Rocky Mountain National Park: Free Events in July

Walk Into Twilight: Enjoy a leisurely stroll as darkness, night sounds and wildlife fill the valley. Bring warm clothes, good hiking shoes, and a flashlight. Meet at Sprague Lake Picnic Area. 7:30 pm. 1.5 hour walk
Altered Landscapes: Altered Landscapes Exhibit delves into the natural formation of the Estes Park landscape and its alteration by mankind.
Geology Rocks!: Love the scenic views in the park? Come take a closer look at what is rocking at Rocky and the forces behind the park. Meet at the Moraine Park Visitor Center. 2:30 pm, 30 minute talk. Wheelchair access.
Moraine Park Evening Program: Enjoy a wide variety of informative and entertaining programs. Meet at the Moraine Park Campground outdoor amphitheater, warmly dressed. Wed - Sun at 9 PM (6/14-7/18), 8:30 PM (7/19-8/22). Mon & Tues at 7:30 pm (6/14-8/22). 8:30 pm Sun, Tues, Thurs, Sat (8/23-8/29). 45 minutes. Wheelchair access. Free.
Lily Lake Wildflower Walk: Take time to stop and smell the roses, and enjoy learning about the variety of flowers blooming this season. Meet at the Lily Lake parking lot for this easy walk. 9 am. 1.5 hour walk. Handicap access.
the 60's: Remember the days of shag carpeting, wide ties, Andy Griffith and console television sets? For baby boomers, their Generation X offspring and everyone beyond, the Estes Park Museum is preparing a new addition to "Tracks in Time", the permanent exhibit that describes the history of Estes Park. The 1960s exhibit... [more]
Tundra Nature Walk: Exhilarate your senses with sweeping alpine views and miniature wildflower gardens. Dress warmly and meet at the Alpine Visitor Center, ready to caravan to the location. 10 AM, 1.5-2 hour walk.
All About Elk: Learn about this magnificent animal and its current status in the park. Meet at 1:30 pm at the West Alluvial Fan parking lot for a 1 - 1.5 hour walk.
Patchwork Stories: Have you ever taken time to get to know a quilt? Usually utilitarian in purpose, these often intricate works of art speak to us through fabrics, colors and detailed patterns. Many quilts are much more than patchwork -- they are imaginative storytellers. The Estes Park Museum... [more]
Free Park Pass: The normal $20 fee for a 7-day pass to Rocky Mountain National Park will be waived Saturday & Sunday! July 18, 19; August 15,16. Fees are also waived for National Public Lands Day (Sept. 26) and for current and former military personnel on Veterans Day (Nov. 11.).... [more]
Summerfest July Concerts: Free concerts at 7:30 pm at the YMCA of the Rockies, Estes Park Center: July 1, The Queen City Jazz Band. July 7, Groove Society. July 9, Jubilant Bridge. July 11, Acoustic Folk Duo Cari Minor and Ray Smith. July 16, singer songwriter Mark Dvorak. July 18, Coot Lake Band.... [more]
Free park movie: See the stunning 23 minute park movie at the Beaver Meadows (en espanol) and Kawuneeche Visitor Centers during normal business hours. Spectacular aerial footage of the rugged high country of Rocky Mountain National Park, as well as wildlife and other park resources.
Junior Ranger: Kids can earn a badge (similar to ones Rangers wear) in Rocky Mountain National Park's Junior Ranger program for children in kindergarten through eighth grade. Emphasis is placed on park preservation, flora and fauna facts, and environmental education. Join a ranger fora short 30-40 minute program at the Sprague Lake... [more]
Bear Lake Stroll: Enjoy an easy walk around a lovely subalpine lake and learn about the natural and human forces that have shaped this landscape. Meet at Bear Lake. 2 pm on Tuesday, Friday, Saturday. 9:30 am on Monday and Wednesday. 1-1.5 hours.
Hunter Jumper Horse Show: Hunter Jumper Horse Shows are held throughout the world. Competitions represent the hunter jumper disciplines while promoting the welfare of the horse and fairness in competition.
Hunters originally represented the thoroughbreds or part thoroughbreds that were ridden in fox hunts. Competitions involve negotiating fences resembling natural obstacles that... [more]
Bighorn Basics: Sheep Lakes is a popular viewing area for bighorn sheep. Meet at the Sheep Lakes kiosk, Horseshoe Park, to learn about this majestic symbol of Rocky. 10:30 am & 2 pm. 30 minute talk. Wheelchair access.
Aspenglen Evening Program: Enjoy a wide variety of informative and entertaining programs. Meet at the Aspenglen Campground outdoor amphitheater, warmly dressed. Sunday - Friday at 9 pm (6/14-7/18) 8:30 pm (7/19-8/22). Saturdays at 7:30 pm (6/14-8/22). Mon, Wed, Fri at 8:30 pm (8/23-8/29). 45 minutes. Wheelchair access.
Hot Topics in the Park: Hear the latest news about research and management challenges in the park. Join us for a movie overview with a Ranger to fill you in on the current details. 3 pm. Beaver Meadows Visitor Center Auditorium. 30- 45 minute discussion. Free. Wheelchair access.
Copper Penny Horse Show: Free, from 8 am. Fairgrounds at Estes Park, 1209 Manford Ave., 970-586-6104 Colorado Hunter Jumper Association.
Kid's Adventure: Join us for a nature adventure! Kids 6-10 (and their parents) should meet at the Sprague Lake parking lot for this fun program.-9:30 am. 1-1.5 hour program. Wheelchair access. Free.
Little Critters of Rocky: Squirrels, rabbits and bats - Oh my! Find out about the lives of Rocky's smaller animals and the critical roles they play. Meet at Moraine Park Visitor Center. 2:30 pm. 30 minute talk. Wheelchair access.
All About Lightning: Learn why lightning can be a hair-raising experience and find out how to minimize your risk of being struck by lightning. Meet at the Alpine Visitor Center. 2 pm, 30 minute talk Wheelchair access.
Cowboy Sing-a-Longs: Featuring Cowboy Brad and Kathy Fitch: Brad and Kathy specialize in original acoustic folk, family and western music. They are known for their melodic folk music and songs. People around the country have planned their vacations around the Fitchs performances in Estes Park, through Aug. 19. Free, 7 pm.,... [more]
Moraine Park Nature Walk: Enjoy an easy 3/4 mile stroll through the Moraine Park landscape with a National Park Ranger.Naturalist. Encounter the dynamic forces that created this valley and discover what lives here today. Meet at the Moraine Park Visitor Center 10 am, 1 hour walk.
Free Shuttles: In the summer and fall, Rocky Mountain National Park and the town of Estes Park operate these free shuttle services in the Park, around town and between the two.... [more]
Living With Passion: Living With Passion: Do you ever wonder why you are here, how to make a difference? Learn how to connect with your life's purpose, follow your passions and live a fulfilling and rewarding life. Terry Chiplin is a life coach, motivational speaker, fitness coach and owner of Active at Altitude... [more]
Navigating with GPS: Navigating Rocky with GPS and Maps. Discover how to use a GPS, map, and compass to safely journey into the park. We provide a map/compass/GPS (or bring your own). Family fun! Meet at Hollowell Park Shuttle Stop at 9 am on Monday or Tuesday, 1:30 pm on Saturday. 2 hours.... [more]
Artist-in-the-Park: Rocky Mountain National Park through the eyes of a creative artist. 7:30 pm. 45 minute program. Beaver Meadows Visitor Center Auditorium. Free. Wheelchair Access.
Tracks in Time: The Museum's award-winning permanent exhibit on the history of the Estes Park area, from the ice age to today. Free. 970-586-6256 200 4th Street
Rooftop Rodeo Parade: The Rooftop Rodeo kicks off with a parade through town at 10:30
Science in the Park: Enjoy an informative, entertaining 45 minute program by a Park researcher. 7:30 pm. Beaver Meadows Visitor Center Auditorium. Wheelchair access. Free.
Village Band Concert: Estes Park Village Band plays marches to contemporary music. This 50 piece band gets your feet tapping. All performances are free, however a free-will donation helps the Cultural Arts Council offset program costs. 7 pm. 970-577-9900; 800-44-ESTES... [more]
Dead Trees are Full of Life: Who hangs out in dead trees and calls them home? Find out during this 20 minute puppet program. Meet at Fall River Visitor Center. 10:30 am. 20-30 minute talk. Wheelchair access.
Dream Lake Hike: Explore the breathtaking glacial landscape and changes brought on by bark beetles on this moderate 2 mile hike. Meet at the Bear Lake parking lot. 9 AM, 2-2.5 hours
Birds of Upper Beaver Meadows: Join a ranger to seek bluebirds, woodpeckers, wrens, and flycatchers in a rich mixture of aspen and pine woodlands. Bring binoculars and field guide. Meet at the end of the Upper Beaver Meadows Road. 7 am. 1.5-2 hour walk
Discovery Day: Kids, discover the amazing world of Rocky Mountain National Park with your family through hands‑on activities, crafts, and stories. Each week there is something new to discover. Drop‑in program; come to the Moraine Park Visitor Center anytime 10:30 am. - 2 pm.
Tundra to Trees: Hike an ancient Ute trail that leads from alpine heights down through old growth forest. Meet at Milner Pass parking area to carpool for this moderate 4 mile hike. Bring warm clothing, rain gear, water, and snacks. 9 AM 4 hour hike
Glacier Basin Evening Program: Enjoy a wide variety of informative and entertaining programs. Meet at the Glacier Basin Campground outdoor amphitheater, warmly dressed. Sat & Sun at 7:30 pM, Fri. at, 9 PM (to 7/18) 8:30 PM (7/19-8/22). 45 minutes. Wheelchair access.
Music on the Riverwalk: Folk musician and recording artist, Nancy Cook performs at Barlow Plaza on the Riverwalk in downtown Estes Park as a part of the Barlow Plaza Music Summer Series. 5:30 - 7:30. 1-800-44-ESTES; 970-577-9900
Lions and Bears, Oh My!: Worried about meeting a bear or mountain lion in the park? Find out what to do and what these animals are up to. Meet at the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center. 10:30 am. Free 30 minute talk. Wheelchair access.
Dick Orleans in Concert: Local folk musician and recording artist Dick Orleans performs in this outdoor concert on the Riverwalk in Barlow Plaza. 5:30 - 7:30 pm 970-577-9900; 800-820-8208;ESTES Free
Sesquicentennial: Sesquicentennial program with Estes Park Historian Laureate Jim Pickering. Celebrate the arrival of theEstes family to the valley 150 years ago. Program begins at 2:00 p.m. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. Free and open to the public. July 25
Native Lifestyles: Explore what drew prehistoric peoples, and later Ute and Arapaho, to the high country. 2:30 pm. Fall River Visitor Center. 30 minute talk.
Summer Enchanted Evenings: Part history, part natural history and part show and tell. Topics range from archeology to hummingbirds. Free. 970 586 5397 7 pm. 1 hr.
Cunning Coyotes: Coyotes are intriguing animals and play an important role in the circle of life. To learn more, meet at Fall River Visitor Center. 2:30 PM 30 minute talk Wheelchair access.
Climbing & Backcountry Skiing: Climbing And Backcountry Skiing In Rmnp And Peru: Join ClimbingLife Guide's Eli Helmuth for an hour of amazing photos and stories of climbing and backcountry skiing in Rocky Mountain National Park. Eli will also present a show on his travels to Peru for mountain climbing in the heart of the... [more]
Arabian Horse Show: One of many equestrian shows held at the Fairgrounds throughout the summer. Free, from 8 am, Fairgrounds at Stanley Park, 1209 Manford Ave., 970-586-6104... [more]
Sgt. Pepper's Fab Fest: Live local music sponsored by Sgt. Pepper's Music. Free 970-586-7625
Concert in.Performance Park.: Kim Lankford & Scott Wilseck perform Country-Western music; Lankford on guitar accompanied by Wilseck with honky-tonk piano sounds. Bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy an evening of music outdoors. 970-577-9900; 800-44-ESTES
Art and the Animal: Art and the Animal national exhibit. Some of the finest animal artists from the United States, Canada, Europe, Africa, Japan and Australia are represented in the Society's membership. May 30 - July 5. Cultural Arts Council Gallery. 970- 586-9203
High Country Geology: The park's spectacular scenery represents a chapter in a long history of geologic events. Join us on this hike over the tundra and experience the effects of these processes. Meet at the Alpine Visitor Center flagpole. 9 AM 3 hour hike
Coolest Car Show: Check out vintage cars from the 1920's and beyond. Bond Park in the center of Downtown, 970-586-6256... [more]
Open Road Wonders: Open Road Wonders And Magical Mountains Of The World: In the summer of 2006, Stan Havlick completed a 14 year quest to cycle nearly 20,000 miles coast-to-coast across all the six bikeable continents. His other passions is climbing. He is a ski instructor, triathlete and mountaineer. Join Stan as... [more]
Farmer's Market: 8am - 12:30 pm Thursdays, June - September
Antique Jewelry: Care and Collection of Antique Jewelry. Join local antiques expert Bob Fixter at 7:00 p.m. as he describes wise practices for care and collection of old jewelry. Pieces from the Museum's collection will be on display. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Free and open to the public.
Performance Park Concert: Yeahbut Shoehead Band. family entertainment. Performance Park. 7 pm