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Is there cougar risk?

The chance of attack by cougar is miniscule.

We have heard of no encounters on this hike.

If you are approached by a cougar, be aggressive making noise & waving your arms. If attacked, fight back as if your life depends on it. It does.

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Storing food safely

At all times when not in use, you must store food, trash (and other smelly items) on a bear pole or in a bear-proof locker — one at least of which is provided in all campsites.

We carry our food in air tight kayak bags which have sturdy tie-on loops. Kayak bags are heavier than other bags, but they are strong enough that birds & rodents canot chew through them.

In this part of the Rockies you cannot wild camp because it is very difficult to find trees on which to hang your food.

The only alternative is a bear vault as is manditory in Yosemite Park, California. Heavier, but very convenient — this is a plastic bear-proof jar which can be locked and left on the ground some distance away from your tent.

Keeping candy wrappers, toothpaste & anything else sweet or aromatic in your tent is an invitation to critters.

The biggest problem we see is when hikers stash their packs at a trail junction before taking a detour sidetrip. This is a huge mistake as animals can easily find the packs by their scent. You must hang your food at a campground before starting a sidetrip.

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Are there any dangerous snakes?

None.