President donald Trump granted clemency to a trail runner on Friday Michelino Sunseriwho had been convicted of a misdemeanor for briefly using a restricted trail during a record attempt on Wyoming’s Grand Teton Peak.
Sunseri, a 33-year-old ultrarunner, used the shortcut on Sept. 2, 2024, on his descent from the 13,775-foot peak. His lawyer, Alex Rienzie, and the Pacific Legal Foundation, which assisted in his defense, confirmed that the route took the runner onto a “restricted” trail, a measure Sunseri said was intended to prevent other hikers.
During the race, Sunseri completed the ascent and descent of the Grand Teton in two hours, 50 minutes and 10 seconds, breaking the route speed record. However, weeks later, federal prosecutors filed charges, alleging that Sunseri had violated National Park Service regulations prohibiting hikers from deviating from designated trails due to concerns about environmental damage and erosion.
Sunseri argued that this path, a former rock climbing trail described as “a well-worn, well-traveled and historically significant trail below the mouth of Garnet Canyon,” had been used by six of the last seven record holders. Still, he He was convicted of the misdemeanor in September 2025.
The shortcut, clearly displayed on Sunseri’s Strava, had been used by six of the last seven holders of the fastest known time. Photo via Strava
forgiveness
In June, the Park Service was forced to continue its criminal case against Sunseri at a trial in Jackson, Wyoming, after the Justice Department rescinded internal communications indicating the Park Service wanted to drop the prosecution.
«We believe that the punishment previously offered, a five-year park ban and fine, is excessive criminalization based on the seriousness of the crime. Therefore, we withdraw our support. (for Sunseri’s accusation)” wrote Frank Lands, deputy director of operations for the National Park Service, the day before the trial.
The presidential pardon, confirmed by the White House, stood out as an exception amid a day of clemency granted to political allies.
On Monday, Pacific Legal Foundation attorney Michael Poon said, «We are not done fighting unconstitutional regulations that give low-level park officials the power to criminalize harmless conduct.»
Featured image: Grand Teton. Photo via Pexels
This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any products or services you purchase using links in articles or advertisements. The buyer pays the same price they would otherwise pay, and their purchase helps support The Trek’s ongoing goal of bringing you quality backpacking information and advice. Thank you for your support!
For more information, visit the About page of this site.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(749x0:751x2)/David-Harbour-set-of-Evil-Genius-Stranger-Things-Premiere-111125-86de11f0f4b84ee9a6d46a723be0f313.jpg?w=238&resize=238,178&ssl=1 "Descubre un David Harbour irreconocible en el set de ‘Evil Genius’")
