bootmakers were beginning to turn their focus towards the production of lighter boots for day hikers and backpackers. One of the first boots to deliver on this promise was the Danner 6490, which weighed in at just 3 pounds and 14 ounces. Backpacker Magazine declared in its Winter 1973 edition that the Danner 6490 was very close to being their “ideal hiking shoe.” Since the introduction of that boot, manufacturers have made numerous advances over the years that have reduced the weight of hiking boots even more. This includes the use of lightweight leather or synthetic fabric uppers, replacing stitching with cement or injection molding to attach uppers to soles, and the use of shallower lugs.

The next major technological advance in boots came in 1980 when Danner and Donner Mountain Corporation introduced the first hiking boots made with Gore-Tex. The introduction of Gore-Tex resulted in boots that were lighter, breathable, more durable, nearly waterproof, and far more flexible, all of which resulted in increased comfort. Once the original high production costs were cut, the use of Gore-Tex in hiking boots became the industry standard. Nearly all hiking boots sold today are made with Gore-Tex, or a similar waterproof-breathable fabric.

To read more about the evolution of hiking boots and other hiking gear, as well as how hiking became so popular across the globe, please click here.


Other excerpts from Ramble On:

* Women’s Hiking Attire During The Victorian Era

* How did hiking become so popular across the globe?

* The Historic Circle Tours of Glacier National Park



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

Video: bear breaks into home by climbing through window

Video of the day! Over the weekend a blond-colored black bear was caught on camera hanging from the upstairs window of a house in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. The bear made several attempts to lower itself to the ground, but it apparently felt it was too high up. The bear went back into the bedroom, eventually made its way downstairs, and came out of the house through another window. The owner of the home, who wasn't home at the time, said the bear helped himself to some pork chops, raided his pantry, and knocked over a few plants.





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

Road Construction and Improvements to Begin on Pinedale District

The Pinedale Ranger District of the Bridger-Teton National Forest will be starting a large road reconstruction project in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration, Central Federal Lands Highway Division, Sublette County and the town of Pinedale. This work will begin in June 2023, and will last for approximately two years. Work will not take place in the winter months.

The first segment of road construction will be on the Fremont Lake Road from Skyline Drive to the Lower Boat Ramp at Fremont Lake. The second segment of road construction will take place on Skyline Drive from the large parking area above the White Pine Ski Resort turn off, all the way to Elkhart Park and Trails End trail head parking areas.

During this construction process delay times of up to a half hour may be observed. No traffic will be given priority access during these planned delays except for Law Enforcement and First Responder traffic. Longer delays may persist, and the Pinedale Ranger District will notify the public when they know of any extended traffic delays or closures.

Construction activities taking place include, but will not be limited to, grading, drainage improvements, pulverization, aggregate base, and asphalt surfacing. While traveling in the area, heavy construction traffic may be present at any point, and a heightened attention to this activity will be necessary for the safety of everyone involved. Please keep in mind that the planned construction delays are there to help improve safety margins for those in the area.

The Bridger-Teton National Forest understands that this may inconvenience individuals traveling in the area, so we appreciate the cooperation and understanding from the public. Adherence to traffic restrictions and following appropriate signage will be critical to the safety of all people in the project area. This short inconvenience will give use many years of great road surface to travel on to access some of Sublette County’s favorite attractions.



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

Snake River Gateways Project work begins at Moose Landing

Phase three of the Snake River Gateways Project is underway at the future Moose Landing in Grand Teton National Park. The project will include improved amenities, such as a two-vehicle boat ramp, boat landings, restrooms, expanded parking areas, bench seating and interactive educational displays for people of all abilities.

The National Park Service and Grand Teton National Park Foundation are working in partnership on this multi-year project to improve access along the Snake River. The Foundation has raised $7.5 million to support these renewal efforts. When combined with $5.7 million from the National Park Service, private philanthropy has provided a margin of excellence that would not be possible otherwise.

Expect limited access to the boat ramp and changes to parking throughout the summer. Visitors should follow signage in the area. On October 2, the area will close completely to finalize construction and will remain closed until spring of 2024. The entire Snake River Gateways Project is expected to be fully completed in fall of 2024.

The Snake River Gateways Project was initiated in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and the 10th anniversary of the wild and scenic designation of portions of the Snake River. The Snake River Gateways Project improvements include enhancing access points along the river in Grand Teton National Park like Moose Landing, Pacific Creek Landing, completed in 2021 and the enhancements at Jackson Lake Dam, completed last year.

To learn more about Grand Teton National Park Foundation and the Snake River Gateways Project, visit their website.



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

Going-to-the-Sun Road Opens for the 2023 Season

Going-to-the-Sun Road officially opened this morning for the 2023 summer season. The road may now be accessed by motorized vehicles all the way through from both the West Glacier and St. Mary entrances. This is the earliest the road has opened since 2005.

Vehicle reservations are required May 26 through September 10, 2023, for those entering the park by vehicle or motorcycle from 6 am to 3 pm at west side entrances including the North Fork, Camas, and West entrances.

With Going-to-the-Sun Road fully open, the number of vehicle reservations available will be increased in the corridor. This increase will be executed through a series of additional reservation releases made available each morning starting today, June 13 at 8 am MDT. For opening day, a one-time release for additional Going-to-the-Sun Road vehicle reservations will also take place today at 6 am. Advanced vehicle reservations are exclusively available on Recreation.gov and not available at the park.

For the east side of the park, vehicle reservations will not be required at Many Glacier, Two Medicine, and St. Mary (at Rising Sun) entrances until July 1, 2023. Visitors with lodging, camping, or commercial activity reservations (e.g., boat tours and horseback rides) do not need a vehicle reservation and can use their confirmation email to access the portion of the park for which their activity is booked.

The park is open 24/7 and visitors may enter the park before 6 am or after 3 pm without a vehicle reservation. Additional vehicle reservation information and frequently asked questions are available on the park’s Vehicle Reservation page.

The park’s free shuttle service along Going-to-the-Sun Road will begin operating July 1 on a first-come, first-served basis with stops at the Apgar Visitor Center, Sprague Creek Campground, Lake McDonald Lodge Avalanche Creek, The Loop, Logan Pass, Siyeh Bend, Gunsight Pass, St. Mary Falls, Sunrift Gorge, Sun Point, Rising Sun, and the St. Mary Visitor Center. Please check the park website for additional information on shuttle stops.

Services at Logan Pass include restroom facilities and potable water. Visitor information services will be provided at the Logan Pass Visitor Center from 9 am to 7 pm daily starting June 13. The Glacier National Park Conservancy bookstore will be operating inside of the Logan Pass Visitor Center.

There will be construction zones on Going-to-the-Sun Road this summer. Traffic lights will control a single lane through the construction area along Lake McDonald. Expect up to 30-minute delays in both directions. The park previously messaged that nighttime closures would be in place starting June 1. The contractor for the project has determined that nightly closures are not necessary at this time; however, traffic control will remain in place for nightly work. There is a possibility that a nighttime closure will be implemented in the construction zone later in the season. Updates will be posted on the park’s Construction page two weeks in advance of a nightly closure. Visitors should check the page before visiting as this may affect their visit. Visitors are encouraged to enter Going-to-the-Sun Road from the St. Mary entrance on the east side of the park to avoid construction congestion.

A temporary traffic light is in place just past the Loop on the west side of Going-to-the-Sun Road due to rock fall damage. Visitors should expect up to 10-minute delays.

While driving along the road, particularly through the Rim Rock area (approximately one mile west of Logan Pass) visitors should be aware of potential rockfall and should not slow down or stop in this section. Rocks and other debris continue to fall throughout the summer, requiring daily clean up.

Vehicles and vehicle combinations longer than 21 feet, and/or wider than 8 feet, are prohibited on Going-to-the-Sun Road between Avalanche Campground and Rising Sun. Vehicles over 10 feet in height may have difficulty driving west from Logan Pass due to rock overhangs.

The Highline Trail and a portion of the Grinnell Glacier Trail remain closed due to hazardous snow conditions and emerging vegetation. For up-to-date information on trail conditions and clearing activities, visit the park’s trail status webpage. The Hidden Lake Trail will be closed June 15 to August 7 from the overlook to the Hidden Lake due to bear activity near the lake outlet while fish are spawning.

Bicyclists are reminded that bicycle safety restrictions on Going-to-the-Sun-Road are in effect June 15 through Labor Day, September 4. Bicycles are prohibited in certain areas between 11 am and 4 pm. Information on bicycle restrictions may be found in the park newspaper available at park entrance stations, or online on the park’s bicycle information webpage.

Visitors are encouraged to limit vehicle idling to no more than two minutes in Glacier in parking lots, at scenic viewpoints and trailheads, and while stopped in traffic lines and road construction to benefit the health of both the public and the park resources. Visitors should not throw food waste, including apple cores, orange peels, sunflower seeds, unwanted drinks (coffee, tea, soda) etc., out car windows while waiting in lines. This attracts wildlife to the roadways which increases wildlife fatalities. Discard garbage in bear-proof garbage cans.



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

UPDATE: Evening temporary closures on Northeast Entrance Road in Yellowstone National Park the week of June 12 and June 19

Portions of Yellowstone’s Northeast Entrance Road in Lamar Canyon (between Tower Junction and Lamar Valley) were successfully blasted on June 5, 7 and 8. Due to the large clean up and removal of materials associated with the blasting, closures originally planned for yesterday (Monday), June 12, and June 15 are cancelled.

Additional blasting is needed to complete the job. Additional blasting / road closure windows will now occur on June 14, from 7–9 p.m., and June 21 and June 22 from 7–9 p.m. There is a likelihood the contractor will not need the entire 2-hour closure window and may open it sooner depending on clean up.

The park appreciates the public’s understanding as they continue to finish work on this critical section of road.



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

Agencies reach agreement over Jackson Lake Dam

The State of Wyoming and the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) have reached an agreement on water management operations for the Upper Snake River basin that will avoid impacts to fisheries below the Jackson Lake Dam in Grand Teton National Park.

Atypical snowpack conditions in the southern portions of the upper basin had prompted Reclamation to consider reducing flows from Jackson Lake Dam to store water and reduce flood risks downstream. Hydrologic conditions have developed in such a way that storage levels at Palisades Dam are expected to reach flood management maximums soon, while Jackson Lake’s storage levels are well below flood control space requirements.

“Managing water in the West in light of changing hydrology requires adapting to dynamic water conditions,” said Reclamation Regional Director Jennifer Carrington. “We appreciate our partners and remain committed to working with them on collaborative solutions as we attempt to balance the water needs of interests upstream and down.”

The State of Wyoming will supplement flows to protect the ecosystem and maintain releases at a minimum of 280 cubic feet per second (cfs). Wyoming is committed to using its water storage allocation, up to a maximum of 33,000 acre feet. If necessary, Reclamation has committed to covering any shortfalls should they occur.

Reclamation has pledged to work with Wyoming on a path toward long-term solutions that address Wyoming’s concerns regarding maintaining adequate flows throughout the year and assessing how operations of Jackson Lake impact BOR operations system-wide.

The minimum flow required to maintain the fishery below the dam and maintain water within the world-famous Oxbow Bend is 280 cfs. The 4.5-mile stretch of river below the dam is critical habitat for Snake River cutthroat trout, shore birds, wildlife, and the bluehead sucker — a species of greatest conservation need.

“This stretch of river is iconic and a national treasure. I appreciate Reclamation’s efforts to work with us to find solutions to address our concerns” said Wyoming Game and Fish Director Brian Nesvik. “We look forward to working together to examine water operations and ensure water flows are maintained year-long.”

Any reduction of water flow below the prescribed operation in this area could harm the ecosystem and negatively affect angler opportunities.

“The Wild and Scenic Snake River in Grand Teton National Park provides stunning views, world-class fishing and recreational opportunities and excellent wildlife viewing,” said Grand Teton National Park Superintendent Chip Jenkins. “We appreciate the State of Wyoming and the Bureau of Reclamation’s joint efforts to ensure minimum flows from Jackson Lake Dam to protect these resources and experiences.”



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

Rangers seeking information on individuals harassing bison calf

Summer is a great time to see wildlife in Grand Teton National Park among wildflowers, sagebrush flats, and meandering creeks. It’s important to view wildlife safely, responsibly and ethically. Treat all wildlife with caution and respect as they are wild, unpredictable and can be dangerous. The safety of visitors and wildlife depends on everyone playing a critical role in being a steward for wildlife by giving them the space they need to thrive – their lives depend on it. On Sunday, June 4, at approximately 1 p.m., two individuals were seen approaching and touching a bison calf at the southern end of Elk Ranch Flats in Grand Teton National Park. The incident is currently under investigation and the park is asking for any information.

If you were in the Elk Ranch Flats area on the afternoon of June 4, and have information that could help in this investigation, or if you know who these individuals are (pictured), please call the park Tip Line 307-739-3367. If you see any harassment of wildlife happening in the park, you may also call the Teton Interagency Dispatch Center at 307-739-3301 to report the incident.

Interference by people can cause wildlife to reject their offspring. In this case, fortunately, the calf was successfully reunited with its herd, but often these interactions result in euthanizing the animal. Approaching wildlife can drastically affect their well-being and survival.



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

Waterton-Glacier Announce Reopening of Goat Haunt

Waterton Lakes National Park (Alberta, Canada) and Glacier National Park (Montana, USA) announced yesterday that pedestrian and watercraft cross-border travel between the parks will reopen for the 2023 season.

The Goat Haunt area of Glacier National Park will open for the season on June 24, 2023. Goat Haunt is a remote area on the southern end of Upper Waterton Lake. The area is only accessible by watercraft or hiking trails.

Glacier National Park will have interpretive programs starting the week of June 25 at Goat Haunt this year with a variety of talks at the Snowflake pavilion and short guided walks for visitors traveling by boat.

International Peace Park hikes will be co-led with a Parks Canada Interpreter and a National Park Service interpretive park ranger on Fridays starting Friday, June 30 to Friday, September 1.

The season program calendar is still being updated and visitors should check back as the season nears.

Goat Haunt back country camping shelters will also be open for the 2023 season.

“I'm thrilled that we are reopening Goat Haunt and renewing a visitor experience that is at the heart of the International Peace Park,” says Dave Roemer, Glacier National Park Superintendent. “Goat Haunt is the perfect place to celebrate the long-standing peace and friendship between the United States and Canada, and the shared resources and splendor that we protect through Parks Canada and the National Park Service.”

The best and most common way to access Goat Haunt is from Waterton Lakes National Park. Visitors can:

* Hike the Lakeshore trail. The trail starts in the Waterton Village at the Bertha trailhead and leads south to the Goat Haunt Ranger Station. The hike to Goat Haunt is 13.5 kilometers one way (nearly 8.5 miles), requiring a prebooked return ferry trip through Shoreline Cruises, or 27 kilometers (nearly 17 miles) round trip.

* Paddle, take a personal watercraft, enjoy a scenic cruise, or take a hiking ferry. All non-motorized watercraft requires an inspection, and all motorized watercrafts require a 90-day quarantine before launching in Waterton Lakes National Park. More information on watercraft requirements is available on the Parks Canada website.

Travel across the United States-Canada border requires planning ahead and adherence to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Canadian Border Service Agency (CBSA) regulations. Visitors wanting to cross the border by personal watercraft or hiking trail must have a passport and report their entry to the United States via the CBP ROAM app and their return to Canada to CBSA via telephone. Visitors taking a cruise through Shoreline Cruises do not require a passport. Kiosks will be available near the boat dock for visitors to use ROAM. More information about the CBP ROAM app can be found on the CBP’s website.

“Crossing the border by hiking trail or watercraft is a unique experience for visitors to enjoy the majesty of the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park,” says Locke Marshall, Waterton Lakes Superintendent. “We are eager to provide an experience once again for peace park visitors to connect with nature on both sides of the United States-Canada border.” 
Quick Facts:

* Designated in 1932, the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park is the world’s first International Peace Park. Situated on the Canada-U.S. border, it offers outstanding scenery and diverse flora and fauna. The International Peace Park commemorates the peace and goodwill Canada and the United States continue to share.

* Maps and lists of day hikes in the Goat Haunt area can be found on Glacier National Park’s website. Visitors are encouraged to check the trail status reports on National Park Service website and the Parks Canada website before embarking on their trip.



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

Glacier's winter snowpack peaked at ~80% of average

Glacier National Park's winter snowpack peaked at roughly 80% of its normal average this past season. Moreover, according to the Flattop Mountain Snotel station, the snow is melting rapidly this spring. The station is recording its lowest values for this date in 50 years, which is currently at just 14% of its average at this time:

Hopefully this doesn't translate into wildfires later this year. Here's a link to the graph above.



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

Grand Teton restores native sagebrush habitat

Grand Teton National Park staff will continue habitat restoration projects in the park this summer as part of a multi-phase restoration effort to replace approximately 4,500 acres of non-native grass fields with native sagebrush habitat. A healthy sagebrush ecosystem in Grand Teton is vital for the diversity and abundance of native plants and wildlife species like elk, bison, moose, pronghorn, and sage grouse that rely on them.

More than one hundred years ago, homesteaders converted large swaths of sagebrush habitat to hayfields for their livestock. Over the past century, the converted pastures have persisted, decreasing the value to wildlife in the heart of year-round habitat and migration corridors.

For the past 16 years, Grand Teton park staff, through the support of the Grand Teton National Park Foundation, have worked to return these pastures to their native sagebrush habitat. This is a long-term project and successful restoration of these areas will take years to complete. To date, 1,400 acres are in various stages of restoration, with areas containing diverse, well-established native plants that provide a source of food and shelter for a wide range of pollinators and wildlife who thrive on wildflowers, sagebrush, and other native plants.

Habitat restoration will include work at two sites this summer. The first of these sites, 40 acres located in the Slough South unit west of Mormon Row, is part of the Antelope Flats sagebrush habitat restoration. The second site is 110 acres located in the McBride unit south of the Jackson Hole Airport and east of North Spring Gulch Road. This project specifically aims to restore vital sage grouse habitat. Visitors may notice a large water truck on site during this process.

Once non-native grass has been successfully removed, park staff will disperse mixed seed made up of native grasses, shrubs, and forbs; monitor and treat for invasive weed species; and ensure the successful re-establishment of these important plant communities for the long-term.

Grand Teton National Park Foundation has successfully raised funds for this project over multiple years from dozens of donors, including National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Teton County Conservation District, WYldlife for Tomorrow, Alpyn Beauty, and many generous conservation-minded individuals. These combined efforts have allowed much of the pastures to return to their native glory.



Jeff
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Road striping operations begin today in Grand Teton

Travelers in Grand Teton National Park should plan for 15-minute delays as road striping operations begin next week. Striping operations are planned June 5 through approximately June 16, excluding weekends.

Below is a tentative schedule of road striping locations in the park:

* June 5–6: U.S. Highway 89
* June 7–8: Teton Park Road from Moose to Jackson Lake Junction
* June 9, 12: Moran to South Entrance of Yellowstone National Park (operations will be conducted at night)
* June 12–16: Hand striping on park roads, in the Jenny Lake Visitor Center area, and at Jackson Lake Dam boat launch (operations will be conducted at night)

Motorists should plan ahead for delays and reduce speed in areas where road striping occurs. Roadwork schedules may change without notice, or be delayed, due to weather conditions or other extenuating circumstances.



Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
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Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park

Evening temporary closures on Northeast Entrance Road in Yellowstone National Park the week of June 5 and June 12

A short section of Yellowstone National Park’s Northeast Entrance Road in Lamar Canyon (between Tower Junction and Lamar Valley) will temporarily close from 7-9 p.m. on June 5, 7, 8, 12, 14 and 15.

This segment of road will close so that construction crews can conduct safe blasting operations.

During the 2022 historic flood, high water eroded the slope below this section of road rendering it not safe for use. To repair the damage, crews cut a temporary one-lane road into the hillside. Crews will blast further into the hillside this month to create a new two-lane road, which will be more resilient and able to withstand the effects of erosion and future flooding.

In order to avoid additional erosion, this work will need to be completed as soon as possible. Once complete, the existing one-lane road will be removed and rehabilitated.



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

Secretary Haaland Designates Nine New National Recreation Trails

In celebration of Great Outdoors Month and National Trails Day on June 3, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland announced yesterday the designation of nine new national recreation trails in nine states, adding 340 miles to the National Trails System. The newly designated trails join a network of more than 1,300 existing national recreation trails, which can be found in every U.S. state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.    

“This National Trails Day, I encourage everyone to explore one of the national scenic, historic or recreation trails that make up the National Trails System,” said Secretary Haaland. “These trails offer an abundance of opportunities to experience the breathtaking landscapes of our country, all while supporting outdoor recreation activities and boosting local economies.”

National recreation trails are existing local or regional trails that are designated by either the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture with the consent of the federal, state, Tribal, local, nonprofit or private managing entity. These trails are jointly coordinated and administered by the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service, in conjunction with a number of federal and nonprofit partners. Managing agencies or organizations can apply for distinction as a national recreation trail through November 1. 

“National recreation trails, including these new designations, are some of our country’s highest caliber trails and provide close-to-home recreation opportunities and the benefits of spending time outdoors,” said National Park Service Director Chuck Sams. “They can be used by everyone and provide for the ever-increasing recreation needs of our growing population, especially in urban areas.” 

To view a list of the newly designated national recreation trails, please click here.

If you're intrested in learning about the compelling and fascinating stories of how the networks of trails were developed in some of our oldest and most iconic national parks, please click here.



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

Hawaii man pleads guilty to intentionally disturbing wildlife in Yellowstone National Park

Clifford Walters of Hawaii pleaded guilty to one count of feeding, touching, teasing, frightening, or intentionally disturbing wildlife on May 31, 2023 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephanie A. Hambrick. Walters was charged a $500 fine, a $500 Community Service payment to Yellowstone Forever Wildlife Protection Fund, a $30 special assessment, and a $10 processing fee.

According to the violation notice, on May 20, 2023, Walters approached a struggling newborn bison calf in Lamar Valley near the confluence of the Lamar River and Soda Butte Creek. The calf had been separated from its mother when the herd crossed the Lamar River. As the calf struggled, the man pushed the calf up from the river and onto the roadway. Visitors later observed the calf walk up to and follow cars and people. Park rangers tried repeatedly to reunite the calf with the herd, but their efforts were unsuccessful. The calf was later euthanized by park staff because it was abandoned by the herd and causing a hazardous situation by approaching cars and people along the roadway. There was nothing in the report that revealed Mr. Walters acted maliciously.

Yellowstone National Park wants to remind the public that approaching wild animals can drastically affect their well-being and, in this case, their survival. Park regulations require that people stay at least 25 yards (23 m) away from all wildlife (including bison, elk and deer) and at least 100 yards (91 m) away from bears and wolves. Disregarding these regulations can result in fines, injury and even death. The safety of these animals, as well as human safety, depends on everyone using good judgment and following these simple rules. Follow these links to learn more information on wildlife preservation in the park including when Yellowstone staff intervene in a natural process and why and why the bison calf was euthanized.

This case was investigated by Yellowstone National Park law enforcement officers and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christyne M. Martens.



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

Join Grand Teton National Park for National Trails Day!

The Grand Teton National Park Foundation published this blurb in their newsletter if you're interested in helping the park out on National Trails Day:

Join Grand Teton National Park for National Trails Day!

June 3, 2023
9 am - 1 pm

Join us in celebrating National Trails Day through a morning of volunteer work in Grand Teton National Park! All ages and skills are welcome. Tools and protective equipment provided.

Meeting at Blacktail Butte Parking area by 9am.

*Please RSVP for details*
Angela Timby

Phone (307) 739-3358 Email: angela_timby@nps.gov

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