Proposal Itinerary

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Proposal Itinerary Wyoming Adult: Yellowstone & Grand Teton Adventure Trip Summary Have you ever come eye-to-eye with a 1,500-pound bull moose? Biked under the shadow of the Grand Teton Mountain Range? Plunged into the cool waters of a secret swimming hole off of Jackson Lake? Have you ever followed in the footsteps of John Colter along Yellowstone’s Geyser Basin, the world around you much as it was when Colter first traversed it 200 years ago? Tackled the class II and III rapids of the Snake River? If you’ve been on Austin Adventures Yellowstone and Grand Teton Adventure, chances are your answers are yes. The toughest part is going home.SM Wyoming: Yellowstone & Grand Teton Adventure Detailed Itinerary Day 1: Jackson Arrival | Grand Teton National Park | Yellowstone National Park Jackson Arrival: Welcome to Wyoming! Your guides will pick you up in the morning from your pre-trip hotel. Grand Teton National Park: Soak up the beauty of the iconic and picture-perfect Cathedral Group: Nez Perce, Middle Teton, Grand Teton, Mount Owen, and Teewinot as you explore the beauty of Grand Teton National Park. These jagged-toothed peaks soar 7,000 feet above the valley floor and are located on a fault line -- mountains the result of earthquakes. Grand Teton National Park is found just 10 miles south of Yellowstone National Park and comprises 310,000 acres including the Teton Range and most of the northern sections of Jackson Hole. String Lake to Moose Bike Ride: Bike about 10 miles from Grand Tetons String Lake to the small community of Moose, where -- you guessed it -- moose are often spotted. Pedal along a paved path right underneath the Teton Range, enjoying every crevice and crag that you spot in the mountain range along the way. Transfer Time: 1 Hour 30 Minutes Yellowstone National Park: Welcome to Yellowstone, our world’s first national park! This famous national park is home to over 60% of the world’s geysers, which periodically erupt in towering explosions of boiling water and steam. And while these astounding phenomena and their neighboring technicolor hot springs and bubbling mud pots draw in the crowds, the surrounding canyons, mountains, forests, and wildlife are no less impressive. West Thumb Geyser Basin Boardwalk: Located along the shore of Yellowstone Lake, West Thumb Geyser Basin is a hydrothermal area that stands out because of its dramatic lake and mountain backdrop. A boardwalk loops through an array of dynamic geysers and hot springs with names like Abyss Pool, Fishing Cone, and Lakeshore Geyser. Yellowstone Lake Overlook Trail Hike: This 1.7-mile lollipop loop trail begins at West Thumb Geyser Basin and ascends steeply into high mountain meadows, passing backcountry thermal features along the way. As you emerge from the surrounding forest, take in commanding views of the West Thumb of Yellowstone Lake and the Absaroka Mountains in the distance. Gradually descend through meadows and forest. Accommodation: Grant Village (L,D) The toughest part is going home.SM Day 2: Old Faithful & Upper Geyser Basin Transfer Time: 1 Hour Artemisia Trail Hike: Most visitors to Old Faithful arrive via an overcrowded parking lot. Not us! We’ll hike in our secret “back way” to the park’s most famed feature. Along the way, we’ll pass a multitude of fascinating geothermal features including sky blue Artemisia Geyser, multi- colored Morning Glory Pool, and bubbling Grotto Geyser. Eventually we’ll happen upon Old Faithful, where we’ll be sure to catch a famous eruption. Old Faithful & Upper Geyser Basin Exploration: Discover the Upper Geyser Basin, home to the most famous geyser in the world, Old Faithful. Take some time to explore this area with your knowledgeable guide. Be sure to check out the Old Faithful Inn, the Visitor Center, and the boardwalks winding throughout the basin. Transfer Time: 1 Hour 30 Minutes Accommodation: Canyon Lodge & Cabins (B,L,D) Day 3: Grand Canyon of Yellowstone Grand Canyon of Yellowstone: Carved by the wondrous force of the Yellowstone River, the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone is a dramatic, 1,000-foot-deep canyon that dazzles visitors with its pastel rock walls and majestic waterfalls. From several vantage points, you can view Lower Falls plunging steeply into the canyon 308 feet, or the Upper Falls tumbling 109 feet. Wapiti Trail Hike: One of our favorite hikes in the area, Wapiti Trail, takes you 2.5 miles through the backcountry along the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. Wind your way along wildflower- dotted meadows, under lodgepole pine forests, and through an off-the-grid geyser basin before emerging at the rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River itself. Eventually, you’ll find yourself staring down the incredible 308-foot Lower Falls from a perfect viewpoint. Transfer Time: 2 Hours Accommodation: Jackson Lake Lodge (B,L,D) The toughest part is going home.SM Day 4: Jackson Lake | Moose | Jackson Jackson Lake Kayak: A kayaking excursion on Jackson Lake’s clear, calm waters is something you won’t soon forget. Mount Moran and the rest of the Teton Range seemingly rise straight out of the lake’s far shore, creating a mesmerizing image as you paddle your way along tree- covered peninsulas and rocky islands. This 2-3-hour paddle is relaxed and casual, perfect for beginners. Moose to Jackson Bike Ride: We begin this 15-mile, mostly flat bike ride in the small community of Moose, located in Grand Teton National Park. As we pedal along the designated bike path, keep an eye open to your right for deer and bighorn sheep on the high bluffs and on the fenced-in National Elk Refuge to your left for a wide array of birdlife and the occasional mammal. We end our ride at our next accommodation. Jackson Hole: The region of Jackson Hole is made up of the Grand Teton valley including the town of Jackson, Teton Village, Wilson, the Aspens, Moran Junction, Moose and surrounding locations. The name was originally Jackson’s Hole, the “hole” describing the flat valley surrounded by mountains. The charming town of Jackson, the famous hub, is a little bit country and a little bit modern chic with some fun restaurants, bars, and boutiques. Night on Your Own: Enjoy a night on your own this evening for dinner. Your guides will give you restaurant options to choose from in the area and will provide ideas on things to do on your own time. Alternatively, feel free to just relax tonight after a wonderful activity-filled day! Accommodation: Rustic Inn (B,L) The toughest part is going home.SM Day 5: Teton Village | Snake River Teton Village to Jackson Bike Ride: We begin this mostly flat 12-mile bike ride in Teton Village, home to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Our paved bike path takes us through aspen meadows, past quaint shops and restaurants, over the Snake River, and eventually through neighborhoods and pasture lands into the town of Jackson. Snake River Raft: Get ready to get wet rafting some of Wyoming's finest whitewater through the scenic Snake River Canyon! The Snake River is born out of the Yellowstone National Park backcountry and grows as it winds its way through Jackson Hole, Grand Teton National Park, and eventually the Snake River Canyon. You’ll travel 8 river miles from start to finish and will encounter about 8 sets of rapids ranging from class I and II to class III. Accommodation: Rustic Inn (B,L,D) Day 6: Teton Village / Jackson Departure Bridger Gondola & Hike: Take a ride up the Bridger Gondola at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort to experience the high alpine terrain of the Tetons. This 12-minute ride in a safe and private gondola cabin whisks you over 2,700 vertical feet above the valley floor. Take a walk among wildflower meadows, taking in sweeping views of Grand Teton National Park from up high, before riding the gondola back down to the base. Jackson Departure: Your guides will shuttle you back to Jackson to get ready for your departure home. Accommodation: (B) *Trip itineraries are subject to change without notice due to road, weather and other factors outside of our control, for the safety and enjoyment of our guests, as deemed necessary and appropriate by Austin Adventures. The toughest part is going home.SM Wyoming: Yellowstone & Grand Teton Adventure Distinctive Accommodation Grant Village - 1 night(s) The six two-story buildings of Grant Village, named after Ulysses S. Grant, overlook the West Thumb of Yellowstone Lake and are sure to charm. The complex houses a laid back lakeside restaurant featuring a casual menu, a gift store, and a comfortable lounge perfect for relaxing after a rewarding day of travel to swap stories with fellow travelers. Located in the southernmost corner of Yellowstone, Grant Village will allow for quick access to Grand Teton National Park and you'll cherish the peace and quiet the secluded lodgings provide. Canyon Lodge & Cabins - 1 night(s) Featuring five lodge buildings built in 2016, Canyon Lodge is situated in the center of the park a short distance away from the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River. The rustic accommodations allow for the opportunity to step back from technology and embrace lodging in the country's oldest national park. Located on site, you’ll find several restaurant options, a general store and a visitor center for those looking to explore this sprawling accommodation. Jackson Lake Lodge - 1 night(s) Imagine looking out your window to a wide expanse of fields surrounding a blue mountain lake, with moose, elk, and bison wandering close by. Then rising above this scene is one of the most photographed mountain ranges in the world—the Grand Teton Range.
Recommended publications
  • Glacial Surface Area Change in Grand Teton National Park Jake Edmunds
    Glacial Surface Area change in Grand Teton National Park Jake Edmunds Meriden, Wyoming Glenn Tootle Civil and Architectural Enginnering _________________________________ Introduction: The Intergovernmental Panel on Climatic Change (IPCC) reported that a consensus exists among scientists and policy makers that “…the globally averaged net effect of human activities since 1750 has been one of warming…” (IPCC, 2007). The objective of the proposed research is to investigate glacial change in Grand Teton National Park (GTNP). Remote sensing data was obtained for the GTNP and a preliminary analysis of glacier area change was performed. Since the glaciated regions of GTNP have not been intensely studied in the past, it is essential to understand the past behaviors of the glaciers in the region. This study aims to create a database of quantitative information for the glaciers in GTNP such that future observations may be compared to past observations in an attempt to identify any long term trends of glacier behavior. The research aimed to document glacial surface area change for selected glaciers in the Teton Mountain Range via analysis of aerial photographs (preliminary analysis). Aerial photographs were obtained from the USGS Earth Resources Observation & Science (EROS) Data Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Each image will be analyzed with a photogrammetric (the process of obtaining quantitative information from photographs) approach. The proposed approach involves digitizing and georeferencing each photo using ArcGIS. Once the georeferencing process is performed each glacier can be delineated using an unsupervised classification. Areas of snow and ice tend to have distinct reflectance values in aerial photographs, thus those areas can be delineated using an unsupervised classification.
    [Show full text]
  • PARK 0 1 5 Kilometers S Ri South Entrance Road Closed from Early November to Mid-May 0 1 5 Miles G Ra River S Access Sy
    To West Thumb North Fa r ll ve YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK 0 1 5 Kilometers s Ri South Entrance Road closed from early November to mid-May 0 1 5 Miles G ra River s access sy ad Grassy Lake L nch Ro a g Ra Reservoir k lag e F - Lake of Flagg Ranch Information Station R n the Woods to o Road not recommended 1 h a Headwaters Lodge & Cabins at Flagg Ranch s d for trailers or RVs. Trailhead A Closed in winter River G r lade C e access re e v k i R SS ERNE CARIBOU-TARGHEE ILD Glade Creek e r W Trailhead k Rive ITH a Falls n 8mi SM S NATIONAL FOREST 13km H Indian Lake IA JOHN D. ROCKEF ELLER, JR. D E D E J To South Bo C Pinyon Peak Ashton one C o reek MEMORIAL PARKWAY u 9705ft lt er Creek Steamboat eek Cr Mountain 7872ft Survey Peak 9277ft 89 C a n erry re B ek o z 191 i 287 r A C o y B o a t il e eek ey r C C r l e w e O Lizard C k r k Creek e e e re k C k e e r m C ri g il ly P z z ri G Jackson Lake North Bitch Overlook Cre ek GRAND BRIDGER-TETON NATIONAL FOREST N O ANY k B C ee EB Cr TETON WILDERNESS W Moose Arizona Island Arizona 16mi Lake k e 26km e r C S ON TETON NY o A u C t TER h OL C im IDAHO r B ilg it P ch Moose Mountain rk Pacic Creek k WYOMING Fo e Pilgrim e C 10054ft Cr re e Mountain t k s 8274ft Ea c Leeks Marina ci a P MOOSE BASIN NATIONAL Park Boundary Ranger Peak 11355ft Colter Bay Village W A k T e E N e TW RF YO r O ALLS CAN C O Colter Bay CE m A ri N g Grand View Visitor Center il L PARK P A Point KE 4 7586ft Talus Lake Cygnet Two Ocean 2 Pond Eagles Rest Peak ay Lake Trailhead B Swan 11258ft er lt Lake o Rolling Thunder
    [Show full text]
  • Jackson Hole Vacation Planner Vacation Hole Jackson Guide’S Guide Guide’S Globe Addition Guide Guide’S Guide’S Guide Guide’S
    TTypefypefaceace “Skirt” “Skirt” lightlight w weighteight GlobeGlobe Addition Addition Book Spine Book Spine Guide’s Guide’s Guide’s Guide Guide’s Guide Guide Guide Guide’sGuide’s GuideGuide™™ Jackson Hole Vacation Planner Jackson Hole Vacation2016 Planner EDITION 2016 EDITION Typeface “Skirt” light weight Globe Addition Book Spine Guide’s Guide’s Guide Guide Guide’s Guide™ Jackson Hole Vacation Planner 2016 EDITION Welcome! Jackson Hole was recognized as an outdoor paradise by the native Americans that first explored the area thousands of years before the first white mountain men stumbled upon the valley. These lucky first inhabitants were here to hunt, fish, trap and explore the rugged terrain and enjoy the abundance of natural resources. As the early white explorers trapped, hunted and mapped the region, it didn’t take long before word got out and tourism in Jackson Hole was born. Urbanites from the eastern cities made their way to this remote corner of northwest Wyoming to enjoy the impressive vistas and bounty of fish and game in the name of sport. These travelers needed guides to the area and the first trappers stepped in to fill the niche. Over time dude ranches were built to house and feed the guests in addition to roads, trails and passes through the mountains. With time newer outdoor pursuits were being realized including rafting, climbing and skiing. Today Jackson Hole is home to two of the world’s most famous national parks, world class skiing, hiking, fishing, climbing, horseback riding, snowmobiling and wildlife viewing all in a place that has been carefully protected allowing guests today to enjoy the abundance experienced by the earliest explorers.
    [Show full text]
  • Grand Teton National Park News Release
    National Park Service Grand Teton PO Box 170 U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Moose, Wyoming 83012 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Jackie Skaggs/307.739.3393 January 08, 2010 10-01 Grand Teton National Park News Release Environmental Assessment Available for Public Review on Site Work for Grand Teton National Park Headquarters Rehabilitation Project Grand Teton National Park Superintendent Mary Gibson Scott announced today that the Moose Headquarters Rehabilitation Site Work Environmental Assessment (EA) is now available for public review. This EA will be open to review for 30 days, from January 11 through February 9, 2010. The National Park Service (NPS) proposes to perform site improvements that are designed to enhance visitor services and address employee health and safety deficiencies at Grand Teton National Park’s headquarters area in Moose, Wyoming. The site work would restructure vehicle/pedestrian access points, promote better traffic flow, reduce user-created trails and consolidate pedestrian walkways, and improve way-finding throughout the Moose headquarters complex. The purpose of the proposal is to upgrade and improve conditions in a way that enhances visitors’ experiences while providing a safe, healthy, and functional working/living environment for park employees and their families. The NPS preferred alternative involves the reconfiguration of vehicle and pedestrian traffic within the park administrative area and the Moose river landing access, the removal of several temporary buildings, and restoration work targeted at providing appropriate stormwater management. The proposed improvements are designed to increase visitor and employee safety, refine parking and traffic flow patterns, reduce the built environment, and improve water quality while still preserving the character of the area and protecting natural and cultural resources.
    [Show full text]
  • Conservationists and the Battles to Keep Dams out of Yellowstone: Hetch Hetchy Overturned
    Conservationists and the Battles to Keep Dams Out of Yellowstone: Hetch Hetchy Overturned Michael J. Yochim Abstract Between 1919 and 1938 irrigation interests in Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming repeatedly tried to construct reservoirs in Yellowstone National Park by damming several large park lakes and Bechler Meadows. Conservationists of the time joined forces with Horace Albright and Steven Mather of the National Park Service to oppose the dams. Ultimately successful in all their efforts, their key victory came in 1923 when they defeated an attempt to dam Yellowstone Lake. This victory reversed the loss of protected status for national parks that had occurred just ten years earlier at Hetch Hetchy Valley in Yosemite National Park. By chronicling the protracted conflict over dams in Yellowstone, I illustrate that the conservationists (including Mather and Albright) reestablished the funda- mental preservation policy of the national parks and empowered the newly cre- ated National Park Service to carry out its mission of park protection. This effort was the key battle in proving national parks and wilderness to be inviolate to industrial, exploitive uses. Conservationists both defined and tested the inviolate policy in Yellowstone; their battles in Dinosaur National Monument and the Grand Canyon cemented it into place. Introduction Far off, there lies a lovely lake Which rests in beauty, there to take Swift pictures of the changing sky, Ethereal blues, and clouds piled high. When black the sky, when fall the rains, When blow fierce winds, her face remains Still beautiful, but agitate, Nor mirrors back their troubled state. Within a park this treasure lies, — Such region ne’er did man devise — The hand of Mighty God, alone, Could form the Park of Yellowstone.
    [Show full text]
  • Human Impacts on Geyser Basins
    volume 17 • number 1 • 2009 Human Impacts on Geyser Basins The “Crystal” Salamanders of Yellowstone Presence of White-tailed Jackrabbits Nature Notes: Wolves and Tigers Geyser Basins with no Documented Impacts Valley of Geysers, Umnak (Russia) Island Geyser Basins Impacted by Energy Development Geyser Basins Impacted by Tourism Iceland Iceland Beowawe, ~61 ~27 Nevada ~30 0 Yellowstone ~220 Steamboat Springs, Nevada ~21 0 ~55 El Tatio, Chile North Island, New Zealand North Island, New Zealand Geysers existing in 1950 Geyser basins with documented negative effects of tourism Geysers remaining after geothermal energy development Impacts to geyser basins from human activities. At least half of the major geyser basins of the world have been altered by geothermal energy development or tourism. Courtesy of Steingisser, 2008. Yellowstone in a Global Context N THIS ISSUE of Yellowstone Science, Alethea Steingis- claimed they had been extirpated from the park. As they have ser and Andrew Marcus in “Human Impacts on Geyser since the park’s establishment, jackrabbits continue to persist IBasins” document the global distribution of geysers, their in the park in a small range characterized by arid, lower eleva- destruction at the hands of humans, and the tremendous tion sagebrush-grassland habitats. With so many species in the importance of Yellowstone National Park in preserving these world on the edge of survival, the confirmation of the jackrab- rare and ephemeral features. We hope this article will promote bit’s persistence is welcome. further documentation, research, and protection efforts for The Nature Note continues to consider Yellowstone with geyser basins around the world. Documentation of their exis- a broader perspective.
    [Show full text]
  • GRAND TETON from NORTH Hole; Battle of Pierre's Hole
    MP TETON NATIONAL PARK - WYOMING UNITED STATES Historic Events DEPARTMENT OF THE 1807-8 Discovery of the Tetons hy John GRAND Colter. INTERIOR 1811 The Astorians crossed Teton Pass. TETON Harold L. Ickes, Secretary 1810-45 "The Fur Era" in the Rocky Moun­ NATIONAL PARE tains, which reached its height be­ tween 1825 and 1840. WYOMING 1829 Capt. William Sublette named Jack­ SEASON JUNE 15 TO SEPTEMBER 15 son Hole after his partner in the fur ROADS OPEN MAY 15 TO OCTOBER 15 trade, David Jackson. 1832 Rendezvous of fur trappers in Pierre's GRAND TETON FROM NORTH Hole; Battle of Pierre's Hole. APPROACH ROAD NATIONAL PARK SERVICE 1842 Michaud attempted an ascent of the Newton B. Drury. Director Grand Teton. HE Grand Teton National Park HISTORY OF THE REGION i860 Jim Bridger guided Capt. W. F. embraces the most scenic portion C OHT EJi? S Reynolds' expedition through Teton Many of our national parks have country. T of the Teton Range of Wyo­ been carved from wilderness areas ming, witb an area of approximately 1872. William H. Jackson, with Hayden previously little known to man and 150 square miles,.or 96,000 acres. It geological survey party, took first seldom visited. The Tetons, on the photographs of Tetons. varies from 3 to 9 miles in width and is contrary, are remarkably rich in his­ 27 miles in length. The northern ex­ The Glacier-Covered 1877 Hayden survey party of Orestes St. toric associations. The Grand Teton Tetons, Copyright John made geological studies in the tremity of the park is about 1 1 miles itself has been referred to by an emi­ Crandall ...
    [Show full text]
  • Grand Teton National Park Youngest Range in the Rockies
    GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK YOUNGEST RANGE IN THE ROCKIES the town of Moran. Others recognized that dudes winter better than cows and began operating dude ranches. The JY and the Bar BC were established in 1908 and 1912, respectively. By the 1920s, dude ranch- ing made significant contributions to the valley’s economy. At this time some local residents real- ized that scenery and wildlife (especially elk) were valuable resources to be conserved rather than exploited. Evolution of a Dream The birth of present-day Grand Teton National Park involved controversy and a struggle that lasted several decades. Animosity toward expanding governmental control and a perceived loss of individual freedoms fueled anti-park senti- ments in Jackson Hole that nearly derailed estab- lishment of the park. By contrast, Yellowstone National Park benefited from an expedient and near universal agreement for its creation in 1872. The world's first national park took only two years from idea to reality; however Grand Teton National Park evolved through a burdensome process requiring three separate governmental Mt. Moran. National Park Service Photo. acts and a series of compromises: The original Grand Teton National Park, set Towering more than a mile above the valley of dazzled fur traders. Although evidence is incon- aside by an act of Congress in 1929, included Jackson Hole, the Grand Teton rises to 13,770 clusive, John Colter probably explored the area in only the Teton Range and six glacial lakes at the feet. Twelve Teton peaks reach above 12,000 feet 1808. By the 1820s, mountain men followed base of the mountains.
    [Show full text]
  • Yellowstone National Park Geologic Resource Evaluation Scoping
    Geologic Resource Evaluation Scoping Summary Yellowstone National Park This document summarizes the results of a geologic resource evaluation scoping session that was held at Yellowstone National Park on May 16–17, 2005. The NPS Geologic Resources Division (GRD) organized this scoping session in order to view and discuss the park’s geologic resources, address the status of geologic maps and digitizing, and assess resource management issues and needs. In addition to GRD staff, participants included park staff and cooperators from the U.S. Geological Survey and Colorado State University (table 1). Table 1. Participants of Yellowstone’s GRE Scoping Session Name Affiliation Phone E-Mail Bob Volcanologist, USGS–Menlo Park 650-329-5201 [email protected] Christiansen Geologist/GRE Program GIS Lead, NPS Tim Connors 303-969-2093 [email protected] Geologic Resources Division Data Stewardship Coordinator, Greater Rob Daley 406-994-4124 [email protected] Yellowstone Network Supervisory Geologist, Yellowstone Hank Heasler 307-344-2441 [email protected] National Park Geologist, NPS Geologic Resources Bruce Heise 303-969-2017 [email protected] Division Cheryl Geologist, Yellowstone National Park 307-344-2208 [email protected] Jaworowski Katie Geologist/Senior Research Associate, 970-586-7243 [email protected] KellerLynn Colorado State University Branch Chief, NPS Geologic Resources Carol McCoy 303-969-2096 [email protected] Division Ken Pierce Surficial Geologist, USGS–Bozeman 406-994-5085 [email protected] Supervisory GIS Specialist, Yellowstone Anne Rodman 307-344-7381 [email protected] National Park Shannon GIS Specialist, Yellowstone National Park 307-344-7381 [email protected] Savage Monday, May 16, involved a welcome to Yellowstone National Park and an introduction to the Geologic Resource Evaluation (GRE) Program, including status of reports and digital maps.
    [Show full text]
  • Harvard Mountaineering 3
    HARVARD MOUNTAINEERING 1931·1932 THE HARVARD MOUNTAINEERING CLUB CAMBRIDGE, MASS. ~I I ' HARVARD MOUNTAINEERING 1931-1932 THE HARVARD MOUNTAINEERING CLUB CAMBRIDGE, MASS . THE ASCENT OF MOUNT FAIRWEATHER by ALLEN CARPE We were returning from the expedition to Mount Logan in 1925. Homeward bound, our ship throbbed lazily across the Gulf of Alaska toward Cape Spencer. Between reefs of low fog we saw the frozen monolith of St. Elias, rising as it were sheer out of the water, its foothills and the plain of the Malaspina Glacier hidden behind the visible sphere of the sea. Clouds shrouded the heights of the Fairweather Range as we entered Icy Strait and touched at Port Althorp for a cargo of salmon; but I felt then the challenge of this peak which was now perhaps the outstanding un­ climbed mOUlitain in America, lower but steeper than St. Elias, and standing closer to tidewater than any other summit of comparable height in the world. Dr. William Sargent Ladd proved a kindred spirit, and in the early summer of 1926 We two, with Andrew Taylor, made an attempt on the mountain. Favored by exceptional weather, we reached a height of 9,000 feet but turned back Photo by Bradford Washburn when a great cleft intervened between the but­ tresses we had climbed and the northwest ridge Mount Fairweather from the Coast Range at 2000 feet of the peak. Our base was Lituya Bay, a beau­ (Arrows mark 5000 and 9000-foot camps) tiful harbor twenty miles below Cape Fair- s camp at the base of the south face of Mount Fair­ weather; we were able to land near the foot of the r weather, at 5,000 feet.
    [Show full text]
  • Foundation Document Overview Yellowstone National Park Wyoming, Montana, Idaho
    NATIONAL PARK SERVICE • U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Foundation Document Overview Yellowstone National Park Wyoming, Montana, Idaho Contact Information For more information about the Yellowstone National Park Foundation Document, contact: [email protected] or 307-344-7381 or write to: Superintendent, Yellowstone National Park, PO Box 168, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190-0168 Park Description Yellowstone became the world’s first national park on March This vast landscape contains the headwaters of several major 1, 1872, set aside in recognition of its unique hydrothermal rivers. The Firehole and Gibbon rivers unite to form the Madison, features and for the benefit and enjoyment of the people. which, along with the Gallatin River, joins the Jefferson to With this landmark decision, the United States Congress create the Missouri River several miles north of the park. The created a path for future parks within this country and Yellowstone River is a major tributary of the Missouri, which around the world; Yellowstone still serves as a global then flows via the Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico. The Snake resource conservation and tourism model for public land River arises near the park’s south boundary and joins the management. Yellowstone is perhaps most well-known for its Columbia to flow into the Pacific. Yellowstone Lake is the largest hydrothermal features such as the iconic Old Faithful geyser. lake at high altitude in North America and the Lower Yellowstone The park encompasses 2.25 million acres, or 3,472 square Falls is the highest of more than 40 named waterfalls in the park. miles, of a landscape punctuated by steaming pools, bubbling mudpots, spewing geysers, and colorful volcanic soils.
    [Show full text]
  • Piscivorous Birds of Yellowstone Lake: Their History, Ecology, and Status
    Piscivorous Birds of Yellowstone Lake: Their History, Ecology, and Status Terry McEneaney Yellowstone Lake is truly one of the most recognizable geographic features of the Greater Yellowstone area, and, most importantly, the ecological nucleus for native fishes and piscivorous birds in Yellowstone National Park. It is home to the only current nesting colony of American white pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhyn - chos) in the National Park System. It is also unique for having the highest-eleva- tion nesting records in North America for colonial nesting birds such as the American white pelican, double-crested cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritis), California gull (Larus californicus), common loon (Gavia immer), and Caspian tern (Sterna caspia). In excess of 50% of Yellowstone’s bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) and osprey (Pandion haliaetus) nesting pairs are currently asso- ciated with Yellowstone Lake and its piscine prey. The magnetism of this unique area for birdlife rests on its remoteness, inaccessibility, and abundant food resources. Only two native fishes are found in Yellowstone Lake: the Yellowstone cutthroat trout ( O n c o r h y n chus clarki bouvieri) and the longnose dace (Catostomus catostomus). But it is the cutthroat trout biomass that is the main attraction for the piscivorous birds of Yellowstone Lake. The piscivorous birds and the cutthroat trout of Yellowstone Lake have under- gone a kaleidoscope of management practices, public attitudes, philosophical differences, exotic introductions, population changes, and distributional shifts. This paper will intertwine these points while examining the history, ecology, and status of the piscivorous avifauna of Yellowstone Lake. History The history, ecology, and status of the piscivorous birds of Yellowstone Lake is best understood by reviewing three important timelines: those of the park itself, of fish management in the park, and of bird management in the park.
    [Show full text]