The Dark Side of the Rainbow

Is it real, a cosmic coincidence, an ingenious marketing ploy, or just another conspiracy theory?

What are the chances that one of the most beloved movies of all time is artistically linked to one of the greatest rock albums ever recorded? For the uninitiated, the “Dark Side of the Rainbow” theory (also known as “The Dark Side of Oz”) asserts that Pink Floyd purposely synchronized The Dark Side of the Moon to The Wizard of Oz. For those who have seen it, the mashup produces dozens of striking coincidences between the film and the album, where actions on the screen seemingly correspond to the lyrics, chords and musical moods of the Dark Side tracks.

In addition to a complete viewing guide for the synchronicities, the book explores an explanation for their existence:

* Pink Floyd had the means: they already had ample experience scoring films.

* They had the motivation: the band continuously sought visual presentations of their songs during concerts.

* In the late 1990s, mainstream media outlets published reports that Pink Floyd had been threatened with a lawsuit by MGM if they used clips of The Wizard of Oz during concerts.

* Did Pink Floyd leave veiled clues on subsequent albums?

The Dark Side of the Rainbow. is currently available in both paperback and eBook on Amazon: amazon.com/dp/B0DXVND79V

Many Glacier Day Hiker Shuttle ticket reminder

Glacier National Park reminds visitors that beginning July 1, private vehicle entrance into Many Glacier will be limited to visitors with wilderness camping permits, commercial service reservations, or lodging reservations. All other visitors are required to use the temporary Many Glacier Day Hiker Shuttle. Tickets are now available seven days in advance each morning at 8 a.m. Beginning June 30, tickets will also be available at 7 p.m. the night before entry.

The Many Glacier Day Hiker Shuttle is a temporary solution for day hikers to access Many Glacier Valley during the Swiftcurrent Construction Project.

How to Purchase a Many Glacier Day Hiker Shuttle Ticket:

* Each person will need a ticket to ride on the shuttle.

* One (1) person can purchase up to 4 Hiker Shuttle tickets per $2.00 reservation fee.

* If there are more than 4 people in your group, the same person can purchase another $2.00 reservation with an additional 4 hiker shuttle tickets in the same transaction and account for up to a total of 8 tickets.

* During check out, select date, time and indicate the number of tickets needed for the number of people in your group. 

* Tickets are limited and can only be purchased on Recreation.gov.

Hiking During Construction:

Access to all trails will begin at the Many Glacier Hotel parking lot, maps and signs will indicate detours around the construction zone. Hikers should be aware that detours may increase the total hiking distance for rerouted trails.

Visitors without a Day Hiker Shuttle ticket, wilderness camping permit, commercial service, or lodging reservation, should not drive into the valley past Babb. With no available general parking along the Many Glacier Road, hiking and biking will not be allowed on the road between July 1 and September 21.

High fire danger for Teton Interagency zone

Teton Interagency Fire managers have elevated the fire danger rating to “high” for Grand Teton National Park, the Bridger-Teton National Forest, and the National Elk Refuge.

While the landscape may still appear green and recent weather has included rain and cooler temperatures, heavy dead and down timber and fuels are what drive fire activity. That’s exactly what is fueling the 2,250-acre Horse Fire on the Bridger-Teton National Forest, and similar fire behavior is expected in the coming weeks. Firefighters have already responded to six fires in the Teton Interagency zone this year.

A high fire danger means wildfires can start easily and spread quickly. Fire managers consider things like fuel moisture (how dry grasses, shrubs, and trees are), forecasted temperatures and wind, how fast fires can grow, and whether firefighting resources are available nationwide.

The agencies ask that you recreate responsibly and help prevent wildfires.

To report smoke or a fire, call the Teton Interagency Fire Dispatch Center at 307-739-3630.



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Rising more than 7000 feet above Jackson Hole, the majestic mountains of Grand Teton National Park provide one of the most dramatic landscapes in the world. With more than 240 miles of trails meandering throughout this park, how will you find and choose the most scenic and rewarding hikes?

Exploring Grand Teton National Park takes all the guesswork out by focusing on the most amazing hikes, and provides you with handpicked recommendations that will allow you to make the most of your trip to Grand Teton:

Going-to-the-Sun Road Reopens the Alpine Sections

Going-to-the-Sun Road has reopened after park officials made the proactive decision to close it at 8 pm on June 20 due to heavy rain and snowfall that made the area susceptible to mudslides and icy conditions.

Park rangers accessed the roadway and after evaluating today's weather forecast, opened the road around 10:30 am this morning. The road had been closed from Avalanche to Jackson Glacier Overlook.

Check the park website for updated trail status information. Visitors are encouraged to prepare for inclement weather if they plan to travel to the park this week.

Check the weather forecast and park road status before you visit, dress for varying degrees of weather, carry the ten essentials, and be on alert for potential hazards on roadways and trails.



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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

Crevasse Rescue on Mount Baker

I ran into this trip report a few days ago. I thought this was an interesting read, and wanted to offer praise to Manny Pacheco, who was able to keep his wits and provide numerous "split-second" solutions to rescue his buddy who had fallen into a crevasse while snowboarding on Mount Baker last month. The report, published on The Mountaineers website, is located 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

Interior Designates Five New National Recreation Trails

In celebration of Great Outdoors Month and National Trails Day on June 7, the Department of the Interior announced the designation of five new National Recreation Trails in six states, adding 387 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.

“National Recreation Trails create opportunities for locally managed tourism to boost economies and benefit hikers, bikers, paddlers and other recreationists alike,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. “This investment into conservation and outdoor recreation will benefit the American people for generations to come.”

National Recreation 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. A national recreation trail can be designated by either the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture on an existing local or regional trail with the consent of the federal, state, tribal, local, nonprofit or private entity that has jurisdiction over the trail. The trail's managing agency or organization must apply for the distinction. Designation as a national recreation trail does not transfer ownership or impose federal management responsibilities; consistent with the administration’s commitment to local decision-making, management remains with the existing state, local, or private entities. The application period for new National Recreation Trails is currently open until Nov. 1, 2025.

The National Trails System, which includes national scenic, national historic, national recreation, and national water trails, offers many opportunities to experience the landscapes across the country and build awareness of historic events that have shaped the nation. The list of newly designated National Recreation Trails is below, and all are ready for exploring. Each will receive a certificate of designation, a set of trail markers and a letter of recognition from Secretary Burgum.

CALIFORNIA: Miner’s Ravine Trail: The City of Roseville constructed the 6.36-mile Miner's Ravine Trail on city property as a transportation and recreational trail, giving residents the opportunity to explore nature in their own community. This is a popular area for hiking, biking, running, dog-walking, or a leisurely stroll, where visitors are likely to encounter other people and wildlife.

INDIANA, KENTUCKY, and OHIO: Ohio River Way: The Ohio River Way is a 308-mile water trail spanning sections of Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio. This route connects Appalachian wilderness to small river towns and dynamic metropolitan centers. Beyond its natural beauty, the trail is steeped in cultural heritage—from Lewis and Clark's expedition to the Underground Railroad, and the flatboats and steamboats that helped shape the region.

OHIO: Cuyahoga River Water Trail: The 41-mile portion of the roughly 100-mile Cuyahoga River in northeastern Ohio that applied for National Water Trail designation begins at the meeting of the Little Cuyahoga River and the Cuyahoga River main stem and runs north to the mouth of the river at Lake Erie. From the natural beauty of parklands to the stark industrial landscapes and bustling city of Cleveland, the Cuyahoga River Water Trail offers an extensive array of opportunities for paddlers of all abilities and interests.

VIRGINIA: Elizabeth River Trail: The Elizabeth River Trail is a 10.5-mile urban waterfront trail from Norfolk State University to the Port of Virginia. This multi-modal trail features stunning views of the Elizabeth River, the historic Cannonball Trail, the USS Wisconsin, and historic Fort Norfolk with amenities for all ages, including the Glowline, a glow-in-the-dark section of the trail.

WISCONSIN: Great Pinery Heritage Waterway: The Great Pinery Heritage Waterway is an overarching water trail encompassing 108 miles of the historic Wisconsin River, with 20.8 miles applying for National Water Trail designation. The trail flows through old-growth pine and hardwood forests, past historical dams and once-thriving mill towns, and along urban and industrial areas, earning the river its well-deserved name, the Hardest Working River in the World.

Final paving work on the Big Fill Slide will close Teton Pass for the weekend of June 21

The Wyoming Department of Transportation will be entering the final phases of work this month on the Big Fill Slide on Teton Pass. As crews pave the final stretch of new roadway, WYDOT will need to close the road to traffic for the weekend of June 21. The closure is planned to begin the evening of June 20, at 6 p.m. and will run through Saturday and Sunday, opening back up on Monday, June 23 at 6 a.m.

Crews will work 24 hours a day, with an hour by hour schedule to expedite the work. During the closure, drivers will have to detour around Teton Pass using US 26 through Swan Valley and then into the Snake River Canyon.

During the closure, WYDOT and crews will be milling, grading, placing crushed base, paving, installing guardrail and signs. WYDOT came to the decision after weighing alternative schedules with the contractor, discussing how they could accommodate the work with the least amount of impact on drivers and commuters.

“We really only had two options. We could do the work under a lane closure, which would only give drivers one, alternating lane of travel for ten days or more. If we did that, it would cause extensive delays and wait times for drivers for weeks, backing up traffic on the mountain every day. Those delays would likely be longer than the detour around during commuter times. After discussing with the contractor and local stakeholders, we thought it was best for the community if we just close the road and get the work done quickly in one weekend,” WYDOT resident engineer Bob Hammond said.

WYDOT and the contractor are confident the work can be completed in a single weekend, but unpredictable weather and other unforeseen variables could necessitate last-minute changes to the plans. WYDOT remains committed to updating the public with timely information and recommends that drivers who travel the area sign up for 511 Notify Text alerts to receive up-to-date information about the work. Drivers can sign up for 511 Notify at 511Notify.



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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

Going-to-the-Sun Road projected to open Monday, June 16

The full length of Going-to-the-Sun Road is expected to open to motorized vehicles Monday, June 16, for the 2025 summer season.

As a reminder, timed entry vehicle reservations are required to enter Going-to-the-Sun Road from the west side of the park for those traveling by vehicle or motorcycle from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. beginning June 13 through September 28, 2025. Complete information on timed entry vehicle reservations can be found online at https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/vehicle-reservations.htm. As in 2024, timed entry vehicle reservations will not be required to enter Going-to-the-Sun Road from the east side of the park at the St. Mary Entrance.

Ahead of the full opening, beginning June 14, the east side of the Going-to-the-Sun Road will be open to vehicles and motorcycles from the St. Mary Entrance to Logan Pass. Some popular trails such as the Highline Trail remain closed due to remaining hazardous snowy conditions. For up-to-date information on trail conditions and clearing activities, visit the park’s trail status webpage.

This will be the last weekend for bicyclists to bike the west side of Going-to-the-Sun Road before it is projected to open to motorized vehicles on Monday, June 16. As a reminder for bicyclists coming from the West Entrance heading eastbound (uphill) on Going-to-the-Sun Road there is still an active closure, past the loop due to a wildlife incident. Visitors are reminded of proper bear safety such as, if you see a bear along the road, do not stop near it. Roadside bears quickly become habituated to traffic and people. Carry bear spray, know how to properly use it, and make sure it is accessible. This will be the last weekend of the hiker/biker shuttle for the season. More biking information can be found on the park's Bicycling page.

As the park prepares for the road opening, bicyclists should be mindful of administrative vehicle traffic, especially on Thursday and Friday, June 12 and June 13, while bus operators are in training. Bicyclists are reminded to wear a helmet, bring extra clothes as conditions can change quickly, never leave food unattended, and bring the necessary tools to change a tire. Bicyclists are required to have a timed entry vehicle reservation if they are wanting the opportunity to park at Avalanche to bike from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., during their selected time slot. Going-to-the-Sun Road may become busier after 3 p.m. when timed entry vehicle reservations are no longer required for the day.

Going-to-the-Sun Road Reservations and Amenities:

Visitor information services and the Glacier National Park Conservancy bookstore will be available at the Logan Pass Visitor Center starting June 14. Visitors are reminded to pack water and snacks as food and water are not available for purchase at the Logan Pass Visitor Center. Restrooms will be open.   

When Going-to-the-Sun Road fully opens, the number of timed entry vehicle reservations available will be increased. The increase will be executed through the next-day reservations available at 7 p.m. each day. Timed entry vehicle reservations are only available on Recreation.gov and not available at the park.

Timed entry vehicle reservations are required to enter Going-to-the-Sun Road from the west side of the park past Apgar Campground. Reservations will be required for those traveling by vehicle or motorcycle from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. beginning June 13 through September 28, 2025. Visitors who miss their time block or visitors without a timed entry vehicle reservation can enter after 3 p.m.

Visitors with lodging, camping, or commercial activity reservations (e.g., boat tours and horseback rides) within the specified reservation areas can use proof of their reservation for entry instead of a timed entry vehicle reservation to gain access to the area for which they have a service reservation. Service reservations originating east of Logan Pass cannot be used instead of a timed entry vehicle reservation for access past the Apgar Check Point heading east on Going-to-the-Sun Road.      

Parking at Logan Pass, Apgar Village, and other areas may be congested or temporarily unavailable. Daily shuttle service along Going-to-the-Sun Road will begin operating July 1, on a first-come, first-served basis at the Apgar and St. Mary Visitor Centers with stops along Going-to-the-Sun Road. Visitors are encouraged to take advantage of the free shuttle for hiker access to Logan Pass although waits for shuttles may be long depending on the time and location. Check the park website for additional information on shuttle stops.

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. With the level of snow at Logan Pass, visitors should use extreme caution and refrain from crossing snowfields or standing under snow overhangs.    



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Glacier National Park preserves more than a million acres of some of the most spectacular scenery on Earth. With more than 740 miles of trails meandering throughout this vast park, how will you find and choose the most scenic and rewarding hikes?

Exploring Glacier National Park takes all the guesswork out by focusing on the most amazing hikes, and provides you with handpicked recommendations that will allow you to make the most of your trip to Glacier:

Man gored by bison in Yellowstone National Park

On June 10, a 30-year-old man from Randolph, New Jersey, was injured by a bison in Yellowstone National Park.

At approximately 9:45 a.m. in the Upper Geyser Basin at Old Faithful, a man was gored by a bison after a large group of visitors approached it too closely. The individual sustained minor injuries and was treated and transported by emergency medical personnel. The incident is currently under investigation, and no further details are available at this time. There are no photos or videos of this incident to share.

This is the second reported incident of a person injured by a bison in 2025. The first occurred on May 7. There were two reported incidents in 2024 and one in 2023.



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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

Glacier Next Day Timed Entry Vehicle Reservations available June 12

Glacier National Park reminds visitors that next day timed entry vehicle reservations become available on Recreation.gov starting June 12, 2025, at 7 pm Mountain Time. A timed entry vehicle reservation is required from June 13 to September 28, 2025, for the West Side of Going-to-the-Sun Road and the North Fork. Reservations can only be purchased on Recreation.gov. Timed entry blocks are available in two hour increments as follows:

7 am–9 am
9 am–11 am
11 am–1 pm
1 pm–3 pm

Visitors can enter reservation areas at any time during the time block they have reserved and can remain in the park for as long as they like on the day of their reservation. Visitors who miss their reserved time block can enter after 3 pm.

Timed entry vehicle reservations were made available through two booking windows. A portion of reservations were made available 120 days in advance, starting February 13, at 8 am Mountain Time, on a daily rolling basis. A second booking window, for next-day entry, will be available starting June 12, 2025, at 7 pm Mountain Time.Each of the specified areas of the park requires a separate reservation, which can be made on Recreation.gov or the Recreation.gov mobile app. Visitors must create an account before booking and are encouraged to do so prior to the day reservations open. The cost associated with booking a reservation is a $2 Recreation.gov processing fee. Visitors may also make a reservation through the Recreation.gov call center. Contacting the call center does not provide an advantage towards securing a reservation but provides an alternative for those who don’t have access to the internet or are not as familiar with technology. Call centers are open every day from 8 am to 10 pm Mountain Time and the processing fee remains $2. The following lines are available for callers: 

Reservation line (Toll-Free) - (877) 444-6777
Reservation line (International) - (606) 515-6777
Reservation line (TDD) - (877) 833-6777

As a reminder the North Fork has limited amenities and services. The only services are outside of the park entrance in the small community of Polebridge which is accessible without a reservation. There is no cell phone coverage. A four-wheel-drive vehicle and the ability to change a tire are recommended, as flat tires are common on the unimproved roads inside the park. First come, first served camping for this area can be arranged at the Polebridge Ranger Station on the first day of the visit and does not require a timed entry vehicle reservation. Please do not make a reservation for the North Fork without thorough research of the area and full intentions of using the reservation.

As in 2024, visitors will be able to access Apgar Village, Two Medicine, and the East Entrance to Going-to-the-Sun Road at St. Mary without a timed entry vehicle reservation. While visitors can access Going-to-the-Sun Road from the St. Mary Entrance without a reservation, visitors should be advised that if they drive west through the Apgar check point into Apgar Village, they cannot reenter through the check point driving east without a timed entry vehicle reservation for the appropriate time block or until after 3 pm.

Like previous years, visitors with lodging, camping, transportation, or commercial activity reservations can access their intended service within the Going-to-the-Sun Road reservation area with proof of their reservation. Only commercial reservations that originate beyond the Apgar timed entry vehicle reservation check point and west of Logan Pass will provide entry in place of a timed entry vehicle reservation. As a reminder, lodging, camping (including Fish Creek and Apgar campgrounds), and commercial activity reservations originating in Apgar will not provide access beyond the Apgar timed entry vehicle reservation check point.

Due to extremely limited parking during construction in the Swiftcurrent area, the park will restrict personal vehicle access into Many Glacier and provide a temporary Many Glacier Day Hiker Shuttle service under a separate reservation system for a limited number of hikers to access Many Glacier and Swiftcurrent from July 1, 2025, to September 21, 2025. Visit the Many Glacier Construction FAQs page to learn more.

In addition to a timed entry vehicle reservation, each vehicle entering the park is required to have an entrance pass for any entry point into the park. These passes could include any of the following: a $35 vehicle entrance pass, good for seven days; a valid Interagency Annual/Lifetime Pass; or a Glacier National Park Annual Pass. A vehicle reservation does not include an entrance pass, and the park entrance pass does not serve as a vehicle reservation.

Pursuant to the American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1978, vehicle reservations are not required for tribal members throughout the park. 

As in past years, entry may be temporarily restricted in areas of the park that don’t require reservations, such as Two Medicine and Many Glacier, if they become too congested for visitor safety and resource protection. Visitors with commercial service reservations (e.g., boat tours, lodging, horseback ride, guided hikes) in these areas should arrive early to ensure a parking space. Visitors with commercial service reservations may be permitted entry during temporary restrictions if feasible. Sign up for text alerts to receive updates on temporary restrictions.

Parking at Logan Pass, Apgar Village, and other areas may be congested or temporarily unavailable. Visitors are encouraged to take advantage of free shuttles for hiker access to Logan Pass although waits for shuttles may be long depending on the time and location. Visitors are encouraged to check the park website frequently for updates and additional information.

When planning to visit Glacier National Park, take time to consider your preparedness, skills, fitness and experience. No matter how you choose to recreate, be prepared to turn back when conditions change or if you are being pushed to your limits. Weather and conditions can change quickly in the park. Before starting any trip, take time to explore the park's website and plan ahead for a safer and more enjoyable visit.



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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

Visitor Fatality in West Glacier

At approximately 9:56 PM on Wednesday, June 4, Glacier National Park dispatch received a report of an individual with severe injuries near Avalanche Campground. Park Rangers responded and provided medical aid on the individual. Three Rivers ambulance and ALERT were also dispatched to the scene. The individual was declared deceased on scene. No additional information is available at this time.

According to the park release, if you or a loved one has thoughts of suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.



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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

Yellowstone Volcano Observatory update

This month's Yellowstone Volcano Observatory update discusses Yellowstone's magma system, earthquakes, ground deformation, and hydrothermal activity. According to the video description:

There’s a lot of hot water in Yellowstone. What’s it heated by? The magma chamber beneath the surface, of course! This month's Yellowstone Volcano Observatory update discusses what we know about that magma system and how we know it, while also covering earthquakes, ground deformation, and hydrothermal activity (including a small eruption at Black Diamond Pool on May 31!) that occurred in the area of Yellowstone National Park during May 2025.

Minor Eruption at Black Diamond Pool in Yellowstone National Park

Webcam in Yellowstone National Park captures this minor eruption at Black Diamond Pool on May 31 at 8:39 pm:

Yellowstone National Park updates

Yellowstone National Park recently published two pieces of information you may want to be aware in case your visiting in the near future:

Spring hiking in Yellowstone means variable conditions—snow, mud, and swift creek crossings are all possible! Be prepared and check the latest updates on our Backcountry Conditions page before heading out on your hiking adventure! #PlanAhead

And:

The parkwide fire danger is now MODERATE.

🔥Campfires are only permitted within established fire rings in park campgrounds and some backcountry campsites.
🔥Never leave your campfire unattended and make sure it is cold to touch before abandoning: soak, stir, feel, repeat.
🔥Currently, there are no additional fire restrictions in place or planned in the park.

The Greater Yellowstone area is a fire-adapted ecosystem. Fire plays an important role in maintaining the health of this area's wildlife habitat and vegetation. Learn more about fire management in Yellowstone: go.nps.gov/YELLfiremgmt