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Date: June 10, 2009
Contact: Al Nash, (307) 344-2015
Contact: Stacy Vallie, (307) 344-2015

Rock Slide Closes Popular Trail in Yellowstone

Run-off from melting snow caused a major rock slide along Uncle Tom’s Trail in Yellowstone National Park, prompting a closure of the trail until further notice.

The ½-mile long trail drops 500 feet in a series of more than 300 stairs and paved inclines. National Park Service staff have begun clearing rocks and debris from the trail, but have found significant structural damage to the steps, and the four steps of the lower landing were completely destroyed.  

Major repairs are necessary before the trail will reopen to the public.

Uncle Tom’s Trail is a popular trail along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, which provides a view of the Lower Falls and allows a descent of three-quarters of the way down in to the canyon.

- www.nps.gov/yell -