Grand Teton National Park staff recently relocated a subadult grizzly bear within the park after the bear received a food reward in two incidents due to irresponsible human actions. A food storage violation citation with a mandatory court appearance was issued to one individual and both incidents are under investigation.
Grand Teton National Park Superintendent Chip Jenkins said, “Feeding wildlife is illegal and dangerous, and we take these incidents very seriously. The impacts of irresponsible behavior can have very negative effects for humans and wildlife.”
On June 11 a visitor reported that a grizzly bear walked through a Grassy Lake Road campsite, sniffed a picnic table and unoccupied tent, and put its paws on the tent. No damage was done to the tent. Visitors yelled at the bear and the bear ran away.
On June 12 Teton Interagency Dispatch Center received a report of visitors feeding a grizzly bear from a vehicle south of Lizard Creek Campground.
On June 13 Teton Interagency Dispatch Center received a report of a grizzly bear gaining access to unattended trash and a drink at a campsite located on the outer loop of the Headwaters Campground.
All reports and evidence indicated that the same grizzly bear was involved with each incident. Late on June 13 park staff captured the grizzly bear along the Grassy Lake Road. On June 14, the bear was collared and biological samples were collected. The bear is a young male that is approximately 2.5 years old.
The bear was relocated early Tuesday morning, June 15, via boat to the west side of Jackson Lake.
A food storage violation citation with a mandatory court appearance was issued to the individual that had the unattended trash and drink. The reported feeding of the bear from a vehicle is under investigation.
Every visitor who comes to Grand Teton has the unique opportunity to view bears in their natural habitat. With that opportunity comes the responsibility to protect themselves and the bears. It is up to everyone to keep bears wild.
Bears that obtain human food may lose their natural fear of humans and may seek out humans and human developed areas as an easy source of food. As a result, bear may become aggressive towards people and have to be killed.
The proper storage of food items and responsible picnicking are vitally important in bear country. Picnickers should only have immediate use items out so that if a bear approaches, food items can be quickly gathered and the opportunity for the bear to receive a food reward is removed. Visitors should store food and scented items in bear-resistant food lockers that are located throughout the park or in a hard-sided vehicle. Deposit trash in bar-resistant receptacles and do not burn waste in fire rings or leave litter in campsites.
Please report bear activity along roadways and in developed areas and human-bear interactions to a nearby park ranger or visitor center. Park visitors should follow regulations related to human and wildlife safety. For more information, visit Safety in Bear Country - Grand Teton National Park.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
Monday, June 28, 2021
Friday, June 25, 2021
Glacier’s Iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road Opens
The Going-to-the-Sun Road officially opened this morning for the 2021 summer season. The road may now be accessed by motorized vehicles all the way through from both the West Glacier and St. Mary entrances.
An entry reservation ticket in addition to an entrance pass is required for access to Going-to-the-Sun Road via Camas Road, West Glacier and St. Mary entrances between 6 am and 5 pm daily through September 6, 2021. Visitors should expect long lines and delays if entering the park at 5 pm.
With Going-to-the-Sun Road fully open, the number of entry tickets available will be increased. This increase will be executed through a series of additional ticket releases made available each morning starting today at 8 am.
Entry reservation tickets are not required for any other portions of the park, but visitors are still subject to the per vehicle entrance fee or pass. These areas are congested, and visitors can expect traffic restrictions by mid-morning.
Additional details for the Going-to-the-Sun Road reservation system may be found on Glacier National Park’s website.
Services at Logan Pass will include restroom facilities and potable water. Visitor information services will be provided outside of the Logan Pass Visitor Center from 9 am to 7 pm daily. The Glacier National Park Conservancy bookstore will be operating inside of the Logan Pass Visitor Center, with access at the upper level. The bookstore will limit the number of people inside at any one time to enable appropriate social distancing.
There will be some work zones on Going-to-the-Sun Road this summer. Construction crews are installing a new vault toilet at Big Bend, and a new shuttle weather shelter at Logan Pass. There will be ongoing masonry work at various locations. Because of the construction, Big Bend will have less parking available, although the trail to the waterfall will be accessible. Visitors need to be on the lookout for these work zones, slow down, and give the construction workers a wide berth.
While driving along the road, particularly through the Rim Rock area (approximately one mile west of Logan Pass) visitors should be aware of potential rockfall and should not slow down or stop in this section. Rocks and other debris continue to fall throughout the summer, requiring daily clean up.
Vehicles and vehicle combinations longer than 21 feet, and/or wider than 8 feet, are prohibited on Going-to-the-Sun Road between Avalanche Campground and Rising Sun. Vehicles over 10 feet in height may have difficulty driving west from Logan Pass due to rock overhangs.
The Highline Trail from Logan Pass is still closed due to hazardous snow conditions. For up-to-date information on trail conditions and clearing activities, visit the park’s trail status webpage.
The park’s Visitor Transportation Service, or shuttle service, along Going-to-the-Sun Road will be operational this year under a Ticket-to-Ride system. Tickets went on sale June 1 on Recreation.gov and service will begin on July 1. Tickets must be validated at the visitor center selected at the time of reservation, either Apgar Visitor Center or St. Mary Visitor Center. Face masks are required on shuttles. Please check the park website for additional information on shuttle stops.
Bicyclists are reminded that bicycle safety restrictions on Going-to-the-Sun-Road are in effect, and remain in effect through Labor Day, September 6. Bicycles are prohibited in certain areas between 11 am and 4 pm. Information on bicycle restrictions may be found in the park newspaper available at park entrance stations, or online on the park’s bicycle information webpage.
With the help of the Glacier National Park Conservancy, the park has launched an Idling Awareness Campaign. Visitors are encouraged to limit vehicle idling to no more than two minutes in Glacier in parking lots, at scenic viewpoints and trailheads, and while stopped in traffic lines and road construction to benefit the health of both the public and the park resources.
Visitors should not throw food waste, including apple cores, orange peels, sunflower seeds, unwanted drinks (coffee, tea, soda) etc., out car windows while waiting in lines. This attracts wildlife to the roadways which increases wildlife fatalities. Discard garbage in bear-proof garbage cans.
With more than 740 miles of trails meandering throughout the park, hiking is the absolute best way to see Glacier National Park. In fact, the park offers a wide variety of outstanding hikes that take-in the best scenery Glacier has to offer. If you do plan 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
An entry reservation ticket in addition to an entrance pass is required for access to Going-to-the-Sun Road via Camas Road, West Glacier and St. Mary entrances between 6 am and 5 pm daily through September 6, 2021. Visitors should expect long lines and delays if entering the park at 5 pm.
Entry reservation tickets are not required for any other portions of the park, but visitors are still subject to the per vehicle entrance fee or pass. These areas are congested, and visitors can expect traffic restrictions by mid-morning.
Additional details for the Going-to-the-Sun Road reservation system may be found on Glacier National Park’s website.
Services at Logan Pass will include restroom facilities and potable water. Visitor information services will be provided outside of the Logan Pass Visitor Center from 9 am to 7 pm daily. The Glacier National Park Conservancy bookstore will be operating inside of the Logan Pass Visitor Center, with access at the upper level. The bookstore will limit the number of people inside at any one time to enable appropriate social distancing.
There will be some work zones on Going-to-the-Sun Road this summer. Construction crews are installing a new vault toilet at Big Bend, and a new shuttle weather shelter at Logan Pass. There will be ongoing masonry work at various locations. Because of the construction, Big Bend will have less parking available, although the trail to the waterfall will be accessible. Visitors need to be on the lookout for these work zones, slow down, and give the construction workers a wide berth.
While driving along the road, particularly through the Rim Rock area (approximately one mile west of Logan Pass) visitors should be aware of potential rockfall and should not slow down or stop in this section. Rocks and other debris continue to fall throughout the summer, requiring daily clean up.
Vehicles and vehicle combinations longer than 21 feet, and/or wider than 8 feet, are prohibited on Going-to-the-Sun Road between Avalanche Campground and Rising Sun. Vehicles over 10 feet in height may have difficulty driving west from Logan Pass due to rock overhangs.
The Highline Trail from Logan Pass is still closed due to hazardous snow conditions. For up-to-date information on trail conditions and clearing activities, visit the park’s trail status webpage.
The park’s Visitor Transportation Service, or shuttle service, along Going-to-the-Sun Road will be operational this year under a Ticket-to-Ride system. Tickets went on sale June 1 on Recreation.gov and service will begin on July 1. Tickets must be validated at the visitor center selected at the time of reservation, either Apgar Visitor Center or St. Mary Visitor Center. Face masks are required on shuttles. Please check the park website for additional information on shuttle stops.
Bicyclists are reminded that bicycle safety restrictions on Going-to-the-Sun-Road are in effect, and remain in effect through Labor Day, September 6. Bicycles are prohibited in certain areas between 11 am and 4 pm. Information on bicycle restrictions may be found in the park newspaper available at park entrance stations, or online on the park’s bicycle information webpage.
With the help of the Glacier National Park Conservancy, the park has launched an Idling Awareness Campaign. Visitors are encouraged to limit vehicle idling to no more than two minutes in Glacier in parking lots, at scenic viewpoints and trailheads, and while stopped in traffic lines and road construction to benefit the health of both the public and the park resources.
Visitors should not throw food waste, including apple cores, orange peels, sunflower seeds, unwanted drinks (coffee, tea, soda) etc., out car windows while waiting in lines. This attracts wildlife to the roadways which increases wildlife fatalities. Discard garbage in bear-proof garbage cans.
With more than 740 miles of trails meandering throughout the park, hiking is the absolute best way to see Glacier National Park. In fact, the park offers a wide variety of outstanding hikes that take-in the best scenery Glacier has to offer. If you do plan 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, June 24, 2021
Park responds to new information in search of missing hiker
Grand Teton National Park received additional information about missing 27-year-old hiker Cian McLaughlin. The park continues to request any information the public may have that may aid in locating McLaughlin.
A Jackson resident who recently returned from an international trip came forward with new information. The reporting party said they saw McLaughlin on Tuesday, June 8, in the late afternoon/early evening on the trail on the south side of the Bradley/Taggart moraine. The individual reported McLaughlin was headed south towards Taggart Lake and had a conversation with McLaughlin where he described where he worked, that he’s from Ireland, and currently living in Jackson. The reporting party continued hiking towards Bradley Lake and did not see McLaughlin again that evening.
As a result of this new information, the park has made additional search efforts around Bradley Lake and Taggart Lake. Park staff also searched the Phelps Lake area, which McLaughlin reportedly likes to visit. No evidence or clues of McLaughlin’s whereabouts were identified.
As McLaughlin’s plans were unknown, anyone who has been traveling in the Teton backcountry since Tuesday, June 8, may have seen him. Anyone with information regarding McLaughlin’s whereabouts is urged to contact the National Park Service Investigative Services Branch:
Call or text the tip line: 888-653-0009
Online: www.nps.gov/ISB and click “Submit a Tip”
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
A Jackson resident who recently returned from an international trip came forward with new information. The reporting party said they saw McLaughlin on Tuesday, June 8, in the late afternoon/early evening on the trail on the south side of the Bradley/Taggart moraine. The individual reported McLaughlin was headed south towards Taggart Lake and had a conversation with McLaughlin where he described where he worked, that he’s from Ireland, and currently living in Jackson. The reporting party continued hiking towards Bradley Lake and did not see McLaughlin again that evening.
As a result of this new information, the park has made additional search efforts around Bradley Lake and Taggart Lake. Park staff also searched the Phelps Lake area, which McLaughlin reportedly likes to visit. No evidence or clues of McLaughlin’s whereabouts were identified.
As McLaughlin’s plans were unknown, anyone who has been traveling in the Teton backcountry since Tuesday, June 8, may have seen him. Anyone with information regarding McLaughlin’s whereabouts is urged to contact the National Park Service Investigative Services Branch:
Call or text the tip line: 888-653-0009
Online: www.nps.gov/ISB and click “Submit a Tip”
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
Wednesday, June 23, 2021
Fire Danger Has Increased to Very High in Grand Teton National Park
The fire danger rating has been elevated to very high for Grand Teton National Park, Bridger-Teton National Forest, and the National Elk Refuge. Conditions in the Teton Interagency area are drying rapidly, and a fire may start easily, spread quickly and burn intensely. Everyone is asked to practice heightened fire safety at all times.
As the Independence Day holiday approaches, visitors and local residents alike are reminded that fireworks are not permitted in Grand Teton National Park, on the Bridger-Teton National Forest, or within the National Elk Refuge. The use of fireworks is illegal in Teton County unless permitted through the special-event process through either the Town of Jackson or Teton County. These fireworks regulations play a critical role in fire prevention.
Teton Interagency Fire personnel have extinguished 52 unattended or abandoned campfires so far this year, that is compared to 18 at this time in 2020. Abandoned campfires can quickly escalate into wildfires. Where campfires are allowed, it is extremely important that they are completely extinguished and cold to the touch before campers leave their site. If visitors choose to have a fire they should ensure that they are prepared with plenty of water to douse, stir, feel, and repeat until the area is cold to the touch. Visitors should never leave a fire unattended and can be held liable for suppression costs if their campfire becomes a wildfire. During times of elevated fire danger, a campfire is not encouraged.
Fire managers use a variety of factors to determine fire danger ratings including the moisture content of grasses, shrubs and trees, projected weather conditions (including temperatures and possible wind events), and the ability of fire to spread after ignition.
The National Weather Service has indicated that hot and dry conditions will persist as the dominant trend in the coming weeks. These above average conditions have stressed vegetation in the local area, accelerating seasonal drying. They have combined to increase the potential for fire activity across the Teton Interagency Fire area.
With the extraordinary number of visitors in the area is it vital that everyone remain vigilant and have a plan. Be prepared with water and a shovel to extinguish your campfire. Do not park on tall grass as that grass can ignite when in contact with a hot vehicle. If trailering, ensure that your chains are clear of the ground as small sparks could start roadside fires. If you come across an abandoned campfire and it is within your power, please put it out and contact Teton Interagency Dispatch to report its location.
Visit the Teton Interagency Fire web site at www.tetonfires.com to learn more about fire safety and what fire regulations may be in place. To report a fire or smoke in the immediate area, call the Teton Interagency Fire Dispatch Center at 307.739.3630.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
Teton Interagency Fire personnel have extinguished 52 unattended or abandoned campfires so far this year, that is compared to 18 at this time in 2020. Abandoned campfires can quickly escalate into wildfires. Where campfires are allowed, it is extremely important that they are completely extinguished and cold to the touch before campers leave their site. If visitors choose to have a fire they should ensure that they are prepared with plenty of water to douse, stir, feel, and repeat until the area is cold to the touch. Visitors should never leave a fire unattended and can be held liable for suppression costs if their campfire becomes a wildfire. During times of elevated fire danger, a campfire is not encouraged.
Fire managers use a variety of factors to determine fire danger ratings including the moisture content of grasses, shrubs and trees, projected weather conditions (including temperatures and possible wind events), and the ability of fire to spread after ignition.
The National Weather Service has indicated that hot and dry conditions will persist as the dominant trend in the coming weeks. These above average conditions have stressed vegetation in the local area, accelerating seasonal drying. They have combined to increase the potential for fire activity across the Teton Interagency Fire area.
With the extraordinary number of visitors in the area is it vital that everyone remain vigilant and have a plan. Be prepared with water and a shovel to extinguish your campfire. Do not park on tall grass as that grass can ignite when in contact with a hot vehicle. If trailering, ensure that your chains are clear of the ground as small sparks could start roadside fires. If you come across an abandoned campfire and it is within your power, please put it out and contact Teton Interagency Dispatch to report its location.
Visit the Teton Interagency Fire web site at www.tetonfires.com to learn more about fire safety and what fire regulations may be in place. To report a fire or smoke in the immediate area, call the Teton Interagency Fire Dispatch Center at 307.739.3630.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
Tuesday, June 22, 2021
Moose-Wilson Road paving and infrastructure improvements begin next year
The National Park Service will begin construction activities addressing infrastructure needs in the southern half of the Moose-Wilson Corridor beginning in the spring of 2022. Public access will be limited to weekends during next summer’s construction activities.
All work will preserve the rustic character of the corridor and provide high-quality visitor opportunities including wildlife and scenery viewing. Work will be completed in phases, with the first phase implemented in 2022-2023, the second phase in 2024-2025, and additional phases designed and implemented in the future.
As part of a multi-year planning process, the park thoughtfully evaluated options to provide the greatest amount of visitor access with the lowest additional cost and construction duration, while providing for the safety of visitors and crews during construction activities.
During 2022, the southern half of the Moose-Wilson Corridor, the area between the Granite Entrance Station and the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve, will only be open to public access on weekends, 7 p.m. Friday to 7 a.m. Monday, from Memorial Day to Labor Day and closed entirely in the spring and fall.
The northern section of the corridor will remain accessible. Access to the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve will be available from the north, from Moose, Wyoming, during most construction in 2022.
Phase 1 work will include paving the 1.4-mile rough unpaved section of the road, improvements with the Granite Entrance Station including an additional entrance lane to ease backups, improvements at the Granite Canyon Trailhead and Poker Flats horse trailer parking area, Kaufmann Creek bridge construction, improved pullouts for vehicles along the road, and new visitor information signage.
The Granite Canyon Trailhead will be closed in 2022 and 2023, with winter access from December 2022 to March 2023. Improvements to the Granite Canyon Trailhead include two vault toilets, bench seating, additional parking, improved traffic flow and decreased roadside parking. Access to the Granite Canyon trail system, including the Valley Trail, will be available from the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. The park is working in partnership with the Resort and Teton Village Association to provide information about accessing the park during construction activities.
The majority of the funding for phase 1 work is provided by the Great American Outdoors Act, also known as the Legacy Restoration Act. The cost of implementing phase 1 is approximately $13 million.
Phase 2 is anticipated to begin in 2024 and includes badly needed repair to the Death Canyon access road, improvements of the Death Canyon Trailhead parking, repair of the Death Canyon Junction trailhead parking area, re-alignment of the north section of the roadway, improvements to the new intersection and final landscape/reclamation efforts of the former roadway.
The park considered other construction projects such as the Snake River Bridge replacement on Wyoming Highway 22 and Jackson Hole Airport closure when planning work in the Moose-Wilson Corridor. The park will continue coordination with Wyoming Department of Transportation and Teton County to minimize overall traveler impacts.
A Record of Decision for the Moose-Wilson Corridor Comprehensive Management Plan Environmental Impact Statement was approved in 2016.
The Federal Highways Administration is overseeing the project in partnership with the National Park Service. For more information about the project, visit the park’s website at go.nps.gov/moosewilson.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
All work will preserve the rustic character of the corridor and provide high-quality visitor opportunities including wildlife and scenery viewing. Work will be completed in phases, with the first phase implemented in 2022-2023, the second phase in 2024-2025, and additional phases designed and implemented in the future.
As part of a multi-year planning process, the park thoughtfully evaluated options to provide the greatest amount of visitor access with the lowest additional cost and construction duration, while providing for the safety of visitors and crews during construction activities.
During 2022, the southern half of the Moose-Wilson Corridor, the area between the Granite Entrance Station and the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve, will only be open to public access on weekends, 7 p.m. Friday to 7 a.m. Monday, from Memorial Day to Labor Day and closed entirely in the spring and fall.
The northern section of the corridor will remain accessible. Access to the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve will be available from the north, from Moose, Wyoming, during most construction in 2022.
Phase 1 work will include paving the 1.4-mile rough unpaved section of the road, improvements with the Granite Entrance Station including an additional entrance lane to ease backups, improvements at the Granite Canyon Trailhead and Poker Flats horse trailer parking area, Kaufmann Creek bridge construction, improved pullouts for vehicles along the road, and new visitor information signage.
The Granite Canyon Trailhead will be closed in 2022 and 2023, with winter access from December 2022 to March 2023. Improvements to the Granite Canyon Trailhead include two vault toilets, bench seating, additional parking, improved traffic flow and decreased roadside parking. Access to the Granite Canyon trail system, including the Valley Trail, will be available from the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. The park is working in partnership with the Resort and Teton Village Association to provide information about accessing the park during construction activities.
The majority of the funding for phase 1 work is provided by the Great American Outdoors Act, also known as the Legacy Restoration Act. The cost of implementing phase 1 is approximately $13 million.
Phase 2 is anticipated to begin in 2024 and includes badly needed repair to the Death Canyon access road, improvements of the Death Canyon Trailhead parking, repair of the Death Canyon Junction trailhead parking area, re-alignment of the north section of the roadway, improvements to the new intersection and final landscape/reclamation efforts of the former roadway.
The park considered other construction projects such as the Snake River Bridge replacement on Wyoming Highway 22 and Jackson Hole Airport closure when planning work in the Moose-Wilson Corridor. The park will continue coordination with Wyoming Department of Transportation and Teton County to minimize overall traveler impacts.
A Record of Decision for the Moose-Wilson Corridor Comprehensive Management Plan Environmental Impact Statement was approved in 2016.
The Federal Highways Administration is overseeing the project in partnership with the National Park Service. For more information about the project, visit the park’s website at go.nps.gov/moosewilson.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
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