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Nature Center Events - Week of June 20 - 26

Hiking, Road Biking, and Stewardship Stream Volume Measurements fill this week's Nature Center events.

MONDAY, JUNE 20
Hike: Atherton Ridge
Time: 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Location: Meet at the Nature Center at 8:30 AM
Description: Moderate
Distance: 4.5 miles R/T
Elevation Gain: 1,345' Maximum Elevation: 8,306’
This is a variation on the main gully trail to
Atherton Ridge. We start from the same place at the Slide Lake campground, but quickly veer off to the south and begin climbing a beautiful ridge line trail that gains about 1,200’ of elevation in the first 2 miles. This is a shorter hike but offers so much for the naturalist
hiker in all of us..from hiking along an old forest fire burn area, wide vistas of the Red Hills and Gros Ventre Slide, endless sign of bighorn sheep, elk and deer, even an active high elevation beaver lodge and ponds…and a spectacular panorama of the entire Teton Range
from our destination. We will hike downhill for the remaining 2.5 miles back to our vehicle. This is a very enjoyable loop hike that offers a nice workout but with a high scenic reward at the end!
Bring: daypack, plenty of water, snacks, lunch, hiking poles if you have them.

TUESDAY, JUNE 21 - Happy Summer Solstice!
Hike: Granite Canyon to LSR Visitor Center
Time: 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Location: Meet at the Nature Center at 8:30 AM
Description: Easy
Distance: 7 miles R/T
Elevation Gain: 760’   Maximum Elevation: 7,060’
This ‘Valley Trail’ courses through beautiful rolling hills of mixed aspen and coniferous forests and across several small creeks as we travel along the foothill moraine of the Tetons. This trail gets its name from the early days in Jackson when a handful of popular dude ranches existed along the base of the Tetons. Guests, on horseback, would often visit one another using what is now called the valley trail.
Bring: daypack, lunch, water, sunscreen
Notes: We will need to shuttle a vehicle to the LSR Preserve Visitor Center.

Stewardship: Stream Volume Measurements
Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Meet at the Nature Center
Description: Conducting a ‘stream profile’ consists of using a ‘digital flow meter’ that records the average volume of water at mid-depth at every foot across the creek. This is how we come up with an average stream velocity. We will set up a standard protocol for recording at all three spring creeks. This is a great opportunity to pull on the waders, enjoy a slow quiet morning on the water, learn more about the ecology of our precious creeks and help me record meaningful data!
Bring: appropriate clothing for the morning, rain or shine!
Notes: We will provide hip waders.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22
Road Cycling: Gros Ventre Junction-Jenny Lake
Time: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Location: Meet at Nature Center at 8:30 AM
Description: Moderate
Distance: 26.5 MPH
Elevation Gain: 445’   Maximum Elevation: 6,791’
We’ll load up the bikes and drive north to Gros Ventre Junction. We’ll start there and our entire ride will be on the bike path, gaining 100’ in the first 5.5 miles to Moose, and gain another 350’ over the next 7.5 miles to South Jenny Lake. This is a splendid ride along the stress-free bike pathway. Expect relatively flat terrain all the way to Moose, with one hill to Windy Point with the spectacular Grand Teton landscape always in view.
Bring: bike, helmet, water bottles, warm layer, sunscreen.
Notes: Opportunities exist for additional mileage if the group so desires. Please stop by or give me a call if you need help preparing your bike or other cycling needs.

Office Hours
Time: 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Nature Center
Notes: Stop by the Nature Center for a casual visit to say hello, request some help planning your next outdoor adventure, or bring your guests for a tour of the Center.

THURSDAY, JUNE 23
Hike: Aspen Ridge Trail, LSR Preserve
Time: 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Location: Meet at the Nature Center at 8:30 AM
Description: Easy
Distance: 5 miles R/T
Elevation Gain: 450'     Maximum Elevation: 6,800
This is a wonderful hike through mixed conifer and deciduous forests, beautiful views of the valley and Phelps Lake. The trail varies from moderate to steep sections, but always eases back just when you are thinking of needing a rest.
Bring: daypack, lunch, water bottle, warm layer, sunscreen.

FRIDAY, JUNE 24
Day Hike: Coal Creek to Mesquite Pass
Time: 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Location: Meet at the Nature Center at 8:30 AM
Description: Moderate
Distance: 5.7 miles R/T
Elevation Gain: 1,995'     Maximum Elevation: 9,210'
Snow in the high country is disappearing fast, but large snow fields still exist on north facing slopes of many trails. Thus, here is a shortened version of the Coal Creek-Philips Pass Loop but still allows us to venture into some spectacular higher elevation country. We will begin this hike at the Coal Creek trailhead (7250’) on the west side of Teton Pass, and end our hike at Mesquite Pass, a steady climb of almost 3 miles and 2,000’ of elevation. Depending on snow cover, we might venture a short way up the trail to Taylor Peak.
Bring: daypack, extra warm layer, rain shell, lunch, water bottle.
Notes: Optional hike to continue up Taylor Peak.

SUNDAY, JUNE 26
Office Hours
Time: 10:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: Nature Center
Notes: Stop by the Nature Center for a casual visit to say hello, request some help planning your next outdoor adventure, or bring your guests for a tour of the Center.

Roger Smith
Resident Naturalist
3 Creek Ranch Nature Center

3 Creek Ranch Outings are reserved for club members and homeowners.