Big Wood Backcountry Trails

         
        

SAWTOOTH NATIONAL RECREATION AREA

RECREATION REPORT 

JANUARY 28, 2009 

SNRA VISITOR CENTER HOURS:  MONDAY – FRIDAY FRI 8:30 AM TO 5:00 PM (208-727-5013)

STANLEY RANGER STATION:   MONDAY – FRIDAY   8:30 AM TO 4:30 PM

                               (CLOSED 12:00 TO 1:00 FOR LUNCH)   (208-774-3000)

KETCHUM RANGER STATION:   MONDAY – FRIDAY 8:30 AM TO 5:00 PM (208-622-5371) 

SPECIAL EVENTS 

• The Snowshoe with a Ranger Tour is an interesting way to spend a few hours every Thursday learning about the fascinating history of the Galena mining era. Dress warm, layer your clothes, and don’t forget to wear insulated boots. Bring gloves, a hat, sunglasses and water.  Sun screen is always good to have in your day pack. 

 

      Meet at the Galena Lodge porch at 11 am.  Tours depart at 11.10 and last  approximately an hour and half and cover 1-2 miles.  Due to the nature of the  walk we request that dogs be left at home.  Galena Lodge serves lunch and rents  snowshoes.  If you need more information call the SNRA at 208-727-5013 or  Galena Lodge 208-726-4010.  “Snowshoe with a Ranger” program will be held  every Thursday at 11:00 am until the end of March. 

• Ski the Rails a free cross country ski tour along the Wood River Trail (former Union Pacific Railroad) will be held this Saturday, Jan 31.  The tour goes from Ketchum to Hailey. Four aid stations will be along the tour with snacks and beverages. The Community School, Mountain Express, KECH Radio, BCRD, and Perry’s are all contributing.  Don’t have the equipment?, no problem,  Sturtevant’s in Hailey is offering 10% off classic and skate ski rentals to participants.  The tour starts at 10; 00 am at Serenade Lane in Ketchum or anywhere along the Wood River Trail.  You can even catch a shuttle bus leaving Hailey to Ketchum.   More details call the rec district 788-2117
• The Annual Boulder Mountain Race is soon approaching.  February 7, is the date for the big cross country ski race
• This is Avalanche Awareness Week.  Activities’ relating to avalanche safety is being conducted by the Avalanche Center.  Call Ketchum Ranger Station 622-5371 for time and places.
• So many activities happening and upcoming, so check the local paper listings for the Special Olympics and local events.

 
 
 
 

AVALANCHE HAZARDS

• Winter travel comes with hazards that are not present in summer, such as avalanches.  You are responsible for determining if it is safe to go into an area before proceeding.  Err on the side of caution.
• Website for daily avalanche update.  www.sawtoothavalanche.com
• Call the Avalanche Hot Line for conditions—622-8027 or the above website.

 

IMPORTANT NUMBERS TO JOT DOWN

• X Country Skiing Grooming Trail Hot Line:  208-578-XSKI (9754)
• BCRD (Blaine County Recreation Department):  208-788-2117.
• Avalanche Advisory:  208-622-8027
• SNRA Headquarters:  208-727-5000 or 727-5013
• Sun Valley Nordic:  208-622-2250 or www.sunvalley.com

 

PASSES

Since the SNRA Headquarters Visitor Center is closed on weekends and holidays, cross country ski passes including dog and snowshoe are available at Backwood Sports, and Galena Lodge.  There are fee boxes strategically placed at trailheads.  

A pass is not required if one doesn’t ski, or snowshoe on any groomed trail.  Please do not walk on any of the groomed trails.   

ROADS AND TRAILS

There are some groomed cross country ski trails and snowmobile trails that look like a plowed road.  People unfamiliar with winter conditions and areas have mistaken these trails for roads and have been seriously stuck.  This type of situation is not only hard on the wallet, but does cause damage to the trail system.  

Forest roads are not plowed during winter.  Winter sports, wildlife and resource protection are some of the reasons. Wheeled motorized travel is prohibited on unpaved Forest Service roads from December 1^st until May 1^st.   

CLOSURE

There is an area closure in the Warm Springs drainage to protect wintering elk and deer.  All National Forest lands in the Warm Springs Drainage east into Ketchum (Wanderers Way) will be closed to ALL entry.  The area closure will be posted with signs at normal access points and remain in effect through the winter to provide security for wintering big game animals. 

Educational Programs Offered:  Education activities, programs and services are offered to local schools and groups.  Several traveling educational trunks are available for loan to educators or group leaders the trunks are:  Insects, Salmon, and Skins/Skulls, Wilderness, Wolves and Trees.  If any teacher or Group Leader is interested call Susan Kranz at 727-5018 for more information or to reserve a trunk.   

Enjoy the Sawtooth Country!  If the forecast calling for snow is right we will get some much needed snow.  We just have to continue to “Think Snow”!!!!.

Have a good week.