tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54468294000486464212024-03-18T07:00:32.709-04:00The Huckleberry HikerThe Smoky Mountain Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05019731497259511008noreply@blogger.comBlogger2693125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446829400048646421.post-23111178993498831042024-03-18T07:00:00.000-04:002024-03-18T07:00:00.137-04:00Grand Teton National Park Foundation announces Mormon Row preservation project matching donationThe Grand Teton National Park Foundation recently announced that a donor will match all donations up to $300,000 for the Mormon Row preservation project. In a recent email, the Foundation stated:
<blockquote>As we near the conclusion of a multiyear campaign to renew the Mormon Row Historic District, we are excited to announce that a long-time friend of the park, John L. Nau, III, is offering a challenge grant to help us reach our goal:
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Every dollar given to preserve Mormon Row will be matched up to $300,000.
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This the largest cultural preservation project in Grand Teton's history. Any contribution, no matter the size, will help us ensure that the park's most popular historic district continues to inspire visitors for generations to come!</blockquote>
As noted, this is a multiyear campaign. In 2024, the GTNPF will be restoring the Roy Chambers Homestead:
<blockquote><b>What's Next in 2024</b>
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The next phase of work for our Renewing Mormon Row initiative is to continue restoring the Roy Chambers Homestead with the rehabilitation of the buildings and the installation of modern utilities. Once complete, the structures will be ready to house additional seasonal park staff.
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Visitor experience improvement planning is moving forward this year with design development. This process will lay out plans for new, accessible pathways connecting the historic homesteads and inviting visitors to explore each site. The plan will also focus on the district's rich history through much-improved wayfinding and interpretive media.</blockquote>
For more information, and to donate, please <a href="https://www.gtnpf.org/mormon-row-project-update-and-challenge-grant/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">click here</span></a>.
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYpOT_XaWGxRRDUq8lv9xAwgpp98zARjgXNUnpDb3GY7pkN5Yr0M8eoGedKTI3a2ustszz7MR7KYLJWb9vySizn12aqm0u1IGnsvoMouSN78HBaqGxvmOzouVGz3H7xj9ZhIJTvBfgYTiCdO-KKB-yJOsGCRnW9iFss0f4zLCi60v-d4hm2aCi6btwB1s/s4288/marion%20173.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3216" data-original-width="4288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYpOT_XaWGxRRDUq8lv9xAwgpp98zARjgXNUnpDb3GY7pkN5Yr0M8eoGedKTI3a2ustszz7MR7KYLJWb9vySizn12aqm0u1IGnsvoMouSN78HBaqGxvmOzouVGz3H7xj9ZhIJTvBfgYTiCdO-KKB-yJOsGCRnW9iFss0f4zLCi60v-d4hm2aCi6btwB1s/s400/marion%20173.jpg" width="520" /></a></div>
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Jeff<br />
<a href="http://www.hikinginglacier.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>HikinginGlacier.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.tetonhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>TetonHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>RockyMountainHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTRVVRYT?&linkCode=sl1&tag=tetons-20&linkId=31ebb97810a507c9cfb6e746fdaf998a&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Ramble On</i></b></span></a> (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084VGN2SB/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=68c60ff73d8ed98f2158dfc7930a14d1&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Glacier National Park</i></b></span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083G78RM3/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=9dc036893cad3b36af8b606c6ea23889&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Grand Teton National Park</i></b></span></a>The Smoky Mountain Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05019731497259511008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446829400048646421.post-7702582594791922642024-03-17T07:00:00.000-04:002024-03-17T07:00:00.139-04:00Lion Lake No. 1For whatever reason, I never took the chance to hike to <a href="https://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/lion-lake.htm" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Lion Lake No. 1</b></span></a> until just a few years ago. Wow! What was I waiting for? The rugged subalpine landscape that surrounds this lake offers some of the most beautiful scenery in Rocky Mountain National Park, while also arguably making it the most scenic lake in Wild Basin:
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimMrUAZVP09gN2OGZlrwkIZld13trDTqBRmX1XIiH0NhuYc_ldd6SAFzUTpjbRfEYmRGJ9a-hRjdghKKu2pk6LsxBmnyNt6CwzVgYmum2SaCpcjWjcQyr8vhGLyFOhrNnWttXArS-i3wkSAHsG9BQrZbEFN1EnCSNjNx27l_F7ehw9BEKqqsTblvmvHxw/s1600/lion-lake-no-1.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="386" data-original-width="515" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimMrUAZVP09gN2OGZlrwkIZld13trDTqBRmX1XIiH0NhuYc_ldd6SAFzUTpjbRfEYmRGJ9a-hRjdghKKu2pk6LsxBmnyNt6CwzVgYmum2SaCpcjWjcQyr8vhGLyFOhrNnWttXArS-i3wkSAHsG9BQrZbEFN1EnCSNjNx27l_F7ehw9BEKqqsTblvmvHxw/s1600/lion-lake-no-1.jpg" /></a></div>
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Jeff<br />
<a href="http://www.hikinginglacier.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>HikinginGlacier.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.tetonhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>TetonHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>RockyMountainHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTRVVRYT?&linkCode=sl1&tag=tetons-20&linkId=31ebb97810a507c9cfb6e746fdaf998a&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Ramble On</i></b></span></a> (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084VGN2SB/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=68c60ff73d8ed98f2158dfc7930a14d1&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Glacier National Park</i></b></span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083G78RM3/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=9dc036893cad3b36af8b606c6ea23889&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Grand Teton National Park</i></b></span></a>The Smoky Mountain Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05019731497259511008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446829400048646421.post-88592631089597845402024-03-15T07:00:00.010-04:002024-03-15T07:00:00.131-04:00Pierce Brosnan fined for foot travel in a thermal area in Yellowstone National ParkPierce Brosnan, 70, of Malibu, California, was fined $500, and required to pay a $1,000 community service payment to the Yellowstone Forever Geological Fund, a $30 court processing fee, and a $10 special assessment. U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephanie A. Hambrick imposed the sentence on March 14, in Mammoth, Wyoming.
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Mr. Brosnan pleaded guilty to foot travel in a thermal area. According to court documents, on or about Nov. 1, 2023, Brosnan uploaded pictures to his Instagram page of himself standing on a Yellowstone National Park thermal feature at Mammoth Hot Springs. There are signs posted in the area that warn visitors of the dangers of thermal features and state that visitors must remain on the designated boardwalks and trails.
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The United States Attorney’s Office asked the court to sentence Brosnan to 2 years’ probation and the maximum fine of $5,000.
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The National Park Service (NPS) reminds Yellowstone visitors that the ground in thermal areas is fragile and thin, and scalding water is just below the surface. Therefore, trespassing on thermal features is dangerous and can harm delicate natural resources within the park. Additionally, the park was established primarily to protect these hydrothermal areas. NPS encourages visitors to exercise extreme caution around thermal features by staying on boardwalks and trails.
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NPS also urges people to protect themselves and the fragile environment by taking the Yellowstone Pledge: act responsibly and safely and set a good example for others. If you see someone, in person or online, whose behavior might hurt them, others, or the park, tell a ranger. If you’re in the park, dial 911.
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Jeff<br />
<a href="http://www.hikinginglacier.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>HikinginGlacier.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.tetonhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>TetonHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>RockyMountainHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTRVVRYT?&linkCode=sl1&tag=tetons-20&linkId=31ebb97810a507c9cfb6e746fdaf998a&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Ramble On</i></b></span></a> (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084VGN2SB/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=68c60ff73d8ed98f2158dfc7930a14d1&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Glacier National Park</i></b></span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083G78RM3/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=9dc036893cad3b36af8b606c6ea23889&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Grand Teton National Park</i></b></span></a>The Smoky Mountain Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05019731497259511008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446829400048646421.post-63180325120106916342024-03-14T07:00:00.015-04:002024-03-14T07:00:00.133-04:00USDA invests nearly $66M to improve roads, trails, and water qualityEarlier this week the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced nearly $66 million to improve water quality, roads, trails, bridges and fish habitat on national forests and grasslands nationwide.
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With more than 160,000 miles of trails, 7,200 trail bridges, 6,700 road bridges, and 370,000 miles of roads in national forests, this investment will support urgently needed maintenance and repairs on roads and trails, including road decommissioning, and removal of barriers to fish passage, increasing resiliency on our forest lands across the country.
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National forests are also home to more than 400,000 miles of streams and 3 million acres of lakes. Approximately 80 million people rely on clean drinking water sources that originate on national forests and grasslands. These investments will protect infrastructure and support healthy watersheds in national forests so that they can continue to provide clean drinking water to the people and communities that depend on them.
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Of the total funding, $37.5 million will be invested in the Legacy Roads and Trails Program, which improves water quality, restores habitat for threatened and endangered fish or wildlife, and maintains access for visitors, businesses and wildland firefighters on national forests and grasslands.
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$28.1 million will be invested through the Collaborative Aquatic Restoration Program to support a second round of projects to improve water quality, prevent the spread of E. coli, restore fish passage for threatened, endangered, and other aquatic species, increase landscape resiliency, and eliminate high sediment loads in drinking water systems.
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For a complete list of projects being funding in fiscal year 2024, visit <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/national-forests-grasslands/legacy-roads-trails" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Legacy Roads and Trails</span></a> and <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/natural-resources/collaborative-aquatic-landscape-restoration" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Collaborative Aquatic Landscape Restoration</span></a>.
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Jeff<br />
<a href="http://www.hikinginglacier.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>HikinginGlacier.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.tetonhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>TetonHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>RockyMountainHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTRVVRYT?&linkCode=sl1&tag=tetons-20&linkId=31ebb97810a507c9cfb6e746fdaf998a&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Ramble On</i></b></span></a> (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084VGN2SB/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=68c60ff73d8ed98f2158dfc7930a14d1&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Glacier National Park</i></b></span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083G78RM3/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=9dc036893cad3b36af8b606c6ea23889&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Grand Teton National Park</i></b></span></a>The Smoky Mountain Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05019731497259511008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446829400048646421.post-33393720968845672412024-03-13T07:00:00.010-04:002024-03-13T07:00:00.130-04:00National Park Foundation and National Park Service Announce $40 Million Gift to Meet Urgent Need for Employee Housing at Yellowstone National ParkThe National Park Foundation (NPF) and National Park Service (NPS) today announced a $40 million gift to expand and improve NPS employee housing at Yellowstone, America’s first national park. The new investment made possible by donors who wish to remain anonymous will fund more than 70 new modular units to address the critical shortage of employee housing at the park.
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Affordable housing for employees in and near national parks is increasingly scarce and expensive, reflecting a trend impacting communities across the country, forcing park employees to commute long distances between work and home and making it difficult for NPS to recruit and retain employees.
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National parks across the country are grappling with the challenge of providing quality housing for the people who care for parks.
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National park employees include rangers, resource specialists, maintenance staff, and many other employees that make parks amazing places to visit, all dedicated to protecting parks and providing world class visitor experience to an increasing number of park visitors – 325.5 million last year alone. The care of America’s national parks and the quality of visitor experience depend on recruiting and retaining talented and devoted NPS employees and on the availability of affordable housing.
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The need is not isolated to Yellowstone.
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NPS employs 20,000 people who support operations at 429 parks located in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. Territories. In all, there are more than 5,600 housing facilities in over 200 parks, ranging from 100-year-old cabins to modern dormitories and duplexes in urban and rural communities as well as remote areas. More than 15,600 people rely on these homes, including 2,800 permanent and 5,000 seasonal employees, as well as volunteers, and employees of concessionaires and park partner organizations.
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The current shortage of employee housing is the result of a combination of factors, including rising property values in communities surrounding parks and increasing demand for vacation rentals near national parks. The NPS invests tens of millions annually to address housing operation, maintenance, repair, and construction, and to offset leased housing in nearby communities when in-park housing is not available. The $40 million donation is significant because it will allow Yellowstone National Park to construct entirely new housing.
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A National Park Foundation assessment of NPS housing needs at three national parks, Acadia, Yosemite, and Grand Teton, found that in total, those parks require more than $115 million in funding to add over 200 new employee housing units.
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Private philanthropy is well-positioned to accelerate the pace of change across the National Park System. The $40 million gift will bridge the funding gap at Yellowstone National Park to meet the current need for employees housing in the park and provide a funding model to accelerate construction of employee housing at national parks across the country.
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Work on the new units in Yellowstone National Park is set to begin later this year.
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Jeff<br />
<a href="http://www.hikinginglacier.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>HikinginGlacier.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.tetonhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>TetonHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>RockyMountainHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTRVVRYT?&linkCode=sl1&tag=tetons-20&linkId=31ebb97810a507c9cfb6e746fdaf998a&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Ramble On</i></b></span></a> (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084VGN2SB/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=68c60ff73d8ed98f2158dfc7930a14d1&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Glacier National Park</i></b></span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083G78RM3/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=9dc036893cad3b36af8b606c6ea23889&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Grand Teton National Park</i></b></span></a>The Smoky Mountain Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05019731497259511008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446829400048646421.post-5630836129078196392024-03-11T07:00:00.043-04:002024-03-11T12:24:00.677-04:00Park Saddle Tour at Dawson PassSitting along the Continental Divide at an elevation of 7598 feet, Dawson Pass forms the saddle between 8538-foot Mt. Helen towards the south, and 9225-foot Flinsch Peak to the north. The pass is named for Thomas Dawson, the son of Andrew Dawson, who was an official for the American Fur Company at Fort Benton. His mother was a Blackfoot Indian. Dawson's Blackfoot name was Little Chief, or Inuxina. The pass, therefore, is called Inuxina ozitamisohpi in the Blackfeet language. Dawson also acted as a guide during the early days of Glacier National Park.
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If you've ever had the chance to dine at Serrano's Mexican Restaurant in East Glacier Park, you actually stepped foot in Tom Dawson's home. Built in 1909, the converted building is now the oldest house in East Glacier Park.
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From its inception as a national park, <a href="https://www.hikinginglacier.com/dawson-pass.htm" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Dawson Pass</b></span></a> has been a popular destination in the Two Medicine area. This photo was taken from the pass in the 1930s, and is likely a group from a Park Saddle Horse tour:
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXX8dRRV9pEpDxxsVFG6utH1QL7MideG1OUH56xbrjOXRD-2rjqsZz6Hs17ruHjuuT-HPWQOXvks-_ygnIFx0XilvHhbcgVF1zrXZo4QYXG67R3ludMqnTTvTRgcHw2wp9hJB8_lPD4A9NfVMvSsn-birCMMDMAgWFKvgUcAUxb2kPYCHWedygAvzwrnc/s1000/1%20-%20dawson%20pass%20circa%201930.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="520" data-original-height="641" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXX8dRRV9pEpDxxsVFG6utH1QL7MideG1OUH56xbrjOXRD-2rjqsZz6Hs17ruHjuuT-HPWQOXvks-_ygnIFx0XilvHhbcgVF1zrXZo4QYXG67R3ludMqnTTvTRgcHw2wp9hJB8_lPD4A9NfVMvSsn-birCMMDMAgWFKvgUcAUxb2kPYCHWedygAvzwrnc/s400/1%20-%20dawson%20pass%20circa%201930.jpg"/></a></div>
The photo below is also likely that of a Park Saddle Horse tour near Dawson Pass from the 1920s or 30s:
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh91EdFXBGARmy1-ib3cLuaEPDirhkviR7YTYJgmqFM45sJeHPwfxpHNzKcq7h4wtHWLD9dAE-TJZUn4z-ywIzyP6Nu2iwYYj08gQHX51CH9heOReS0-LqIQ1HDATBnV9_YaIR5uk2VnzZidfac3MrV5IhEnL3qQvb3oXLq0M_mODp0R0aZJ3OS5r58jKVx/s635/Dawson%20Pass.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="635" data-original-width="431" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh91EdFXBGARmy1-ib3cLuaEPDirhkviR7YTYJgmqFM45sJeHPwfxpHNzKcq7h4wtHWLD9dAE-TJZUn4z-ywIzyP6Nu2iwYYj08gQHX51CH9heOReS0-LqIQ1HDATBnV9_YaIR5uk2VnzZidfac3MrV5IhEnL3qQvb3oXLq0M_mODp0R0aZJ3OS5r58jKVx/s400/Dawson%20Pass.png" /></a></div>
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Jeff<br />
<a href="http://www.hikinginglacier.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>HikinginGlacier.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.tetonhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>TetonHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>RockyMountainHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTRVVRYT?&linkCode=sl1&tag=tetons-20&linkId=31ebb97810a507c9cfb6e746fdaf998a&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Ramble On</i></b></span></a> (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084VGN2SB/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=68c60ff73d8ed98f2158dfc7930a14d1&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Glacier National Park</i></b></span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083G78RM3/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=9dc036893cad3b36af8b606c6ea23889&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Grand Teton National Park</i></b></span></a>The Smoky Mountain Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05019731497259511008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446829400048646421.post-34336306675099480492024-03-10T07:00:00.037-04:002024-03-10T07:00:00.147-04:00Yellowstone National Park visitation in 2023 was the second busiest on recordOn Feb. 22, the National Park Service (NPS) announced that 400 national parks reported a total of 325.5 million recreation visits in 2023, an increase of 13 million or 4% over 2022.
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Yellowstone National Park hosted 4,501,382 recreation visits in 2023, up 37% over 2022 (3,290,242 recreation visits). Lower visitation numbers in 2022 were likely due to an historic flood event that closed the park from June 13 through June 21. Three entrances opened June 22 and two remained closed until October.
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In 2023, visitation was the second busiest on record. The busiest year was 2021 with 4,860,242 recreational visits. More than half of these visits for both years occurred in June, July and August. Visitors looking to travel to Yellowstone in the summer must <a href="https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/index.htm" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">plan a visit</span></a> well in advance.
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Visitation figures and trends guide how the NPS manages parks to ensure the best experience possible for park visitors. The <a href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/socialscience/visitor-use-statistics-dashboard.htm" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Visitation Statistics Dashboard</span></a> provides recreational visit statistics for every park in the US for 2023 and also for previous years, dating back to 1979 for some parks. There are 429 parks in the National Park System, and 400 parks counted visitors in 2023. For the first time, there are now parks reporting their visitation numbers from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and four US territories. Five national parks began reporting in 2023, and this is the first year a park from Delaware is included.
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Though not nearly as comprehensive as we do for Grand Teton National Park, <i>TetonHikingTrails.com</i> does cover several <a href="https://www.tetonhikingtrails.com/wyoming-hiking-trails.htm" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>hikes in Yellowstone National Park</b></span></a>.
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Jeff<br />
<a href="http://www.hikinginglacier.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>HikinginGlacier.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.tetonhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>TetonHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>RockyMountainHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTRVVRYT?&linkCode=sl1&tag=tetons-20&linkId=31ebb97810a507c9cfb6e746fdaf998a&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Ramble On</i></b></span></a> (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084VGN2SB/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=68c60ff73d8ed98f2158dfc7930a14d1&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Glacier National Park</i></b></span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083G78RM3/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=9dc036893cad3b36af8b606c6ea23889&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Grand Teton National Park</i></b></span></a>The Smoky Mountain Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05019731497259511008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446829400048646421.post-67256678469858738912024-03-09T07:00:00.015-05:002024-03-09T07:00:00.152-05:00The "CCY Route"For those willing to take on the challenge, climbing the trifecta of 12,454-foot Mt. Chapin, 13,069-foot Mt. Chiquita and 13,514-foot Ypsilon Mountain is likely to be the highlight of anyone's trip to Rocky Mountain National Park. The amazing panoramic views from the three peaks along the "<a href="https://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/ypsilon-mountain.htm" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>CCY Route</b></span></a>" are some of the best in the park.
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Here's a view of the three mountains from Trail Ridge Road:
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5kJF-itqLXRfnEnmSX72d-r-oaE7pEAUWwu2pGzfBwbDyPaaS8NscO7JiWnuzXwAOANcDQ-_1lBlEWdGcXPVXyYWkn7qONSTVUeXuKaZ1JNP1Io4P-TqognYOlHk4_3CIk59rqB9eJqMBYu6Nyq_wO6e_a07l4KF0z7flJd2aQcdQZ5XtnqHt_AJPeMg/s4288/ypsilon%20036.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3216" data-original-width="4288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5kJF-itqLXRfnEnmSX72d-r-oaE7pEAUWwu2pGzfBwbDyPaaS8NscO7JiWnuzXwAOANcDQ-_1lBlEWdGcXPVXyYWkn7qONSTVUeXuKaZ1JNP1Io4P-TqognYOlHk4_3CIk59rqB9eJqMBYu6Nyq_wO6e_a07l4KF0z7flJd2aQcdQZ5XtnqHt_AJPeMg/s400/ypsilon%20036.jpg" width="520" /></a></div>
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Jeff<br />
<a href="http://www.hikinginglacier.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>HikinginGlacier.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.tetonhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>TetonHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>RockyMountainHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTRVVRYT?&linkCode=sl1&tag=tetons-20&linkId=31ebb97810a507c9cfb6e746fdaf998a&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Ramble On</i></b></span></a> (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084VGN2SB/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=68c60ff73d8ed98f2158dfc7930a14d1&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Glacier National Park</i></b></span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083G78RM3/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=9dc036893cad3b36af8b606c6ea23889&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Grand Teton National Park</i></b></span></a>The Smoky Mountain Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05019731497259511008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446829400048646421.post-10415593446719444192024-03-05T09:30:00.000-05:002024-03-05T09:30:00.243-05:00The Bear Lake LodgeBelow is a photo of the old Bear Lake Lodge along the eastern shore of Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. The first building on this property was constructed in 1915. After additional cabins were added in subsequent years, the resort was able to accommodate up to 75 guests per day during its heyday.
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In 1919, Roger Toll, then Superintendent of Rocky Mountain, published <i>Mountaineering in the Rocky Mountain National Park</i>. In the book he noted that accommodations at the lodge cost $20.00 per week. Apparently inflation was kept to a minimum in the years that followed (especially during the Great Depression). A park pamphlet from 1937 stated:
<blockquote>"Bear Lake Lodge, located on Bear Lake, offers cabin accommodations, ranging in price from $2.50 to $3.50 a day and $15 to $20 a week. Meals: Breakfast, a la carte; luncheon, 65 cents to $1; dinner, $1 to $1.50." </blockquote>
The lodge remained in business until 1958; however, within two years, the National Park Service had razed all of the buildings on the property. They eventually restored portions of the area back to its natural state, and converted another portion into the current parking area.
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Today, the landscape around Bear Lake looks much different when compared to the early 1900s. In addition to the commercial development around the lake, this area was also badly burned during the "Big Fire" of 1900, which was started by picnickers. According to the park website, the fire "raged for two months". Most visitors who hike around <a href="https://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/bear-lake-nature-trail.htm" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Bear Lake</b></span></a> today are likely unaware of the rich history that took place here during the first half of the 20th Century.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik5xHUIccUtzOglbjpy0U8yWDeLCCTETiWLppeXkfCre2OHyXEVeKCD4VNkrELjBlGxPQu6YBxxeV_kYSMuHX-jMh8Esw1qwAfJs6xnRtq2Fn1l3Me_yN2eMr19cFyN1ZtNJsAXKK3FeCV7R7a926gsznsk-oyL2XrAd6f0MrHVqvvP-fMY_7QXr7sXs5X/s620/1%20-%20Bear%20Lake%20Lodge.webp" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="376" data-original-width="620" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik5xHUIccUtzOglbjpy0U8yWDeLCCTETiWLppeXkfCre2OHyXEVeKCD4VNkrELjBlGxPQu6YBxxeV_kYSMuHX-jMh8Esw1qwAfJs6xnRtq2Fn1l3Me_yN2eMr19cFyN1ZtNJsAXKK3FeCV7R7a926gsznsk-oyL2XrAd6f0MrHVqvvP-fMY_7QXr7sXs5X/s400/1%20-%20Bear%20Lake%20Lodge.webp" width="520" /></a></div>
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Jeff<br />
<a href="http://www.hikinginglacier.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>HikinginGlacier.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.tetonhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>TetonHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>RockyMountainHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTRVVRYT?&linkCode=sl1&tag=tetons-20&linkId=31ebb97810a507c9cfb6e746fdaf998a&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Ramble On</i></b></span></a> (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084VGN2SB/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=68c60ff73d8ed98f2158dfc7930a14d1&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Glacier National Park</i></b></span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083G78RM3/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=9dc036893cad3b36af8b606c6ea23889&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Grand Teton National Park</i></b></span></a>The Smoky Mountain Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05019731497259511008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446829400048646421.post-2030053465314907492024-03-03T07:00:00.018-05:002024-03-03T07:00:00.442-05:00325.5 million visits to national parks in 2023, 3.4 million visits at Grand TetonThe National Park Service recently announced that 400 national park units reported a total of 325.5 million recreation visits in 2023, an increase of 13 million or 4% over 2022.
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Grand Teton National Park hosted 3,417,106 recreation visits in 2023, a 22% increase from 2022. In recent years, Grand Teton has experienced changing visitation trends. Recreation visits in 2023 are most similar to the number of visits in 2019. While 2019 and 2023 had similar overall numbers in visitation, how that visitation occurred throughout the year was different. In 2019, Grand Teton had higher levels of visitation in the summer, with peak months being June, July, and August; while in 2023 the peak months shifted later in the year to July, August, and September (see graph below).
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As part of ongoing monitoring in the park, data was collected from eight trail counters at key summer destinations, which cumulatively showed an estimated 34% increase in trail use over the last 10 years. This increase indicates a higher proportion of visitors using the <a href="https://www.tetonhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>park’s trail system</b></span></a>. Learn more about visitation statistics in Grand Teton and other National Park Service sites at <a href="http://irma.nps.gov/STATS/"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">irma.nps.gov/STATS/</span></a>.
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The National Park Service continues to learn more about visitors and visitation at Grand Teton. A <a href="https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/DownloadFile/687423" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Socioeconomic Research Study</span></a> of Grand Teton National Park was conducted to help develop a better understanding of who visits Grand Teton and what they do during their visit. Results from the study indicate that Grand Teton welcomed visitors from nearly all 50 states during the summer sampling period, with only 5% of visitors being permanent residents of the local area. Respondents reported the most important reasons for their visit to Grand Teton as viewing wildlife and natural scenery (52%) and spending time with family and friends (26%). Nearly all respondents reported viewing scenery, natural features, etc., (98%) as an activity they participated in during their visit, while a majority reported viewing wildlife (87%), driving for pleasure and hiking (66%). Learn more about the study and visitor use and experience in Grand Teton at <a href="http://go.nps.gov/TetonVUE"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">go.nps.gov/TetonVUE</span></a>.
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In addition to the study, park staff also conducted broader civic engagement to ask the general public for their input on how they visit the park and what their experiences have been. The park received 446 comments from 45 different states and 4 different countries. Important experiences in the park were varied, from recreation to nature experiences. Some important experiences mentioned many times by commenters were similar to what respondents of the socioeconomic study reported and included: wildlife viewing, hiking, the peace and quiet of the park, scenic views including the mountain range itself, and solitude. When prompted about any challenging parts of visiting Grand Teton, some points mentioned by commentors included: finding lodging that is not too expensive, the park was too crowded, long lines at entrance stations, and not enough parking at trailheads and in the park in general. Park staff will reach out to the public again this summer regarding desired future conditions for visitor use and experience at the park.
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Visitors planning to experience the stunning beauty of Grand Teton National Park in 2024 are encouraged to make a #GrandPlan and learn how to plan like a park ranger by visiting our list of the top 10 tips you should know before visiting the park at <a href="http://go.nps.gov/TetonTop10"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">go.nps.gov/TetonTop10</span></a>. Plan ahead, recreate responsibly, help preserve this landscape for generations to come, and become a steward for this iconic place.
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Jeff<br />
<a href="http://www.hikinginglacier.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>HikinginGlacier.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.tetonhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>TetonHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>RockyMountainHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTRVVRYT?&linkCode=sl1&tag=tetons-20&linkId=31ebb97810a507c9cfb6e746fdaf998a&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Ramble On</i></b></span></a> (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084VGN2SB/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=68c60ff73d8ed98f2158dfc7930a14d1&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Glacier National Park</i></b></span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083G78RM3/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=9dc036893cad3b36af8b606c6ea23889&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Grand Teton National Park</i></b></span></a>The Smoky Mountain Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05019731497259511008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446829400048646421.post-1044387300191559202024-02-29T07:00:00.004-05:002024-02-29T07:00:00.130-05:00The Legacy of Richard "Beaver Dick" LeighLying in the valley below the Teton Range are a chain of glacially-carved lakes. The Grand Teton region, especially these lakes, are steeped in history intertwined with an Englishman by the name of Richard "Beaver Dick" Leigh, who led a fairly long and adventurous life. Born in Manchester, England in 1831, his family migrated to America when Richard was just seven years old. Nine years later he would run away from home to join the Hudson's Bay Company. During the following year he enlisted in the army to fight in the Mexican War. After the war he worked as a trapper, gold prospector, ferryboatman, and eventually as a hunting guide. In 1872 he guided the Hayden Geological Survey during their time in Jackson Hole, while his wife and children assisted with camp logistics. In 1891 he had a chance meeting with Theodore Roosevelt and his hunting party while camping in the Two Ocean area. His nickname, “Beaver Dick,” was purportedly given to him by Brigham Young.
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In 1863 Leigh married a Shoshone woman, whom he would call Jenny. They immediately built a cabin in the Teton Basin on the west side of the Teton Range. Later that same year Leigh came across the isolated camp of a young Bannock family that went by the name of Tadpole. The wife of this couple happened to be in labor, and apparently was in need of some help. Leigh volunteered to act as a midwife. So grateful for his timely assistance the couple offered their newborn daughter, Susan, in marriage after she came of age. Leigh, already married at that point, declined the offer.
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While serving as guide in the Jackson Hole area for the Hayden Geological Survey of 1872, expedition photographer William Henry Jackson took this photograph of Beaver Dick, Jenny and their four children in front of their tepee camp:
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC2Pq3N1rFh0zbLJEPgb7BUYrc9rkRwLFkijrXDUBubCLi0UE4XC7UgdhKqAoSDgH9bI_4_XuGTFIQlXmrn0zCPXl6Hb1oCeJTIAf2QBA6_vrBwD7Bk2HXYjLCmXFzI37LdaSXDH1_xu-uIp361uDdTXuJZeTqobNrMRXAYdHinVC4NqgfIFGxuzclux0L/s1180/1%20-Richard%20Beaver%20Dick%20Leigh,%201872,%20with%20his%20first%20wife,%20Jenny,%20a%20Shoshone.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="819" data-original-width="1180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC2Pq3N1rFh0zbLJEPgb7BUYrc9rkRwLFkijrXDUBubCLi0UE4XC7UgdhKqAoSDgH9bI_4_XuGTFIQlXmrn0zCPXl6Hb1oCeJTIAf2QBA6_vrBwD7Bk2HXYjLCmXFzI37LdaSXDH1_xu-uIp361uDdTXuJZeTqobNrMRXAYdHinVC4NqgfIFGxuzclux0L/s400/1%20-Richard%20Beaver%20Dick%20Leigh,%201872,%20with%20his%20first%20wife,%20Jenny,%20a%20Shoshone.jpg" width="520" /></a></div>
Hayden was so impressed with the services rendered by the Leigh family that he named three lakes after them. This included <a href="https://www.tetonhikingtrails.com/leigh-lake.htm" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Leigh Lake</b></span></a>, <a href="https://www.tetonhikingtrails.com/jenny-lake.htm" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Jenny Lake</b></span></a> and Beaver Dick Lake, which was later renamed as <a href="https://www.tetonhikingtrails.com/string-lake-loop.htm" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>String Lake</b></span></a> in the 1930s.
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In December of 1876 Jenny gave birth to their sixth child. However, just a few days later, the wife of a trapper came into the Leigh home seeking food and shelter. The woman's husband had just died of smallpox. Unbeknownst to this woman she was also carrying the virus, and died a few days later. Before succumbing to the deadly disease she inadvertently spread it to the entire Leigh family. Within two weeks Jenny and their six children were dead, while Beaver Dick barely survived.
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Three years later Leigh would remarry. At the age of 48 he serendipitously married Susan Tadpole, the baby girl who was promised to him 16 years earlier. The couple and their three children posed for this photograph sometime in the mid-1890s:
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisSXRKTBEbyCT5sTJpj5kKiNvqou8Xxw4qHH-4vIRr1s3UncUB5YTyCDSlWOZ9qd8GbyNjYyivqXDf33t80cTvEC8JLFKPkpFPWo1JtjN6JohZLyfMM7PMvLrLaVINrByWKVC6ZL47IQ6w-BRVkEhYVA4nl7vf9xMTYjSfZRT917PXHRKpL0qlAatd7paQ/s1600/1%20-richard-beaver-dick-leigh-and-souix-family.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="286" data-original-width="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisSXRKTBEbyCT5sTJpj5kKiNvqou8Xxw4qHH-4vIRr1s3UncUB5YTyCDSlWOZ9qd8GbyNjYyivqXDf33t80cTvEC8JLFKPkpFPWo1JtjN6JohZLyfMM7PMvLrLaVINrByWKVC6ZL47IQ6w-BRVkEhYVA4nl7vf9xMTYjSfZRT917PXHRKpL0qlAatd7paQ/s1600/1%20-richard-beaver-dick-leigh-and-souix-family.jpg" /></a></div>
In March of 1899 Leigh passed away at the age of 68.
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Jeff<br />
<a href="http://www.hikinginglacier.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>HikinginGlacier.com</b></span></a>
<br />
<a href="http://www.tetonhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>TetonHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
<br />
<a href="http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>RockyMountainHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTRVVRYT?&linkCode=sl1&tag=tetons-20&linkId=31ebb97810a507c9cfb6e746fdaf998a&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Ramble On</i></b></span></a> (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084VGN2SB/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=68c60ff73d8ed98f2158dfc7930a14d1&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Glacier National Park</i></b></span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083G78RM3/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=9dc036893cad3b36af8b606c6ea23889&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Grand Teton National Park</i></b></span></a>The Smoky Mountain Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05019731497259511008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446829400048646421.post-36836270796081493452024-02-27T07:00:00.003-05:002024-02-27T07:00:00.146-05:00Take "Exploring Grand Teton National Park" with you on the trailAre you planning to visit Grand Teton National Park this summer - or anytime down the road? I wanted to take a brief moment to remind you about the eBook we've published (and recently updated), which provides hikers with access to detailed trail information while hiking in the park.
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z0KLjDJa4Xk/XhNaRmMqNuI/AAAAAAAAaqI/uttkizhBLCEpeZTGK7c1pOdKTTmhkx86QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/tetons-cover-social.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="495" data-original-width="309" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z0KLjDJa4Xk/XhNaRmMqNuI/AAAAAAAAaqI/uttkizhBLCEpeZTGK7c1pOdKTTmhkx86QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/tetons-cover-social.jpg" width="199" /></a></div>
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083G78RM3/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=9dc036893cad3b36af8b606c6ea23889&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Grand Teton National Park</i></b></span></a> is the mobile version of TetonHikingTrails.com, the most comprehensive website on the internet for hiking trail information in Grand Teton National Park. This book was published to provide readers with convenient access to the information contained on TetonHikingTrails.com while in the park, or on the trail, where internet access is most likely unavailable. Additionally, the format of this book will provide a much better experience for smartphone users.
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<b><i>Exploring Grand Teton National Park</i></b> covers 44 hikes. This includes 41 hikes within Grand Teton National Park, as well as 3 hikes in the Teton Pass area, located just south of the park boundary. Like the website, the book includes driving directions to each trailhead, detailed trail descriptions, key features along the route, difficulty ratings, photographs, maps and elevation profiles, which provide readers with a visual representation of the change in elevation they’ll encounter on each hike. Some hikes will also include historical tidbits related to the trail. Whether you're looking for an easy stroll in the park, or an epic hike deep into Grand Teton's backcountry, this book provides all the tools you'll need to make your hiking trip as enjoyable as possible.
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As with our four websites, this book also contains several directories that will help you choose the best hikes suited to your preferences and abilities. This includes hikes listed by location within the park, hikes listed by key trail feature, and hikes sorted by difficulty rating. I’ve also included lists of our top 10 hikes, the best easy hikes, the top fall hikes, and the top early season hikes.
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The guide is <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083G78RM3/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=9dc036893cad3b36af8b606c6ea23889&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><b>available on Amazon</b></span></a>.
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Jeff<br />
<a href="http://www.hikinginglacier.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>HikinginGlacier.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.tetonhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>TetonHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>RockyMountainHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTRVVRYT?&linkCode=sl1&tag=tetons-20&linkId=31ebb97810a507c9cfb6e746fdaf998a&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Ramble On</i></b></span></a> (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084VGN2SB/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=68c60ff73d8ed98f2158dfc7930a14d1&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Glacier National Park</i></b></span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083G78RM3/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=9dc036893cad3b36af8b606c6ea23889&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Grand Teton National Park</i></b></span></a>The Smoky Mountain Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05019731497259511008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446829400048646421.post-49132645550787836732024-02-26T07:00:00.001-05:002024-02-26T07:00:00.146-05:00Hidden gems, off-season trips highlights of 325.5 million national park visits in 2023While overall visitation continues to grow across America's national parks, visitors are increasingly discovering opportunities in less well-known parks and during park off-seasons.
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Today, the National Park Service announced that 400 national parks reported a total of 325.5 million recreation visits in 2023, an increase of 13 million or 4% over 2022. In addition to the continued growth in overall numbers, NPS data shows that visitation is increasing in the more traditional off-seasons at many parks, with more visits in the spring and fall than seen in years past. And 20 parks—many of them less well-known—broke visitation records in 2023.
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Visitation figures and trends guide how the National Park Service manages parks to ensure the best experience possible for park visitors. The Visitation Statistics Dashboard on NPS.gov provides recreational visit statistics for every park in the US for 2023 and also for previous years, dating back to 1979 for some parks. Of the 429 parks in the National Park System, 400 parks counted visitors in 2023. For the first time, there are now parks reporting their visitation numbers from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and four US territories. Five national parks began reporting in 2023, and this is the first year a park from Delaware is included.
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The 20 parks that broke visitation records in 2023 are:
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* Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site<br />
* Congaree National Park<br />
* Dry Tortugas National Park<br />
* Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve<br />
* Glen Canyon National Recreation Area<br />
* Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument<br />
* John Muir National Historic Site<br />
* Joshua Tree National Park<br />
* Kaloko Honokōhau National Historic Park<br />
* Keweenaw National Historic Park<br />
* Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park<br />
* Lincoln Memorial<br />
* Longfellow House Washington’s Headquarters National Historic Site<br />
* Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historic Park<br />
* Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Memorial<br />
* Minidoka National Historic Site<br />
* Mojave National Preserve<br />
* New River Gorge National Park & Preserve<br />
* Nez Perce National Historic Park<br />
* Ninety Six National Historic Site
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Jeff<br />
<a href="http://www.hikinginglacier.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>HikinginGlacier.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.tetonhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>TetonHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>RockyMountainHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTRVVRYT?&linkCode=sl1&tag=tetons-20&linkId=31ebb97810a507c9cfb6e746fdaf998a&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Ramble On</i></b></span></a> (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084VGN2SB/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=68c60ff73d8ed98f2158dfc7930a14d1&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Glacier National Park</i></b></span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083G78RM3/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=9dc036893cad3b36af8b606c6ea23889&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Grand Teton National Park</i></b></span></a>The Smoky Mountain Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05019731497259511008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446829400048646421.post-49659156812154721292024-02-22T07:00:00.202-05:002024-02-22T07:00:00.241-05:00Who was Agnes Vaille?If you've ever had the chance to hike to the <a href="https://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/longs-peak-keyhole.htm" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Keyhole on Longs Peak</b></span></a> in Rocky Mountain National Park, you likely noticed the beehive-shaped stone shelter just below the famous rock formation. The original shelter was constructed in 1927, just two years after the tragic death of Agnes Vaille.
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On January 12, 1925, Agnes Vaille became the first woman to ascend Longs Peak during the winter. At 4:00 a.m. that morning, she and her climbing partner, Walter Kiener, reached the summit where they recorded an incredibly frigid temperature of −14°F. During their descent, in a fierce blizzard, Ms. Vaille slipped and fell roughly 150 feet. Completely spent with fatigue, Vaille insisted she needed a short nap, but froze to death before Kiener could bring back help. As a memorial to Ms. Vaille, and as a shelter for climbers and hikers in need during a storm, the park constructed the original Agnes Vaille Shelter. Eight years later, in 1935, her family re-built the shelter that we see today.
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Prior to her death Agnes was an avid climber, and a prominent member of the Colorado Mountain Club. According to records I found, she had climbed at least 21 of Colorado's 54 fourteeners in her bid to become the 4th member of the CMCs 14,000-Footers Club. In 1923 she also made the first recorded solo winter ascent of 13,294-foot James Peak. Like other members of the CMC during World War I, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTRVVRYT?&linkCode=sl1&tag=tetons-20&linkId=31ebb97810a507c9cfb6e746fdaf998a&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>Vaille served the country</b></span></a> by volunteering for the Red Cross Canteen Service in both France and Germany.
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Below is a photo of Agnes (left) and Mary Cronin (right) on Mount Meeker in 1923:
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqanT7Nojub9dsJXkxWGLHZKXm_ZVfkvQ0PwCGrEIJTLrGE5nINKlOX3UnrHAzLYufptfuY63uZfmSbZuo4FxpXvPS91s8sZXbpW8z8qSJjsA83-Ju3zHZrGWnbjD7Beq95jPhKYRucr2KNbairo-DvWYX_aygW8JsiKHQ3u1STZ2u7HZGi8GsyWF5c1A/s476/1%20-%20Agnes%20Vaille%20%28left%29.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="476" data-original-width="290" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqanT7Nojub9dsJXkxWGLHZKXm_ZVfkvQ0PwCGrEIJTLrGE5nINKlOX3UnrHAzLYufptfuY63uZfmSbZuo4FxpXvPS91s8sZXbpW8z8qSJjsA83-Ju3zHZrGWnbjD7Beq95jPhKYRucr2KNbairo-DvWYX_aygW8JsiKHQ3u1STZ2u7HZGi8GsyWF5c1A/s400/1%20-%20Agnes%20Vaille%20%28left%29.jpg" /></a></div>
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Jeff<br />
<a href="http://www.hikinginglacier.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>HikinginGlacier.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.tetonhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>TetonHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>RockyMountainHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTRVVRYT?&linkCode=sl1&tag=tetons-20&linkId=31ebb97810a507c9cfb6e746fdaf998a&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Ramble On</i></b></span></a> (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084VGN2SB/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=68c60ff73d8ed98f2158dfc7930a14d1&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Glacier National Park</i></b></span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083G78RM3/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=9dc036893cad3b36af8b606c6ea23889&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Grand Teton National Park</i></b></span></a>The Smoky Mountain Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05019731497259511008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446829400048646421.post-68258731898997339002024-02-16T07:00:00.025-05:002024-02-16T07:00:00.144-05:00Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Reopens Public Comment Period for Grizzly Bear and Gray Wolf Conservation Management PlansMontana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is reopening the public comment period for the 2024 Grizzly Bear Management Plan and Montana Gray Wolf Conservation and Management Plan to ensure Montana counties, Tribes, and state and federal agencies have a chance for input. The new deadline is March 9.
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The extension will ensure that Montana statute requiring FWP to notify county commissioners of opportunities to comment on management plans for grizzly bears, wolves and other large carnivores has been met. It will also allow for additional time for tribal partners and other state and federal agencies to provide input.
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“Wolves and grizzly bears are iconic and controversial species,” said FWP Director Dustin Temple. “We want to ensure that everyone who has a stake in how these two species are managed can have a chance to comment on our draft plans before they are final."
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The new grizzly bear plan will inform management statewide, focusing on the 30 counties where grizzly bear presence has been documented in recent years or may be documented in the near future. Since grizzly bears are still listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, the plan is designed to inform state management while this species remains federally listed. The plan also addresses FWP’s future vision for management when any grizzly bear populations in Montana are delisted and full management authority for them is returned to the state.
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The wolf plan shifts a key counting metric from the number of breeding pairs to the number of wolves representing at least 15 breeding pairs. The plan establishes that 450 wolves would ensure 15 breeding pairs. Population estimates will continue to be determined by the peer-reviewed Integrated Patch Occupancy Modeling method, or iPOM. The plan also describes the current depredation prevention and response program.
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Both draft plans were out for public comment in 2023. People who previously submitted comments on the draft plans do not need to submit them again.
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To comment on the Grizzly Bear Management Plan, <a href="http://fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/public-comment-opportunities/grizzly-bear-management-plan" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">click here</span></a>. To comment on the Gray Wolf Conservation and Management Plan, <a href="http://fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/public-comment-opportunities/draft-wolf-mgmt-plan" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">click here</span></a>. If you have already commented on the plans, your comments are captured and there is no need to comment further at this time.
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Jeff<br />
<a href="http://www.hikinginglacier.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>HikinginGlacier.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.tetonhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>TetonHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>RockyMountainHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTRVVRYT?&linkCode=sl1&tag=tetons-20&linkId=31ebb97810a507c9cfb6e746fdaf998a&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Ramble On</i></b></span></a> (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084VGN2SB/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=68c60ff73d8ed98f2158dfc7930a14d1&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Glacier National Park</i></b></span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083G78RM3/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=9dc036893cad3b36af8b606c6ea23889&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Grand Teton National Park</i></b></span></a>The Smoky Mountain Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05019731497259511008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446829400048646421.post-52751254732209517892024-02-14T07:00:00.014-05:002024-02-14T07:00:00.247-05:00Yellowstone recruiting for 2024 Youth Conservation Corps programHow would you like to work, learn, play, and grow in Yellowstone’s wonderland this summer? Yellowstone National Park is currently recruiting for the 2024 Youth Conservation Corps (YCC), a residential work-based education program for students between the ages of 15 and 18. Visit the YCC program <a href="https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/management/yccjobs.htm" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">webpage</span></a> to apply. Completed application materials must be submitted by March 1, 2024.
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Two 1-month-long YCC sessions will be offered from June 9-July 10 and July 14-Aug. 13. Forty youth will be randomly selected from across the country to participate in the program. Applicants must be citizens of the United States and 15 years of age by June 9, but not over 18 years of age by Aug. 13. Yellowstone recruits youth from all social, economic, ethnic and racial backgrounds for the program.
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No previous wilderness experience is necessary, but enjoying camping is a plus since it will be required four nights a week during work assignments. Applicants should possess a positive attitude, a willingness and ability to work and learn in a physically active outdoor program and get along well with others. Participants will be required to live in the park, and a minimal fee will be charged for room and board. Wages will be $10.50 per hour.
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YCC is designed to develop an appreciation for the nation’s natural resources and cultural heritage through unique educational, recreational, and work experiences. Corps members work together with National Park Service staff to complete conservation projects such as trail rehabilitation, campground restoration, and a wide variety of resource management, visitor support services and maintenance projects.
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Participants develop their job and leadership skills while exploring personal values, gaining self-esteem, expanding their awareness of work ethics, and learning firsthand about environmental and conservation issues. Corps members also participate in evening and weekend recreational activities and discover the many options for careers in the National Park Service and other land management agencies.
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Questions may be directed to <a href="mailto:YELL_YCC_Office@nps.gov"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">YELL_YCC_Office@nps.gov</span></a>.
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The Yellowstone YCC Program is funded by park entrance fees and generous donations to <a href="https://www.yellowstone.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Yellowstone Forever</span></a>, the park’s official nonprofit partner.
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Jeff<br />
<a href="http://www.hikinginglacier.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>HikinginGlacier.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.tetonhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>TetonHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>RockyMountainHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTRVVRYT?&linkCode=sl1&tag=tetons-20&linkId=31ebb97810a507c9cfb6e746fdaf998a&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Ramble On</i></b></span></a> (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084VGN2SB/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=68c60ff73d8ed98f2158dfc7930a14d1&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Glacier National Park</i></b></span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083G78RM3/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=9dc036893cad3b36af8b606c6ea23889&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Grand Teton National Park</i></b></span></a>The Smoky Mountain Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05019731497259511008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446829400048646421.post-19134591319448989032024-02-12T07:00:00.072-05:002024-02-12T07:00:00.137-05:00Historic Photos From Piegan PassBelow are two of photos of tourists at Piegan Pass in the early 1930s. As discussed in my book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTRVVRYT?&linkCode=sl1&tag=tetons-20&linkId=31ebb97810a507c9cfb6e746fdaf998a&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Ramble On</i></b></span></a>, multi-day guided horseback tours along trails constructed by the Great Northern Railway, such as the Piegan Pass Trail, were the primary method of seeing Glacier National Park before the Going-to-the-Sun Road was completed in 1932.
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You could make a strong argument that Piegan Pass is somewhat overlooked by modern-day hikers, who tend to gravitate towards its nearby neighbors; Siyeh Pass and the Highline Trail. In my opinion, that might be a mistake! The <a href="https://www.hikinginglacier.com/piegan-pass.htm" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Piegan Pass Trail</b></span></a> also offers stunningly beautiful scenery - without the crowds.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3aJEeeQZgrEALprjfzu6mli4ItBGcrMCnXMLfVZS7z8OrEs-Vnyxxq8ncCEqbDQ5z6rc1Sl6hFmVb-uDanYhS4bG8qC2hiqRGTzQhnwaPIcK83A8LoecHDwUYj198xRczqQtO9pes9K1aN0RyyWhoFGdHsxXKOWKE-KYnB8U0hKdryDq97pwzZ3XGFp4/s720/piegan%20pass%20horse.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="503" height="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3aJEeeQZgrEALprjfzu6mli4ItBGcrMCnXMLfVZS7z8OrEs-Vnyxxq8ncCEqbDQ5z6rc1Sl6hFmVb-uDanYhS4bG8qC2hiqRGTzQhnwaPIcK83A8LoecHDwUYj198xRczqQtO9pes9K1aN0RyyWhoFGdHsxXKOWKE-KYnB8U0hKdryDq97pwzZ3XGFp4/s400/piegan%20pass%20horse.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaoTRSniQ_DjUL6fLNnnB6Str7Qvt7Za4L7GvKtNi1K7z7d71myAIdGccw3PBJhEap7sTOEUR21twpfiQwRxf0lKd26XraEHiJknLrmirzC2q_-AwjzwXE9kbii7ZtbSbFls2URIUzagVel08E1KsMtwCYHfe53aiI8GWDgquJIWEZcXKksKLwVK1BsTM/s660/piegan%20pass.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="410" data-original-width="660" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaoTRSniQ_DjUL6fLNnnB6Str7Qvt7Za4L7GvKtNi1K7z7d71myAIdGccw3PBJhEap7sTOEUR21twpfiQwRxf0lKd26XraEHiJknLrmirzC2q_-AwjzwXE9kbii7ZtbSbFls2URIUzagVel08E1KsMtwCYHfe53aiI8GWDgquJIWEZcXKksKLwVK1BsTM/s400/piegan%20pass.png" width="520" /></a></div>
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Jeff<br />
<a href="http://www.hikinginglacier.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>HikinginGlacier.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.tetonhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>TetonHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>RockyMountainHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTRVVRYT?&linkCode=sl1&tag=tetons-20&linkId=31ebb97810a507c9cfb6e746fdaf998a&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Ramble On</i></b></span></a> (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084VGN2SB/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=68c60ff73d8ed98f2158dfc7930a14d1&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Glacier National Park</i></b></span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083G78RM3/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=9dc036893cad3b36af8b606c6ea23889&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Grand Teton National Park</i></b></span></a>The Smoky Mountain Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05019731497259511008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446829400048646421.post-76238303660283594882024-02-07T07:00:00.000-05:002024-02-07T07:00:00.135-05:00The Father of Rocky Mountain National Park<a href="https://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/mills-lake.htm" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Mills Lake</b></span></a> is among the popular hiking destinations in the Bear Lake area. It's named for Enos Mills, the man commonly referred to as the "father of Rocky Mountain National Park". Mills became the area's first naturalist, and made great contributions to the field that would eventually lead to the profession of interpretive park rangers. He also established a guide service that led tourists to the summit of Longs Peak. At the age of 15 he made his first ascent of the park's highest peak, and over the course of his life would make the trip 40 times by himself, and nearly 300 times as a guide. The photo below shows a very young Mills (on the right) making that first ascent in 1885.
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Mills most significant contribution, however, was spending numerous years lecturing across the nation, lobbying Congress, and writing thousands of letters and articles that would eventually lead to the creation of Rocky Mountain National Park on January 26, 1915.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirapf0WVxC9hyMEXs8opSi11RGPz08nnQCSrYwoh62JDdXXgD5QssphGGdTVJZNTvIrtU0Ft6Pb08-B3InR-YFVRtOfVAG-hhckhnxiTIMygQ0c8Twb1yEOpafa8ChT1SzvoohKEjkHi0YgQ9Iqesf3TZXiQEI70CNW-7mVo6fm2Tly7MR2SQ9sDrUunuS/s1970/1%20-%20enos%20mills.webp" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1970" data-original-width="1200" height="680" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirapf0WVxC9hyMEXs8opSi11RGPz08nnQCSrYwoh62JDdXXgD5QssphGGdTVJZNTvIrtU0Ft6Pb08-B3InR-YFVRtOfVAG-hhckhnxiTIMygQ0c8Twb1yEOpafa8ChT1SzvoohKEjkHi0YgQ9Iqesf3TZXiQEI70CNW-7mVo6fm2Tly7MR2SQ9sDrUunuS/s320/1%20-%20enos%20mills.webp" /></a></div>
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Jeff<br />
<a href="http://www.hikinginglacier.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>HikinginGlacier.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.tetonhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>TetonHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>RockyMountainHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTRVVRYT?&linkCode=sl1&tag=tetons-20&linkId=31ebb97810a507c9cfb6e746fdaf998a&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Ramble On</i></b></span></a> (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084VGN2SB/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=68c60ff73d8ed98f2158dfc7930a14d1&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Glacier National Park</i></b></span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083G78RM3/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=9dc036893cad3b36af8b606c6ea23889&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Grand Teton National Park</i></b></span></a>The Smoky Mountain Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05019731497259511008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446829400048646421.post-28857810710416353542024-02-05T19:00:00.001-05:002024-02-05T19:00:24.110-05:00GTNP and TCSAR partner for avalanche rescue on Prospectors MountainOn Sunday afternoon, February 4, Grand Teton National Park (GTNP) rangers requested helicopter assistance from Teton County Search & Rescue (TCSAR) to respond to an injured skier on Prospectors Mountain inside the park. The skier, a 29-year-old local woman, along with four men were near the top of the Banana Couloir at 10,800 feet when they triggered and were caught by an avalanche. Three in the group were able to self-arrest, while one of the men was carried 500 feet and the woman was carried by the snow slide approximately 1,500 vertical feet. Neither skier was fully buried, however, the woman sustained serious injuries.
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TCSAR prepared the helicopter with three rescue volunteers and a pilot. The crew flew up into the Banana, a prominent couloir on the east face of Prospectors Mountain. The volunteers were able to short-haul the injured skier off the mountain and fly her to a waiting National Park Service ambulance at Windy Point Turnout. The rest of the party were able to ski out on their own.
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Short-haul is a rescue method where a patient and rescuer are secured to a fixed rope that is connected to the belly of the helicopter for a short flight out of the backcountry. It is often used in steep terrain where landing the helicopter is not an option.
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With new snow falling on the Tetons, backcountry users are being reminded to read the daily avalanche forecast at <a href="http://bridgertetonavalanchecenter.org"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">bridgertetonavalanchecenter.org</span></a>. Grand Teton and TCSAR are appreciative of the collaborative effort to bring this incident to a close.
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Jeff<br />
<a href="http://www.hikinginglacier.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>HikinginGlacier.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.tetonhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>TetonHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>RockyMountainHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTRVVRYT?&linkCode=sl1&tag=tetons-20&linkId=31ebb97810a507c9cfb6e746fdaf998a&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Ramble On</i></b></span></a> (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084VGN2SB/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=68c60ff73d8ed98f2158dfc7930a14d1&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Glacier National Park</i></b></span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083G78RM3/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=9dc036893cad3b36af8b606c6ea23889&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Grand Teton National Park</i></b></span></a>The Smoky Mountain Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05019731497259511008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446829400048646421.post-20730109328285151392024-02-02T23:23:00.006-05:002024-02-02T23:23:34.897-05:00Public input sought on Yellowstone National Park’s North Entrance RoadThe National Park Service (NPS), in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration, is considering construction of a new permanent North Entrance Road in Yellowstone National Park. Goals for the new road include providing year-round access between Gardiner, Montana, and Cooke City/Silver Gate, Montana, natural hazard resiliency and the protection of natural and cultural resources.
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Yellowstone invites the public to learn about and provide input on the North Entrance Road project by way of virtual public meetings on Feb. 12 and Feb. 14. A 30-day public comment period will also begin Feb. 12. Public input will help Yellowstone select an alignment and begin the environmental compliance process.
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Yellowstone experienced a 500-year flood event on June 13, 2022. The flood destroyed infrastructure in the northern portion of the park including several sections of the North Entrance Road between Mammoth Hot Springs and Gardiner, Montana, and segments of the Northeast Entrance Road between Tower Junction and Cooke City/Silver Gate, Montana. Both roads are open year-round and serve as the only winter vehicle access in and out of the park. After temporarily closing to regular visitor traffic on June 13, 2022, the Northeast Entrance Road opened to the public on Oct. 15, 2022, and a temporary road between Gardiner and Mammoth Hot Springs opened to the public on Oct. 30, 2022.
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Virtual Public Meetings
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During each meeting, three preliminary road alignment alternatives will be presented along with two video flyovers to explain the damage, environmental challenges, constraints and opportunities of each alignment. Meeting details include:
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Webinar 1:</u><br />
Feb. 12, 2024, 3:30-5 p.m. MST<br />
Link: <a href="https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83341858193"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83341858193</span></a><br />
Webinar ID: 833 4185 8193<br />
Audio: 720 707 2699
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Webinar 2:</u><br />
Feb. 14, 2024, 6-7:30 p.m. MST<br />
Link: <a href="https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84390842047"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84390842047</span></a><br />
Webinar ID: 843 9084 2047<br />
Audio: 720 707 2699<br />
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Public Comment
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Beginning Feb. 12, the public can also provide formal comments. The preferred method for submitting comments is online at <a href="https://parkplanning.nps.gov/NorthEntranceRoad"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">https://parkplanning.nps.gov/NorthEntranceRoad</span></a>. Comments may also be mailed or hand-delivered to: Yellowstone Center for Resources Attn: North Entrance Road EA, PO Box 168, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190. The deadline to submit comments is Wednesday, March 13.
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At the conclusion of the 30-day public comment period, the NPS will analyze and consider all comments received. A draft environmental assessment will likely be released for public review fall 2024. A final decision is expected in early 2025.
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Jeff<br />
<a href="http://www.hikinginglacier.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>HikinginGlacier.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.tetonhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>TetonHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>RockyMountainHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTRVVRYT?&linkCode=sl1&tag=tetons-20&linkId=31ebb97810a507c9cfb6e746fdaf998a&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Ramble On</i></b></span></a> (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084VGN2SB/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=68c60ff73d8ed98f2158dfc7930a14d1&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Glacier National Park</i></b></span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083G78RM3/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=9dc036893cad3b36af8b606c6ea23889&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Grand Teton National Park</i></b></span></a>The Smoky Mountain Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05019731497259511008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446829400048646421.post-56303277657558996792024-01-29T16:39:00.000-05:002024-01-29T16:39:57.912-05:00Flathead Avalanche Center Issues Backcountry WARNINGThe Flathead Avalanche Center in Hungry Horse has issued a BACKCOUNTRY AVALANCHE WARNING for the following areas: NWS Missoula MT - MTC 029 (Flathead County)...MTC 047 (Lake County)...MTC 053 (Lincoln County)
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* WHAT...The avalanche danger for the warning area will rise to high today.
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* WHERE...The Whitefish, Swan, and Flathead Ranges, as well as the Lake McDonald region in Glacier National Park, and the mountains near Marias Pass.
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* WHEN...In effect from Mon 06:00 MST to Tue 07:00 MST.
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* IMPACTS...Prolonged warming and solar radiation will result in widespread avalanches. Large avalanches will occur naturally or be easily triggered by a person or machine.
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* PRECAUTIONARY / PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...Very dangerous avalanche conditions. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended. Avalanches may run long distances and can run into mature forests, valley floors, or flat terrain.
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Consult <a href="http://www.flatheadavalanche.org/"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">http://www.flatheadavalanche.org/</span></a> or <a href="http://www.avalanche.org"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">www.avalanche.org</span></a> for more detailed information.
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Similar avalanche danger may exist at locations outside the coverage area of this or any avalanche center.
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Jeff<br />
<a href="http://www.hikinginglacier.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>HikinginGlacier.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.tetonhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>TetonHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>RockyMountainHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTRVVRYT?&linkCode=sl1&tag=tetons-20&linkId=31ebb97810a507c9cfb6e746fdaf998a&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Ramble On</i></b></span></a> (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084VGN2SB/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=68c60ff73d8ed98f2158dfc7930a14d1&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Glacier National Park</i></b></span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083G78RM3/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=9dc036893cad3b36af8b606c6ea23889&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Grand Teton National Park</i></b></span></a>The Smoky Mountain Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05019731497259511008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446829400048646421.post-57385896661677162862024-01-29T07:00:00.083-05:002024-02-02T18:51:05.990-05:00Along The Trail At The Head Of Cascade CanyonUpdate: after discussion on social media, and a closer analysis of the photo, I now believe this photo was taken from South Teton. It appears the photo may have been taken by Don Grant, who appears to have been a mountain climber from that era.
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The photo below was originally published by the U.S. Department of the Interior in a pamphlet called, <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/files/36128/36128-h/36128-h.htm" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><i>Grand Teton [Wyoming] National Park</i></span></a>. Published in 1937, the photograph appears with the title, <i>Along The Trail At The Head Of Cascade Canyon</i>. I could be wrong on this, but it appears the photo was taken from Jenny Lake, or possibly somewhere along the lower portions of Hanging Canyon. I believe the trail seen in this photo is either the Jenny Lake Trail or the western segment of the horse trail that links up with the Cascade Canyon Trail west of Inspiration Point. I also believe that the rock outcropping in the lower left-hand corner of the photo is <a href="https://www.tetonhikingtrails.com/inspiration-point.htm" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Inspiration Point</b></span></a>. Obviously the terrain around this area was much different back then. This area is mostly wooded now, which to me, makes this a pretty amazing shot:
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXZwNzojXvmDaX-kFch7sNz-uxlAzBw0amb0Dz8DPn5GkYQlfbv1FmIRMWdTPEAZrMohwdeAGq5KRKDcvZ8axT2pL5-n0QMLI68och1c1HB6w5clwYGaD0v8yGHOun-mLYG2QdpQH3G7lUkRT7qo5ogoETgVlTGt2TKbQnZHQ-3DIZZtxbfETQoSoAm3U/s800/1%20-%20cascade.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="502" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXZwNzojXvmDaX-kFch7sNz-uxlAzBw0amb0Dz8DPn5GkYQlfbv1FmIRMWdTPEAZrMohwdeAGq5KRKDcvZ8axT2pL5-n0QMLI68och1c1HB6w5clwYGaD0v8yGHOun-mLYG2QdpQH3G7lUkRT7qo5ogoETgVlTGt2TKbQnZHQ-3DIZZtxbfETQoSoAm3U/s400/1%20-%20cascade.jpg" width="520" /></a></div>
Even as far back as 85 years ago, <a href="https://www.tetonhikingtrails.com/cascade-canyon.htm" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Cascade Canyon</b></span></a> was considered to be a popular destination in the park. The Spring 1939 issue of <i>Grand Teton Nature Notes</i> reports that, "By far the most popular trail in the park is the lower portion of the Cascade Canyon Trail which leaves Jenny Lake and climbs above Hidden Falls."
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Jeff<br />
<a href="http://www.hikinginglacier.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>HikinginGlacier.com</b></span></a>
<br />
<a href="http://www.tetonhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>TetonHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
<br />
<a href="http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>RockyMountainHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTRVVRYT?&linkCode=sl1&tag=tetons-20&linkId=31ebb97810a507c9cfb6e746fdaf998a&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Ramble On</i></b></span></a> (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084VGN2SB/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=68c60ff73d8ed98f2158dfc7930a14d1&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Glacier National Park</i></b></span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083G78RM3/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=9dc036893cad3b36af8b606c6ea23889&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Grand Teton National Park</i></b></span></a>The Smoky Mountain Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05019731497259511008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446829400048646421.post-36799562463955890442024-01-27T07:00:00.013-05:002024-01-27T07:00:00.136-05:00Wyoming State Trails, Forest Service Project Recognized by Coalition for Recreational Trails A Wyoming Trails project involving the installation of the Hawks Rest Pack Stock Bridge in the Bridger-Teton National Forest has been recognized by the Coalition for Recreational Trails in the Construction and Design category.
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Representatives from the Wyoming State Trails program and the Forest Service will receive the award during a special awards ceremony on March 6, in Washington, D.C. followed by a reception on Capitol Hill.
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“This is a fantastic example of how well State and Federal government partnerships can work to get projects to the ground in order to provide a much-needed recreational infrastructure” Forrest Kamminga, Wyoming State Trails Program manager.
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The Hawks Rest Pack Stock Bridge project was very unique and complicated and wouldn’t have been possible without the partnerships of several federal and state agencies along with several combined contracts that totaled more than $1 million. Funding for the project came from multiple funding sources that included a Recreational Trails Program non-motorized grant, a non-Federal match from the Wyoming State Parks agency, and the United States Forest Service non-federal outfitter and guides’ special use permit fees.
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GDroQW4WQAAuaFE?format=png&name=900x900" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="520" data-original-height="564" data-original-width="800" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GDroQW4WQAAuaFE?format=png&name=900x900"/></a></div>
This unique project consisted of the replacement of a remote bridge and concrete abutments that were originally constructed in 1959 and buried deep in the Thorofare area that spans the boundary of the northern Teton Wilderness and Yellowstone National Park on the upper Yellowstone River approximately 28 miles from any trailhead or road.
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The project was managed by the Bridger-Teton National Forest, Blackrock Ranger District staff and had very complex design and construction challenges due to the wilderness designation that restricted the use of mechanized equipment that limited the transportation of the new pre-fabricated bridge structure and pre-fab concrete abutments to solely a helicopter that was only allowed by obtaining special permission. All the remaining materials and crews to build the structure were hauled in by a Stock pack string which required a full day, one way to access the bridge location, and a working season of about 8 weeks a year.
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“This will allow for easy and safe passage of wilderness travelers for many years into the future.” Todd Stiles, Blackrock District Ranger said.
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This is the eleventh time the Wyoming Trails Program has been recognized by the CRT.
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Jeff<br />
<a href="http://www.hikinginglacier.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>HikinginGlacier.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.tetonhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>TetonHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>RockyMountainHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTRVVRYT?&linkCode=sl1&tag=tetons-20&linkId=31ebb97810a507c9cfb6e746fdaf998a&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Ramble On</i></b></span></a> (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084VGN2SB/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=68c60ff73d8ed98f2158dfc7930a14d1&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Glacier National Park</i></b></span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083G78RM3/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=9dc036893cad3b36af8b606c6ea23889&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Grand Teton National Park</i></b></span></a>The Smoky Mountain Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05019731497259511008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446829400048646421.post-64325755150334982672024-01-24T14:01:00.002-05:002024-01-24T14:01:49.474-05:00Glacier National Park 2024 Vehicle Reservations Open January 25Glacier National Park reminds visitors that advance vehicle reservations become available on Recreation.gov starting January 25, 2024 at 8 a.m. Mountain Time.
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Vehicle reservations will be available on Recreation.gov through two types of booking windows; A portion of vehicle reservations will be available 120 days or approximately four months in advance on a daily rolling basis, beginning January 25 at 8 a.m. Mountain Time. Next day vehicle reservations will be available at 7 p.m. Mountain Time for next-day entry, starting May 23, 2024 on a daily rolling basis.
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Reservations will be required for the Going-to-the-Sun Road, North Fork and Many Glacier Valley. Each of the specified areas of the park will require a separate reservation. For more information, please <a href="https://home.nps.gov/glac/learn/news/glacier-national-park-2024-vehicle-reservations-open-january-25.htm" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">click here</span></a>.
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Jeff<br />
<a href="http://www.hikinginglacier.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>HikinginGlacier.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.tetonhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>TetonHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>RockyMountainHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTRVVRYT?&linkCode=sl1&tag=tetons-20&linkId=31ebb97810a507c9cfb6e746fdaf998a&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Ramble On</i></b></span></a> (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084VGN2SB/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=68c60ff73d8ed98f2158dfc7930a14d1&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Glacier National Park</i></b></span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083G78RM3/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=9dc036893cad3b36af8b606c6ea23889&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Grand Teton National Park</i></b></span></a>The Smoky Mountain Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05019731497259511008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446829400048646421.post-21509278472124187252024-01-22T07:00:00.005-05:002024-01-22T10:45:07.953-05:00Fern Lake Shapes "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes"In the early 1900s Dr. William J. Workman began construction on a fishing lodge along the shores of Fern Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. This would eventually evolve into the Fern Lake Lodge, which would include a dining room, as well as a dormitory and log cabins that could accommodate up to 55 people. Although the lodge ceased most operations in the late 1930s, it continued serving light snacks through the 1950s. During the summer of 1958 the lodge was managed by budding folksinger Judy Collins, and her husband at that time, Peter Taylor. In 1976 the National Park Service razed the property and returned the area to its natural state.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxK_Zf2ph3htDDfWpcsaymhK7hhjrQIwCj7nTc5wZrGZ45kFiA43MxyvjhXcqcnJtY3ODi7uS1va04rhf85u_Q7O6sGtUNie-jUGPR2YvsyjeGkA5-zREOtYjumuuz8fW44ZVatGSbcHqZooLYdH7oKc3PmxMMo1HFJ_KXPFC96sHKgsz_npTTkKwRAr8g/s654/1%20-%20Fern%20Lake%20Lodge.webp" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="407" data-original-width="654" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxK_Zf2ph3htDDfWpcsaymhK7hhjrQIwCj7nTc5wZrGZ45kFiA43MxyvjhXcqcnJtY3ODi7uS1va04rhf85u_Q7O6sGtUNie-jUGPR2YvsyjeGkA5-zREOtYjumuuz8fW44ZVatGSbcHqZooLYdH7oKc3PmxMMo1HFJ_KXPFC96sHKgsz_npTTkKwRAr8g/s400/1%20-%20Fern%20Lake%20Lodge.webp" width="520" /></a></div>
Although Collins attained a fair amount of fame on her own with hits such as "Both Sides, Now," it was arguably the Crosby, Stills & Nash smash hit, "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes," which would immortalized her. At the time the song was written Collins was dating Stephen Stills. In a 2016 Facebook post Collins recalled her time at the lodge:
<blockquote>"I ran Fern Lake Lodge in 1958 for a summer and I and my family will never forget the mountains and our time there--RIP Denver John (her brother) and Clark-and my ex, Peter Taylor, who ran the water down from the springs into the pipes and into the lodge and kept the first [fires] burning and the wood chopped--our memories float over the spring run-offs and the sunsets and sunrises as hikers take to the mountains to see the Columbines and Paintbrush, the leaping trout and the nutcrackers and Rocky Mountain bluebirds. I will go up that 9 and 1/2 mile hike again, over the 11,000 foot pinacle above Odessa Lake and above Bear Lake, and down into the Fern Lake terrain. The Lodge where we worked--I baking bread and pies on a wood stove-and slept, down on the river bank are all gone, but the memories live on."</blockquote>
Thousands of hikers still visit <a href="https://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/fern-lake.htm" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Fern Lake</b></span></a> each year, but none will ever find any evidence that the lodge ever existed. Here's a photo of Judy Collins performing at Fern Lake Lodge:
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixT1NWnhPWNJ3bvwh8lqtKpbe2JHyxL3zToI7pUR0_xcCev7KPEvANddK1yINOLIQlJdDRXDsvo3laCkPlYyULcqwI_2nZNoA_Gf4Hkq6Kl2vzSHBRSgZCEDX4_O9LtczjLk14jiNMxDHe5rDtLDAf55cAu2GAvDtk8yIACZ4pzqhYgKtgbS_WTDblGRIM/s937/1%20-%20Judy%20Collins,%20performing%20at%20Fern%20Lake%20Lodge%20in%201958.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="857" data-original-width="937" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixT1NWnhPWNJ3bvwh8lqtKpbe2JHyxL3zToI7pUR0_xcCev7KPEvANddK1yINOLIQlJdDRXDsvo3laCkPlYyULcqwI_2nZNoA_Gf4Hkq6Kl2vzSHBRSgZCEDX4_O9LtczjLk14jiNMxDHe5rDtLDAf55cAu2GAvDtk8yIACZ4pzqhYgKtgbS_WTDblGRIM/s400/1%20-%20Judy%20Collins,%20performing%20at%20Fern%20Lake%20Lodge%20in%201958.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Jeff<br />
<a href="http://www.hikinginglacier.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>HikinginGlacier.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.tetonhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>TetonHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b>RockyMountainHikingTrails.com</b></span></a>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTRVVRYT?&linkCode=sl1&tag=tetons-20&linkId=31ebb97810a507c9cfb6e746fdaf998a&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Ramble On</i></b></span></a> (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084VGN2SB/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=68c60ff73d8ed98f2158dfc7930a14d1&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Glacier National Park</i></b></span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083G78RM3/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hikinginthcom-20&linkId=9dc036893cad3b36af8b606c6ea23889&language=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><i>Exploring Grand Teton National Park</i></b></span></a>The Smoky Mountain Hikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05019731497259511008noreply@blogger.com0