Ranger Talks

by National Forest Service

by Jesse Speer

by Jesse Speer

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]

Web Walkers

Explore a section of the Colorado River. Activities are designed for children 6-12 years old. Meet at the Coyote Valley Trailhead. 10 AM 1 hour activity

Timing Snowmelt

Spring Lyceum Series. "Changes in the Timing of Snowmelt in Colorado: A Response to Global Warming?" Research Hydrologist David Clow from the U.S. Geologic Survey's Colorado Water Center is conducting a study of changes in the timing of snowmelt and associated runoff. His preliminary results indicate that the onset of... [more]

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]

Climate Change in rocky

Join park research administrator Judy Visty on Thursday, June 19 at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium at Beaver Meadows Visitor Center at Rocky Mountain National Park to learn about the report on climate change. The program is free and open to the public.... [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.

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.

Native American Lives and Sacred Landscapes

July 10 Native American Lives and Sacred Landscapes Learn more about Native American park inhabitants from Dr. Bob Brunswig, Anthropology Professor at University of Northern Colorado. These early inhabitants once viewed the parks natural landscape as an integrated natural-spiritual-mythological realm where ritual and prayer were conducted in special places. Summer... [more]

Elk Exploration Day

Learn all about these bugling beauties in a special day of elk activities. Rangers will be on hand from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Holzwarth Historic Site picnic area with fun family activities to share. Please drop in! 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Wheelchair access.

Longs Peak Trail: A History

August 7 East Longs Peak Trail: A History Hundreds of personal accounts from three centuries express exhilaration over the scenery and exhaustion from the high-altitude effort. Historian Sierra Standish will elaborate on some of these accounts. Part of the Science Behind The Scenery Series in the auditorium at Beaver Meadows... [more]

Bears, Cougars, Frogs, and Butterflies

June 26 Bears, Cougars, Frogs, and Butterflies: Wildlife Research Cheri Yost, McGraw Ranch Manager and Research Volunteer Coordinator, will explain how wildlife biologists help the park keep track of creatures great and small. Part of the Science Behind The Scenery Series in the auditorium at Beaver Meadows Visitor Center in... [more]

Architect of Record

August 14 The Architect of Record: Beaver Meadows Visitor Center Jim Lindberg, Assistant Director for the Mountain/Plains Office with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, will elaborate on this wonderful National Historic Landmark. Grown from the principles of Organic Architecture espoused by Frank Lloyd Wright, the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center... [more]

Nitrogen Pollution Effects Ecosystems

July 17 Nitrogen Pollution Effects Ecosystems Ecologist Sabrina Kleinman, will explain why the effects of nitrogen air pollution have caused some significant changes in the ecosystems of the Rocky Mountains. Part of the Science Behind The Scenery Series in the auditorium at Beaver Meadows Visitor Center in Rocky Mountain National... [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.

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.

Hiking Through History

Walk a lovely river trail to explore early mining, homesteading, and dude ranching. Meet at the Colorado River Trailhead. 9:30 AM 3 hours, 3 miles... [more]

Fire and Ice

July 24 Fire and Ice: Geology in Rocky Mountain National Park Geologist Ansel Bubel will present on the parks ice glaciers, rock glaciers, and even an old volcano. Part of the Science Behind The Scenery Series in the auditorium at Beaver Meadows Visitor Center in Rocky Mountain National Park. The... [more]

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.

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]

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.

Saturday Night in the Park

Enjoy an evening program at 7 pm on the second Saturday of each month in the auditorium at the Kawuneeche Visitor Center. For a description of topics, inquire at the front desk.

Come Bug a Ranger

Learn fun facts about insects. Puppets, stories and activities for children 4-10 years old. Meet at the Holzwarth Historic Site parking lot. 10 AM 1 hour activity

Animals in Autumn

Find out what the wildlife are up to during this changing time of year. Meet at the Fall River Visitor Center.10:30 AM 20-30 minute talk Wheelchair access.

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.

Kawuneeche Evening Program

Enjoy an evening program the second Saturday of each month in the auditorium at the Kawuneeche Visitor Center. For a description of topics, inquire at the front desk. 7 PM 1 hour second Saturday each month and May 24. Wheelchair Accessible.

Seeing Red!

What's killing the pine trees? Walk through a lodgepole forest to discover the mighty impact of a tiny beetle. Meet at the Onahu Trailhead. 2:30 PM 1 hour walk

Saturday Night in the Park

Enjoy a Saturday evening program in the auditorium at the Kawuneeche Visitor Center. For a description of topics, inquire at the front desk. 7 PM 1 hour presentation. Wheelchair access.... [more]

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.

Climate Change in Rocky

August 21 Climate Change in Rocky Mountain National Park Park Research Coordinator Judy Visty, will present the potential impacts of climate change to the parks ecosystems. Part of the Science Behind The Scenery Series in the auditorium at Beaver Meadows Visitor Center in Rocky Mountain National Park. The Thursday programs... [more]

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]

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..

Enos Mills: Rocky Mountain Naturalist

Enos Mills: Rocky Mountain Naturalist As a boy and as a man, Enos Mills (1870-1922) lived a remarkable mountain life. From childhood on, his bond with mountains and wilderness, especially the Estes Park area, inspired him to overcome serious illness and the lack of formal education, money,... [more]

Beaver Meadows Evening Program

Enjoy a wide variety of informative and entertaining programs at Beaver Meadows Visitor Center, Rocky Mountain National Park. 7 pm. 970-586-1206. Wheelchair access. Free.

Humming Along:

July 3 Humming Along: Rockys Hummingbirds Fred and Tena Engelman, Citizen Scientists, will describe the life of Rockys hummingbirds. Learn about how the Engelmans band the birds, what species they find, and what patterns are emerging from their study. Part of the Science Behind The Scenery Series in the auditorium... [more]

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]

Celestial Wilderness

Explore the universe and the astronomy of Rocky's night sky. Meet at Harbison Meadow parking area. If overcast, meet at Kawuneeche Visitor Center for indoor presentation. 9:15 PM in June 9 PM in July 8:45 PM in August 1-1.5 hour activity.

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.

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.

Monitoring Climate

Spring Lyceum Series. Monitoring Climate in and Around Rocky Mountain National Park. Brent Frakes, Rocky Mountain Network Data Manager for the National Park Service, will provide an overview of the natural resources monitoring effort. Beaver Meadows Visitor Center Auditorium. 7 pm

Holzwarth Historic Site

Buildings are open 10 AM - 4 PM daily. Discuss early settlement with staff. This is a great family activity! 10 AM - 4 PM Drop-in tour

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.

Semi-permanent Vacations:

July 31 Semi-permanent Vacations: Second Homes in the Rockies Historian Melanie Shellenbarger will elaborate on how folks made the move from vacationer to home ownership in Estes Park, including local notables like author William Allen White and entrepreneur F.O. Stanley. Part of the Science Behind The Scenery Series in the... [more]

Skins & Skulls

Want to pet an elk? Cuddle up to a bear? Are you crazy? That's not safe! Come to Beaver Meadows Visitor Center to safely feel skins and skulls while hearing about park wildlife 3 pm. 20-30 minute talk. Wheelchair access.

Skins & Things

Examine the skins, skulls, antlers, teeth and bones of park mammals. Drop in anytime during the program. Meet at Kawuneeche Visitor Center, 3 PM 40 minute activity. Wheelchair access.

Learning Lessons

Spring Lyceum Series. Learning Lessons: Management Decisions of the Past and Future. Beaver Meadows Visitor Center. 7 pm

Evening Programs

Programs will be offered at these times and places the last week of August, 8/24-30. Please see flyers at visitor centers and campgrounds for details.
Beaver Meadows Visitor Center on Fri., Sat., Sun at 7"30 PM.
Moraine Park Campground, 7:30 PM Thursday, 8:30 PM Sun., Tues.
... [more]

Never Summer, Ever Summer

View the sun through a telescope and learn of potential effects of climate change on this park. Meet at Bowen Baker parking lot. 10 AM 50 minutes

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

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.

Story Time

Stories are a great way to introduce nature to kids. Come hear stories of critters and high adventure. Meet at the Fall River Visitor Center. 10 AM 30-45 minute program

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.

A Glimpse Of Paradise

This easy 3-mile hike passes Adams Falls and leads to spectacular views of the mountains surrounding the meadows of the East Inlet. Meet at East Inlet Trailhead. 10:00 AM 2 1/2 hours... [more]

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]

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.

Timber Creek Evening Program

Presentation Friday and Saturday night at Timber Creek Campground. Check at the campground or Kawuneeche Visitor Center for topics. 7:45 PM 45 minutes. Wheelchair access.... [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]

Lyceum

Learning Lessons: Management Decisions of the Past and Future The Lyceum, from its beginnings with the scholar Aristotle in ancient Greece to the American Lyceums of the 1880s featured renowned speakers like Emerson, Thoreau, Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony, has... [more]

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