A sheriff's office helicopter was needed to rescue two hikers on the Florida National Scenic Trail in Big Cypress National Preserve/Collier County Sheriff's Office

Though December is here, fires are still possible in the National Park System, as evidenced by one this week at Rocky Mountain National Park. For those looking forward to winter, know that Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is scheduling snowshoe treks. And if you're thinking of hiking the Florida Scenic Trail, beware of high water that trapped two hikers recently.

Rocky Mountain Wildfire

Campers who abandoned their campfire sparked a small wildfire near Bierstadt Lake in Rocky Mountain National. Unseasonably warm and dry conditions, coupled with a lack of snowpack, have left much of the park at risk of fire.

Fortunately, the blaze noticed last Saturday was quickly put out by park firefighters and rangers. The fire, reported by a park visitor, was contained to a 15-by-50 foot area. When firefighters arrived the fire was smoldering, and a few snags were burning with the potential to spread to the fire to the forest canopy. Winds were low at 10 mph, with gusts to 15 mph.

How long the campfire had been abandoned was uncertain, though last Thursday a park visitor reported smelling smoke in the Bierstadt Lake/Bierstadt Trail area. Rangers investigated and did not smell or see smoke. Park rangers are asking for anyone who has information or was in the Bierstadt Lake area on Thursday, December 7, to notify them at (970) 586-1204.

There are always fire restrictions in place at Rocky Mountain National Park. Campfires are only allowed within designated campfire rings at select locations in the park, including picnic areas and campgrounds. Unfortunately, over the past four years park staff have seen a significant increase of illegal campfires.

Big Cypress Rescue

While winter is normally a good time to hike the Florida National Scenic Trail, which runs from Big Cypress National Preserve to the Florida panhandle, there are exceptions. Two hikers recently discovered that when they got lost in the park and ran into high water.

According to a report in the Naples Daily News, the men had been lost for a week while trying to negotiate a flooded section of the trail. One of the two finally was able to reach a 911 operator and said that while they had planned to be on the trail for three days, they had been out for a week due to high water, which brought with it alligators and water moccasins.

The two were rescued last Friday by a Collier County Sheriff's Office helicopter crew.

Snowshoeing in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

With snow in the forecast, rangers at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Michigan are beginning to get the park’s snowshoes out so visitors can explore the lakeshore this winter. Ranger-led snowshoe hikes will be offered on Wednesday, December 27, at 1 p.m.; Friday, December 29, at 10 a.m.; Saturday, December, 30 at 1 p.m.; and then on Saturdays at 1 p.m. from January 6 through March 17.

Reservations are required and can be made by calling 231-326-4700, extension 5010. Those signed up are to meet at the lakeshore’s Philip A. Hart Visitor Center in Empire on the day of the trek.

Snowshoes will be loaned at no charge to participants who need them. These hikes are free, but participants do need a park entrance pass or have an annual pass to join in the fun. 

Those who turn out for the hikes will be given a primer on snowshoeing at the visitor center, and then everyone will travel by car to the trailhead or area of the lakeshore pre-selected for that day.

Once there, the ranger will help participants learn about the park’s unique features and winter’s effect on them by exploring and discovering clues on site. Be prepared and plan to be outside for about two hours. Dress in layers and wear waterproof boots to be most comfortable.

Rangers will be leading snowshoe treks at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore this winter/NPS