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Do I really need a bear canister in RMNP?

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Brad6260 S · · Kentucky · Joined May 2013 · Points: 5

Heading to RMNP in a week or so and it's the first time I am in "season" where the park folks say I must pack in a bear canister.
Never ever seen a bear up there and was curious if it's being closely scrutinized by park people or are most overnighting climbers blowing it off?

Thanks.

Alex Washburne · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Apr 2010 · Points: 65

Do the right thing. If most overnight climbers jumped off a cliff...

In case that simple statement isn't convincing enough, think of the challenges facing RMNP managers - with the swarms of people that visit and stay in the park, how do we allow people to access the wild backcountry while still keeping it "wild"? Even if it's just a crumb or a scent that lures the bear to your camp, and even if you don't get jacked or attacked, the bears (and other animals - chipmunks, marmots, goats) will still modify their behavior and the interactions will no longer be "wild" (see: "A brief history of bear management in Yellowstone").

C. Marchbanks · · Golden, CO · Joined Jun 2009 · Points: 25

Last time I was backpacking there I had two rangers check my pack for one. Luckily I had picked one up, since I am not sure what the punishment would be.

Also, there are places to rent a canister from in Estes Park for a couple dollars a day.

Eric Wydeven · · austin, tx · Joined Jan 2013 · Points: 0

My advice is not to mess around with the rangers in RMNP. They are underfunded and looking for reasons to generate some revenue. Follow the posted regs and no trouble will come to you. Mess up and sacrifice a half day minimum in court (RMNP infractions go to federal court) when you could be climbing, fishing, drinking beer, whatever. The fine you would receive for a violation of their published policies would no doubt put a damper on whatever fun you were having too.

I got in trouble in the park years ago and it was most unpleasant financially and in terms of time.

Jonny d · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jan 2011 · Points: 40
nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/…

Quote: "Bear canisters are required at all backcountry campsites below treeline."
Finn The Human · · The Land of Ooo · Joined Jul 2008 · Points: 106
Ryan N wrote:I've always kept food in a sack away from camp and hanging in a tree.
Bears are quite adept at getting food out of trees. Just a heads up.
Craig N · · Madison, WI · Joined Jun 2011 · Points: 15

no need to even risk conditioning bears to to go after your gear because you had food in it. just carry the canister and store it 100 yds downwind from your camp. inconveniencing yourself with the canister can save your life, another backpacker's life, and a bear who potentially gets into your food's life.

Mike Pharris · · Longmont, CO · Joined May 2007 · Points: 125
Ryan N wrote:Yea, like Jimmy said, their not needed if camping below tree line.
Except that it's a Park rule to use them.
Brendan Blanchard · · Boulder, CO · Joined Oct 2010 · Points: 590
Ryan N wrote:Yea, like Jimmy said, their not needed if camping below tree line.
He actually quoted that they ARE required for everything BELOW tree line.
Leo Paik · · Westminster, Colorado · Joined Jan 2001 · Points: 22,800

FWIW, the bear activity did change in the last few years. In fact, one person was bitten through a tent in RMNP not too long ago. It's best to follow the rules, it'll make your trip a more relaxed one, too. They rent them pretty darn inexpensively at the Mountain Shop in Estes Park at the NE end of the lake, 2050 Big Thompson Ave. They have really pretty darn user friendly hours 8a-9p daily and very friendly staff. (970) 586-6548 or (866) 303-6548. estesparkmountainshop.com/.

Greg Berry · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Aug 2010 · Points: 0

Yes

Cor · · Sandbagging since 1989 · Joined Mar 2006 · Points: 1,445

C. Marchbanks, Did you agree to a search?!

The next question would be.. Where are you camping Brad6260 ?

The link to the park (on this thread) says bear cans below treeline...

Ted E · · Morrison, CO · Joined Apr 2011 · Points: 0

and above treeline, there's marmots. and everywhere there are birds and smaller animals like mice, squirrels, etc. that will try to get into your food. Ravens are notorious food stealers, and they can open zippers to get inside your packs.

I always bring my ursack on ANY overnight, although i think RMNP requires hard sided containers below treeline.

H BL · · Colorado · Joined Feb 2006 · Points: 95

I've never used one up there, but both times have been above treeline. Rangers never said anything about them when I was getting permit from the BC office.

Woodchuck ATC · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2007 · Points: 3,280

Haven't been there in backcountry since '99. When did they start the bear cannister rules? Has it got that bad now days in backcountry for bear activity? Wow.

Brad6260 S · · Kentucky · Joined May 2013 · Points: 5

Points well taken.

My site reservations are for the Boulderfield at Longs Peak(been there many times) and certainly what I would think they would classify as being above timberline yet my confirmation indicates canisters required.

David Appelhans · · Broomfield, CO · Joined Nov 2007 · Points: 410

Bear canister for the Boulderfield or Chasm Lake? That is ridiculous. The park management is continuing to lose touch with reality.

Tom Halicki · · Boulder, CO · Joined Jun 2006 · Points: 35

You'll wish you had a canister for the marmots and pine martens at the Boulderfield.

Benjamin Chapman · · Small Town, USA · Joined Jan 2007 · Points: 18,797

Brad6260.......Do IT FOR THE BEARS!! Stop trying to rationalize breaking the rules for your convenience. Do it because it may save a bear from being habituated and later destroyed, because you we're thoughtless and lazy.

Brad6260 S · · Kentucky · Joined May 2013 · Points: 5

Mr. Chapman did you read guideline # 1?
don't be a jerk- whoops I guess not.

If I were simply looking to avoid the regs I would not have asked the question to begin with.

ABB · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Mar 2007 · Points: 0
Cor wrote:Did you agree to a search?!
Rangers are not going to humor anyone with silly search, hide 'n seek games. Produce a bear-proof container on demand, if required by permit, or get an escort to the trailhead and, likely, a citation. Same with the bivy permit; produce or walk out.

Brad, talk to Barry Sweet, Mngr, RMNP BC Office (970-586-1242). Barry told me last summer there is no requirement for containers at many standard climber-bivy sites above treeline.

And while you have Barry's ear, ask him if there's been any progress on the Frequent Bivy/Camper Program. The Program, once enrolled, was/is to allow people to obtain BC permits by email, snail mail or fax rather than the mandatory and burdensome walk-in during biz hours. Currently, as has been the practice for years, the ONLY way to obtain a BC permit is to show-up during biz hours at the BC Office, which can be a logistical problem and put a crimp in the day's schedule, e.g. no alpine start or perhaps arrive at BC Office by 5pm the night before. Either way, a wrench in the equation. RMNP BC permit info, rules and regs here

RMNP has had a bear-proof container requirement since May '09.
Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Colorado
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