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Nature Center Events, Summer 2016

Week of August 8 - August 14

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

MONDAY, AUGUST 8
Hike: Marion Lake
Time: 8:15 AM – 3:30 PM
Location: Meet at the Nature Center at 8:15 AM
Description: Strenuous
Distance: 11.5 miles R/T
Elevation Gain: 2,440' Maximum Elevation: 9,240’
Many of us are in great shape after a summer season of hiking, and while this is almost a 12 mile hike, I don’t think you will find as challenging now compared to earlier in the summer. That said, the hike to Marion Lake is a full day on a well-maintained trail, with spectacular mountain scenery through breath-taking sub-alpine environments. We will start the day by catching the first Tram ride of the morning to the top of Rendezvous Mountain at Teton Village. We drop almost 1,600’ of elevation in the first 2.5 miles, followed by two short but steeper climbs of roughly 500’ on our way up to the lake. After a well-deserved lunch rest at Marion lake, we will return along the same trail to catch the Tram back down to Teton Village. The last 2.8 miles to the top of the Tram, with 1,800’ elevation gain, can be a
challenge after a full day on the trail. Guaranteed to be a memorable hike for all.
Bring: daypack, water bottle, extra warm clothing, rain jacket, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, sturdy/comfortable hiking shoes, plenty of food. I have a water purification filter so we can refill water bottles along the way. This is a non-technical hike and we will travel on a hiking trail the entire day.
Notes: As with all hiking ventures in the mountains, our trip will be weather dependent. Tram tickets are $42.00 at window, $32.00 online (ages 18-64); >65 yrs $34 at window, $26.00 online. Tram rides are no longer free for season passholders.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9
Hike: Crater Lake and the Big Rocks Trail
Time: 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Location: Meet at the Nature Center at 8:30 AM
Description: Moderate
Distance: 4.9 miles R/T
Elevation Gain: 1,150' Maximum Elevation: 7,212’
We begin this hike from the parking area at the base of the Old Pass Road, just past Trail Creek Ranch. We’ll hike up almost 700’ in the first 1.5 miles to Crater Lake along the ‘History Trail’, and return down along the Crater Lake Trail. Both travel through beautiful forests and open meadows along a well-worn trail, and offer a pleasant alternative to the paved ‘old pass road’ that winds to the top of Teton Pass. Once back to the bottom, we’ll climb back up about 350’ and hike a beautiful trail around the ‘Big Rocks’ trail, so named for several massive boulders, or ‘glacial erratics’ that we encounter on the trail. These glacial erratics’ were transported to this location on top of huge glaciers that once filled the valley to an estimated 1,500 feet above the valley floor. Great views of Mt. Glory, mature Douglas fir forests and plenty of interesting birding.
Bring: daypack, snack, rain jacket, warm layer, hat, sunscreen, hiking shoes.
Notes: Dogs are welcome to join us!

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10
Road Cycling: Cedron Road Loop - Victor, Idaho
Time: 8:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Location: Meet at Nature Center at 8:00 AM
Description: Moderate
Distance: 26.5 MPH
Elevation Gain: 460’ Maximum Elevation: 6,193’
This is a very enjoyable ride along the rural back roads of the west side of Victor, Idaho along the base of the Big Hole Mountains. Starting and finishing at Fitzgerald’s bike shop, we will ride relatively flat terrain with small dips and rises on a quiet road that offers continuous views of Teton Valley and the west side of the Tetons. The northern end of our route takes us through Driggs, Idaho, where we return to Victor along the bike path. Great coffee and treats at Fitzgerald’s Bike shop awaits us at the finish.
Bring: bike, helmet, water bottles, warm layer, sunscreen
Notes: Note early meeting time at the Nature Center. Expect minimal traffic on the Cedron Road. Please stop by or give me a call if you need help preparing your bike or other cycling needs.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11
Hike: Phillips Pass to the Tram
Time: 7:15 AM – 4:30 PM
Location: Strenuous
Distance: 12.7 miles R/T
Elevation Gain: 4,950' Maximum Elevation: 10.450'
We’ll start at the trailhead to Ski Lake, and at the .5 mile mark, we’ll bear right and follow a trail for 3 miles through beautiful stands of fir, spruce, aspen and open meadows to Phillips Pass at 8,932 feet. From here, we continue north about 4 miles along Moose Creek, including one fairly steep down section of trail, and an easy uphill along switchbacks to the pass between Moose creek and the Marion Lake basin at 9,085’. From here we continue on the Teton Crest Trail for another 1.5 miles, connecting with the Middle-fork ‘cut-off’ trail and arriving at the bottom of a fairly long climb back up to the aerial tram. We’ll take a well-deserved ride down the tram to our vehicle in the Village parking area.
Bring: daypack, plenty of water and food, delicious snacks, rain jacket, warm layer, hat, sunscreen, hiking shoes.
Notes: We will shuttle a vehicle to the Village. This is a beautiful hike through variable terrain, and we can expect around 7 hours on the trail.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 12
Office Hours
Time: 9:00 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.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 14
Office Hours
Time: 1:00 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