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Show WASATCH Continued from page 10 said Tim Garcia, dispersed recreation manager, U.S. Forest Service, Pleasant Grove Ranger District. Most of them made their treks on the 12 or 13 weekends in July, August and September. By contrast, Garcia notes, during mid-week, even at the height of summer, there are fewer than 30 hikers to be found on the mountain on a given day. ‘One option being considered to reduce use is the placement of a toll booth in American Fork Canyon. Using Millcreek Canyon as a model, Forest Service officials believe an entry feé would reduce use and provide funding for facilities in the Wilderness Area. “We are still collecting data that will help us come up with something useful (to limit auto and foot traffic) on the days of heavy use,” Garcia said. The lower half of American Fork Canyon gets extreme use by visitors waiting to tour Timpanogos The cave attracts thousands tors each year. During Cave. of visi- the warm months, tourists trek back and forth along the lower canyon while waiting for the guided tour. Perhaps more important than limiting use, Garcia explained, is educating hikers to protect and sustain the environment on the moun- MOUNTAIN TIMES tain. The worst enemy of the ecology and one of the easiest things to avoid is erosion caused by hikers wandering off trails or taking short cuts. “We are still plugging away, trying to educate people,” he said. “The physical scarring of the land is visible. Erosion and sedimentation lead to a bunch of environmental to high altitudes, no matter what time of year. Hypothermia, broken legs and other serious injuries require evacuation by helicopter. Although there have been few Big, white goats on serious Timpanogos impacts.” Exploring accidents on Timpanogos for a mountaineering to Kelsey, eight 20 years. in the Rocky Mountain Goat population of the Olympic National Park in Kelsey's Washington guide book, Utah’s Climbing Mt. It and was about 20 years /BIRDS EVERYTHING experi- FOR At the Rocky Mountain Wild Bird Station If you love birds, birdhouses, feeders, bird accessories and bird essentials, our knowledgeable staff can’t wait to help you and your feathered friends. away.” The volunteer Timp Emergency Rescue Team is on hand for emergencies that most frequently include sprained and twisted ankles and knees. But hypothermia is a big risk for anyone traveling in light clothing OPEN DAILY 875 lronhorse Dr. Park City, Utah 801-647-5990 Ruscic Curopean Charm The Goldener Hirsch your favorite alpine setting Inn invites you to savor our special summer entrees amidst mountain and wildflowers. Casual, pines elegant and reasonably priced. Goldener Hirsch I SILVER Summer Dinner Hours. Wednesday—Sunday 5:30-9:30 Sunday Brunch LAKE VILLAGE Market e Gourmet 049-7710 ¢« Delicatessen Groceries * Roasted ¢« Café Coffees « Gift Baskets « Catering * Fresh Baked Breads Daily Lunch & Dinner Specials 11:00—3:00 1492 PAGE ago 11 Park Open Daily Avenue ¢ Park 649-0090 that began burgeoning out Continued on page 15 Timpanogos. ence of sudden rain and snow storms and cold temperatures. “For many people, its a park-like event, without much planning... But people need to take some responsibility for themselves,” warns Garcia, “because the closest help is 6 miles in hikers have died on Timpanogos in the last the past few years, its history is punctuated by numerous deaths due to falls, as outlined in Michael R. On the bright side, today’s hikers are leaving a lot less litter than those of a decade ago, Garcia said. Although its summits are well above timberline, easy access [to Timpanogos on the Timpooneke trail, off the Alpine Loop road above American Fork Canyon, or the Aspen Grove trail, above Sundance, beckons casual hikers. Many aren't prepared According City * |
