Concerns over visitor safety have prompted officials at Yellowstone National Park to temporarily close a popular viewpoint.
Inspiration Point is one many popular spots along the North Rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone from which visitors may view Lower Falls.
The last two tiers of concrete stairs leading to the viewing platform and the platform itself have deteriorated over time.
Due to concerns of visitor safety, the lower section of steps and the viewing platform are temporarily closed.
Park staff members are assessing the damage and determining how to move forward with repair or replacement of the failed stairway and platform.
It is not yet known when the area may reopen to visitors.
Jeff
Hiking Glacier National Park
Showing posts with label Inspiration Point. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Inspiration Point. Show all posts
Friday, June 21, 2013
Monday, August 27, 2012
Scoping Period Initiated for Jenny Lake Renewal Project
Superintendent Mary Gibson Scott announced last week that Grand Teton National Park is developing a long-range plan for the renewal of trails and other facilities in the Jenny Lake area-one of the most popular day-use areas of the park. Situated at the base of the Teton Range, the historic Jenny Lake area provides both visitor information and services and access to several trails. These trails provide opportunities for hiking along the valley floor as well as more strenuous treks into the park's backcountry.
Over 1.5 million visitors annually use the Jenny Lake trails and associated facilities. Due to this intensive visitor use over many decades, the area has deteriorated over time. Examples of the decline include poor drainage and steep pitches on portions of the trails (some of which were built in the 1930s), trail erosion, over-crowding on trails and viewing areas, trampled vegetation and bare ground, challenging route finding, and limited interpretation of the rich natural and cultural history.
Four areas will be considered in the planning process. These include South Jenny Lake, Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point, the String Lake outlet, and the Jenny Lake overlook. Project priorities are to: retain the historic character of the area; improve route finding; expand interpretation of Jenny Lake's history, natural resources, and wilderness values; preserve and enhance the natural resources; and improve the overall visitor experience.
This scoping seeks public suggestions, comments, and concerns in the development of a master plan for the Jenny Lake area. An environmental assessment (EA) will be developed to analyze potential impacts of the project to a number of resources including geology, soils, vegetation, wildlife, cultural resources, water resources, wilderness character, and visitor use and experience. Additional public comments will be considered during preparation of the EA.
The National Park Service requests public comments on issues, alternatives, concerns and other considerations regarding this proposal. Interested individuals, organizations or agencies are invited to provide relevant information or suggestions for consideration by park managers before a draft EA is written and made available for public review this winter. Scoping comments will be accepted through September 15, 2012.
The upcoming Jenny Lake Renewal EA will address all of the proposed management actions, along with their potential impacts. Obtain more information, including maps of the area, and submit comments online at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/grte or by mail to:
Grand Teton National Park
P.O. Drawer 170
Moose, WY, 83012
c/o Margaret Wilson
Jeff
Glacier National Park Trails
Over 1.5 million visitors annually use the Jenny Lake trails and associated facilities. Due to this intensive visitor use over many decades, the area has deteriorated over time. Examples of the decline include poor drainage and steep pitches on portions of the trails (some of which were built in the 1930s), trail erosion, over-crowding on trails and viewing areas, trampled vegetation and bare ground, challenging route finding, and limited interpretation of the rich natural and cultural history.
Four areas will be considered in the planning process. These include South Jenny Lake, Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point, the String Lake outlet, and the Jenny Lake overlook. Project priorities are to: retain the historic character of the area; improve route finding; expand interpretation of Jenny Lake's history, natural resources, and wilderness values; preserve and enhance the natural resources; and improve the overall visitor experience.This scoping seeks public suggestions, comments, and concerns in the development of a master plan for the Jenny Lake area. An environmental assessment (EA) will be developed to analyze potential impacts of the project to a number of resources including geology, soils, vegetation, wildlife, cultural resources, water resources, wilderness character, and visitor use and experience. Additional public comments will be considered during preparation of the EA.
The National Park Service requests public comments on issues, alternatives, concerns and other considerations regarding this proposal. Interested individuals, organizations or agencies are invited to provide relevant information or suggestions for consideration by park managers before a draft EA is written and made available for public review this winter. Scoping comments will be accepted through September 15, 2012.
The upcoming Jenny Lake Renewal EA will address all of the proposed management actions, along with their potential impacts. Obtain more information, including maps of the area, and submit comments online at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/grte or by mail to:
Grand Teton National Park
P.O. Drawer 170
Moose, WY, 83012
c/o Margaret Wilson
Jeff
Glacier National Park Trails
Friday, June 8, 2012
Teen Dies after fall from Inspiration Point in Yellowstone
An 18-year-old woman died yesterday in an accidental fall near Inspiration Point in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
The woman, a Yellowstone concession employee on her first day in the park, was hiking the canyon's North Rim Trail with three other acquaintances when she ventured out off trail onto a loose rock promontory, which quickly gave way underneath her.
Yellowstone Rangers responded to a 911 cell phone call received at 5:44 p.m. Thursday, reporting a woman had fallen into the canyon. Rangers with the assistance of ground spotters and a Teton Interagency helicopter observed the woman's body resting approximately 400 feet down the canyon wall. They concluded that she had sustained non-survivable injuries.
Despite the hazardous terrain, the body was successfully recovered from the canyon by short-haul helicopter operation at approximately noon today.
The victim's identity is being withheld until next of kin can be notified.
Visitors are reminded that hiking close to canyon rims in the park is extremely dangerous. Staying on posted, designated canyon rim trails is a must due to the instability of loose dirt and rock near ledges.
Jeff
Hiking in Glacier.com
The woman, a Yellowstone concession employee on her first day in the park, was hiking the canyon's North Rim Trail with three other acquaintances when she ventured out off trail onto a loose rock promontory, which quickly gave way underneath her.
Yellowstone Rangers responded to a 911 cell phone call received at 5:44 p.m. Thursday, reporting a woman had fallen into the canyon. Rangers with the assistance of ground spotters and a Teton Interagency helicopter observed the woman's body resting approximately 400 feet down the canyon wall. They concluded that she had sustained non-survivable injuries.
Despite the hazardous terrain, the body was successfully recovered from the canyon by short-haul helicopter operation at approximately noon today.
The victim's identity is being withheld until next of kin can be notified.
Visitors are reminded that hiking close to canyon rims in the park is extremely dangerous. Staying on posted, designated canyon rim trails is a must due to the instability of loose dirt and rock near ledges.
Jeff
Hiking in Glacier.com
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Jenny Lake Trail Restoration Project
Trail conditions in the Grand Tetons have declined dramatically over the past twenty years, and will soon reach a critical state. In an effort to reverse this trend, the Grand Teton National Park Foundation will launch a large-scale restoration program this year that will initially focus on the Jenny Lake Trail. This project will extend from the parking lot, around the lake, and include the spurs that lead to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point.
The Jenny Lake restoration project will be the park's signature project that honors the National Park Service's 100th anniversary in 2016, and will launch a wider-spread effort that will upgrade Grand Teton's most prominent trails and provide for their long-term care. Jenny Lake is the park's most traveled route, but receives a limited amount of maintenance each year. Massive erosion and denuded soils have created a dangerous experience for visitors that has resulted in many injuries each summer, and a degradation of natural resources.
Here are some of the Jenny Lake Trail restoration highlights:
• Rebuild over 9 miles of trail and create trail sustainability
• Replace 4 aging bridges and replace/create multiple stone retaining walls
• Incorporate numerous interpretive wayside exhibits
• Rehabilitate thousands of square feet of denuded landscape
• Create a sustainable, low-impact viewing area for Hidden Falls
• Redesign the confusing Jenny Lake complex to provide clear access to the sights
The hike into Cascade Canyon from Jenny Lake is truly one of the great hikes in our National Park System. If you would like to help the Grand Teton National Park Foundation, please visit their website by clicking here.
Jeff
Hiking in Glacier.com
The Jenny Lake restoration project will be the park's signature project that honors the National Park Service's 100th anniversary in 2016, and will launch a wider-spread effort that will upgrade Grand Teton's most prominent trails and provide for their long-term care. Jenny Lake is the park's most traveled route, but receives a limited amount of maintenance each year. Massive erosion and denuded soils have created a dangerous experience for visitors that has resulted in many injuries each summer, and a degradation of natural resources.Here are some of the Jenny Lake Trail restoration highlights:
• Rebuild over 9 miles of trail and create trail sustainability
• Replace 4 aging bridges and replace/create multiple stone retaining walls
• Incorporate numerous interpretive wayside exhibits
• Rehabilitate thousands of square feet of denuded landscape
• Create a sustainable, low-impact viewing area for Hidden Falls
• Redesign the confusing Jenny Lake complex to provide clear access to the sights
The hike into Cascade Canyon from Jenny Lake is truly one of the great hikes in our National Park System. If you would like to help the Grand Teton National Park Foundation, please visit their website by clicking here.
Jeff
Hiking in Glacier.com
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Hiking a Classic: Cascade Canyon Trail in the Grand Tetons
The Cascade Canyon Trail in Grand Teton National Park is often rated as one of the best trails in the United States. If you’ve ever had the opportunity to hike this gem you would probably have to agree.
Having such notoriety bestowed upon it, the trail is naturally going to be one of the most popular destinations in the park. Our last visit to Cascade Canyon several years ago was no exception. In fact, this hike is probably one of the most memorable hikes we’ve ever had – and that’s not just due to the majestic mountain scenery.
Roughly a mile-and-a-half from the boat dock at Jenny Lake we caught up with a large group of hikers making a bit of a commotion. Based on their accents we assumed they were tourists from Germany. The clear “leader” of this group, a muscular guy without a shirt and wearing a bandana, whom we appropriately nicknamed “Rambo”, was banging the ground with a large stick. He and his fellow travelers were all yelling at a young black bear as it walked along the trail only a few yards in front of them.
The absurd part of the story is that the bear really didn’t care how loud these people yelled. He just continued strolling down the trail at his own leisurely pace. With the Germans in front of us, we literally followed the bear for nearly a mile before he decided he'd had enough and meandered off into the woods. We took this opportunity to double-time it in order to get away from this loud and obnoxious group.
Don’t try this at home! I never would’ve gotten this close had there not been so many other people around:
Later on, near the Forks of Cascade Canyon, we came across another commotion. This time there were several people off the side of the trail watching two bull moose engage in a turf battle. Naturally we wanted to check out the struggle ourselves. However, just as we arrived, the smaller moose waived the white flag, licked his proverbial wounds, and wandered out of the danger zone. Most of the people continued to stick around to snap a few more photos of the victor. But as the number of onlookers grew in size, and people tried to get a little closer, the moose became visibly agitated. Giving us fair warning, he began thrashing his antlers in the brush before suddenly rushing across the creek towards us. In an instant everyone scattered to the wind. Fortunately, it was only a bluff charge that ended just as quickly as it started, but I guarantee that everyone’s heart was racing for several moments afterward. As you might expect, that ended the photo shoot.
So, to complete our hike, we continued on to the forks. On our return trip I was able to get a shot of the moose while no one else around:
The hike to the forks is roughly 6.5 miles one-way. However, you can subtract two miles each way by taking the shuttle boat across Jenny Lake.
Many people prefer to end their hike at Inspiration Point, satisfied with the spectacular panoramic views of Jenny Lake and Jackson Hole:
Just beyond Inspiration Point, Mt. Owen comes into view:
Cascade Creek and Mt. Owen a mile above:
From Jenny Lake to the Forks of Cascade Canyon, the trail gains a little more than 1000 feet. Most of that elevation gain occurs in the first mile or so (above Jenny Lake). Just beyond Inspiration Point, the trail levels out as it passes through the U-shaped, glacially sculpted Cascade Canyon. The trail offers spectacular close-up views of Grand Teton, Mt. Owen and Teewinot Mountain. Although the trail can be quite crowded during peak tourist season, it's still a trek every hiker should experience at least once in their life.
Parting shot: this photo was taken the morning we left for home. We were extremely lucky to have come across this vantage point near Moran Junction just as a cloud bank was passing mid-way below the summit of Mount Moran. This is one of my all-time favorite shots:
Must-Do Hikes in Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons
Jeff
Hiking in Glacier.com
Having such notoriety bestowed upon it, the trail is naturally going to be one of the most popular destinations in the park. Our last visit to Cascade Canyon several years ago was no exception. In fact, this hike is probably one of the most memorable hikes we’ve ever had – and that’s not just due to the majestic mountain scenery.
Roughly a mile-and-a-half from the boat dock at Jenny Lake we caught up with a large group of hikers making a bit of a commotion. Based on their accents we assumed they were tourists from Germany. The clear “leader” of this group, a muscular guy without a shirt and wearing a bandana, whom we appropriately nicknamed “Rambo”, was banging the ground with a large stick. He and his fellow travelers were all yelling at a young black bear as it walked along the trail only a few yards in front of them.
The absurd part of the story is that the bear really didn’t care how loud these people yelled. He just continued strolling down the trail at his own leisurely pace. With the Germans in front of us, we literally followed the bear for nearly a mile before he decided he'd had enough and meandered off into the woods. We took this opportunity to double-time it in order to get away from this loud and obnoxious group.
Don’t try this at home! I never would’ve gotten this close had there not been so many other people around:
Later on, near the Forks of Cascade Canyon, we came across another commotion. This time there were several people off the side of the trail watching two bull moose engage in a turf battle. Naturally we wanted to check out the struggle ourselves. However, just as we arrived, the smaller moose waived the white flag, licked his proverbial wounds, and wandered out of the danger zone. Most of the people continued to stick around to snap a few more photos of the victor. But as the number of onlookers grew in size, and people tried to get a little closer, the moose became visibly agitated. Giving us fair warning, he began thrashing his antlers in the brush before suddenly rushing across the creek towards us. In an instant everyone scattered to the wind. Fortunately, it was only a bluff charge that ended just as quickly as it started, but I guarantee that everyone’s heart was racing for several moments afterward. As you might expect, that ended the photo shoot.So, to complete our hike, we continued on to the forks. On our return trip I was able to get a shot of the moose while no one else around:
The hike to the forks is roughly 6.5 miles one-way. However, you can subtract two miles each way by taking the shuttle boat across Jenny Lake.Many people prefer to end their hike at Inspiration Point, satisfied with the spectacular panoramic views of Jenny Lake and Jackson Hole:
Just beyond Inspiration Point, Mt. Owen comes into view:
Cascade Creek and Mt. Owen a mile above:
From Jenny Lake to the Forks of Cascade Canyon, the trail gains a little more than 1000 feet. Most of that elevation gain occurs in the first mile or so (above Jenny Lake). Just beyond Inspiration Point, the trail levels out as it passes through the U-shaped, glacially sculpted Cascade Canyon. The trail offers spectacular close-up views of Grand Teton, Mt. Owen and Teewinot Mountain. Although the trail can be quite crowded during peak tourist season, it's still a trek every hiker should experience at least once in their life.Parting shot: this photo was taken the morning we left for home. We were extremely lucky to have come across this vantage point near Moran Junction just as a cloud bank was passing mid-way below the summit of Mount Moran. This is one of my all-time favorite shots:
Must-Do Hikes in Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons
Jeff
Hiking in Glacier.com
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