Park History
The mountain peaks of the Rocky Mountain National Park are high above the valleys and sparkling lakes that dot the area. Nearly one-third of the total park are lies above the tree line and this is only one of many reasons why this area has been set aside as a national park.
F.O. Stanley first traveled to the area now known as Estes Park in 1903 in an effort to find a location that was better for his health. Stanley is probably better known for his invention of the Stanley Steamer automobile. Stanley was so taken with the beauty of the valley and his experience of his own better health; he was convinced to invest both his money and his future in the area. The Stanley Hotel was built by F.O. Stanley in 1909 to cater to all of the travelers during the golden age of touring.
As a result of Stanley's efforts, the Estes Park Protective and Improvement Association was established. The role of this organization was to protect local wildflowers and wildlife and to promote improvement of the local roads and trails. This was perhaps the first indication of a conservation ethic which was to become more important and complex.
Another individual who had a major influence in the area was Enos Mills who traveled to the area of Longs Peak in 1884 when he was only fourteen years old. Mills was a naturalist and a writer. His influence was spread by the many eloquent books that he wrote about the area.
It was Mills in 1909 that first suggested that this spectacular area become the tenth national park in the nation's park system. Mills envisioned visitors coming to Rocky Mountain National Park in years to come to enjoy the wonderful wilderness located there.
Mills spent years spreading his idea throughout the nation by lecturing, writing letters and articles and lobbying Congress. Finally, on January 26, 1915, President Woodrow Wilson declared the area Rocky Mountain National Park.
This area is now a lasting legacy to those individuals and pioneers who were able to see beyond the use of the resources available in Rocky Mountain National Park to the preservation of its lasting value.
Estes Park, CO Weather
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