Rocky Mountain Park Colorado Events

Alpine & East Side

Tundra To Trees - Hike an ancient Ute trail that leads from alpine heights down through old growth forest. Plan to carpool for this moderate 4-mile hike. Bring warm clothing, rain gear, water & snacks. Starts 7/2

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. Ends 8/8

Tundra Nature Walk - Exhilarate your senses with alpine views and miniature wildflower gardens. Dress warmly, plan to caravan to the location. Ends 8/12

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.

High Country Tails - Come learn about amazing alpine animals and what they can tell us about living life on the mountaintops.

Lily Lake Wildflower Walk - Take time to stop and smell the roses, and enjoy learning about the variety of flowers blooming this season. Easy walk. Ends 8/10

Junior Ranger Program - Earn your Junior Ranger badge! Join a ranger for a variety of programs and activities at the Junior Ranger Headquarters. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Ends 8/12

Dead Trees are Full of Life - Who hangs out in dead trees and calls them home? Find out during this 20-minute puppet program. Ends 8/17

Discovery Day - Discover the amazing world 0f 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 anytime 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Ends 8/14

Bighorn Basics - Sheep Lakes in Horseshoe Park is a popular viewing area for bighorn sheep. Learn about this majestic symbol of Rocky. Ends 8/19

Amazing Beavers - Beavers drastically change their environment, and they have wonderful adaptations to do so.

All About Elk - Learn about this magnificent animal and its current status in the park. Ends 8/19

Ghost Cats - Seeing a mountain lion is rare. Come learn about the secretive life of lions and other wild cats found in the park. Ends 8/15

Little Critters of Rocky - Squirrels, rabbits and bats; find out about the lives of Rocky's smaller animals and the critical roles they play.

Elk Echoes - Learn about elk adaptations, migration, and mating behavior. Programs are simultaneously held at both locations. Starts 9/1

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 a field guide.

Ranger Rendezvous at Bear Lake - Drop in anytime to talk with the Ranger and learn about the area's wildlife. Ends 8/19

Lumpy Ridge Hike - Explore the history, dramatic views, and diverse ecosystems found in this unique corner of the park on a moderate 2 mile hike.

Life on the Edge - From elk to pikas, forest trees to tiny alpine flowers, park life comes in all shapes and sizes. Discover how this diversity of life is changing. Ends 8/25

Navigating Rocky with GPS & 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!

Lily Lake Stroll -Enjoy an easy walk around a lovely lake beneath Longs Peak while exploring the natural and human forces that have shaped this landscape.

Here Come the Beetles! - Pine bark beetles are rapidly transforming our forests. Learn what this means for all species who share the park.

Discovering Horseshoe Park - Enjoy a 3/4 mile walk through the Horseshoe Park landscape. Encounter the dynamic forces that created this valley and discover what lives here today.

Hot Topics in the Park - Want to hear the very latest news about bear and beetle or other management challenges in the park? Join us for two short movies and a Ranger to answer questions.

Burns, Beetles, & Blooms - As the forest canopy opens big changes occur on the forest floor. Discover the colorful results of changes past and present on this easy hike. Ends 8/9

Critter Clues - Put your detective skills to the test, uncover clues, and learn about the animals that call Upper Beaver Meadows home. Ends 8/18

West Side

Beyond The Falls - Join a ranger for a stroll to Adams Falls and a spectacular view just beyond. One-mile round trip.

Wilderness Connections - Take a moderate hike with a ranger on a brand new section of the Continental Divide Trail featuring a lovely meadow along the Onahu River.

Hike Through History - Hike along the Colorado River to discover what led people to try mining, homesteading, and early dude ranching.

Mountain Wildflowers - Lovely montane flowers have amazing adaptations. Caravan to this week's flowers. Ends 8/10

Coyote Valley River Walk - Explore the valley ecology and history on this easy walk along the Colorado River. Sundays only after 8/14

Rocky Mountain Heritage Walk - Learn about Native Americans, miners and valley settlers while revisiting the Old West at an historic guest ranch.

A Glimpse of Paradise - This easy 3-mile round trip hike passes Adams Falls and leads to spectacular views of mountains surrounding the meadows of the East Inlet. 7/1 to 8/12

The Long and the Short - Visit a research exclosure to learn about elk, moose, and beaver. Starts 6/24

A Walk Backwards - Step back in time and experience life on a 1920s dude ranch...chores, games, period costumes. For children 6-12. Registration required at Kawuneeche Visitor Center or (970)627-3471. Ends 8/10

Come Bug a Ranger - Learn fun facts about insects. Puppets, stories and activities for children 4-10 years old. Ends 8/8

Web Walkers - Explore a section of the Colorado River. Activities are designed for children 6-12 years old. Ends 8/21

Junior Ranger Program - Join a ranger for a short program and activities to earn your Junior Ranger badge. 6/20 to 8/17

Ranger's Flyfishing School - Learn about the park's fish management program, stream ecology, and flycasting. Bring your flyfishing gear or borrow the ranger's. Ends 8/13

Holzwarth Historic Site - Buildings are open 10:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. daily. Discuss early settlement with staff. This is a great family activity!

Skins and Things - Examine the skins, skulls, antlers, teeth and bones of many park mammals.

Exploring with a Camera - Join a ranger for a photography walk. Focus on composition, light, and basic tips to improve your pictures. Ends 8/2

The Colorado: Secrets At The Source - This film tells the magnificent story of the Colorado River which flows through some of America's most dramatic high country and canyon country.

Behind the Scenes - Join a ranger to view and discuss a series of short videos documenting how specialists at the park address challenges like elk management, pine beetles, and air quality.

Sisters of Courage - Learn about the pioneer experience through the story of the remarkable Harbison sisters and their family. Includes a 1/2 mile walk to the homestead site.