Summer is here and Trails are Open!

Thanks to the hard work of Forest Service and Friends of Pathways trail crews, Jackson's close to home Snow King and Teton Pass area trails are in the best early season shape ever.

Trail Crew leaders Tim Farris, head of Backcountry Trails, and Erik Jacobson, FS/FOP Trail Coordinator for Snow King/Teton Pass, along with Tim's capable crew got right on the Greater Snow King Area trails starting in early May as soon as the snow was melting, quickly reestablishing drainage and checking to see signs were up and problem areas addressed.

As more snow melted in the Teton Pass high country, Erik was joined by returning trail worker Galen, two from the Wilderness Crew, and spent two full days doing drainage work up Black Canyon.  They focused on the middle section of the trail which really needed it.  They also went up to the Snotel Loop and did some prep work and a little digging up there. 

Erik and Galen along with Tim Ferris and his crew worked their way up to the History Trail. PLEASE NOTE: The History Trail is a hiker/horse only trail, and unfortunately bike tracks were seen on it. Users are asked to please respect the trail use rules on Teton Pass, and not cycle on hike-only trails.

Erik and Galen cleared the Arrow trial from the Snotel to Phillips a week ago, but after the big wind storm last week there were more trees down. Part-time Trail Ambassador Walt Berling was able to go on Saturday and cleared 4 freshly fallen trees, and also was able to clear 3 down trees on the Big Rock Trail.

The crews are doing more work on the Snotel Loop now that most of the basic trail clearing and drainage work is complete. They are working on the more technical trail features and tough sections. Erik just reported that "With most of the maintenance done in the GSKA and Teton Pass, I am now shifting into construction mode on the Snotel and Ridge trails.  Galen and I spent most of last week prepping the Snotel trial getting ready for volunteer diggers." Volunteers are starting to lend a hand as well, and Walt Berling plans a new Friday Dig Day, every Friday morning meeting at 8:00 at the Stagecoach and finishing by noon.
 
Snow continues to linger in the higher elevations.  Crews report some big snow patches in the upper meadows of Black Canyon.  Snow patches remain in the trees on the Arrow trial.  The Wilderness Crew cleared the Ski Lake trail, and reported that it is passable.  Big snow patches do still remain.  The History Trail with all its southern exposure is free of snow and good to go. Erik said on Monday June 29 that "Galen and I will be clearing the Ridge trail and upper Black Canyon tomorrow."

A big thanks goes to Tim Farris and his Crew for the extra help this spring. As the snow starts to open up the high country, Tim's crew is now shifting to more backcountry and wilderness trails and plan their first overnight trail work this week.

So enjoy your public land trails, and when you see them, please thank the hard working crews for helping keep our trails open and sustainable!