Exploring the Castle

by Kershaw, Robert

• ISBN13: 9781897522042
• ISBN10: 1897522045
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2008-05-31
• Publisher: Rocky Mountain Books

Summary

In 1901, naturalist George Bird Grinnell took note of an extensive network of mountains, ridges, valleys, lakes and rivers on both sides of the Continental Divide from northern Montana into southern British Columbia and Alberta. Disregarding political boundaries, he named it "The Crown of the Continent." Grinnell was obviously inspired by the region's majestic landscape and the wildlife it sustained. He also recognized the need to conserve it. But while "Crown of the Continent" speaks eloquently of the region's beauty with more than a passing nod to European monarchy and history, the Blackfeet name carries a more vital and universal meaning: 'Mo'kakiikin', the 'backbone of the world.' At the heart of this complex landscape lies the Castle Wilderness. The book is divided into two main sections. The Meaning of Place: Why the Castle Matters gives an overview of the area's culture, natural history, climate, flora and fauna, as well as explanations of present day uses and developments. The Trail Guide part of the book presents maps, photos and descriptions of the trails, explaining where, when and how to enjoy the Castle with insight and care.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements	p. 6
Discovering the Backbone of the World	p. 11
Introduction/Preface	p. 12
The Castle: Still a Wild Place	p. 15
Building the Backbone	p. 33
A Land Inhabited	p. 42
Putting the Castle on the Modern Map: The Traders and Explorers	p. 56
Limitless Land or Last Best West?	p. 71
A Landscape Divided	p. 78
The Castle Today, The Castle Tomorrow: Reimagining and Restoring	p. 92
Home in the Castle: Living on the Margins	p. 95
The Castle's Physical Presence	p. 106
Ecoregions	p. 119
Has It Given Enough? Threats Facing the Castle	p. 129
The Trail Ahead	p. 138
An Invitation to Hike the Castle	p. 140
The Trail Guide	p. 143
How to Use this Guide	p. 144
Hazards and Concerns	p. 146
Hiking Tips/What to Pack	p. 149
Trails + Routes	p. 150
Upper Carbondale Drainage	p. 152
West Castle Valley Hikes	p. 182
South Castle Valley Hikes	p. 207
Front Range Hikes	p. 226
Recreation Activities	p. 240
Winter Recreation	p. 242
Bibliography	p. 246
Index	p. 249
About the Author	p. 256
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