Hole Hiking Nature Update
Written by Karen Daubert
Friends of Bridger Teton Board member on behalf of HHE
www.holehike.com
307.690.4453
“On a wintry day in Wyoming as I was traveling along the foothills in open country, with aspen groves on the hills, dark evergreen forests above, and the Teton mountains across the valley, I came across the tracks of a jackrabbit…” -Olaus J. Murie in A Field Guide to Animal Tracks, First Edition, 1954
Olaus goes on to describe the tracks of an increasingly panicked rabbit as it was being chased by a coyote, bounding back and forth in a valiant attempt to escape – and escape it might have – were it not for some really bad luck. For this jackrabbit was soon being chased by not one, but two hungry coyotes, who after their successful bloody hunt, traipsed off in harmony together.
How often have we in Jackson Hole enjoyed such a wintry day as described by Olaus over 68 years ago? Such beauty! Such conditions! Such nature! In the Park, the Two Ocean Lake Nordic ski never fails to disappoint, but during this time of year, using your skills to determine the nature of your fellow animals can be a special joy! (and just in case you might have missed this Two Ocean Lake spectacular lunch spot, ski the trail in a counter-clockwise direction and when you arrive at the open slope about 2/3 of the way along the route, don’t stop there, but ski down to the gully and then up the far side to an even more magnificent picnic site)!! Enjoy!
New Film Spotlights Importance of Snake River Corridor to Wildlife
JThe Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation (JHWF) is excited to premier a short documentary film which explores the ecological importance of the Snake River corridor and the immense challenge of preserving this corridor amid an expanding human footprint.
The film was produced by award-winning cinematographer Jake Willers (Nine Caribou Productions) as part of JHWF’s Snake River Corridor Project, an ongoing educational campaign which seeks to bring attention to the Snake River’s headwaters in Jackson Hole as crucial habitat for Wyoming’s wildlife.
This documentary highlights the Snake River’s riparian zone as the single most critical movement and migration corridor for native fauna in the entire Jackson Hole valley. As an artery for wildlife travel extending from Moran to Alpine, this river corridor “connects spatially disjunct pieces of habitat and provides more food and refugia for more species across more days per year than any other habitat in Jackson Hole,” says Morgan Graham of the Teton Conservation District.
Grand Tetons If You Only Knew – from the Murie Ranch
Docent Dan, the beloved Murie Ranch docent for the past 9 years, based his summers and early falls at the historic landmark ranch in Moose, in Grand Teton National Park. The Murie Ranch is part of the Teton Science Schools, and is a peaceful refuge in winter. Docent Dan sent us a poem of Grand Teton memories yesterday, then by chance, a few friends and I explored the Murie Ranch today. We followed moose, deer , fox tracks and bird feathers on the Around the World skier tracked trail. A quiet sanctuary, home of American Conservation, the perfect place for observation of nature in every season .. Tread quietly and lightly if you choose to visit.
Grand Tetons If You Only Knew
Written February 23rd, 2022
by; Docent Dan McILhenny from The Murie Ranch, Moose WY
Forest of aspen and deep green, blue spruce
Climb-up the mountains
Dance beside meadows with sparkling clear streams
Where highland grasses
Give colorful flowers chances to pop out in eye-catching bloom
May, wilderness host – the finest broods of wee, little critters
…Along with larger four-legged kind
Let a symphony of songbirds reside as they wish
Their music’s so pleasing, plus…hard to resist
Keep variety foremost, forever in mind
Invite Mother Nature to take her sweet time
Allow every good season to do what they do best
Then, top with jagged, steeped, granite peaks
Offering breathtaking views
Grand Tetons if you only knew
Trail Creek
Grooming Daily
Last Update: 3/2
Back in Business!
Cody the Prinoth service technician has gotten our Husky up and running at 100% today. In a nutshell, the diesel emission fluid (DEF) that reduces the pollution freezes at around 12ºF which is a problem when Nordic grooming. The solution is that antifreeze is circulated at various locations around the DEF system to keep it warm. It appears as if a pump was somehow mixing antifreeze with the DEF which is a problem. We think it is fixed as it ran perfectly today.
Conditions this morning were very hard but the Husky did a pretty good job of crushing it up. A single skate/classic pass was made through almost every trail with double passes on Moose Loop, Animal Farm, and all regular field trails. We have definitely entered some spring skiing conditions, at least for the next few days with fast hard morning’s, softening mid-days, and quite soft afternoons. Skiers out as grooming was wrapping seemed to have nailed the timing and looked very happy.
Coach George sent out an email yesterday that had some very cool links. Wayne Petsch is an amazing photographer and has a son (Colton) in the program. He has attended many of the events this year, taking some awesome photos along the way. If you would like to enjoy some, check out either the Jackson Hole Ski Club 2022 link or the 2022-02-06 Trail Creek Jr Races link. Thanks so much Wayne for these amazing photos!
Groomer’s choice for today, mid-day in the fields, afternoon in the woods.
Teton Co./Jackson Parks & Rec
Grooming Monday-Saturday
Last Update: 3/2
Game creek and three creek pathway are groomed. Game creek was very icy this morning but should ski alright this afternoon. The pathway is slushy and spring skiing conditions already.
Cache creek and May park are groomed. The trails in the valley are becoming pretty slushy by afternoon so it’s best to ski them in the morning. Game creek will be finished by 11:00.
Thursday Grooming Schedule: High School Fields, Emily’s Pond Levee, Wilson Centennial Pathway
Cache Creek Fat Bike Trails
Last Update: 2/22
I groomed the trails in Cache last night and will take another lap this afternoon to firm things up and will snowshoe the smaller trails on Wednesday. That way everything should be in good shape for Winter Trails Day this Saturday!
Grooming by Friends of Pathways.
Teton Pines Nordic
Grooming Daily
Last Update: 3/3
Our trails are still in pretty good shape despite the last 3 super warm days and nights. We are currently grooming with our ginzu groomer to preserve our track until fresh snow arrives this weekend. The best time for skiing over the next couple of days is from 9:45am-11:30am. The classic track is more negatively affected by our current weather situation, so skate skiing is recommended! If the weather forecast holds up for next week, our ski conditions should be back to normal late this weekend. Stay tuned.
New Salomon skis in stock now!! We received a surprise shipment of classic skis in a couple of lengths. If you are between 110-195lbs we have skis for you. We have boots and poles to go with them too! These skis were supposed to arrive last September but have been stuck in the Covid shipping delay situation. We are happy they finally made it to the shop!
Our trails and shop are fully open to the public 9am-4pm daily. Please call us in advance to book lessons at: (307) 733-1733. You do not need a reservation for skiing and we do not take reservations for rentals. Please contact us in advance to check availability for off-site rentals.
In our retail shop we still have a small size selection of skate skis and BC skis, but have lots of boots, poles, jackets, pants, gloves, and hats. We also have a good selection of used skate gear available. Call or come by to see if we have your sizes! We have a full tuning shop so drop off your skis for a wax done by our great wax techs! Visit our website for pricing and other information: www.tetonpinesnordiccenter.com
Shooting Star
Grooming Daily
Last Update: 3/1
The trails are currently in great shape after this morning’s groom. Continue to expect faster, icier conditions in the mornings with a softening of the track throughout the day. Warm temperatures yesterday have begun to shrink the already low valley snowpack. We will continue to do our best to keep the Nordic trails in shape, but anticipate more thin spots and spring conditions while Nordic skiing this week. Most of these are thin spots are confined to small areas along the edge of the track and majority of the course will still ski very well. Warm temperatures, nearing the 50s, will continue for Wednesday and Thursday before an active storm system will bring precipitation through the weekend.
Next Nordic update will be Friday.
TRAIL STATUS
- YELLOW LOOP OPEN
- SLED HILL GROOMED on 2/26 (Grooming will occur as needed)
- CLASSIC TRACKS SET
- SNOWSHOEING OPEN (BLUE LOOP ONLY, STAY ON THE EDGE OF THE TRAIL OR IMMEDIEDATEY NEXT TO TRAIL)
- ORANGE LOOP OPEN
- WALKING, NOT ALLOWED
Snake River Sporting Club
Daily Nordic grooming for both “Front Nine” (south side) and “Back Nine” (North side) Nordic Trails
Public access to the groomed Nordic trails is $50 per person per day, with no season passes available. Ski rentals are available at the Sports Shop. Guests must check in at the Sports Shop to sign a waiver and make payment before heading out. The daily pass does not allow access to the Restaurant this season. The clinics that are being offered are for members and lodging guests only.
Please call the Sports Shop with any questions you may have at 307-200-3093
Grand Teton National Park
Last Update: 3/1
Check out the inner controls of the groomer. Brandon will be heading to Signal Mountain today.
Grooming is sponsored by the GTNP Foundation and generous donations from our community.
Turpin Meadow Ranch
Grooming Daily
Last Update: 3/1
Trail conditions are reflecting the warm temperatures we’ve been experiencing; despite that we are still grooming daily (resetting the skate lane each afternoon with the ginzu). Mid-day skiing has been super fun and on the faster side. We recommend fat biking in the morning when the trails are at their firmest, going for a skate ski mid-day and ending the day on your classic skis or snowshoes.
Upcoming dates to put on your calendar:Thursday, March 3 – last night ski of the season Friday and Saturday, March 4/5 – The lodge will be closed for a private event March 4 at 2pm and remain closed March 5. We will see you all again on Sunday, March 6!Monday, March 14 – Last day of the season at TMR
Please sign acknowledgment of risk forms and pay for trail passes online ahead of your visit. Call the front office (307) 543-2000 ahead of your visit for booking equipment rentals and Nordic adventures (lessons and tours).
https://www.turpinmeadowranch.com/the-ranch/live-conditions
https://www.turpinmeadowranch.com | 307.543.2000
Trail Etiquette: Please keep your dogs leashed in the parking lot and be sure to clean up after them!
Grand Targhee
Grooming Schedule: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday
Last Updated: 3/2
Cross Country 15k: XC OPEN
Fat Bike Trails : Closed
Snowshoe Trails: Open
Targhee’s Nordic trails are groomed Tuesdays, Thursdays & Sat/Sundays. Fat bike/snowshoe trails are groomed regularly but not on a set schedule – the groomer usually waits until after a storm cycle to groom the single track.
Trail day passes are $20 this winter.
Remember, singletracks will be closed when there is more than 3 inches of snow in a 24 hour period.
Alta Track
Grooming Schedule: Tuesday, Thursday, & Sunday
Last Updated: 3/1
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Reset classic track and smoothed out skate lane. Conditions are softening up quickly with the warm temperatures.
Please do not park in the library parking lot. Please be sure to keep your dogs on a leash and to clean up after them.
Driggs
Grooming Schedule: Monday, Wednesday & Friday
Last Updated: 3/2
Skate: Not Set | Classic: Not Set
Not able to groom in Driggs today. Conditions will be crusty this morning and slushy by afternoon.
Sherman Park
Grooming Schedule: Monday, Wednesday & Friday
Last Updated: 3/2
Skate: Not Set | Classic: Not Set
I believe I would do more damage to the track to try and groom so I will hold off until colder temps solidify base. It was 35 degrees at 6am at my house off the park and roof was still dripping. If you can please try to stay off track and hope that it doesn’t get too torn up from dogs and walkers! Cold and snow hopefully this weekend
Teton Canyon
Grooming Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday
Last Updated: 3/2
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Reset both of the classic tracks Wednesday evening, while the snow was soft. Turned out well. Skate will be good tomorrow at the right time.
Southern Valley Nordic
Grooming Schedule: Tuesday, Friday & Sunday
Last Updated: 2/28
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Monday evening I was able to reset the skate track only on yetis and the inner campground loop. The air and snow temperatures are too warm for any success of trying to reset a classic track with the Ginzu. It would just clog up. The classic track was in fine shape so I left it as is. Enjoy the glide.
No dogs December 1 – April 15.
Teton Reserve Nordic
Grooming Schedule: Monday, Thursday & Saturday
Last Updated: 3/2
Skate: Not Set | Classic: Not Set
Unable to groom; “rotten” surface. Warm temps forecast again tomorrow. Grooming will have to wait until surface firms. Colder temps may restore things this weekend.
No dogs allowed.
Southern Valley Singletrack
Grooming Schedule: As needed
Last Updated: 3/1
Singletrack: Not Set
With warm Temps any exposed trail will be soft by midday. Please try to ride before 10am or after 6pm. Thanks
Happy Hour (aka Mike Harris to ID/WY state line)
No dogs December 1 – April 15.
Darby Canyon
Grooming Schedule: As needed
Last Updated: 2/18
Groomed to summer TH 2/16
Rammell Mountain Road
Grooming Schedule: As needed
Last Updated: 2/10
Groomed 1/14
South Leigh Road
Grooming Schedule: As needed
Last Updated: 2/18
Groomed 2/16
WYLD Times at R Park, Hosted by JH Land Trust
Saturday, March 5th
Rendezvous Park | 3 – 5 pm
On Saturday, March 5 from 3-5 pm the Jackson Hole Land Trust (JHLT) will host WYLD Times at R Park. You are invited to enjoy this free, winter festival to kick off the JHLT’s new WYLD membership initiative. WYLD members fuel free community conservation programming that enriches the livability of this valley and invites accessible open space experiences for all.
WYLD Times at R Park will feature several activity stations with something for everyone. You can take a fat tire bike for a spin courtesy of The Hub Bicycles and brush up on avalanche rescue skills and backcountry preparedness with Teton County Search and Rescue. Kids (or those young at heart) can learn about nature with the JHLT’s Discovery Boxes and sled R Park’s iconic knolls. All activities are free, and you are invited to join WYLD for fun extras like hot cocoa, beer, and custom donuts from Provisions. Don’t have avalanche safety gear to practice with? You can join WYLD for a chance to win an ARVA Evo 4 Combo Kit, including a beacon, probe, and snow shovel!
Become a WYLD member by visiting jhlandtrust.org/wyld today. Attendees who join the WYLD membership program before or during the March 5 WYLD Times at R Park event will be entered into the giveaway to win the ARVA Evo 4 Combo Kit, including a beacon, probe, and snow shovel.
We’d love to hear about your outdoor adventures, what your doing to stay healthy, safe, respectful of community health guidelines – send pictures or post on FB and Insta – #JHNordic
