Glacier National Park reminds visitors that the entry reservation tickets for Going-to-the-Sun Road become available on Recreation.gov starting today, April 29, at 8am.
Earlier this month, Glacier National Park announced the decision to implement a Going-to-the-Sun Road temporary ticketed entry system for the 2021 season. The tickets were originally planned to be available starting April 29 at 6am, and the time has been changed to 8am. Park officials were recently informed of the time change. The date tickets become available has not changed. Reservations will still begin on April 29.
The system will require visitors to set up an account on www.Recreation.gov and obtain a vehicle entry reservation ticket ($2 nonrefundable fee) to enter Going-to-the-Sun Road at West Glacier, St. Mary, or via Camas Road between 6am and 5pm from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Entry reservation tickets are not required for any other portions of the park (for example Many Glacier, Two Medicine, North Fork, Cut Bank or Chief Mountain Highway) but visitors are still subject to the per vehicle entrance fee.
Visitors may also reserve a ticket through Recreation.gov’s call center. Call centers are open every day of the week from 8am MDT to 10pm MDT. The following lines are available for callers:
* Reservation line (Toll-Free) - (877) 444-6777;
* Reservation line (International) - (606) 515-6777;
* Reservation line (TDD) - (877) 833-6777.
Calling the call center does not give you an advantage towards reserving a ticket.
Entry reservation tickets are included with lodging, camping, transportation, or commercial activity reservations within the Going-to-the-Sun Road corridor. This included entry reservation applies only to the date of your service reservation. Landowners with property within the Going-to-the-Sun Road corridor and affiliated tribal members are also not required to have a Going-to-the-Sun Road entry reservation ticket.
About 3/4 of the entry reservation tickets will be released 60 days in advance on a rolling window, and the remaining entry reservation tickets will be released two days in advance, also on a rolling window.
If you're planning to visit Glacier this year, please note that our hiking website also offers a wide variety of accommodation listings and other things to do to help with all your trip planning.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
Thursday, April 29, 2021
Wednesday, April 28, 2021
Park facilities begin opening for the 2021 summer season
Seasonally operated facilities begin opening for summer operations in Grand Teton National Park and the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway. Visitors to the park are encouraged to plan ahead and recreate responsibly.
The Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center will open for the season on Saturday, May 1. It will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Teton Park Road and Moose-Wilson Road open to motor vehicles on May 1. Colter Bay Visitor Center opens May 7 and will operate daily 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please visit www.nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/hours.htm for all other opening and closing dates for facilities and services within the park.
Grand Teton is expecting and preparing for a very busy summer season. Visitors are highly encouraged to plan ahead and prepare for their upcoming summer trips. Visit Grand Teton’s plan your visit webpage to begin planning.
The park is working to protect employee and visitor health while meeting the National Park Service mission of providing for visitors and protecting park resources. Most visitor facilities and services will be open with modifications to limit the number of people and provide for social distancing.
Visitors to Grand Teton are encouraged to “do your part” and recreate responsibly. Few landscapes in the world are as striking and memorable as that of Grand Teton National Park. The park has so much to offer, whatever your interest. With the help of everyone, we can enjoy this iconic landscape while preserving the park for future generations.
Grand Teton is implementing preventive measures and mitigation actions to reduce the spread of infectious disease. The park is working with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and will adjust operations as needed. Park visitor centers will be open with limited capacity visitor services. The park is also working in collaboration with concessioners to safely provide visitor services for the 2021 season.
An entrance fee is required. Visitors may purchase a seven-day park entrance fee for $35 per vehicle, $30 per motorcycle, or $20 per person, which can be purchased at a park entrance station or through Recreation.gov. Grand Teton National Park annual passes are available at park entrance stations for $70. Interagency passes are also available and valid for entrance at most federal recreation sites including national parks. The interagency pass options are as follows: annual pass for $80, lifetime senior pass for $80, annual senior pass for $20; and access, and military passes are free. Debit or credit card payment is preferred. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/fees.htm.
With more than 240 miles of trails meandering throughout the park, hiking is the absolute best way to see Grand Teton National Park. In addition to the hikes listed above, the park offers a wide variety of outstanding hikes that take-in the best scenery the Tetons have to offer. If you do plan to visit Grand Teton this year, please note that our hiking website also offers a wide variety of accommodation listings and other things to do to help with all your trip planning.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com
Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
The Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center will open for the season on Saturday, May 1. It will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Teton Park Road and Moose-Wilson Road open to motor vehicles on May 1. Colter Bay Visitor Center opens May 7 and will operate daily 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please visit www.nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/hours.htm for all other opening and closing dates for facilities and services within the park.
Grand Teton is expecting and preparing for a very busy summer season. Visitors are highly encouraged to plan ahead and prepare for their upcoming summer trips. Visit Grand Teton’s plan your visit webpage to begin planning.
The park is working to protect employee and visitor health while meeting the National Park Service mission of providing for visitors and protecting park resources. Most visitor facilities and services will be open with modifications to limit the number of people and provide for social distancing.
Visitors to Grand Teton are encouraged to “do your part” and recreate responsibly. Few landscapes in the world are as striking and memorable as that of Grand Teton National Park. The park has so much to offer, whatever your interest. With the help of everyone, we can enjoy this iconic landscape while preserving the park for future generations.
Grand Teton is implementing preventive measures and mitigation actions to reduce the spread of infectious disease. The park is working with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and will adjust operations as needed. Park visitor centers will be open with limited capacity visitor services. The park is also working in collaboration with concessioners to safely provide visitor services for the 2021 season.
An entrance fee is required. Visitors may purchase a seven-day park entrance fee for $35 per vehicle, $30 per motorcycle, or $20 per person, which can be purchased at a park entrance station or through Recreation.gov. Grand Teton National Park annual passes are available at park entrance stations for $70. Interagency passes are also available and valid for entrance at most federal recreation sites including national parks. The interagency pass options are as follows: annual pass for $80, lifetime senior pass for $80, annual senior pass for $20; and access, and military passes are free. Debit or credit card payment is preferred. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/fees.htm.
With more than 240 miles of trails meandering throughout the park, hiking is the absolute best way to see Grand Teton National Park. In addition to the hikes listed above, the park offers a wide variety of outstanding hikes that take-in the best scenery the Tetons have to offer. If you do plan to visit Grand Teton this year, please note that our hiking website also offers a wide variety of accommodation listings and other things to do to help with all your trip planning.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com
Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
Tuesday, April 27, 2021
Montana Recreational Trails Program Seeks Public Comment On 2021 Recommended Awards
Montana State Parks seeks public comments on recommended Recreational Trails Program (RTP) awards for the current 2021 grant cycle. Public comment on the recommended awards is open through Saturday, May 16 at 5:00 pm.
Montana State Parks administers RTP, a federally-funded program which provides funding for trail and trail-related projects across the state. Eligible projects include development and rehabilitation work on urban, rural, and backcountry trails; planning and construction of community trails; snowmobile and cross-country ski trail maintenance and grooming operations; and a variety of trail stewardship and safety education programs.
This year, RTP received 53 applications requesting over $2.66 million. This cycle, $1,563,080.10 is available for funding. The 42 recommended awards total $1,563,080.10
A complete list of recommended awards is available online at: https://fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/grant-programs/recreational-trails, under the “2021 Grant Application Cycle” tab. Copies of individual RTP applications, including environmental review documentation, is available upon request at Carissa.beckwith@mt.gov. All recommended 2021 RTP awards are eligible for a FHWA Categorical Exclusion under NEPA (23 CFR 771.117(c)(23)) and MEPA (ARM 18.2.261(2)(w)).
Public comments must be received by 5:00 pm on Sunday, May 16, 2021. To comment, email FWPRecreationalTrails@mt.gov.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
Montana State Parks administers RTP, a federally-funded program which provides funding for trail and trail-related projects across the state. Eligible projects include development and rehabilitation work on urban, rural, and backcountry trails; planning and construction of community trails; snowmobile and cross-country ski trail maintenance and grooming operations; and a variety of trail stewardship and safety education programs.
This year, RTP received 53 applications requesting over $2.66 million. This cycle, $1,563,080.10 is available for funding. The 42 recommended awards total $1,563,080.10
A complete list of recommended awards is available online at: https://fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/grant-programs/recreational-trails, under the “2021 Grant Application Cycle” tab. Copies of individual RTP applications, including environmental review documentation, is available upon request at Carissa.beckwith@mt.gov. All recommended 2021 RTP awards are eligible for a FHWA Categorical Exclusion under NEPA (23 CFR 771.117(c)(23)) and MEPA (ARM 18.2.261(2)(w)).
Public comments must be received by 5:00 pm on Sunday, May 16, 2021. To comment, email FWPRecreationalTrails@mt.gov.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
Sunday, April 25, 2021
Sperry Chalet is Hiring!
In case you've ever dreamed of working in the beautiful mountains of Glacier National Park, this might be of interest to you:
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
Sperry Chalet is hiring for the 2021 summer season. An amazing opportunity for the right hard working people to spend the summer living and working in the beautiful backcountry of Glacier National Park.For more information on hiking to this iconic backcountry chalet, please click here.
If you or anyone you know would be interested in this opportunity, send us your contact information through our employment page.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
Thursday, April 22, 2021
Bridger-Teton National Forest Plans Trail Maintenance for the Summer Season
The Jackson Ranger District of the Bridger-Teton National Forest is planning several trail projects for the 2021 season. In preparation for the environmental analysis of potential effects associated with proposed trail reconstruction and restoration, The Forest is soliciting comments from interested citizens. A list of planned projects is available on the Forest webpage at https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=59937
Comments on the proposed 2021 projects must be received by May 13, 2021. You may submit comments to: 2021 Trail Projects, Attn: Tim Farris, Jackson Ranger District, P.O. Box 1689, Jackson WY 83001. Comments may also be emailed to timothy.farris@usda.gov If you have any further questions or concerns regarding a proposed trail project contact Timothy Farris, Trails Supervisor, at (307) 739-5414
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
Comments on the proposed 2021 projects must be received by May 13, 2021. You may submit comments to: 2021 Trail Projects, Attn: Tim Farris, Jackson Ranger District, P.O. Box 1689, Jackson WY 83001. Comments may also be emailed to timothy.farris@usda.gov If you have any further questions or concerns regarding a proposed trail project contact Timothy Farris, Trails Supervisor, at (307) 739-5414
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
Monday, April 19, 2021
Grizzly Bear Kills Man in West Yellowstone Area
A grizzly bear was shot and killed Friday while Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks staff investigated the scene of a bear attack that happened Thursday near West Yellowstone.
Thursday’s attack involved a 40-year-old West Yellowstone man, who was mauled just south of the Baker’s Hole campground, about three miles north of West Yellowstone. He was transported to Idaho Falls for treatment of severe injuries. Over the weekend the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office announced that the man died from his injuries on Saturday morning.
FWP staff have not yet been able to talk with the man, who was alone during the bear encounter. The man had bear spray with him, but it’s unclear whether he was able to deploy it during the attack.
The U.S. Forest Service issued an emergency public-safety closure in the area Thursday afternoon. The closure remains in effect.
A group of seven investigators, including FWP game wardens and bear specialists, as well as Forest Service personnel, revisited the site Friday to assess ongoing public safety risks and continue the investigation.
They yelled and made continuous noise as they walked toward the site to haze away any bears in the area. Before they reached the site, a bear began charging the group. Despite multiple attempts by all seven people to haze away the bear, it continued its charge. Due to this immediate safety risk, the bear was shot and died about 20 yards from the group. The bear was an older-age male grizzly.
Investigators later found a moose carcass cached within 50 yards of Thursday’s attack. This indicates the bear was defending a food source during the attack.
Recreationists, residents and people who work outdoors can be prepared for a surprise bear encounter. Activities that are deliberately quiet or fast moving, such as hunting, mountain biking or trail running, put people at greater risk for surprising a bear.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
Thursday’s attack involved a 40-year-old West Yellowstone man, who was mauled just south of the Baker’s Hole campground, about three miles north of West Yellowstone. He was transported to Idaho Falls for treatment of severe injuries. Over the weekend the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office announced that the man died from his injuries on Saturday morning.
FWP staff have not yet been able to talk with the man, who was alone during the bear encounter. The man had bear spray with him, but it’s unclear whether he was able to deploy it during the attack.
The U.S. Forest Service issued an emergency public-safety closure in the area Thursday afternoon. The closure remains in effect.
A group of seven investigators, including FWP game wardens and bear specialists, as well as Forest Service personnel, revisited the site Friday to assess ongoing public safety risks and continue the investigation.
They yelled and made continuous noise as they walked toward the site to haze away any bears in the area. Before they reached the site, a bear began charging the group. Despite multiple attempts by all seven people to haze away the bear, it continued its charge. Due to this immediate safety risk, the bear was shot and died about 20 yards from the group. The bear was an older-age male grizzly.
Investigators later found a moose carcass cached within 50 yards of Thursday’s attack. This indicates the bear was defending a food source during the attack.
Recreationists, residents and people who work outdoors can be prepared for a surprise bear encounter. Activities that are deliberately quiet or fast moving, such as hunting, mountain biking or trail running, put people at greater risk for surprising a bear.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
Saturday, April 17, 2021
Glacier National Park Spring Operations for 2021
Longer days and warmer temperatures mean animals and visitors alike are becoming more active in Glacier National Park. More park operations and services will be available than in 2020, although COVID-19 mitigations and resulting staffing limitations will reduce some services. While full park operations are still a couple of months off, visitors will see increasing recreational opportunities throughout the months of April and May.
Road plowing began the first week of April and will continue until Going-to-the-Sun Road opens over Logan Pass, typically between mid-June and mid-July. Road crews report that snow levels at lower elevations have been less than many years, allowing quick progress to The Loop. Typical years see snowstorms and avalanches continuing through April and May, making it impossible to predict an opening date.
On the west side of the park, Going-to-the Sun Road is open to vehicles approximately 12 miles from the West Entrance to Lake McDonald Lodge. Hikers and bikers may use the road approximately six additional miles to Avalanche Creek when the road crew is working and may go all the way to The Loop on weekends or when the road crew is not working.
On the east side of the park, visitors may drive Going-to-the-Sun Road approximately six miles from St. Mary to Rising Sun. Hiking and biking is allowed as far as the hiker/biker closure, which is determined by changing road crew activity and conditions.
Two Medicine Road is closed at the park boundary. Hikers and bikers may travel farther into the Two Medicine valley.
Many Glacier Road is closed to all public access due to road construction. Many Glacier Road will open for the season on May 28 with road construction necessitating possible 40-minute delays in both directions.
The Inside North Fork Road is closed between the Polebridge Ranger Station and Fish Creek. Road access to Bowman and Kintla Lakes has not yet opened for the season. These dirt roads will open when conditions allow but are prone to intermittent closure in the spring due to muddy conditions.
The Camas Road is open for the season. Road construction on the Camas Road will require 30-minute delays in both directions beginning mid-May. Check the Glacier National Park website for additional information on construction in and around the park.
Quarter Circle Bridge Road, accessing the Apgar Lookout trail, is open for the season.
The park’s free spring hiker/biker shuttle will not run this year due to COVID-19 social distancing requirements. The park is moving forward with plans to operate a shuttle service during the regular season as COVID-19 mitigations allow.
More campgrounds will be open in 2021 than in 2020. St. Mary, Rising Sun, and Cut Bank Campgrounds will not open this year due to staffing limitations in response to COVID-19. Campgrounds scheduled to open in April and May include:
* Apgar Campground opening fully April 23 and currently open for primitive camping.
* Sprague Creek Campground opening May 7.
* Bowman Lake, Kintla Lake, Fish Creek (reservations only), and Two Medicine Campgrounds opening May 28.
All wilderness campgrounds (formerly referred to as backcountry campgrounds) except in the Goat Haunt area will be available in 2021 as conditions allow. Approximately half of the wilderness camping permits were made available for advanced reservations on March 17. Rangers are currently processing the record number of advance reservation applications received. The remaining wilderness camping permits will be available for walk-in campers the day before or day of the trip start date. The Apgar Backcountry Permit Center will open May 1 while stations at Two Medicine, St. Mary, and Many Glacier will open May 29.
All park concessions are expected to operate this summer. Services have been modified to incorporate COVID-19 mitigations. Please check the concessioner websites for updates.
Early season openings include:
* Glacier National Park Lodges are scheduled to open Lake McDonald Campstore on May 7; Lake McDonald Lodge on May 14 with take-out food service; Village Inn at Apgar on May 19; and Two Medicine Campstore on May 28.
* Swan Mountain Outfitters horseback rides are scheduled to begin out of Apgar May 15 and from Lake McDonald Lodge May 22.
* Glacier Park Boat Company boat tours and rentals are scheduled to begin at Lake McDonald on May 15 and Two Medicine on May 29. Apgar boat rentals are scheduled to open May 29.
* Glacier Guides day hikes are scheduled to begin in May.
Private boating will begin on Lake McDonald May 8 with the opening of the Apgar AIS (Aquatic Invasive Species) inspection station. Many Glacier AIS inspections will begin May 29. Also opening May 29 will be a new AIS station at Polebridge for Kintla and Bowman Lakes.
The Apgar Visitor Center will be staffed on weekends beginning April 17, with daily operations beginning May 15. The St. Mary Visitor Center will be open daily starting May 28. Park staff will provide visitor information at outside stations in 2021 to mitigate risks associated with COVID-19.
The new Going-to-the-Sun Road Ticketed Entry reservation system will take effect May 28 with reservations becoming available at recreation.gov April 29. Check the Glacier National Park website for details.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
Road plowing began the first week of April and will continue until Going-to-the-Sun Road opens over Logan Pass, typically between mid-June and mid-July. Road crews report that snow levels at lower elevations have been less than many years, allowing quick progress to The Loop. Typical years see snowstorms and avalanches continuing through April and May, making it impossible to predict an opening date.
On the west side of the park, Going-to-the Sun Road is open to vehicles approximately 12 miles from the West Entrance to Lake McDonald Lodge. Hikers and bikers may use the road approximately six additional miles to Avalanche Creek when the road crew is working and may go all the way to The Loop on weekends or when the road crew is not working.
On the east side of the park, visitors may drive Going-to-the-Sun Road approximately six miles from St. Mary to Rising Sun. Hiking and biking is allowed as far as the hiker/biker closure, which is determined by changing road crew activity and conditions.
Two Medicine Road is closed at the park boundary. Hikers and bikers may travel farther into the Two Medicine valley.
Many Glacier Road is closed to all public access due to road construction. Many Glacier Road will open for the season on May 28 with road construction necessitating possible 40-minute delays in both directions.
The Inside North Fork Road is closed between the Polebridge Ranger Station and Fish Creek. Road access to Bowman and Kintla Lakes has not yet opened for the season. These dirt roads will open when conditions allow but are prone to intermittent closure in the spring due to muddy conditions.
The Camas Road is open for the season. Road construction on the Camas Road will require 30-minute delays in both directions beginning mid-May. Check the Glacier National Park website for additional information on construction in and around the park.
Quarter Circle Bridge Road, accessing the Apgar Lookout trail, is open for the season.
The park’s free spring hiker/biker shuttle will not run this year due to COVID-19 social distancing requirements. The park is moving forward with plans to operate a shuttle service during the regular season as COVID-19 mitigations allow.
More campgrounds will be open in 2021 than in 2020. St. Mary, Rising Sun, and Cut Bank Campgrounds will not open this year due to staffing limitations in response to COVID-19. Campgrounds scheduled to open in April and May include:
* Apgar Campground opening fully April 23 and currently open for primitive camping.
* Sprague Creek Campground opening May 7.
* Bowman Lake, Kintla Lake, Fish Creek (reservations only), and Two Medicine Campgrounds opening May 28.
All wilderness campgrounds (formerly referred to as backcountry campgrounds) except in the Goat Haunt area will be available in 2021 as conditions allow. Approximately half of the wilderness camping permits were made available for advanced reservations on March 17. Rangers are currently processing the record number of advance reservation applications received. The remaining wilderness camping permits will be available for walk-in campers the day before or day of the trip start date. The Apgar Backcountry Permit Center will open May 1 while stations at Two Medicine, St. Mary, and Many Glacier will open May 29.
All park concessions are expected to operate this summer. Services have been modified to incorporate COVID-19 mitigations. Please check the concessioner websites for updates.
Early season openings include:
* Glacier National Park Lodges are scheduled to open Lake McDonald Campstore on May 7; Lake McDonald Lodge on May 14 with take-out food service; Village Inn at Apgar on May 19; and Two Medicine Campstore on May 28.
* Swan Mountain Outfitters horseback rides are scheduled to begin out of Apgar May 15 and from Lake McDonald Lodge May 22.
* Glacier Park Boat Company boat tours and rentals are scheduled to begin at Lake McDonald on May 15 and Two Medicine on May 29. Apgar boat rentals are scheduled to open May 29.
* Glacier Guides day hikes are scheduled to begin in May.
Private boating will begin on Lake McDonald May 8 with the opening of the Apgar AIS (Aquatic Invasive Species) inspection station. Many Glacier AIS inspections will begin May 29. Also opening May 29 will be a new AIS station at Polebridge for Kintla and Bowman Lakes.
The Apgar Visitor Center will be staffed on weekends beginning April 17, with daily operations beginning May 15. The St. Mary Visitor Center will be open daily starting May 28. Park staff will provide visitor information at outside stations in 2021 to mitigate risks associated with COVID-19.
The new Going-to-the-Sun Road Ticketed Entry reservation system will take effect May 28 with reservations becoming available at recreation.gov April 29. Check the Glacier National Park website for details.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
Wednesday, April 14, 2021
Woman Injured in Virginia City Moose Encounter
A woman was injured last Friday evening in a surprise close encounter with a moose in Virginia City, Montana.
The 66-year-old woman was walking her dogs along Cover Street when a cow moose charged at her from a patch of willow trees nearby. The woman suffered a fractured wrist during the encounter.
A game warden with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks assessed the area and spoke with the woman, who said the cow moose was accompanied by a yearling calf. FWP staff will monitor moose activity in this area, but no further management action is planned at this time.
Moose are common in southwest Montana and can be defensive and dangerous in surprise close encounters with people. This is especially true of cow moose with calves. Keep these precautions in mind to avoid negative encounters with moose:
* Be aware of your surroundings and be especially careful around creeks and in areas with dense brush.
* Travel in groups whenever possible and make casual noise to alert animals to your presence.
* If you encounter a moose, give it lots of space and don’t approach it. Always keep dogs under control.
* If a moose charges or chases you, take cover behind something solid, such as a tree.
* In some situations, bear spray has been known to be an effective defense tool in moose encounters.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
The 66-year-old woman was walking her dogs along Cover Street when a cow moose charged at her from a patch of willow trees nearby. The woman suffered a fractured wrist during the encounter.
A game warden with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks assessed the area and spoke with the woman, who said the cow moose was accompanied by a yearling calf. FWP staff will monitor moose activity in this area, but no further management action is planned at this time.
Moose are common in southwest Montana and can be defensive and dangerous in surprise close encounters with people. This is especially true of cow moose with calves. Keep these precautions in mind to avoid negative encounters with moose:
* Be aware of your surroundings and be especially careful around creeks and in areas with dense brush.
* Travel in groups whenever possible and make casual noise to alert animals to your presence.
* If you encounter a moose, give it lots of space and don’t approach it. Always keep dogs under control.
* If a moose charges or chases you, take cover behind something solid, such as a tree.
* In some situations, bear spray has been known to be an effective defense tool in moose encounters.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
Monday, April 12, 2021
COVID-19 Pandemic Causes Impacts and Opportunities for U.S. National Parks
National Park Service staff studying effects of the Coronavirus pandemic found wide variations in park visitation, fewer park programs, gaps in long-term monitoring of natural and cultural resources, and lost park-related employment across the U.S. in 2020.
“One of the greatest impacts of the pandemic for national parks is all of the lost opportunities for education and employment that national parks and partner organizations provide for people starting their careers,” said Abe Miller-Rushing, science coordinator at Acadia National Park and the lead author of a study recently published in the journal Biological Conservation.
Findings in the paper show that in the early stages of the pandemic in April 2020, visitation to U.S. national parks declined by about 87 percent. In some parks visitation rebounded quickly as the summer progressed, while in others it remained low. For example, Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska got less than 10 percent of its normal visitation in 2020.
Other parks, particularly those near urban areas, experienced increased numbers of visitors as people sought safe areas for recreation and exercise. At Indiana Dunes National Park, an additional 150,000 people visited in 2020 compared to the previous year. Park officials attributed at least part of the increase to beach closures in other public spaces.
Miller-Rushing said researchers are still evaluating how these changes in visitation and traffic affected wildlife, cultural resources, and environmental conditions like air quality and noise pollution. Many long-term research projects and management actions at national parks were delayed or cancelled due to COVID 19, which complicates the challenge of collecting adequate data for analysis. Limited staffing forced some parks to prioritize resource protection activities, such as at Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina and Virginia, where only six of 33 active studies continued. Because they were unable to carry out fieldwork, many NPS scientific staff shifted to analyzing past data or relied on gathering data by automated monitoring equipment.
Parks and partner organizations hired fewer seasonal employees and cancelled many internship programs, creating hardships for those who rely on these opportunities to gain experience and skills. The authors estimated that these changes affected the careers of 47,946 youth volunteers, interns, and conservation corps members. “These lost opportunities will have cascading impacts on students and early career researchers, managers, and educators during the coming years,” Miller-Rushing said.
At the same time, other opportunities for education increased. Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming and Montana, and many other parks and partners, offered more online programs and content. Visits to these online education resources spiked when schools shifted to remote learning in the spring of 2020.
For more information, the pre-print of the paper can be found at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006320721000902#s0150
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
“One of the greatest impacts of the pandemic for national parks is all of the lost opportunities for education and employment that national parks and partner organizations provide for people starting their careers,” said Abe Miller-Rushing, science coordinator at Acadia National Park and the lead author of a study recently published in the journal Biological Conservation.
Findings in the paper show that in the early stages of the pandemic in April 2020, visitation to U.S. national parks declined by about 87 percent. In some parks visitation rebounded quickly as the summer progressed, while in others it remained low. For example, Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska got less than 10 percent of its normal visitation in 2020.
Other parks, particularly those near urban areas, experienced increased numbers of visitors as people sought safe areas for recreation and exercise. At Indiana Dunes National Park, an additional 150,000 people visited in 2020 compared to the previous year. Park officials attributed at least part of the increase to beach closures in other public spaces.
Miller-Rushing said researchers are still evaluating how these changes in visitation and traffic affected wildlife, cultural resources, and environmental conditions like air quality and noise pollution. Many long-term research projects and management actions at national parks were delayed or cancelled due to COVID 19, which complicates the challenge of collecting adequate data for analysis. Limited staffing forced some parks to prioritize resource protection activities, such as at Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina and Virginia, where only six of 33 active studies continued. Because they were unable to carry out fieldwork, many NPS scientific staff shifted to analyzing past data or relied on gathering data by automated monitoring equipment.
Parks and partner organizations hired fewer seasonal employees and cancelled many internship programs, creating hardships for those who rely on these opportunities to gain experience and skills. The authors estimated that these changes affected the careers of 47,946 youth volunteers, interns, and conservation corps members. “These lost opportunities will have cascading impacts on students and early career researchers, managers, and educators during the coming years,” Miller-Rushing said.
At the same time, other opportunities for education increased. Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming and Montana, and many other parks and partners, offered more online programs and content. Visits to these online education resources spiked when schools shifted to remote learning in the spring of 2020.
For more information, the pre-print of the paper can be found at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006320721000902#s0150
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
Friday, April 9, 2021
2021 Yellowstone road construction projects to improve visitor safety, access and experience; Tower-Roosevelt to Canyon Junction road closure
Three major road construction projects will occur in Yellowstone National Park in 2021. One project will have a complete closure between Tower-Roosevelt and Canyon Junction, while two projects will cause delays and/or traffic pattern changes (Old Faithful Overpass Bridge and North Entrance).
Tower-Roosevelt to Canyon Junction (Dunraven Pass)
* The road between Tower-Roosevelt and Canyon Junction will be completely closed for the 2021 season.
* There will be no access to the Mount Washburn trails. Yellowstone has 1,100 miles of hiking trails. In lieu of Mount Washburn, consider hiking Bunsen Peak near Mammoth Hot Springs, Purple Mountain north of Madison Junction or Avalanche Peak along the East Entrance Road.
* This is the second year of the project that will widen the road and provide additional/improved pullouts, create a larger, safer parking area at Tower Fall General Store and improve the Tower Fall’s trail and overlook.
* The project’s anticipated completion date is May 2022.
Old Faithful Overpass Bridge
* Expect delays up to 15 minutes to accommodate one-lane travel over the overpass bridge.
* Travelers will be able to access Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser Basin, lodges, stores, clinic and gas station.
* The project will include several repairs to the bridge and approaches.
* The project’s anticipated completion date is fall 2021.
North Entrance
* Expect construction and traffic pattern changes around the North Entrance.
* The entrance station will be open.
* The project will improve infrastructure, safety for pedestrians and traffic flow for vehicles. It will also reduce lines at the entrance.
* The project’s anticipated completion date is fall 2021.
Drive slowly through road construction and be alert to workers, heavy equipment, wildlife and other hazards.
Visit park roads for the status of Yellowstone roads. Receive Yellowstone road alerts on your mobile phone by texting “82190” to 888-777 (an automatic text reply will confirm receipt and provide instructions). In addition, call 307-344-2117 for recorded information.
Select roads and services in Yellowstone National Park will open for the season, weather permitting, on April 16.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
Tower-Roosevelt to Canyon Junction (Dunraven Pass)
* The road between Tower-Roosevelt and Canyon Junction will be completely closed for the 2021 season.
* There will be no access to the Mount Washburn trails. Yellowstone has 1,100 miles of hiking trails. In lieu of Mount Washburn, consider hiking Bunsen Peak near Mammoth Hot Springs, Purple Mountain north of Madison Junction or Avalanche Peak along the East Entrance Road.
* This is the second year of the project that will widen the road and provide additional/improved pullouts, create a larger, safer parking area at Tower Fall General Store and improve the Tower Fall’s trail and overlook.
* The project’s anticipated completion date is May 2022.
Old Faithful Overpass Bridge
* Expect delays up to 15 minutes to accommodate one-lane travel over the overpass bridge.
* Travelers will be able to access Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser Basin, lodges, stores, clinic and gas station.
* The project will include several repairs to the bridge and approaches.
* The project’s anticipated completion date is fall 2021.
North Entrance
* Expect construction and traffic pattern changes around the North Entrance.
* The entrance station will be open.
* The project will improve infrastructure, safety for pedestrians and traffic flow for vehicles. It will also reduce lines at the entrance.
* The project’s anticipated completion date is fall 2021.
Drive slowly through road construction and be alert to workers, heavy equipment, wildlife and other hazards.
Visit park roads for the status of Yellowstone roads. Receive Yellowstone road alerts on your mobile phone by texting “82190” to 888-777 (an automatic text reply will confirm receipt and provide instructions). In addition, call 307-344-2117 for recorded information.
Select roads and services in Yellowstone National Park will open for the season, weather permitting, on April 16.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
Wednesday, April 7, 2021
Park implements changes on Teton Park Road in response to expected busy spring
Enjoying the park and getting outside via non-motorized travel on the Teton Park Road between the Taggart Lake Trailhead and Signal Mountain Lodge is an incredible spring experience for many. Park visitors are reminded to recreate responsibly, especially during the on-going COVID-19 pandemic, as they enjoy the outdoor opportunity.
The 14-mile section of the Teton Park Road is currently open to non-motorized travel through Friday, April 30, including walking, bicycling and rollerblading. The road will open to public motor vehicle traffic on Saturday, May 1.
Recent recreational use on the Teton Park Road has been very busy. Park staff anticipated a busy spring season on the road and implemented several changes. These changes include increased parking access between the Taggart Lake Trailhead and Cottonwood Picnic Area during peak use, a staffed mobile information trailer, and additional portable restrooms. There will also be increased signage to encourage speed reduction for everyone’s safety.
The mobile information trailer and National Park Service volunteers providing visitor information are supported through generous donations from the Grand Teton National Park Foundation.
Recreationalists on the Teton Park Road should use caution, as there may be snow and ice on some sections of the road creating slick conditions and be alert for park vehicles that periodically travel the road for administrative purpose. Road crews may be clearing auxiliary roads and wayside areas, and visitors are cautioned to stay away from rotary plows and other heavy equipment.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
The 14-mile section of the Teton Park Road is currently open to non-motorized travel through Friday, April 30, including walking, bicycling and rollerblading. The road will open to public motor vehicle traffic on Saturday, May 1.
Recent recreational use on the Teton Park Road has been very busy. Park staff anticipated a busy spring season on the road and implemented several changes. These changes include increased parking access between the Taggart Lake Trailhead and Cottonwood Picnic Area during peak use, a staffed mobile information trailer, and additional portable restrooms. There will also be increased signage to encourage speed reduction for everyone’s safety.
The mobile information trailer and National Park Service volunteers providing visitor information are supported through generous donations from the Grand Teton National Park Foundation.
Recreationalists on the Teton Park Road should use caution, as there may be snow and ice on some sections of the road creating slick conditions and be alert for park vehicles that periodically travel the road for administrative purpose. Road crews may be clearing auxiliary roads and wayside areas, and visitors are cautioned to stay away from rotary plows and other heavy equipment.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
Thursday, April 1, 2021
Glacier National Park Announces Going-to-the-Sun Road Temporary Ticketed Entry System
Glacier National Park announced yesterday the decision to implement a Going-to-the-Sun Road temporary ticketed entry system for the 2021 season. Going-to-the-Sun entry reservation tickets will be available at www.Recreation.gov starting April 29, barring any unforeseen delays.
The system will require visitors to set up an account on www.Recreation.gov and obtain a vehicle entry reservation ticket at ($2 nonrefundable fee) to enter the 50 mile long Going-to-the-Sun Road (GTSR) corridor at the West Glacier and St. Mary entrances between 6 AM and 5 PM from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
Entry reservation tickets will not be required for those with lodging, camping, transportation, or commercial activity within the GTSR corridor. Landowners with property within the GTSR corridor and affiliated tribal members are also not required to have a GTSR entry reservation ticket.
Glacier National Park saw record numbers of visitors in the last few years. This season is predicted to be one of the busiest on record.
“We have the making of a perfect storm this season,” said Park Superintendent Jeff Mow. “Not only do we have ongoing COVID-19 mitigations and reduced staffing, but we are also facing construction delays inside and around the park.”
In 2020, park officials implemented temporary closures 29 times in 25 days at the park’s West Entrance which at times resulted in backups along Highway 2. The ticketed entry system offers visitors increased certainty that they will be able to enter the park while reducing or eliminating the need for closures at the park’s west entrance.
“The goal is to maximize access while avoiding congestion that results in temporary closures of park entrance gates,” says Mow.
Numbers will be tracked each day and additional entry reservation tickets will be available if there is additional capacity. There will be fewer entry reservation tickets available prior to the full opening of GTSR. When the road opens, the number of entry reservation tickets available will increase. The date for GTSR opening is unknown at this time and subject to weather and plowing progress. The park plans to start plowing GTSR on April 5.
About two-thirds of the entry reservation tickets will be released for 60 days advance purchase on a rolling window, and the remaining entry reservation tickets will be released for 48 hours advance purchase, also on a rolling window. For example, on June 2 a visitor could purchase entry reservation tickets 48 hours in advance for entry on June 4. They could also purchase an entry reservation ticket 60 days in advance for entry on August 2.
Additional information:
* The entrance fee for Glacier National Park is $35.00 per vehicle ($30 for motorcycles) and is good for seven days. The nonrefundable $2.00 GTSR entry reservation ticket is in addition to the entrance fee and is also valid for 7 days. Both are required to drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road. If you hold a valid Interagency Annual/Lifetime Pass or a Glacier National Park Annual Pass, you will only have to purchase the $2.00 nonrefundable GTSR entry reservation ticket.
* Visitors only need one entry reservation ticket per vehicle which will be valid for 7 days.
* Visitors who purchase a GTSR entry reservation ticket will receive an e-mail confirmation from recreation.gov with an attached entry reservation ticket. Print out a copy of your entry reservation ticket or download on your mobile device or on the www.Recreation.gov mobile app prior to arriving at the park. All reservations are non-transferable and considered void if the reservation holder is not in the vehicle upon entering. A photo ID will be required by the reservation holder. If a visitor claims to have a valid Interagency Annual/Lifetime Pass or a Glacier National Park Annual Pass when making the reservation, the pass must also be shown at time of entry.
* GTSR entry reservation tickets are not required for any other portions of the park (for example Many Glacier, Two Medicine, North Fork, Cut Bank, Chief Mountain Highway), but visitors are still subject to the per vehicle entrance fee.
* Vehicles that arrive with reservations within the GTSR corridor such as at a campground, Lake McDonald Lodge, or a chalet do not need a GTSR entry reservation ticket for the dates listed on the reservation, but are subject to the per vehicle entrance fee Visitors who have reservations for commercial services such as a horseback ride, boat ride or guided hike or other permitted special use and commercial use also do not need a GTSR entry reservation ticket but are subject to the per vehicle entrance fee. Visitors must provide a copy of their reservation, along with a photo ID, as proof at the time of entry.
* If a visitor arrives at the West Glacier or St. Mary entrance without a GTSR entry reservation ticket, they will be turned away but can go online at www.Recreation.gov to see if an entry reservation ticket is available for that day. This may be possible if entry reservation tickets are not sold out.
* GTSR entry reservation tickets will not be sold at the park, and are only available online at www.Recreation.gov. Visitors will still be able to pay per vehicle entrance fees at the park.
* A GTSR entry reservation ticket does not guarantee a parking space. Parking will continue to be in demand at popular locations such as Avalanche, Logan Pass and St. Mary Falls areas.
If you're planning to visit Glacier this year, please note that our hiking website also offers a wide variety of accommodation listings and other things to do to help with all your trip planning.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
The system will require visitors to set up an account on www.Recreation.gov and obtain a vehicle entry reservation ticket at ($2 nonrefundable fee) to enter the 50 mile long Going-to-the-Sun Road (GTSR) corridor at the West Glacier and St. Mary entrances between 6 AM and 5 PM from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
Entry reservation tickets will not be required for those with lodging, camping, transportation, or commercial activity within the GTSR corridor. Landowners with property within the GTSR corridor and affiliated tribal members are also not required to have a GTSR entry reservation ticket.
Glacier National Park saw record numbers of visitors in the last few years. This season is predicted to be one of the busiest on record.
“We have the making of a perfect storm this season,” said Park Superintendent Jeff Mow. “Not only do we have ongoing COVID-19 mitigations and reduced staffing, but we are also facing construction delays inside and around the park.”
In 2020, park officials implemented temporary closures 29 times in 25 days at the park’s West Entrance which at times resulted in backups along Highway 2. The ticketed entry system offers visitors increased certainty that they will be able to enter the park while reducing or eliminating the need for closures at the park’s west entrance.
“The goal is to maximize access while avoiding congestion that results in temporary closures of park entrance gates,” says Mow.
Numbers will be tracked each day and additional entry reservation tickets will be available if there is additional capacity. There will be fewer entry reservation tickets available prior to the full opening of GTSR. When the road opens, the number of entry reservation tickets available will increase. The date for GTSR opening is unknown at this time and subject to weather and plowing progress. The park plans to start plowing GTSR on April 5.
About two-thirds of the entry reservation tickets will be released for 60 days advance purchase on a rolling window, and the remaining entry reservation tickets will be released for 48 hours advance purchase, also on a rolling window. For example, on June 2 a visitor could purchase entry reservation tickets 48 hours in advance for entry on June 4. They could also purchase an entry reservation ticket 60 days in advance for entry on August 2.
Additional information:
* The entrance fee for Glacier National Park is $35.00 per vehicle ($30 for motorcycles) and is good for seven days. The nonrefundable $2.00 GTSR entry reservation ticket is in addition to the entrance fee and is also valid for 7 days. Both are required to drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road. If you hold a valid Interagency Annual/Lifetime Pass or a Glacier National Park Annual Pass, you will only have to purchase the $2.00 nonrefundable GTSR entry reservation ticket.
* Visitors only need one entry reservation ticket per vehicle which will be valid for 7 days.
* Visitors who purchase a GTSR entry reservation ticket will receive an e-mail confirmation from recreation.gov with an attached entry reservation ticket. Print out a copy of your entry reservation ticket or download on your mobile device or on the www.Recreation.gov mobile app prior to arriving at the park. All reservations are non-transferable and considered void if the reservation holder is not in the vehicle upon entering. A photo ID will be required by the reservation holder. If a visitor claims to have a valid Interagency Annual/Lifetime Pass or a Glacier National Park Annual Pass when making the reservation, the pass must also be shown at time of entry.
* GTSR entry reservation tickets are not required for any other portions of the park (for example Many Glacier, Two Medicine, North Fork, Cut Bank, Chief Mountain Highway), but visitors are still subject to the per vehicle entrance fee.
* Vehicles that arrive with reservations within the GTSR corridor such as at a campground, Lake McDonald Lodge, or a chalet do not need a GTSR entry reservation ticket for the dates listed on the reservation, but are subject to the per vehicle entrance fee Visitors who have reservations for commercial services such as a horseback ride, boat ride or guided hike or other permitted special use and commercial use also do not need a GTSR entry reservation ticket but are subject to the per vehicle entrance fee. Visitors must provide a copy of their reservation, along with a photo ID, as proof at the time of entry.
* If a visitor arrives at the West Glacier or St. Mary entrance without a GTSR entry reservation ticket, they will be turned away but can go online at www.Recreation.gov to see if an entry reservation ticket is available for that day. This may be possible if entry reservation tickets are not sold out.
* GTSR entry reservation tickets will not be sold at the park, and are only available online at www.Recreation.gov. Visitors will still be able to pay per vehicle entrance fees at the park.
* A GTSR entry reservation ticket does not guarantee a parking space. Parking will continue to be in demand at popular locations such as Avalanche, Logan Pass and St. Mary Falls areas.
If you're planning to visit Glacier this year, please note that our hiking website also offers a wide variety of accommodation listings and other things to do to help with all your trip planning.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)