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REPORT OF THE ACTING SUPERVISOR OF ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK.
1915

ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK,          
OFFICE OF SUPERVISOR,     
Estes Park, Colo., October 4, 1915.

SIR: Pursuant to instructions of departmental letter of September 24, 1915, I make the following report on the affairs of the Rocky Mountain National Park.

GENERAL STATEMENT.

The Rocky Mountain National Park was created on January 26, 1915, on which date the act of Congress was approved. (Public, 238, 63d Cong.) This park is located in the northern part of Colorado and has an area of 358-1/2 square miles, and includes the principal part of the Rocky Mountain Range, the highest point being Longs Peak, Which is 14,255 feet, and 14 mountain peaks that are over 13,000 feet above sea level. The park is accessible to tourists and travelers at numerous points on the eastern and western boundaries, where trails have been in existence for a number of years.

There are two roads within the boundaries of the park which are accessible from the county roads without passing through private property before entering the park. The most central point from which the public can enter the park to different points therein is Estes Park, a small village located about 3 miles from the nearest point to the park boundary and approximately 7-1/2 miles from the main entrance where the Fall River Road enters the park.

The nearest point from the main entrance to a railroad is 29-1/2 miles. The supervisor's office for this park was opened July 10, 1915, and located at the village of Estes Park, the nearest points to railroad stations from that place being Lyons, Colo., 22 miles; Loveland, 33 miles; Fort Collins, Colo., 46 miles; and Boulder, 40 miles—automobile stage lines making regular trips between these points and Estes Park, with special rates during the tourist season. I assumed charge of the Rocky Mountain National Park as acting supervisor on July 1, 1915, and was unable to accomplish as much as I desired owing to the fact that I was unassisted, no appointments of employees being made until August 10, when one ranger was appointed. Consequently there has been little progress made this season toward improvements in the park.

ROADS.

Fall River Road.—The Fall River Road, which was constructed with State convict labor in 1914, before the national park was created, was built to a point about 2 miles within the park boundary.

Construction of this road is now being continued to a point 3 miles distant from where the convict work ended. This work is being done under contract by the State of Colorado at a cost of $18,000, $2,500 of which is to be paid by the Department of the Interior. The contractor commenced under the present contract, on July 2, 1915, and expects to complete the work by November 1 of this year. This road when completed will terminate at the junction of the county road, about 9 miles north of Grand Lake, a distance of approximately 19-1/2 miles within the park boundary, and will reach the highest point when crossing the Continental Divide at about 11,300 feet above sea level.

That part of the Fall River Road which was built by convict labor is in fair condition but requires repairing at certain points. It is entirely too narrow, in some places being only 8 and 10 feet in width. The point known as the second "switchback," which is reached by a 12 per cent grade, was not sufficiently wide for the average vehicle to change direction without a "seesaw" movement, which made the point extremely dangerous, there being no protection to prevent a vehicle from going over the embankment.

This defect has been remedied by cutting into the bank a distance of 8 feet, thereby enabling a large automobile to make the turn. Contract has been let for the construction of a stone retaining wall at this point, and when completed all chances of accidents at this point will be eliminated. At the time of building the "convict road" no culverts were constructed, and this is necessary at points 400 feet apart where the grade is 7 per cent or more. These culverts should be installed as soon as possible in the spring of 1916, and the gutters opened up. The county road extending into the park on private holdings is in bad condition. A survey of the balance of the Fall River Road should be made before any further steps are taken to continue the construction. The survey which was made in 1912 was a preliminary survey only.

Road to Sprague's.—There is a roadway entering the park running parallel to Glacier Creek approximately 1-1/2 miles in length which was constructed by Mr. A. E. Sprague at his own expense, and leads to his summer resort, located in the park. Access to this road is through private property. The road is in fair condition and an expenditure of $100 would improve it considerably.

Road to Bear Lake.—Continuing from Sprague's resort in a westerly direction and extending to within 1 mile of Bear Lake is a roadway, 2 miles in length, in poor condition. At an expenditure of about $300 this roadway could be made passable for automobiles, if a log bridge was constructed across Glacier Creek in close proximity to Sprague's resort.

Copeland Lake Road.—There is a roadway entering the park near Copeland Lake and extending a distance of approximately 1-1/2 miles. The road is in poor condition and was built by the Arbuckle Supply & Reservoir Co., and is passible for horse-drawn vehicles only and leads to a trail to "Wild Basin."

Road to Mill Creek Ranger Station.—This road runs parallel to Mill Creek and extends about one-half mile into the park. The road is in poor condition, and in order to enter the park at this point it is necessary to pass through private lands over a road which is exceedingly bad. Very few visitors enter the park at this point except with saddle horse. This road could be repaired within the park at small expense, but unless the road outside the park were put in proper condition there would be no object in expending any money on the road within the park at this point. Most of the traffic over this road is by local residents removing firewood which is obtained in the vicinity of the Mill Creek Ranger Cabin and known as the "Pole Patch."

Beaver Creek Road.—There is a roadway which starts from the "High Drive" in Horseshoe Park, outside the National Park, and crosses the National Park boundary line in sec. 19, T. 5 N., R. 74 W. and extends for a distance of approximately 1-1/4 miles. This roadway was built to remove timber some time in 1910 and is in fair condition, but would require considerable expense to put in proper shape for automobiles.

Grand Lake County Road.—A roadway extending approximately 1-3/4 miles within the park boundary, which is a part of the Grand Lake-Fall River Road, has just been completed under the supervision of the county commissioners of Grand County. The expense of the construction of this road was defrayed with State and county funds. The road runs through timber where a 40-foot right of way was cut. It is designated a 16-foot roadway but is considerably wider in numerous places. The grade is less than 1 per cent. It will eventually connect with the Fall River Road which is now under construction. The roadway at the present time ends in sec. 24, T. 4 N., R. 76 W. The work was performed by day labor. Corrugated iron culverts were used in the construction. There is considerable timber along the right of way which should be disposed of in the same manner as was done with the timber on the Fall River Road.

TRAILS.

Most of the interesting parts of the national park can be reached by trail only, which are in fairly good condition, and if the spring opens sufficiently early in 1916 they can be put in good condition for use of tourists during the summer season. There are approximately 128.5 miles of trails in the Rocky Mountain National Park, as follows:

Grand Lake Trail (via Flat Top Mountain).—The principal and most widely known trail within the national park is the one leading from Estes Park to Grand Lake. This trail enters the national park 6-1/2 miles from Estes Park and crosses the western park boundary one-fourth mile from Grand Lake, 18-1/4 miles within the national park. This trail has been cleared of all timber, and with some repair work done above timberline will be considered a good trail.

Grand Lake Trail (via Milner Pass).—This trail leaves the Fall River Road 12-1/2 miles from Estes Park, and crosses the western park boundary 12-1/2 miles north of Grand Lake, where it joins the county road. Length of trail 11 miles.

Bierstadt Lake Trail.—Leaves Flat Top Trail near Mill Creek Ranger Station, follows old sawmill road full distance. Some of trail is in bad shape and in need of repair. Distance from ranger cabin to lake 1 mile.

Bierstadt Lake Trail (from Glacier Creek).—From Glacier Creek to Bierstadt Lake, starting at the junction of Storm Pass Trail. Distance 1-1/2 miles. Built by the Forest Service in 1914. Trail in good condition.

Bear Lake Trail.—Joins the Flat Top Trail 1-1/2 miles from Bear Lake. Trail in fair condition.

Bear Lake Trail.—From "Miners Cabin" to Bear Lake. Distance 1 mile. Trail in good condition.

Loch Vale Trail.—From "Miners Cabin" to Loch Vale, distance 3 miles. Trail needs repair. Built in 1913 by the Estes Park Improvement Association.

Storm Pass Trail.—Leads from Glacier Creek to Storm Pass, distance 4 miles. Built by the Forest Service in 1914. Trail in good condition. Trail to summit of Longs Peak. Trail enters national park 1 mile above Longs Peak Inn, and leads to the summit of Longs Peak, 14,255 feet high. Distance 6 miles, 2-1/2 miles by foot trail only. Trail needs some repair from Mill Creek Ranger Station to "The Pool." Trail passes over "Steep Mountain" from the Ranger Station to the "Pool," a distance of 2-1/2 miles. Trail in fair condition.

Trail to Fern, Odessa, and Helene Lakes.—From Moraine Park past Fern and Odessa Lakes, terminating at Helene Lake. Distance 6-1/2 miles. A new trail from Fern Lake to Lake Odessa was constructed in the fall of 1914. This trail should be repaired and extended so as to join the Flat Top trail, passing Lake Helene and Two River Lake.

Lawn Lake trail.—Leads from Horseshoe Park to Lawn Lake. Distance 6 miles. Needs repair.

Ypsilon Lake trail.—Branches from the Lawn Lake trail one-half mile from Horseshoe Park and extends 4 miles to the lake. In good condition.

Crystal Lake trail.—From Lawn Lake to Crystal Lake. Distance about 1 mile. Trail poorly built and needs construction.

Tombstone Ridge trail.—From Moraine Park through "Windy Gulch" to Poudre Lakes. A scenic trail, but is in poor condition. Distance 15 miles.

Lost Lake trail.—Trail follows North Fork of Big Thompson River to Lost Lake. Distance about 9 miles from Park boundary line.

Specimen Mountain trail.—From Poudre Lakes to "The Crater," on Specimen Mountain. Trail poorly constructed. Needs considerable repair work. Distance 1-1/2 miles.

Poudre River trail.—From Pingree Park to the South Fork of the Poudre River and then up the river to its source at Poudre Lakes. Distance about 15 miles. Little work, other than "blazing," has been done on this trail.

Sand Beach Lake trail.—From Copeland Lodge to Sand Beach Lake. Distance 6 miles. Trail in good condition.

Thunder Lake trail.—From Copeland Lake to Thunder Lake, in "Wild Basin." Distance 9 miles. Trail in fair condition.

Ouzel Lake trail.—From Copeland Lake to Ouzel Lake and Ouzel Falls. Distance 7 miles. Built by the Forest Service. In good condition.

LAKES.

Within the boundaries of the national park are over 100 lakes. The following is a list of the largest and most important, showing the approximate altitude and area of each. Those marked with an asterisk (*) have been stocked with fish.

Lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park.


Lake.Area.
in acres.
Altitude,
in feet.

Lake. Areas,
in acres.
Altitude,
in feet.

Arrow Head3011,000
Nanita5010,770
*Bear119,542
*Odessa1710,055
Bierstadt139,385
Ouzel129,930
Black410,690
Sand Beach5510,150
Blue311,340
Thunder1510,570
Chasm611,943
*Two River810,650
*Crystal711,470
Ursulla79,980
Cub68,680
Verna2010,150
*Fern139,550
*Ypsilon1510,572
Gibraltar2011,000
Poudre Lakes1010,730
Four Gorge Lakes10-2011,590
Forest1510,500
Husted7-----
Loch Vale2010,240
*Lawn6510,950
Rainbow1811,770
*Lost25-----
Hour Glass811,230
Louise6-----
Spruce109,700
Mills1010,000
Tourmaline610,500
Nakoni1511,100
Helene410,650

MOUNTAINS.

The Rocky Mountain National Park is composed of an area of mountain peaks, 43 peaks being over 10,000 feet above sea level, the highest point being Longs Peak, which reaches an altitude of 14,255. There are 14 peaks over 13,000, 17 over 12,000, and 7 over 11,000. The following is a list of peaks and their altitudes:

Mountains in Rocky Mountain National Park.


Feet.

Feet.
Longs Peak14,255
Andrews Peak12,564
Mount Meeker13,911
Mount Dunraven12,548
Chiefs Head13,579
Specimen Mountain12,482
Hagues Peak13,554
Mount Chapin12,458
Mount Fairchild13,502
Tanima Peak12,417
Mount Ypsilon13,500
Flat Top Mountain12,364
Pagoda Mount13,491
Snow Drift Peak12,280
Mummy Mount13,413
Nakai Peak12,221
Storm Peak13,335
Mount Adams12,215
Mount Alice13,310
Mount Craig12,005
Lady Washington13,267
Battle Mountain11,930
McHenry Mount13,200
Mount Dickinson11,874
Mount Copeland13,176
Meadow Mountain11,634
Taylor Peak13,150
Bighorn Mountain11,473
Mount Chiquita13,052
Mount Patterson11,323
Mount Julian12,928
Mount Tileston11,244
Stones Peak12,915
Estes Cone11,017
Hallett Mountain12,715
Nisa Mountain10,791
Terra Toma Peak12,686
Lookout Mountain10,744
Mahona Peak12,629
Mount Enentah10,737
Thatchtop12,600
McGregor Mountain10,482
Mount Ida12,600


GLACIERS.

Halletts Glacier.—Altitude 13,000 feet. Distance from Estes Park 17 miles—7-1/2 by roadway, 6-1/2 by horse trail, then 3 miles by foot.

Sprague's Glacier.—Altitude 12,000 feet. Distance 3-1/2 miles from Fern Lake—14-1/2 miles from Estes Park.

Tyndall Glacier.—Altitude 12,000 feet. Located at summit of divide. Can be reached with saddle horse over Flat Top trail—13 miles from Estes Park.

Andrews Glacier.—Altitude 11,750 feet. Located 2 miles from Loch Vale. Trail to Loch Vale only. Distance from Estes Park 15 miles.

Taylor Glacier.—Altitude 12,500 feet. Distance from Loch Vale 2-1/2 miles. Trail to Loch Vale only—15-1/2 miles from Estes Park.

FISH.

It has been the custom of the State game and fish commissioner to stock certain lakes and streams in this locality with trout, and this has been continued since the national park has been created. Since January, 1915, 165,000 trout have been placed as follows:

Head waters of the Big Thompson River (Brook trout)25,000
Head waters of the Big Thompson River (Rainbow)30,000
South Fork of the Thompson River (Rainbow)30,000
South Fork of the Thompson River (Brook trout)20,000
Upper Fall River (Rainbow)30,000
Lower Crystal Lake (Rainbow)10,000
Two River Lake (Rainbow)5,000
Odessa Lake (Rainbow)5,000
Fern Lake (Rainbow)10,000
Total165,000

There are two fish preserves in the park stocked by private parties, one by A. E. Sprague, consisting of two lakes covering an area of 20 acres, stocked with Eastern Brook, and Arrowhead Lake sometimes known as Heinricy Lake, which was stocked in 1914 with 30,000 "Native trout."

ANIMAL LIFE.

Deer.—Owing to the protection under the game law of the State deer have been increasing rapidly, there being about 600 in the park and surrounding the boundary. They are rarely seen on account of the heavily timbered country.

Elk.—In 1912, 20 head of elk were shipped from Wyoming and put into the forest, a part of which is now the national park. In 1913, 25 more were shipped from the same place. A portion of these animals died, and at present there are approximately 30 elk in the national park and vicinity.

Bear.—There are only a few bear in the park, and these are specimens of the common black bear.

Sheep.—The Big Horn sheep are found in considerable numbers, and some of them are exceptionally tame, tourists having approached within a few yards of them. From what information I have been able to obtain the increase for the last year has been exceptionally large.

Wild birds and fowls.—Game birds are scarce within the park. The ptarmigan may be found in small numbers on the range above timber line. Owing to the open season on grouse in the State of Colorado, they have become nearly extinct in this locality, but under the protection afforded by the park rules these birds will increase rapidly.

Fur-bearing animals.—To a person wishing to see beaver at work an exceptional opportunity is afforded to visitors, owing to the fact that the beaver are plentiful in various localities in the park. Other fur-bearing animals are few, owing to the fact that they have been trapped in past years prior to the establishment of the national park.

Predatory animals.—There are coyotes and mountain lions roaming within the park, and if they increase to any extent will become a detriment to the preservation of other animals, when action will be necessary looking toward their destruction.

FOREST FIRES.

Owing to the fact that there has been a great deal of rain during the summer very few fires have occurred. Several fires were caused by careless campers, but were extinguished by passers-by.

There are six tool boxes located in different parts of the park which will be supplied with the necessary paraphernalia for fighting forest fires, in addition to installing tools in the ranger cabins.

RANGERS.

There are only three rangers provided for this park, at a salary of $900 per annum, which salary I do not consider sufficient to attract the right kind of men for this class of labor. This is an expensive locality to live in, and by the time a ranger has subsisted himself and his horse he has little left for his efforts. In my opinion the salaries should be increased to $1,200 per annum. A chief ranger is not required for this park until the number of rangers has been increased to five or more.

RANGER STATIONS.

There are four ranger cabins within the park and located as follows:

Mill Creek Ranger Station.—Located on Mill Creek, one-half mile from boundary line and about 7 miles from Estes Park village. Partly furnished. Connected with telephone.

Fall River Ranger Cabin.—Located on the Fall River Road 5 miles from park boundary line and about 14-1/2 miles from Estes Park village, about one-half mile from terminus of present contract of Fall River Road. Partly furnished.

Shelter cabin, Flat Top trail.—Located on Flat Top trail, 11 miles from Grand Lake and 15 miles from Estes Park. Not furnished.

Specimen Ranger Cabin.—Located at Poudre Lakes. Located about 3 miles from the western boundary and 10 miles from eastern boundary line by trail; 19-1/2 miles from Estes Park village. Not furnished.

FIREWOOD.

Free firewood permits are issued to residents of Estes Park and vicinity for their own use, with the understanding that they are to volunteer their services when necessary to suppress forest fires. These permits are issued for "dead and down timber located in the "pole patch" near Mill Creek Ranger Station.

Permits are issued for firewood for "commercial purposes" at the rate of 50 cents per cord. This wood is also taken from the "pole patch."

There is sufficient "fire killed" and "dead and down" timber located in the "pole patch" to supply the residents of Estes Park and vicinity for a number of years.

Ten "free permits" for firewood have been issued this season for 74 cords, and one permit for 200 cords for "commercial purposes" to the Y. M. C. A. conference of Estes Park.

PERMITS.

The following permits have been issued:

Shepard N. Husted, permit to guide, $25 per annum.
Charles E. Hewes, permit to guide, $25 per annum.
Glenn E. Mills, permit to guide, $25 per annum.
Clifford S. Higby, permit to guide, $25 per annum.
A. E. Sprague, permit for 3,000 feet logs, unscaled.
W. R. Kibbe, permit for 3,000 feet logs, unscaled.
D. J. March, all cut timber on Fall River Road, $80.
Y. M. C. A. conference, 200 cords firewood, $100.

MAP OF ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK.
(click on image for a PDF version)

CONCESSIONS.

No concessions have been granted other than the continuation of the permits for hotels and resorts issued by the Forest Service prior to the creation of the park.

There are six resorts within the park boundary, as follows:

Concessions in Rocky Mountain National Park.

HOTELS AND CAMPS.

Rate for
period stated.
Higby Bros., summer hotel and resort at Fern Lake, permit expires Dec. 31, 1915$15
Higby Bros., summer hotel and camp at The Pool, permit expires Dec. 31, 191510
A. E. Sprague, summer hotel building and fish preserve at Bartholdt Park, permit expires Dec. 31, 191535
Willard H. Ashton, summer camping grounds at Lawn Lake, permit expires Dec. 31, 191515
Enos Mills, shelter cabin at timber line, Longs Peak, permit expires Dec. 31, 191510
E. A. Brown, summer camping grounds at Bear Lake, permit expires Dec. 31, 191515

OTHER PERMITS.

Rate for
period stated.
Willard H. Ashton, use of 10 acres of land on Lawn Lake for pasture purposes2
Willard R. Ashton, use of telephone connection to Government line. Permit transferred to Bradley & Patrick, proprietors of Horseshoe Inn, which they purchased from Mr. Ashton Charles E. Hewes, authorizes construction of a trail in park, and use of 3 acres of land on which to maintain summer hotel
J. H. Hutchinson, authorizes construction of a wagon road approximately 7 miles long from park line to Hutchinson Lakes. No charge is made for the privilege other than the road is to be open to the Government free of charge

In my opinion the rates heretofore made by the Forest Service for permits for resorts were entirely too small.

RESERVOIRS.

There are a number of irrigating ditches and reservoirs located in the park title to which is in the name of private parties and corporations. This matter will be investigated at first opportunity and report made thereon.

CATTLE.

There have been no permits issued to transport stock through the park, and only one instance is known where stock was transported and the owner of said stock has been notified by me of the rules and regulations covering this matter. There is no stock grazing in the park at the present time under permit, and the department has decided not to allow the use of lands within the park for grazing purposes.

MINERAL CLAIMS.

There are several so-called "mineral claims" within the park, and this matter is now under investigation to find whether or not the claims are valid.

PATENTED LANDS.

There are 16 locations of patented lands, homestead entries, timber and stone, and pre-emption entries within the park. One of these locations is that of Daniel T. March, in sec. 11, T. 5 N., R. 74 W., which is just within the boundary line on the Fall River Road at what is now known as the main entrance to the park.

TELEPHONE LINES.

There are at the present time within the park boundaries two telephone lines, one being located parellel with Mill Creek, which was used to connect the Mill Creek ranger station with the public telephone line. The line extends approximately one-half mile within the boundary and 3-1/2 miles outside. The line is in good condition, with the exception of three-fourths mile, which requires reconstruction. It is the intention to install a telephone instrument in the Mill Creek ranger station this fall.

The Fall River line extends from the public exchange in Estes Park, running parallel with the Fall River Road to the main entrance of the park, and has been extended by the contractor of the Fall River Road for a distance of 1-1/2 miles. I believe it will be advisable to install a telephone instrument at this point and continue the line to Fall River ranger station, a distance of 3-1/2 miles, and eventually to continue the line to Specimen ranger station, a distance of 5 miles from the Fall River station.

TRANSPORTATION.

There is no transportation furnished this office, and it has been necessary to hire an automobile on numerous occasions to make trips to certain points of the park which are accessible. Had there been available transportation, no doubt, more frequent trips would have been made, and it might be advisable to consider the purchase of an automobile to be used in connection with the administration of this office.

CASUALTIES.

During the month of August Bertha Herbaugh, of Highland, Ill., dislocated her elbow on the trail to Fern Lake. Proper action was taken at the time, consequently the affair was not serious.

On September 2, 1915, Dr. Thornton R. Sampson, of Austin, Tex., left Grand Lake with the intention of going to Estes Park, and was last seen by a licensed guide on the Flat Top trail about 2 miles from Grand Lake. On notification of his disappearance September 14, prompt action was taken to locate his whereabouts, and volunteer searching parties were organized, assisted by Forest Service rangers and park rangers, but without result. The supposition is he became bewildered after reaching Flat Top Mountain and was unable to locate the trail. It is also possible that Dr. Sampson may have been struck by lightning or may have had an attack of heart failure.

Since the disappearance of Dr. Sampson, the line of cairns which distinguish the trail across Flat Top Mountain have been rearranged, and numerous other cairns which were in existence have been destroyed. The cairns at the present time are arranged about 200 feet apart, and it is the intention to paint them white, with a black circle about 1 foot from the top.

VISITORS.

It is impossible to report the number of persons who visited this park during the season of 1915 other than a rough estimate. The majority of people entering the park enter through the eastern boundary, as a rule, from the village of Estes Park. During the summer season of 1914 a check was kept of the number of visitors to this region, and an estimate of 56,000 persons was made at that time. From observation and information obtained from business men in this locality, I would state that the number of visitors to Estes Park during this season was 10,000 less than the previous year, viz, 46,000. Estimating that two-thirds of this number entered the National Park, this would make the approximate number of visitors 31,000.

The following list shows the number of patrons of the resorts within the park during the past season:

Higby Bros., Fern Lake, hotel and summer camp1,055
Higby Bros., The Pool, rest house (estimated)25
Willard H. Ashton, Lawn Lake, rest house (estimated)100
Enos Mills, Longs Peak, shelter cabin, lodging and meals430
Enos Mills, Longs Peak, shelter cabin, without lodging or meals1,064
A. E. Sprague, Bartholdt Park, hotel and summer resort (estimated)800
E. A. Brown, Bear Lake, summer resort and camp (estimated)500

RECOMMENDATIONS.

I herewith submit the following recommendations: That this office should have the services of a clerk and stenographer at a salary of $900 per annum; that a two-seated automobile be purchased for the use of this office; that the salaries of rangers be increased to $1,200 per annum; that the force of rangers be increased to four for the present; that legislation be recommended for an appropriation of $50,000 for the continuation of the Fall River Road; that the telephone line on Fall River Road be extended to Specimen ranger station; that a shelter station be constructed on the eastern slope of Flat Top Mountain.

Also that the following new trails be constructed, if an appropriation is made sufficiently large for this purpose, the average cost of trails in this locality being approximately $150 per mile: Trail on Tombstone Ridge, terminating at Poudre Lakes, distance 15 miles; trail from Lake Helene to Flat Top Mountain, distance 1-1/2 miles; trail from Odessa Lake to Lake Helene, distance 1-1/4 miles; trail from Fern Lake to Hour Glass Lake via Spruce Lake, distance 3 miles a trail from "The Pool" through Forest Canyon to Poudre Lakes, distance 15 miles, which trail would pass through the best-timbered region in the national park; a trail to Mills Lake and Glacier Gorge, distance about 3-miles; a trail from Fall River ranger cabin to the northern boundary of the park at a point where the Poudre River crosses the boundary line, distance about 5 miles; foot trail to Chasm Lake, located at the head of "East Gorge" of Longs Peak.

Very respectfully,

C. R. TROWBRIDGE,     
Acting Supervisor.

The SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR,     
Washington, D. C.

APPENDIX.

RULES AND REGULATIONS APPROVED MAY 29, 1915.

National parks are established for the benefit and enjoyment of the people, preserving the natural conditions within their boundaries in unimpaired form for present and future generations. In furtherance of this, the Secretary of the Interior asks the cooperation of the public in the following rules and regulations:

(1) Cooperation is sought toward preventing the destruction, injury, or defacement in any way of the public property or the trees, vegetation, rocks, minerals, animal and bird, or other life, or other natural conditions and curiosities in the park.

(2) Visitors and others must not cut living timber without written permission of the supervisor. Camping parties may use dead or fallen timber for fuel. Stumps should be cut as close to the ground as possible.

(3) It is very dangerous to life to throw stones from cliffs, to roll bowlders down hills, or to pollute the waters within the park, and such practices should be carefully avoided.

(4) Fires constitute one of the greatest perils to the park; they must not be kindled near trees, dead wood, moss, dry leaves, or other vegetable refuse, but in some open space on rocks or dirt. When fires are no longer necessary they must be completely extinguished, and the embers and bed smothered with dirt or water, so that there remains no possibility of reignition.

(5) The park is a sanctuary for wild life of every sort, and no one should frighten, hunt or kill, wound or capture any bird or wild animal in the park except dangerous animals when it is necessary to prevent them from destroying life or inflicting injury.

(6) The outfits, including guns, traps, teams, horses, or means of transportation used by persons engaged in hunting, killing, trapping, ensnaring, or capturing such birds or wild animals, or in possession of game killed on the park lands under other circumstances than prescribed above, must be taken up by the supervisor and held subject to the order of the Secretary of the Interior, except in cases where it is shown by satisfactory evidence that the outfit is not the property of the person or persons violating this regulation and the actual owner was not a party to such violation. Firearms will be permitted in the park only on written permission of the supervisor. Visitors entering or traveling through the park to places beyond should, at entrance, report and surrender all firearms, traps, nets, seines, or explosives in their possession to the first park officer, and, in proper cases, may obtain his written leave to carry them through the park sealed.

(7) Fishing is permitted with hook and line only and never for profit or merchandise. Fishing in particular water or except in special seasons may be suspended by the supervisor. All fish hooked less than 7 inches long shall be carefully handled with moist hands and returned at once to the water if not seriously injured. Fish retained should be killed. Thirty fish will constitute the limit for a day's catch.

(8) Much of the park area is little traveled, rugged, and, to inexperienced persons, dangerous, and visitors are urged to employ licensed guides. Large camp outfits and pack trains should be accompanied by a licensed guide, unless authority to travel without such licensed guide is granted by the supervisor. The supervisor will grant authority to competent persons to act as guides, and may revoke the same in his discretion.

(9) No person will be permitted to reside permanently, engage in any business, or erect buildings upon the Government lands in the park without permission, in writing, from the Secretary of the Interior.

(10) Owners of patented lands within the park limits are entitled to the full use and enjoyment thereof; the boundaries of such lands, however, must be determined, and marked and defined, so that they may be readily distinguished from the park lands. While no limitations or conditions are imposed upon the use of such private lands so long as such use does not interfere with or injure the park, private owners must provide against trespass by their stock or cattle, or otherwise, upon the park lands, and all trespasses committed will be punished to the full extent of the law. Stock may be taken over the park lands to patented private lands with the written permission and under the supervision of the supervisor, but such permission and supervision are not required when access to such private lands is had wholly over roads or lands not owned or controlled by the United States.

(11) Allowing the running at large, herding, or grazing of cattle or stock of any kind on the Government lands in the park, as well as the driving of such stock or cattle over same, must be avoided except where authority therefor has been granted by the supervisor. The supervisor will make every effort not to burden bona fide settlers near the park boundaries in the grazing of their domestic stock, and has authority to deal with these and other special cases. Cattle or stock found improperly on the park lands may be impounded and held until claimed by the owner and the trespass adjusted.

(12) No drinking saloon or barroom will be permitted upon Government lands in the park, and, in conformity to the laws of the State of Colorado, the sale or gift of intoxicating beverages will not be permitted in the park after January 1, 1916.

(13) Only such private notices or advertisements as are necessary to the convenience and guidance of the public, and then only when arranged in appropriate style, will be allowed in the park.

(14) Campers and those stopping for lunch are urged to leave as little permanent evidence of their visit as possible. Camp should be pitched away from streams and highways. All paper, boxes, straw, and other inflammable litter or garbage should be carefully burned before leaving, and other refuse, such as cans, should be crushed and buried. Leave no refuse in or near running water.

(15) Automobiles are permitted on all the highways of the park without charge until further order, but reasonable speed, great caution, and frequent sound warning are essential to safety.

(16) Persons who render themselves obnoxious by improper conduct or who violate the letter or spirit of these regulations will be summarily removed from the park and not permitted to return without written permission from the Secretary of the Interior. No lessee or licensee shall retain in his employment any person whose presence in the park may be deemed by the supervisor subversive of good order and management of the park.

(17) The foregoing are hereby announced as the rules and regulations for the government of this park. The supervisor is hereby authorized and directed to remove all trespassers from the park lands and to enforce these rules and regulations and the provisions of Congress.

AN ACT TO ESTABLISH THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK IN THE STATE OF COLORADO, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the tract of land in the State of Colorado particularly described by and included within metes and bounds as follows, to wit: Beginning at the southeast corner of section thirty-four, township three north, range seventy-three west of the sixth principal meridian, Colorado, thence north along the section lines to the northeast corner of section three, said township; thence west to the northwest corner of said section; thence north along the section lines to the northeast corner of section sixteen, township four north, range seventy-three west; thence west to the northwest corner of said section; thence north to the northeast corner of section eight, said township; thence west along the section lines to the northwest corner of section seven, said township; thence north to the northeast corner of township four north, range seventy-four west; thence west along the first correction line north, to the southeast corner of section thirty-six, township five north, range seventy-four west; thence north along the range line to the northeast corner of the southeast quarter of the southeast quarter of section thirteen, said township; thence west to the northwest corner of the southeast quarter of the southeast quarter of section fourteen, said township; thence north to the northwest corner of the northeast quarter of the southeast quarter of section eleven, said township; thence east to the northeast corner of the northeast quarter of the southeast quarter of section twelve, said township; thence south along the range line to the southeast corner of said section; thence east along the section lines to the southeast corner of the southwest quarter of section ten, township five north, range seventy-three west; thence north to the northeast corner of the southwest quarter of said section; thence east to the southeast corner of the northeast quarter of said section; thence north to the northeast corner of said section; thence east to the southeast corner of the southwest quarter of the southwest quarter of section two, said township; thence north to the northeast corner of the southwest quarter of the southwest quarter of said section; thence east to the southeast corner of the northeast quarter of the southwest quarter, said section; thence north to the northeast corner of the northeast quarter of the southwest quarter of said section; thence east to the southeast corner of the northeast quarter of section one, said township; thence north along the range line to the northeast corner of section thirty-six, township seven north, range seventy-three west; thence west along the section lines to the intersection with the west bank of the Big South Cache in Poudre River in township seven north, range seventy-five west; thence southeasterly along the west bank of said river to the mouth of a tributary of said river, probably in section one, township six north, range seventy-five west; said tributary heading at La Poudre Pass in section twenty, township six north, range seventy-five west; thence southwesterly along the west bank of said tributary to its head; thence across the Continental Divide to the headwaters of the North Fork of the Grand River, which also heads at La Poudre Pass; thence down the west bank of the North Fork of the Grand River to its intersection with the section line between sections twenty-nine and thirty, township six north, range seventy-five west; thence south along the section lines to the southeast corner of section eighteen, township five north, range seventy-five west; thence west along the section line to its intersection with the west bank of the North Fork of the Grand River; thence down the west bank of the North Fork of the Grand River to its intersection with the section line between sections twenty-five and thirty-six, township four north, range seventy-six west; thence east to the northeast corner of section thirty-six, said township; thence south along the range line to the southeast corner of said township; thence east along the township line to the northeast corner of the northwest quarter of section four, township three north, range seventy-five west; thence south to the southwest corner of the northeast quarter of section nine, said township; thence west along the quarter section line to its intersection with a creek in section seven, said township, this creek being an outlet of Grand Lake, and flowing into the North Fork of the Grand River; thence southerly along the said creek to its junction with the North Fork of the Grand River; thence southerly along the west bank of the North Fork of the Grand River to its intersection with the township line between townships two and three north; thence east along the township line to the southeast corner of section thirty-four, township three north, range seventy-three west of the sixth principal meridian, Colorado, the place of beginning, all of said above-described tract now being included within the boundaries of the counties of Grand, Boulder, and Larimer, in the State of Colorado, is hereby reserved and withdrawn from settlement, occupancy, or disposal under the laws of the United States, and said tract is dedicated and set apart as a public park for the benefit and enjoyment of the people of the United States, under the name of the Rocky Mountain National Park: Provided, That the United States Reclamation Service may enter upon and utilize for flowage or other purposes any area within said park which may be necessary for the development and maintenance of a Government reclamation project.

SEC. 2. That nothing herein contained shall effect any valid existing claim, location, or entry under the land laws of the United States, whether for homestead, mineral, right of way, or any other purpose whatsoever, or shall affect the rights of any such claimant, locator, or entryman to the full use and enjoyment of his land. Whenever consistent with the primary purposes of the park the act of February fifteenth, nineteen hundred and one, applicable to the location of rights of way in certain national parks and the national forests for irrigation and other purposes, shall be and remain applicable to the lands included within the park. The Secretary of the Interior may, in his discretion and upon such conditions as he may deem wise, grant easements or rights of way for steam, electric, or similar transportation upon or across the park.

SEC. 3. That no lands located within the park boundaries now held in private, municipal, or State ownership shall be affected by or subject to the provisions of this act.

SEC. 4. That the said park shall be under the executive control of the Secretary of the Interior, and it shall be the duty of the said executive authority, as soon as practicable, to make and publish such reasonable rules and regulations, not inconsistent with the laws of the United States, as the said authority may deem necessary or proper for the care, protection, management, and improvement of the same, the said regulations being primarily aimed at the freest use of the said park for recreation purposes by the public and for the preservation of the natural conditions and scenic beauties thereof. The said authority may, in his discretion, execute leases to parcels of ground not exceeding twenty acres in extent in any one place to any person or company for not to exceed twenty years whenever such ground is necessary for the erection of establishments for the accommodation of visitors, may grant such other necessary privileges and concessions as he deems wise for the accommodation of visitors, and may likewise arrange for the removal of such mature or dead or down timber as he may deem necessary and advisable for the protection and improvement of the park. The regulations governing the park shall include provisions for the us of automobiles therein: Provided, That no appropriation for the maintenance supervision, or improvement of said park in excess of $10,000 annually shall be made unless the same shall have first been expressly authorized by law.

Approved, January 26, 1915.

online_books/annual_reports/romo/1915.htm
16-Mar-2012