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. Go to either the Beaver Meadows or Kawuneeche Visitor Center for the... [more]
Beauty of Nature
Exhibit: Carol Gregory- photography. Sponsor: Vivian & Ron Gordon. August 7 - September 13.
Altered Landscapes
Altered Landscapes Exhibit delves into the natural formation of the Estes Park landscape and its alteration by mankind.
Elk Echoes
Learn about elk adaptations, migration, and mating behavior. Programs are held simultaneously at Moraine Park Visitor Center amphitheater and the Sheep Lakes parking lot nightly. 6 pm. 30 minute talk. Wheelchair access.... [more]
Skins and Things
Examine the skins, skulls, antlers, teeth and bones of many park mammals. Meet at Kawuneeche Visitor Center. 10:30 am. 40-minute activity Wheelchair access.
Tyndall Gorge Walk
Explore the breathtaking glacial landscape and lush subalpine forests above Bear Lake on this moderate walk with a Rocky Mountain National Park ranger. Meet at the Bear Lake parking lot. 9:30 AM 1.5 hours... [more]
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.
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]
Autumn Bird Walk
Join a ranger in search of fall migrants in an excellent birding area. For all levels of birders. Bring binoculars and field guide. Meet at the Cub Lake Trailhead. 8 AM 1.5 hours... [more]
All About Autumn
Find out what the wildlife and plants are up to during this changing time of year. 1-1.5 hour walk. 2 pm at Upper Beaver Meadows.
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]
Art in Public Places
Art in Public Places is a changing exhibit series at the Estes Park Conference Center that is sponsored by the Arts Council. The exhibits feature local and Colorado visual and performing artists. Free! 970-586-9203
Amazing Beavers
Beavers drastically change their environment, and they have wonderful adaptations to do so. To see their work first hand, meet at Sprague Lake parking lot for a 1 hour talk. Wheelchair access. Free. 1:30 pm..
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
Bear Necessities
The bear went over the mountain, the bear went over the mountain....to see this terrific program. Join a ranger to learn all about black bears. Wheelchair access. 20-30 minute talk. Fall River Visitor Center. 11 am
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]
Coyote Valley River Walk
Explore the valley ecology and history on this easy walk along the Colorado River. Meet at the Coyote Valley Trailhead. 2:30 PM 1 hour walk, Wheelchair access.
Here Come The Beetles
Pine bark beetles are rapidly transforming our forests. Learn what this means for all species who share the park. Meet at Moraine Park Visitor Center. 2:30 pm. 20-30 minute talk. Wheelchair access. Free.... [more]
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
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
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.
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 parking lot. 1:30 pm on Mon, Tues, Sat. and 10 am on Wednesdays. 1 hour stroll.... [more]
Western History Walk
Stroll along Moraine Park for this 2-part walk. Thursday: The Pioneers. Friday: The Moraine Community. Meet at the Moraine Park Visitor Center. 10 AM 1.5 hour walk... [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.
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.
Autumn Art Walk
Autumn Art Walk & Studio Tour - A self-guided tour of galleries and artist studios throughout area. Tour directories available at the Cultural Arts Council at 304 E Elkhorn Ave, visitors centers, and participating artist studios. Free, 10 am, Sep 19 - Nov 22. 2009, Area art... [more]
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
Alpine Aspects
Discover the survival strategies tundra plants and animals use to live in gale-force winds, driving snow and a severely short summer. Meet at the Alpine Visitor Center. 2 PM 30 minute talk Wheelchair access.
Livestock in the National Parks
Issues of Livestock, Grazing and Animals in the National Parks. Presented by Professor Mark Fiege, historian at Colorado State University. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. for this 2:00 p.m. program. Free and open to the public.
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
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.
Free Park Pass Days in 2010
The normal $20 fee for a 7-day pass to Rocky Mountain National Park will be waived Saturday & Sunday, August 14-15. Fees are also waived for National Public Lands Day (Sept. 25) and for current and former military personnel on Veterans Day (Nov. 11.). July... [more]
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.
Lines into Shapes
The Art Center's annual nationally juried exhibit and sale. All mediums are represented, with approximately 180 works of art. Cash prizes are awarded the night of the opening reception. Free, 970-586-5882,
Life At The Source
Just downstream from the source of the Colorado River, plants and animals form hardy communities. Meet at the Colorado River Trailhead. 2:30 PM 1-mile walk 1 1/2 hours
Hiking In Rocky
Hiking In Rocky Mountain National Park: A Four Season Park: Mel Tulin, an avid outdoor enthusiast and hiker, will take you on many of the popular hikes in RMNP with spectacular photographs to show just how beautiful RMNP is... in all of the four seasons from fall to winter... [more]
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.
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.
Bands, Brats 'n Beer
Autumn Gold - A Festival of Bands, Brats 'n Beer - Hear great music and enjoy the treats. It's an annual event heralding golden sights and sounds from a series of bands. Performers and times to be announced. 10 am - 5 pm, Bond Park in the center of... [more]
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.
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.
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.
Healthy Attitudes - High Altitudes
Healthy Attitudes At High Altitudes: Veteran park ranger and retired science teacher David A. Adams will explore the fascinating subject of physiological adaptations to high altitude conditions. The human body automatically performs a myriad of short-term and long-term adjustments for survival in thin air. Learn about preventative measures and treatment... [more]