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RMNP UPDATE - June 29, 2023  Iconic views and wildlife are abundant on Old Fall River Road/photo by Barb Boyer Buck Old Fall River Road will open to vehicles on Saturday, July 1. It is currently closed to all uses, including bicycles and pedestrians, until Friday morning, June 30, for dust abatement. This historic road normally opens by the fourth of July weekend. Old Fall River Road was built between 1913 and 1920. It is an unpaved road which travels from Endovalley Picnic Area to above treeline at Fall River Pass, following the steep slope of Mount Chapin’s south face. Due to the winding, narrow nature of the road, the scenic 9.4-mile route leading to Trail Ridge Road is one-way only. Vehicles over 25 feet and vehicles pulling trailers are prohibited on the road.
Travelers should plan ahead for Rocky Mountain National Park’s pilot temporary timed entry permit reservation system. There are two types of reservations. One permit is for the Bear Lake Road Corridor, which includes the entire corridor and access to the rest of the park. This reservation period is from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. The second permit is for the rest of Rocky Mountain National Park, excluding the Bear Lake Road corridor, and includes Old Fall River Road. This reservation period is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. To learn more visit https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/timed-entry-permit-system.htm
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RMNP UPDATE - June 22, 2023  Gary Ingram was selected to serve at Rocky's new superintendent/ photo courtesy of NPS ESTES PARK, Colo. – The National Park Service (NPS) has selected Gary Ingram as superintendent of Rocky Mountain National Park. Ingram will begin his new assignment in August. As superintendent, Ingram will oversee 150 permanent staff and approximately 250 seasonal staff and will work to continue to address complex challenges such as climate change and wildland fire; ecosystem restoration; and managing day use visitation that sustains the park's resources and offers varied quality visitor experiences. “Gary is a seasoned leader who comes to Rocky with a wealth of knowledge and experience gained during his 30 years with the NPS,” said Regional Director Kate Hammond. “His energy, enthusiasm and optimism will elevate an already high-functioning, high-performing team.” Most recently, Ingram served as the superintendent at Cumberland Island National Seashore and Fort Frederica National Monument. Prior to that he was superintendent at Jimmy Carter National Historic Park and special assistant to the Alaska Regional Director. He began his NPS career in Yosemite National Park where he served in variety of positions including law enforcement, horse patrol, emergency medical services, fire fighter, shift supervisor, chief liaison officer, and management assistant. "I am profoundly honored to be selected as the superintendent of Rocky Mountain National Park,” said Ingram. “The magnificent natural wonders and rich cultural history make it one of the world's most special places. I look forward to working with and serving the visitors, park staff, park partners, and affiliated Tribes as we continue to protect and enjoy this incredible resource." Ingram will be moving to the area with his wife, Athena. He succeeds Darla Sidles who recently retired after serving seven years as the park superintendent. Kyle Patterson, Rocky Mountain National Park’s Public Affairs Officer, will serve as interim superintendent between Sidles’ departure and Ingram's arrival. RMNP UPDATE - June 14, 2023 Beginning Tuesday, July 18, through Friday, July 21, the Wild Basin Road in Rocky Mountain National Park will be closed to all uses, including vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians for road maintenance. This closure will occur at the Wild Basin Entrance Station and will include the entire two-mile section of the road to the Wild Basin Trailhead.
The park’s roads crew will be spreading gravel and grading this narrow road to address ruts, potholes and help with drainage. Due to the road being closed to all uses from July 18 through July 21, visitors should avoid this area of Rocky Mountain National Park during this time. The trailhead parking area for the Sandbeach Lake Trail will not be impacted by this closure. For further information about Rocky Mountain National Park, please visit www.nps.gov/romo or call the park’s Information Office at (970) 586-1206.  Red-tailed Hawk perched on top of a pine tree. NPS/Schonlau photo Sheep Mountain Closure Added, Other Closures Removed or Continued for the Protection of Nesting Raptors in Rocky Mountain National ParkEach year, to protect breeding and nesting sites used by raptors (also known as birds of prey), Rocky Mountain National Park officials initiate temporary closures in the park. These raptors include multiple species of hawks, owls, golden eagles, and peregrine falcons. To ensure that these birds can nest undisturbed, specific areas within the park are closed temporarily to public use during their breeding and nesting season. These areas are monitored by park wildlife managers. Due to raptor nesting activity, Sheep Mountain, located north of Lumpy Ridge, has been added to the park’s closure list. In addition to Sheep Mountain, the following areas remain closed: Twin Owls, Rock One, Thunder Buttress, The Parish, Sundance Buttress, The Needle and Cathedral Wall. These closures include all climbing, approach and descent routes for the indicated formations on all sides of those formations. Visit the park’s website at https://www.nps.gov/romo/raptor-closures.htm for maps and all details on specific raptor closure areas. Closures have been lifted in the following areas: The Book, Left Book, The Bookmark Pinnacle, Bookmark, Batman Rock, Batman Pinnacle, Checkerboard Rock, and Lightning Rock. The National Park Service is committed to preserving birds of prey. If nest sites are located or territorial behaviors such as aggressive divebombing/vocalizing or birds fleeing nest sites due to human disturbance are observed, please report the general location to ROMO_Information@nps.gov. The same cliffs that are critical for raptors also appeal to climbers. The cooperation of climbing organizations and individuals continues to be essential to the successful nesting of raptors in the park. Raptor closures began on February 15 and will continue through July 31, if appropriate. These closures may be extended longer or rescinded at an earlier date based on nesting activity. For further information on Rocky Mountain National Park, please visit www.nps.gov/romo or call the park’s Information Office at (970) 586-1206.  VIP (Volunteers in Parks) raptor monitoring at the Lumpy Ridge trailhead. NPS/ROMO photo |
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