Map: Hyalite

Charted Territory: Friends of Hyalite releases new map.

Being that Hyalite is in our proverbial back yard, you’d think a map of the place would be redundant. Not so. With all the new trail development happening in the canyon, an updated map is exactly what we need, whether we’ve lived here for 30 years or 30 days. Luckily, Friends of Hyalite (FOH), the nonprofit organization pledged to raise public awareness about Hyalite, as well as raise money for winter road-plowing, is on top of things. “We want to help people make sense of the growing trail systems, to encourage users of all abilities to get out and enjoy Hyalite,” says FOH president Joe Josephson. “But with increased access comes increased responsibility, and we want to encourage understanding and a sense of stewardship, as well.”

While the new map outlines a range of information, including trailheads, ice-climbing areas, and backcountry ski zones, it also includes a list of Leave No Trace ethics for snowports participants. “Because we want to promote stewardship through the map,” Josephson explains, “we felt that including the Leave No Trace ethics was an important component.” The map outlines winter recreation only, although many of the trails are also used in summer, and a summer version is in the works.

In addition to the map, there is also an introduction to FOH and their work, tips and suggestions for where to engage in various activities, and information about reporting poaching and following the avalanche report. With all this info, the map is really more of a mini-guide to winter recreation in Hyalite and should be in the pack of anyone headed up there this season. You can use it to plan a single day or a week-long adventure, and it’s a great resource for those looking to explore a new zone or try a new sport. For more information, visit hyalite.org.