Friday, December 21, 2012

New Ranger-led Snowshoe Hikes on Tap in Grand Tetons

Grand Teton National Park ranger naturalists invite visitors and locals to experience the extraordinary wonders of winter during one of the new snowshoe hikes scheduled for the season. In addition to the regular daily snowshoe hikes from the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center, rangers will also conduct guided snowshoe treks to Taggart Lake, as well as five full-moon snowshoe hikes.

Daily snowshoe hikes begin on Wednesday, December 26 at the Discovery Center in Moose, Wyoming. These two-hour excursions are offered every day at 1:30 p.m. and previous experience is not necessary. Snowshoes are provided for a fee of $5 for adults and $2 for children, 8 years and up.

For something different, join rangers for a snowshoe trek across glittering snow and under a bright full moon. These two-hour outings travel a level section of one of the park's snow-covered trails. Previous snowshoe experience is not required, and snowshoes are provided free of charge for these hikes. Full moon excursions are offered once a month on the following dates:

December 27 (Thursday) from 6:00-8:00 p.m.
January 26 (Saturday) from 6:00-8:00 p.m.
February 24 (Sunday) from 6:00-8:00 p.m.
March 26 (Tuesday) from 7:30-9:30 p.m.
April 24 (Wednesday from 7:30-9:30 p.m.

For more of a challenge, join a guided snowshoe hike to Taggart Lake. Explore the magic of winter and get your blood pumping at the same time. These moderately strenuous excursions gain 400 feet of elevation across a three-mile, round-trip trail to the lake. Dates and times will be announced throughout the winter. Previous snowshoe experience is not required, but may be helpful. Snowshoes are provided for a fee of $5 for adults and $2 for children, 8 years and older.

People have used snowshoes as a means of winter travel for thousands of years. These ranger-led snowshoe outings are designed to introduce beginning and casual snowshoe hikers to a rare experience: oversnow travel across a frozen and pristine landscape in the company of others. Venture into the winter landscape and learn about the natural wonders and unique characteristics that make this season so special.

Those attending any of the snowshoe hikes should wear warm layered clothing, sturdy insulated boots, and a face scarf or ski mask. Bring along an energy snack and water and a sense of adventure.

Reservations are required for all snowshoe hikes. Call the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor center at 307.739.3399 to sign up.


Jeff
Hiking in Glacier National Park

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