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Nature Center Events, Summer 2017

Week of August 14 - August 20

MONDAY, AUGUST 14

Day Hike: Wilson Canyon-Game Creek
Time: 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Location: Meet at the Nature Center at 8:30 AM
Description: Moderate
Distance: 10 miles R/T
Elevation Gain: 2,210' Maximum Elevation: 7,525
We’ll start this hike from the trailhead located behind the Lower Valley Power and Light (LVPL) building, and end at the Game Creek trailhead. This trail gains almost 1,200’ of elevation in first 3 miles, levels out for a short ways, then is all downhill the last 7 miles to the Game Creek trailhead and our vehicle. We’ll hike through open meadows, thick forests of fir and aspen, with dramatic rocky outcroppings along the narrow canyon. We also hike through sections of the 2012 Wilson Canyon forest fire which burned almost 3,500 acres. This is a similar trail we take to the back side of Snow King, but we exit onto the West Fork trail about 3 miles into our hike. This is a very relaxing hike through moderate terrain that I think all will enjoy.
Bring: daypack, snack, rain jacket, warm layer, hat, sunscreen.
Notes: we will need to leave a shuttle vehicle at the Game Creek trailhead. Dogs are welcome.

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TUESDAY, AUGUST 15

Day Hike: Fall Creek Ridge Loop Hike
Time: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Meet at the Nature Center at 8:00 AM
Description: Easy
Distance: 3.5 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 and Munger Mountain. We will drive from the Nature Center, following Fall Creek Road south of Wilson to Red Top Meadows. We will hike the “Poison Creek and Wally’s World” loop.
Bring: daypack, water bottle, snack, rain jacket, warm layer, hat, sunscreen, hiking shoes.

Day Hike – Ferry Peak
Time: 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Location: Meet at the Nature Center at 7:00 AM
Description: Strenuous
Distance: 6.5 miles R/T
Elevation Gain: 4,000'   Maximum Elevation: 9,570'
We will drive down the Snake River Canyon and start this hike from the just behind the Nordic Inn as you enter Alpine, Lincoln County. This is a straight forward, uphill hike along a timbered and open exposed ridge line all the way to the summit of Ferry Peak. We will travel on a maintained path for most of this hike, with short sections of easy walking through sparse forested areas. Most of this hike is along an exposed ridge with lots of sun and no available water along the way. Spectacular views of the Palisades Mountain range.
Bring: daypack, plenty of water! lunch/snacks, rain jacket, warm layer, hat, sunscreen.

Notes from the Field – Trumpeter Swans of the GYE, Susan Patla, WYG&F
Time: 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Location: Nature Center
Description:
Please join Susan Patla, Non-Game Biologist with our Wyoming Game and Fish Department, for an entertaining program into the history, ecology and current status of Trumpeter Swans in the GYE…and here at 3Creek Ranch. Susan has been involved in monitoring and conservation of Trumpeter Swans in the Tri-State area(Wyoming, Idaho and Montana) for over 35 years, and is deeply respected throughout the region for her tireless work with this remarkable species. A wonderful opportunity to learn about this unique population of the world’s largest waterfowl species.
Notes: Light refreshments served.

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16

Day Hike: Teton Canyon-Death Canyon Shelf-Marion Lake to Tram
Time: 5:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Location: Meet at Nature Center at 5:30 AM
Description:  Strenuous
Distance: 20 miles R/T
Elevation Gain: 5,500' Maximum Elevation: 10,450'
Starting from the end of Teton Canyon in Driggs, Idaho, we’ll hike along the south fork of Teton Canyon until reaching the Devils Stairs trail junction. Hiking up these steep switchbacks will take us to the Death Canyon Shelf, a relatively flat trail in an amazing alpine setting. We follow this to Meek Pass, then to Fox Creek Pass and drop into at Marion Lake. From here we head across Granite Basin to the top of Rendezvous Peak and take the tram down to the destination at the base of Teton Village. A great through hike and a big day but reasonable with an early start and the tram ride down at the end. We will travel on a well-maintained trail the entire day. This is a hike through a good portion of the most spectacular backcountry terrain in Teton Park!
Bring: daypack with warm layers, rain gear, warm hat, plenty of food, water and snacks fora long day on the trail. We can filter water along the way.
Notes: Note the EARLY 5:30 AM DEPARTURE. Expect two challenging hills, the first upthe Devil’s staircase to the Shelf (4.5 miles, 2,500’ gain), the second hiking up the back sideof Rendezvous Peak (1.5 miles, 1,100’ gain) to the Tram at the end of the day.

Road Cycling: 3 Creek Ranch-Red Top Meadows
Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Meet at the Nature Center at 8:00 AM
Description: Strenuous
Distance: 41 miles R/T
Elevation Gain: 1,313'   Maximum Elevation: 6,594'
With the new bike completed along HW 22, we will ride the first 8.2 miles along the bike path to Nora’s at the junction of Fall Creek Road and HW 22. From Nora’s we will ride the remaining 12.3 miles on the shoulder of Fall Creek Road, but we can expect minimal vehicle traffic and motorists are aware of cyclists on the road. We’ll start on gentle rolling hills and easy flats. At the 4.5 mile mark we encounter a short but steep (150’) hill, then travel along beautiful flats for another 4 miles to the base of Red Top hill. The last 2.5miles to the top of Red top Meadows is a challenging climb of roughly 525’. Although this isa ‘down and back’ ride, the varied terrain and beautiful scenery makes this ride my favorite ride in the valley.
Bring: bike, helmet, two water bottles, food, sunscreen.
Notes: Restrooms, Refreshments and water at the Exxon station in Wilson. Please stop by or give me a call if you need help preparing your bike or other cycling needs.

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 17

Day Hike: Phillips Pass…Fireweed display!
Time: 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Location: Nature Center at 8:30 AM
Description: Moderate
Distance: 8 miles R/T
Elevation Gain: 1,520'   Maximum Elevation: 8,932'
We’ll start at the trailhead to Ski Lake, accessed from Teton Pass. At the 1 mile mark, we’ll bear right and follow the trail sign to Phillips Pass. We will be hiking through beautiful stands of fir, spruce, aspen and open meadows, with wonderful views throughout the entire hike. One of the goals of this hike is check the status of the fireweed bloom that flows over expansive subalpine meadows in the upper 650‘ to the Pass. This hike offers great views of the valley.
Bring: daypack, plenty of water, delicious snacks, rain jacket, warm layer, hat, sunscreen, hiking shoes
Notes: Dogs are welcome.

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 18

Day Hike: Mt. Ellie Hike, Teton Pass
Time: 8:00 AM – 12:30 AM
Location: Meet at the Nature Center at 8:00 AM
Description: Easy
Distance: 3.5 miles R/T
Elevation Gain: 850'   Maximum Elevation: 9,279'
We will start this hike from the parking lot on Teton Pass, hike approximately 2 miles to the top of Mt. Ellie. We will follow a ridge-top trail almost the entire way through open meadows of wildflowers and forest stands of subalpine fir and Engelmann spruce. This entire hike follows a well-worn trail, and offers one of the most spectacular views of the entire Jackson Hole valley. A fantastic way start to any day!
Bring: daypack, extra warm layer, rain/wind shell, refreshments.

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SUNDAY, AUGUST 20

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.