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Forums · RMNP

Tower Falls trail?

Discussion

9 replies
Posted by Jared Hendren on July 30, 2009 at 4:20 PM
Hello,

I have been trying to get a shot of Tower Falls with a rainbow from the base for three years, but the trail has been closed. I have read that the park service has no intention of re-opening the trail due to erosion/slides. I am an experienced climber, and feel that I could make the hike/scramble to the base of the falls in perfect safety. Would it be illegal to go down there with the trail closed? Is there a way to get permission?

Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Jared
Posted by Bret Edge on July 30, 2009 at 6:10 PM
I was there about a month ago and the trail was closed at that time. The sign stated that they were reconstructing the trail. If in fact the trail is closed it would be illegal to hike to the falls regardless of your climbing/scrambling abilities. You would most likely be cited for trespassing or entering a closed area. Not sure what the federal codes are but you get the idea.
Posted by Don George on July 30, 2009 at 6:57 PM
The trail has been closed for several years. I don't think the reconstruction is high on their list.
Posted by Mel Ladewig on July 30, 2009 at 7:24 PM
It was closed in 2004 or 2005, so I don't think they're working real hard on opening it.
Posted by Todd Caudle on July 30, 2009 at 8:25 PM
Where's Tower Falls?
Posted by Jack Garrett on July 30, 2009 at 9:57 PM
If it's the tower falls I know, then it would be Yellowstone.
Posted by Mel Ladewig on July 30, 2009 at 11:30 PM
The one I would assume he is talking about is in the NE corner of Yellowstone.
Posted by Jesse Speer on July 31, 2009 at 11:28 AM
I wouldn't even consider this. No way the NPS is giving permission to a reconstruction area. Tourist are often like sheep. And they see you doing this, they're likely to follow you. Opening a big ole can of worms with this idea.
Posted by Steve Robinson on August 1, 2009 at 2:31 PM
I've wanted to do this also. The reconstruction was likely slowed this year by the high runoff this spring which washed out more of the trail. And I agree with Jesse about the sheep.
Posted by Jared Hendren on August 2, 2009 at 12:14 PM
Yes, NE corner of Yellowstone National Park. Well, it seems that I will never get this shot. If they haven't repaired the trail in five years, I doubt that they ever will.

Jared