President Trump pardons runner who cut a switchback in Grand Teton National Park

You may recall this story from a couple of months ago, but professional mountain runner Michelino Sunseri was found guilty of cutting a switchback in Grand Teton National Park in 2024. Just before Judge Stephanie A. Hambrick was to hand down her sentence last month, the DOJ offered to dismiss the case if Sunseri would agree to 60 hours of community service and take a wilderness stewardship course. However, earlier this week, the White House announced that President Trump had pardoned Sunseri, which apparently came as a complete surprise to the trail runner. Normally, cutting a switchback is a misdemeanor that comes with a fine of up to $5,000 or six months in jail.

According to a press release published by Sunseri's legal counsel, the Pacific Legal Foundation, a group that fights government overreach:

"We are thrilled that Michelino’s nightmare is over, but we’re not done fighting against unconstitutional regulations that give low-level park officials the power to criminalize harmless conduct,” said Michael Poon. “We are ready to help other Americans who face criminal prosecution for breaking park rules that were illegally created."

They also stated:

On September 2, 2024, Michelino set a new Grand Teton speed record, ascending and descending the mountain in 2 hours, 50 minutes, and 10 seconds—almost three minutes faster than the previous record. This accomplishment drew admiration across the climbing and trail-running world. But just days later, federal prosecutors charged him with a crime for running on a “restricted” social trail—one that other record-holders had used without consequence.

The Pacific Legal Foundation's website made note of this:

Michelino chose to take a “social trail,” a commonly used path that is not formally designated as a trail. This decision was not uncommon. Many of the previous FKT record holders used this same trail, but no action was taken against them. Nevertheless, local national park employees chose to pursue criminal charges against Michelino, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Wyoming agreed to bring the case.

The Jackson Hole News & Guide has additional details on this case, if you would like to read more.



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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