Popular Trail In Dinosaur National Monument Closed Because Of Rock Slide

The Jones Hole Trail in the Dinosaur National Monument has been closed because of unstable rock slide activity.

The Monument provided this news release:

Due to an active rock slide affecting the Jones Hole Trail and adjacent creek, the trail and surrounding NPS lands from the NPS/USFWS fish hatchery boundary to Ely Creek are closed to all public use until further notice, announced Superintendent Mary Risser.

The first reported rock slide occurred on Tuesday, June 18, 2013. A large slab of rock broke free from a cliff face just a short distance inside the monument boundary, about a ¼ mile from the Jones Hole Fish Hatchery. One fisherman reported having to run from a boulder that landed in the stream not too far from his location. After receiving reports, park rangers checked the scene and did not see any further activity.

On Thursday morning another small slide occurred. Then sometime in the late morning/early afternoon a massive slide was reported to staff at the fish hatchery. The slide was large enough to send boulders across Jones Hole Creek and the trail. Numerous trees were also reported to be knocked down and currently blocking the trail. Further details on the extent of the damage will be provided as they become known. The area will remain closed until further notice.

If necessary, National Park Service Rangers will issue citations to persons violating the terms of this closure under authority of Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations 1.5(a)(1). The park asks for everyone's cooperation to protect both visitor and staff safety.

The Jones Hole Trail is a popular hiking trail that connects the Jones Hole Fish Hatchery with the Green River. It is approximately 4.25 miles long one way. The area is also very popular with anglers due to the access to Jones Hole Creek. For more information on Dinosaur National Monument, call us at (435) 781-7700. You can also follow us on twitter at twitter.com/DinosaurNPS, or find us on facebook at www.facebook.com/DinosaurNationalMonument.

East Canyon State Park Closed This Weekend

East Canyon State Park posted this info on its Facebook page:

The RAGNAR Wasatch Back Relay is in the HOUSE! They will be here today, tomorrow, and Saturday morning. All park facilities are closed down to accommodate this HUGE event! Highway 66 will be closed from Mile Marker 2 to Highway 65. If you have travel plans, be sure to avoid the area.