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Nature Center Events, Summer 2016

Week of September 5 - September 11

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

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5
Have an enjoyable Labor Day!

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6
Hike: Atherton Ridge
Time: 8:30 AM – 3:00 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 ridgeline 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! We can also extend this hike by leaving a shuttle vehicle at the ‘Marrying Tree’ along the G-V road for our return home.
Bring: daypack, plenty of water, snacks, lunch, hiking poles if you have them.
Notes: Dogs are welcome to join us!

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7
Road Cycling: 3 Creek Ranch-Antelope Flats Loop
Time: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Location: Meet at Nature Center at 8:30 AM
Description: Strenuous
Distance: 44.5 MPH
Elevation Gain: 380’ Maximum Elevation: 6,790’
We’ll begin this ride from the Nature Center, ride 5 miles into town, continuing north on the bike path 13 miles and gain 315 feet of elevation to Moose, then continue north past Moose for one mile on the main highway to the North Antelope Flats Junction. From here we ride 13.5 miles around Antelope Flats back to G-V Junction, and return to 3 Creek Ranch. This is an excellent ride if you are just starting or wanting assistance learning the finer points to riding that new road bike! Expect one of the most scenic bike rides in the world.
Bring: bike, helmet, water bottles, warm layer, sunscreen.
Notes: Restrooms along the way, including a good cup of coffee and snacks at the Kelly store. Please stop by or give me a call if you need help preparing your bike or other cycling needs.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8
Hike: Taylor Mountain
Time: 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Location: Meet at the Nature Center at 9:00 AM
Description: Strenuous
Distance: 8.5 miles R/T
Elevation Gain: 3,180' Maximum Elevation: 10,298’
We will start this hike from the Coal Creek parking area on the west side of Teton Pass. We will climb about 2,000’ in the first 2.5 miles, and the final 1,180’ to the summit in the last 1 and 3/4 miles. This is one of my favorite summit walks with easy access, a beautiful trail and 360’ panoramic views of the southern end of the Tetons, the Wyoming range, and the farmlands and Big Hole Mountains of Teton Valley. This is a non-technical hike and we will travel on a hiking trail the entire day. We can filter water along the way if necessary. Most of our hike will be in the Jedediah Smith Wilderness Area, within the Targhee National Forest.
Bring: daypack, water bottle, lunch/snacks, rain jacket, warm layer, hat, sunscreen.
Notes: Dogs are welcome. For reference; Jackson Peak: 10, 740’, Top of Tram: 10,921’.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9
Office Hours
Time: 11:00 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.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11
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