Consider using a camp stove instead of making a campfire. Much of the land is fragile, such as the inches thick soil which produces the wonderful wildflowers in the warm months. Harsh weather and heavy visitor traffic can destroy the delicate balance. To protect delicate soil and plants, the park engineers built a boardwalk spanning 1.5 miles of trail from the visitor center to Hidden Lake Overlook. Mountain climbers and skiers are urged to be aware of potential negative impact they may cause.
Fire is a natural process which helps revitalize the park.
But campgrounds, hotel areas and other developed areas need protection. The National Park Service and Parks Canada have created a balancing system to gauge a fire's potential to burn out of control. Human caused fires are put out, except for controlled burns set to clear specific areas. Efforts are also made to erase any scars caused by firelines. Threatened and endangered animals of the area include the bald eagle, peregrine falcon, grizzly bear and gray wolf.