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Nature Center Events, Summer 2017

Week of July 3 - July 9

MONDAY, JULY 3
Day Hike: Fall Creek Ridge Loop
Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Meet at the Nature Center at 9:00 AM
Description: Easy
Distance: 33.5 miles R/T
Elevation Gain: 650' Maximum Elevation: 7,090’
This hike is noted for easy ascents and descents through varied habitats with stands of aspen and magnificent vistas of the Tetons, Snake River andMunger Mountain. We will drive from the Nature Center, following Fall Creek Road south ofWilson to Red top meadows. We will hike the “Poison Creek and Wally’s World” loop.
Notes: daypack, water bottle, snack, rain jacket, warm layer, hat, sunscreen, hiking shoes.

Day Hike: Coal Creek to Mesquite Pass
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Location: Meet at the Nature Center at 9:00 AM.
Description: Moderate/Face Pace
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: Dogs are welcome.

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WEDNESDAY, JULY 5
Day Hike: Black Canyon: bottom to top
Time: 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Meet at the Nature Center at 8:30 AM
Description: Strenuous
Distance: 9 miles R/T
Elevation Gain: 2,800' Maximum Elevation: 9,200’
We will start this hike at the base of the Old Pass Road and ascend up the pass via the Black Canyon trail, a wonderful hike through towering subalpine and Douglas fir forests, aspen meadows and creek crossings. We will also get a glimpse of recent Jackson Hole history as we explore the various artifacts left behind from the old road into Jackson Hole. From peak 9279 (Mt.Ellie), we descend the 1.5 miles to our vehicle on Teton Pass, surrounded by wildflowers and incredible vistas of the Snake River Range and the Jackson valley.
Bring: daypack, snack, rain jacket, warm layer, hat, sunscreen, hiking shoes.
Notes: CWe will leave a shuttle vehicle on Teton Pass for our return.

Day Hike – Adam’s Canyon Loop
Time: 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Meet at the Nature Center at 7:30 AM
Description: Moderate
Distance: 3.9 miles R/T
Elevation Gain: 1,985' Maximum Elevation: 7,938’
This hike begins behind the Recycling and Animal AdoptionCenters on HW 89, just a mile south of the Smith’s intersection. The most challenging section of this hike is in the first 2 miles, gaining almost 1,900’ of elevation along a well-travelled path. We are then off-trail with easy footing for a short quarter mile section along a beautiful ridgeline with remarkable scenic vistas, then continuing down open grassy slopes to reconnect with the main trail back down the canyon to our vehicle. This is good workout hike, but not overly strenuous!
Bring: daypack, bear spray, water bottle, lunch/snack, rain jacket, warm layer, hiking poles
Notes: Dogs are welcome.

Notes from the Field – Parks, Forests, Wilderness...how did we get here?
Time: 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Location: Nature Center
Description:
Starting in 1872 with one quite lonely Yellowstone NationalPark…how did we get to a world-class resume of 2 National Parks, 6 NationalForests, 8 Wilderness Areas, 3 National Wildlife Refuges, privately protected landscapes and a World Heritage Site all within a relatively intact Ecosystem we have today..and all right here in our back yard! Join me for a casual journey through the history of land conservation in this unique part of the world we call home.
Notes: light refreshments will be provided.

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THURSDAY, JULY 6
Road Cycling: 3 Creek Ranch – Fish Creek Road
Time: 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Meet at the Nature Center at 8:30 AM
Description: Moderate
Distance: 25.6 miles R/T
Elevation Gain: 410' Maximum Elevation: 6,385'
With the new bike completed along HW 22, we will ride the first 8 miles and 90’ of elevation gain along the pathway from the Nature Center to the start of Fish Creek road.We will then ride the remaining 4.8 miles on Fish Creek, gaining the last 210’ of elevation gain in the final 2 miles to the end of the paved County road. Although there is not much of a shoulder on Fish Creek road, traffic is minimal and drivers are aware of cyclists.
Bring: bike, helmet, water bottles, warm layer, sunscreen.
Notes: Please stop by or give me a call if you need help preparing your bike or other cycling needs

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FRIDAY, JULY 7
Day Hike: Munger Mountain
Time: 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Meet at the Nature Center at 8:30 AM
Description: Strenuous
Distance: 5.7 miles R/T
Elevation Gain: 2,058' Maximum Elevation: 8,374'
Whenever we look south from 3 Creek Ranch, we look almost directly at this large prominent and distinctive landmark. Munger Mtn is named after a prospector searching for gold in the lower sections of the mountain. The trail begins just past Red TopMeadows on Fall Creek Road, shortly after the pavement ends. This a steady uphill hike, with a few short but steep sections near the top. The majority of this hike is in the open, and there is no available water. The spectacular views from the top of Munger Mountain make the effort more than worthwhile.
Bring: daypack, plenty of food and water, extra warm clothing, rain jacket, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, sturdy/comfortable hiking shoes. This is a non-technical hike and we will travel on a maintained hiking trail the entire day.
Notes: I strongly recommend bringing hiking poles, I have a few extra pair of poles if you’d like to use them. Dogs are welcome. We might encounter motorbikes.

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SUNDAY, JULY 8
Office Hours
Time: 10:00 AM – 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.