Inside this Issue: Alert: Find us on your favorite social media Important Information platform to join in on special events, Due to the 2013 Flood, backcountry photos, videos, and more! Staying Safe travelers may encounter missing foot Ranger-led Programs bridges, missing trail segments, difficult @Rockynps Special 100th Anniversary Guide water crossings and unstable slopes. #rmnp Camping Information Please stop at a visitor center or visit our Junior Ranger website for more specific information.

Rocky National Park Service Mountain U.S. Department of the Interior The official newspaper National of Rocky Mountain National Park Park

Park News Fall 2014 September 2, 2014 – October 13, 2014

Hear Their Call

Elk Viewing

Prime elk viewing areas include: Moraine Park, Horseshoe Park, and Upper Beaver Meadows on the east side of the park.

On the west side, elk can often be seen throughout the Kawuneeche Valley, especially Holzwarth Meadow and Harbison Meadow.

NPS/Russell Smith

It is fall – a magical time in the Watch carefully: Lifting his slightest hesitation, as if they defended day and night from Rockies. Days get shorter, leaf head and massive rack of needed to mull the thought satellite bulls coming in to and underbrush colors change, antlers high, a bull elk begins over for a moment before lure cows away. Laying his the tundra gets its first dusting his stately march across the releasing it again. These impressive antlers back along of snow, and the mating moonlit meadow. Moving remarkable vocal skills, rising his spine to show his incredible season or “rut” begins for elk. naturally in this timeless over 3 octaves, serve to attract size, the bull is constantly The elk of Rocky Mountain dance, he pauses – listening cows and intimidate rival on the move. He is majesty, National Park are able to to something we can’t hear bulls. The bugle communicates sailing on the mists of the retain their natural, wild state – and then bugles. The shrill his size, strength and vigor, meadows, passing his superior and go about their fall mating call rings out through the inviting cows to join his harem genes on to the next spring’s rituals IF we, as humans, meadow, echoing from the of up to 60 cows. Once the generation of calves. Our job? don’t interfere. mountainsides with the harem is assembled, it must be Watch quietly, respectfully, and stay well away from these powerful animals.

For the good of the animals and other visitors: • Park using roadside pullouts -- do not park on vegetation • Never use artificial lights or calls • Turn off car lights and engine upon parking • Do not walk into posted meadows between 5 p.m. and 7 a.m. • Stay by the roadside when viewing animals • Watch for other cars & keep an eye on children • Do not approach animals -- wildlife are unpredictable • Never feed wildlife

Five meadows are closed to entry between 5 p.m. and 7 a.m. daily September 1 through October 31 to prevent disturbance to elk during the fall rut: Moraine Park, Horseshoe Park, Upper Beaver Meadows, Harbison Meadow, and Holzwarth Meadow.

Old Fall River Road and Alluvial Fan Flood Damage Old Fall River Road and the Alluvial Fan suffered significant damages Lawn Lake Trailhead to the Alpine Visitor Center will be closed to during flooding last September. The road will remain closed to vehicles, pedestrians, and bicycles. Please stop at a visitor center or vehicles through 2014. Once construction begins to repair the road visit the park's website for more up-to-date information. and the Alluvial Fan (date to be determined) the road west of the

Park Phone Numbers

Trail Ridge Road Status: (970) 586-1222 Hearing impaired persons may Dial 911 to report Park Information: (970) 586-1206 call the TTY at (970) 586-1319 Emergencies Visitor Centers Estes Park Area Grand Lake Area

Beaver Meadows Fall River Alpine Visitor Center Kawuneeche Open daily 8-5 through October 13, Open daily 9-5 through September Open daily (weather permitting) Open daily 8-6 though September 6, then open daily 8-4:30. Park 28; Weekends Oct. 1 - 13. Features 10:30-4:30 through October 13. then 8-5 September 7 through information, free park movie and life-sized wildlife displays, a book Features extraordinary views of September 27. Then 8-4:30. Park bookstore available. Backcountry store and discovery room where kids alpine tundra, displays, information, information and maps, free movie camping permits are available by can touch objects and dress up as a bookstore, an adjacent gift shop, and exhibits on how to plan your following the footpath just east of rangers, Indians and pioneers. cafe and a coffee bar. Call (970) 586- visit, bookstore, backcountry the visitor center to the 1222 for Trail Ridge Road status. camping permits. Backcountry Office.

Beaver Meadows Visitor Center Fall River Visitor Center Alpine Visitor Center Kawuneeche Visitor Center

Important Information and Safety Considerations

Nature’s beauty is alluring. Her Altitude Sickness Service Animals Picnicking power is also awe-inspiring and Altitude can aggravate preexisting Service animals individually trained Check the park map for designated dangerous. Keep your vacation medical conditions and even be fatal. to perform specific tasks are allowed picnic areas. from turning into a nightmare by Acclimatize by drinking plenty of on trails and in park facilities following these safety tips. water and driving to 12,000 feet up only if they are providing a service Watch for Flood and Fire Damage Trail Ridge Road later in your stay. If for a disabled person. Under the Recent floods have damaged trails Ward-off Hypothermia you feel lousy at altitude, descend Americans with Disabilities Act or made sections impassable. Watch Avoid this potentially fatal drop in immediately. (ADA), “therapy animals” providing for collapsed or missing foot bridges core body temperature- keep dry and emotional support do not qualify and directional signs, unstable slopes, warm with rain gear, a windbreaker Bicycles in the Park as service animals. These pets are fallen trees and rough trails. and extra layers. Be alert for Bicycling is prohibited on trails. By prohibited on trails, in park buildings Travel at your own risk. Safety is your hypothermia’s warning signs – law, you must ride single file. Park or other non-motorized areas. responsibility. shivering, confusion and drowsiness. roads are narrow and may not have Service dogs-in-training are not shoulders. Shuttle buses are not service animals under ADA, but are Take Only Pictures Be Mountain Savvy equipped to transport bicycles. considered pets. It’s illegal to disturb or remove Training and technical skills are natural feature such as pinecones, needed to summit many of Rocky’s Campfires Food Storage rocks, antlers, artifacts, soil, rocks, high peaks. Slipping is not the Campfires are permitted only in Properly stored food and a clean or vegetation. Metal detector use is problem when climbing up steep campgrounds and picnic areas with camp protect you, your car, and prohibited in the park. terrain with snow and ice. It’s the fire grates. During high fire danger, wildlife from harm. Unattended landing that can hurt, maim and kill. campfires may be prohibited. food, toiletries and other scented Viewing Wildlife Longs Peak is NOT a hike! There is no Firewood can be purchased at items can attract wildlife including View wildlife from roadside parking trail to the summit and the rocks are campgrounds in summer. Collecting bears. Violators will be cited for areas. Always pull completely off the often coated with ice. vegetation, dead or alive, is improperly stored or unattended road without parking on vegetation. prohibited. food items including food, drinks, Approaching animals may stress and Avoid Bear and Mountain Lion garbage, wrappers, pet food, provoke them and could get you Encounters Firearms cosmetics toiletries, and odoriferous injured. If an animal changes their When hiking, ALWAYS keep children Possessing firearms in Rocky containers. behavior, you are too close. Feeding next to adults. If you encounter these Mountain National Park is permitted any animal or bird is illegal. animals, make yourself look big – for those who are legally authorized pick up small children, raise your under federal, Colorado or local Marijuana Use Prohibited arms and keep your group standing laws. However, hunting, recreational Although small amounts of close together. Never run – instead shooting, and target practice recreational marijuana are now legal SLOWLY back away and leave the are illegal. Federal law prohibits in Colorado - possession and use of area. If attacked, fight back! firearms in park buildings and marijuana continues to be illegal in facilities. Those legally allowed to Rocky Mountain National Park and Do Not Feed Wildlife carry firearms must comply with all all federal lands. Wildlife, including chipmunks and applicable state and federal firearm birds, are beautiful to look at and it's laws. Need to know more? Contact tempting to feed them. But they can us at 970-586-1206. bite you, carry disease and become beggars. Human food is unhealthy Fishing for them. Plus feeding wildlife is Fishing in the park? You’ll need a illegal. Enjoy them from a distance. valid Colorado state fishing license. Pick up regulations at visitor centers Watch Out for Falling Trees or entrance stations. The Mountain Pine Beetle epidemic has increased the chances of falling Pets trees. Avoid hiking through the Pets are only allowed in picnic areas, forest on windy days and plan your campgrounds and along roadsides. rest breaks away from red or They must be on a leash, no longer dead trees. than 6 feet. Pets must not be unattended in cars, or tied to trees or objects. Pets are never allowed on trails or meadows.

Entrance Fees

Automobile 7-day Pass - Valid for Rocky Mountain National Park/ America the Beautiful National Parks America the Beautiful National Parks seven consecutive days including Arapaho National Recreation Area and Federal Recreational Lands and Federal Recreational Lands date of purchase. $20 Annual Pass - Provides unlimited Senior Pass - A lifetime pass for U.S. Access Pass - A free lifetime pass for entry to both areas for one year citizens or permanent residents age U.S. citizens or permanent residents Rocky Mountain National Park from the date of purchase. $50 62 or older. $10 with a permanent disability. Annual Pass - Provides unlimited entry to this park for one year from America the Beautiful Pass – National America the Beautiful Military Pass - the date of purchase. $40 Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Free unlimited entry to federal Annual Pass - Available to everyone recreation sites (including National and provides unlimited entry to Parks) for active duty US military federal recreation sites that charge an personnel and dependents with entrance or standard amenity fee for required proper identification (CAC 2 one year from date of purchase. $80 Card or DD Form 1173) for one year. Travel Tips

Essentials to wear and carry Weather and Road Call the Trail Ridge Road status line • Lots of water • Sturdy footwear & extra socks Conditions (970) 586-1222 for current road status. • High-energy food • Hat and gloves Trail Ridge Road is open for the • Layers of clothing (jackets & pants) • Sunscreen season, weather permitting. It usually • Storm gear • First aid kit Due to flood damage reconstruction, closes for the season in mid-October. • Sunglasses with UV protection • Flashlight or headlamp Old Fall River Road is closed to all use For current park road and driving • Pocket knife • Whistle during 2014. conditions, please stop at a visitor • Topographic map & compass/GPS • Waterproof matches center • Common sense! Be aware of changing weather, as conditions can deteriorate quickly.

Trail Conditions

Due to the 2013 Flood, slopes. Please ask a ranger, stop backcountry hikers may at a visitor center, or visit the encounter missing foot bridges, park website, www.nps.gov/ missing trail segments, difficult romo, for more specific, updated water crossings and unstable information.

Trail Location Round Trip Elevation Distance Gain Easy walks. Some are accessible. Some allow strollers. Most have educational East Side Family Friendly Trails brochures or exhibits. No pets on any park trails.

Lily Lake On Highway 7 south of Estes Park .8 mile loop 20 feet Wildflowers, waterfowl, and greenback cutthroat trout may be seen on a level walk around the lake. At Rock Cut on Trail Ridge Road .5 mile 260 feet Tundra Communities Trail View the miniature world of the tundra and enjoy sweeping views of the park. Paved trail and interpretive signs. West Side Family Friendly Trails

Coyote Valley on Highway 34, north of Kawuneeche Visitor Center 1 mile 10 feet Coyote Valley Trail Follows the bank of the Colorado River, with views of the Never Summer Mountains. Packed gravel, level grade. Interpretive signs. See moose, songbirds, and wildflowers.

Adams Falls East Inlet, located on the far east end of Grand Lake .6 mile 80 feet A beautiful short hike near Grand Lake. The trail continues beyond the falls to lush meadows. 8 miles north of Kawuneeche Visitor Center on Highway 34. 1 mile 10 feet Holzwarth Historic Site Explore a historic homestead cabin and 1920s dude ranch. Brochures, interpretive signs and tours available.

While You're Here

Free Park Movie

See the stunning 23-minute park movie at both the Beaver Meadows as well as wildlife and park history. A Captioned version is available Visitor Center from 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. and at the Kawuneeche Visitor at Kawuneeche Visitor Center and Captioned and Audio Description Center during normal business hours. This film features spectacular aerial versions are available at Beaver Meadows Visitor Center. Available in footage of the rugged high country of Rocky Mountain National Park, both Español (translation headsets available upon request) and English at Beaver Meadows and Kawuneeche visitor centers. Junior Ranger Heart of the Rockies

Free Junior Ranger books are available at park visitor centers for Teachers, Parents, Students! children of all ages. A successfully completed book earns a badge! Rocky Mountain National Park’s “Heart of the Rockies” education You are an important part of this park. Stay in touch. Contact us program provides an outdoor classroom to children throughout anytime at: [email protected] the region.

Los libros de guardaparque juveniles son para niños que tiene 12 años o menos. se pueden Teachers who are interested in participating obtener sin costo en el centro de visitantes del in this program may contact the park’s parque. Si se completa el libro con éxito puede Education Specialist at (970) 586- recibir una insignia! 3777, or through the website at www. heartoftherockies.net

Moraine Park Discovery Center

Open daily 9-4:30 through Sept. 30, 10-4 Oct.1 through Oct. 13. Interactive exhibits on the past and present landscape, and a bookstore. Great views of glaciated Moraine Park.

3 Ranger-Led Programs | East Side

Walks and Hikes LENGTH LOCATION SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT Tyndall Gorge Walk - Explore the 1.5 - 2 Bear Lake 9:30a breathtaking glacial landscape and lush hour parking area subalpine forests above Bear Lake on this hike moderate hike. Ends 9/25

Autumn Bird Walk - Join a ranger in 1.5 Cub Lake 8:00a 8:00a 8:00a search of fall migrants in an excellent hour Trailhead birding area. For all levels of birders. Bring walk binoculars and a field guide. Ends 10/4

Autumn in the Rockies - Cool crisp 1 - 1.5 Lily Lake 2:00p 2:00p 2:00p air, beautiful fall colors, and bugling elk. hour parking area Come on an easy walk to discover the walk many changes taking place this time of the year. Ends 10/13 Wilderness, Wildlife, and Wonder - 1 - 1.5 Sprague Lake 2:00p 2:00p 2:00p 2:00p Much has changed in the last 100 years. hour picnic area Take an easy walk and join the discussion walk about how our past plays a role in the present and future of this amazing park. Ends 10/9 Moraine Park Nature Walk - Discover 1 hour Moraine Park 10:00a 10:00a the connections between the landscape, walk Discovery climate, and ecosystems of Moraine Park Center on this moderate walk. Ends 10/4

Bear Lake Stroll - Enjoy an easy walk 1 - 1.5 Bear Lake 10:00a 10:00a around a lovely subalpine lake and learn hour Ranger Station about the natural and human forces that walk have shaped this landscape. Ends 10/10

Talks LENGTH LOCATION SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

Let's Talk Wild - Come learn about the Drop in Fall River 10:00a 10:00a 10:00a 10:00a park and wildlife in the autumn. In this anytime Visitor Center to to to to informal chat with a ranger. Ends 9/28 11:00a 11:00a 11:00a 11:00a

Elk Echoes - Learn about elk 30 minute Sheep Lakes 6:00p 6:00p 6:00p 6:00p 6:00p 6:00p 6:00p adaptations, migration, and mating talk Parking Lot behavior. Ends 10/13 & Moraine Programs held simultaneously at both Park Discovery locations. Center Amphitheater

Road to the Top - If you think driving 20 - 30 Alpine Visitor 2:30p 2:30p 2:30p 2:30p these roads is an adventure, come discover minute Center what it took to build and maintain them! talk Ends 10/13

Bear Necessities - Come discover what 20 - 30 Beaver 10:30a 10:30a 10:30a 10:30a 10:30a 10:30a is necessary to the survival of Rocky's black minute Meadows bears. talk Visitor Center

Arts in Parks - Discover how artists have 20 - 30 Fall River 10:30a 10:30a 10:30a used paintings, photographs and prose to minute Visitor Center capture nature's beauty and inspire the talk creation of many of our national parks. Ends 9/28

Portraits of the Past - Moraine Park 20 - 30 Moraine Park 10:00a 10:00a 10:00a was once a thriving community of early- minute Discovery day ranchers, innkeepers and influential talk Center residents. Join a park ranger for a glimpse into the lives of those who came before us. Ends 10/3

Evening Programs LENGTH LOCATION SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

Beaver Meadows Evening Program 45 minute Beaver 7:00p Enjoy a wide variety of informative and talk Meadows entertaining programs. Ends 9/27 Visitor Center Auditorium Night with an Artist 45 minute Beaver 7:00p Explore the world of art through the eyes of talk Meadows a photographer. 9/3 Only Visitor Center 9/3 Auditorium Only All children must be accompanied by an adult. Programs may be cancelled due to high winds or lightning.

4 Rocky Mountain National Park 100th Anniversary Celebration

100 Years of Wilderness, Wildlife, and Wonder

Many things happened in 1915. Timeline of Events

World War I was in full swing. The House of Representatives rejected a 10,000 BC Clovis Paleoindian hunters proposal to give women the right to vote. The Girl Scouts and the Kiwanis enter the park as the glaciers retreat. Club were founded. Pluto was photographed for the first time. Babe Ruth hit his first home run, and the Lusitania was sunk. Billie Holiday and Frank 1200-1300 Ute enter North Park and Middle Park and Rocky Mountain Sinatra were born. The first transcontinental phone call was made. Ford National Park. manufactured its one-millionth Model T, and Albert Einstein formulated the theory of relativity. 1800 Arapaho make first appearance in the park.

On January 26th, Rocky Mountain National Park Gold never really panned out for the 1820 Stephen A. Long Expedition on the was established. miners at LuLu City. plains and are first non-Indians to see Longs Peak. A lot of history has passed between 1915 and today. A lot of things have 1843 Rufus B. Sage is first explorer to changed – music, science, manufacturing, technology, politics. But some enter east side of the park and write about it. things haven’t. 1858 Joel Estes enters what is now Estes Rocky Mountain National Park is still here. After almost 100 years, despite Park and starts a ranch. all the history, all the change, and all the progress, Rocky Mountain 1868 John Wesley Powell, William Byers National Park is still important to people. Our need for mountains and (Rocky Mountain News), and others make wild places, beauty and escape is just as strong today as it was 100 years ago, the first ascent of Longs Peak. if not more so. 1871 Addie Alexander is the first woman to climb Longs Peak Some visitors seek out the high country on a regular basis, using it as a The Grand Ditch cuts across the Never Summer Mountains and can be seen 1874 Hayden's "U.S. Geological and portal through which to filter the world. Some have a memory of a snow- Geographical Survey of the Territories" covered peak or a day on the trail to think back on fondly. Other visitors from Farview Curve. enters the park. to Rocky Mountain National Park will never set foot inside its boundaries, 1874 Abner Sprague homesteads in and yet find great joy in simply knowing that it exists. Moraine Park, builds Sprague's Ranch, and establishes tourism and dude ranching in The 100th Anniversary of Rocky Mountain National Park is for the park. It is a reminder of all that has happened here. It is a celebration everyone. 1876 State of Colorado created by of the connections that people have made with this place, the things that Congress live here, and those who work to protect it. It is a challenge to not let Rocky Mountain National Park fade from what we value as we progress into the 1874-1886 Mining occurs on the west side of the mountains; Lulu City and next 100 years. It is a renewal of the vow we made to protect this place, so Gaskill Towns established. that it can continue to shelter us and those who come after us. 1895-1935 Grand Ditch is built to bring water from Never Summer Range across You will do many things in 2015. In 1910, Sprague's Lodge was built La Poudre Pass and down the Cache Le Poudre to the plains for agriculture. in the Glacier Basin Area. By the 30s, Let the 100th Anniversary of Rocky Mountain National Park be one that rates were $17.50-$40/night. 1896-1902 Mining on the east side of the you remember. park (Eugenia and Meeker Mines). www.nps.gov/romo 1905 Stanley Hotel constructed in Estes for detailed Park. information on events 1906 Antiquities Act passed; allows the President to create national monuments. What's Your Story? Timeline of Events continued When did you fall in love with Rocky Mountain National Park? 1906 Road up the Big Thompson River (Hwy 34) completed. What is your most memorable wildlife encounter? How has the park left its mark on your family? What pictures tell your park story? 1907 Squeaky Bob Wheeler opens the Hotel de Hardscrabble for tourists in the Now there is a way to share your stories, memories, and photos Kawuneeche Valley. of your time in Rocky Mountain National Park and be part of the Rocky Mountain National Park Centennial Celebration! 1907 Enos Mills, James Grafton Rodgers, and others begin lobbying for the Visit rmnp100.com to contribute to the Centennial Family Photo establishment of Rocky Mountain National The Civilian Conservation Corps Park. Album. Click on the decade of your choosing and upload a photo created many of the roads and trails 1914 Arapaho pack trip provides 30 Indian or write down your story (or both!). Your memories will become still used in the park today. names for mountains and other topograph- part of our virtual time capsule that will be kept to help document ic features in the park. the connections that people have made with the park over the past January 26, 1915 Congress signs 100 years. legislation creating Rocky Mountain National Park Spread the word to friends and family that might have September 4, 1915 Rocky Mountain National Park is publically dedicated in old pictures or family stories, Horseshoe Park enter your memory, and then 1913-1920 Fall River Road is constructed check back to see how the as the first road over the Continental album grows. Divide between Estes Park and Grand Lake. Let your story or picture be 1933-1942 Trail Ridge Road constructed. part of the legacy of Rocky Trail Ridge Road was constructed carefully so as to not damage the 1936 Hidden Valley becomes a ski area; Mountain National Park! fragile alpine tundra. closed in 1992 and removed by 2002. 1936 CCC crews remodel Moraine Park Centennial Junior Ranger Lodge into the Moraine Park Museum and build the nearby amphitheater that ushered You are the future of Rocky in a new era of park interpretation and Mountain National Park! education programs. Junior Rangers of all ages are 1937-1947 Colorado-Big Thompson Project and Alva B. Adams tunnel invited to pick up a Centennial completed under the park. Junior Ranger Activity Sheet 1939 Abner Sprague becomes the first park to test your knowledge visitor to pay an entrance fee. and creativity. Turn in your completed page for a special 1955 National Park Service Director Over 3000 people from all over Conrad Wirth announces Mission 66, a Centennial Sticker. Colorado attended the park's construction program designed to bring the national parks into modern conditions Activity sheets and stickers dedication on September 4, 1915. for increasing amount of visitors. are available only at Beaver 1960 New bridge over the Big Thompson Meadows Visitor Center, Fall www.nps.gov/romo River is completed and the present Beaver River Visitor Center, Alpine Meadows Entrance is opened as part of for detailed Mission 66. Visitor Center and Kawuneeche information on events Visitor Center.

Rocky Mountain National Park's Centennial Year by James H. Pickering, Historian Laureate, Town of Estes Park Centennials are important its successor, Trail Ridge Road in are gone, as are many of the other streams, will surely agree. Our events. The 100th anniversary of 1932; of the Civilian Conservation inholdings once found in places ability to enjoy the authenticity of the dedication of Rocky Mountain Corps days of the 1930s which like Moraine and Horseshoe Parks. such experiences, not to mention National Park is certainly no advanced important park projects, The size of the ranger force and the wonder of it all, is the gift of the exception. That event took place including trail building, by well support staff of necessity has also past to the present. on September 4, 1915, on an open more than a decade; and of the grown (at the time of the dedication knoll in Horseshoe Park close by “holing through” of the 13-mile there were only three). They are Let then this celebratory today’s Lawn Lake trailhead, a two- Alva Adams tunnel beneath the needed to take care of the more centennial year also be a year of re- sided banner overhead. Though park in 1944, a key element in the than three million visitors who dedication. Let it be a year in which the day was overcast, the crowd Colorado-Big Thompson trans- enter the park each year. Balancing we reaffirm our own responsibility was large. Individuals and families mountain irrigation project. Other, this accessibility with the need to as present-day stewards in helping came from Denver and other more recent, accomplishments protect and preserve the park’s to preserve this special place, so Front Range towns as well as from include the opening of the Beaver fragile ecology is, and will remain, that a hundred years hence it will be Estes Park. Enos Mills, already Meadows Visitors Center in a major challenge. Enos Mills’ said that we in our time—to quote celebrated as “The Father of Rocky 1967, a cornerstone of Mission dream of 1915 is, in fact, an still the Organic Act of 1916 that created Mountain National Park,” served ’66 project, the last concerted unfinished one— it is an affirmation the National Park Service—helped as master of ceremonies. “This is attempt to refurbish and update in progress, as all truly great “to conserve the scenery and the the proudest moment of my life,” America’s system of national parks; dreams are. natural and historic objects . . . he told the crowd. “I have lived to and the completion in 2013 of the by such means as will leave them see the realization of a great dream reconstruction and relocation of So even as we enjoy the unimpaired for the enjoyment of come true. It means great things for portions of much-traveled Bear centennial events of the coming future generations." Put in less lofty Colorado and for the nation.” And Lake Road. months let us do so with gratitude terms: that we too helped pass Enos indeed it most certainly has. Though not only to those who made Rocky Mills’ “great dream” forward into the anniversary of that dedication Centennial years, rightly Mountain National Park possible the hands of those whom we will Saturday is still a year away, a series considered, should not simply focus but to those who labor today never know. of events are being planned that on the past. They should draw and will labor tomorrow to keep will give all of us ample opportunity our attention to the present and to Enos Mills’ dream alive. The late both to celebrate and reflect. the future as well. Over the past Western writer Wallace Stegner hundred years Rocky Mountain called national parks “the best idea Looking back one thinks of National Park has grown slightly in we ever had.” Those of us who the park’s milestone events and size and greatly in complexity. To be have had the privilege of hiking the achievements. There have been sure, it is rather less cluttered than trails of Rocky Mountain National many. One thinks of the completion it was in 1915. All of the great resort Park, lunching besides one of its of Fall River Road over the hotels (those “castles of woods”) supremely beautiful lakes, or fishing Continental Divide in 1920, and one of its peaceful and sequestered Timeline of Events continued Art in the Park 1964 The Wilderness Act is passed which later allows for further protection of the How do you remember Rocky Mountain National Park? Do you treasure park a particular photograph of golden aspens and Longs Peak? An oil painting 1966 National Historic Preservation Act is of the mist rolling off Adams Falls? Have you made a sketch or written your created to protect historic and prehistoric own poem to memorialize your latest visit? resources on federal lands. Art, it seems, is one of the most prominent ways through which Rocky 1968 Beaver Meadows Headquarters Mountain National Park finds and maintains a home in our hearts and building is finished. memories. Throughout the celebration of Rocky Mountain National Park’s 1982 The Lawn Lake dam collapses 100th Anniversary, many opportunities to appreciate the art of nature resulting in a flood that kills 3 people and will be showcased. Which will you enjoy? You may listen to a concert or a severly impacts Estes Park. storyteller. You may take home iconic images in a commemorative book, 1988 McGraw Ranch is purchased and the poster, or calendar. You may watch as a plein air painting takes shape before buildings are remodeled and turned into a your very eyes. Or you may take in a program presented by one of the research center in 2001. park’s Artists in Residence. 1992 Lily Lake area is purchased and the Since 1984, the Rocky Mountain National Park Artist-in-Residence popular accessible trail is constructed. program has provided visitors to the park with opportunities to see 2000 Fall River Visitor Center opens. A our heritage through the eyes and ears of selected artists. For the 100th congressional act was required to allow a private company to build a visitor center Anniversary, many of these works of art will be put on display throughout outside the park with NPS staff. the year for new audiences to enjoy. 2002 Beaver Meadows Headquarters is Art has always played a pivotal role in the protection and appreciation declared a National Historic Landmark of national parks, and Rocky Mountain National Park is no exception. As as the only building in the NPS designed the 100th Anniversary of the park nears, ask yourself how art has helped by the Frank Lloyd Wright school of architecture. shape today’s park and how it might help you find a new and enduring connection with this special place. 2003 Grand Ditch breach occurs. 2004 Hidden Valley reopens for winter sledding and summer picnics. Event Schedule Poem for Parks 2007 Sister Park Agreement signed with by Cactus May, Tatra National Parks. September 25 - Thursday GALA OPENING RECEPTION Artist-in-Residence 1996 2008 The Final Elk and Vegetation 6-8pm at Management Plan/Environmental Impact Fall River Visitor Center On Flat-Top mountain Statement is signed. a man in a stiff baseball cap September 26 - Friday 2009 The Omnibus Public Land and striped tube-socks Management Act of 2009 is passed Stanley Hotel Paint-out told me every two breaths 9am-12pm at providing additional protection for over he took up here let him live 95% of the backcountry of the park by the Stanley Hotel designating it as official Wilderness. one more down there. September 27 - Saturday Debbie Biddle 2011 Sister Park Agreement signed with He pointed a bony finger. Tusheti National Park in the Republic of Quick Draw En plein air is a French expression Georgia. 9am-12 noon at that means "in the open air" and is Moraine Park I stayed on top a little longer particularly used to describe the act 2013 Record flooding severely impacts Discovery Center in case he was right. of painting outdoors. Rocky Mountain National Park and surrounding communities. www.rmpap.org A woman from Wisconsin stopped me at Cub Lake Join the Celebration Conversation she swept her hand at the water-lilies and the light Find us on your favorite social media platform told me to imagine all this to join in on special events, photos, videos, and as John Wesley Powell saw it. more! @Rockynps I did. And I could, without television Carl Johnson #rmnp or a coffee-table book because it’s still Early light is often best for catching the nuances of the park's spectacular here. peaks.

The Rocky Mountain Conservancy The nonprofit Rocky Mountain National Park's 100th The Rocky Mountain Conservancy (formerly the Anniversary, the Rocky Conservancy Field Institute will Rocky Mountain Nature Mountain Conservancy be offering a special Centennial Association) was founded in commissioned both a Centennial Seminar Series throughout 2014 1931 to develop informational Poster, created by Jim Disney, and 2015 in order to highlight the brochures for the park. Today, and a Centennial Song, written wilderness, wildlife, and wonder through the publication and by Cowboy Brad Fitch, to help of the park. Seminars are led by sale of educational materials, celebrate this momentous talented instructors and usually the Conservancy supports occasion. require some hiking, and cover the research and educational Rocky Mountain Conservancy a myriad of topics including programs of Rocky Mountain bookstores will also carry a wide wildlife biology, history, botany, National Park and its public variety of commemorative items and photography. lands partners. throughout the celebration year. Stop by a bookstore in one of The Rocky Mountain the park visitor centers to shop, Conservancy also raises funds pick up a seminar catalog, or for trails and improvement learn more about becoming a projects within Rocky Mountain member and helping to support The Official Poster of the Centennial, National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park. created by Jim Disney, is available In support of Rocky Mountain for sale at Beaver Meadows Visitor Center. Rocky Mountain National Park

2014 Centennial Calendar of Events For complete details of 2014 and 2015 events, please visit www.nps.gov/romo September 2014 3 Centennial Kick-off Ceremony 26-27 Trappers Wild Game Culinary Affair Hidden Valley, RMNP Grand Lake, CO 3 Wonder of the Wild 27 Centennial Speaker Series: Images of RMNP Gallery Mary Taylor Young Estes Park, CO Beaver Meadows Visitor Center, RMNP 4-7 Longs Peak Scottish Irish Festival Estes Park, CO October 2014 4 Centennial Kick-off Ice Cream Social Holzwarth Historic Site, RMNP 4 The Playground Trail: The National Park to 4 Wonder of the Wild II Park Highway Grand Lake Art Gallery Estes Park Museum Grand Lake, CO Estes Park, CO 5 RMC Centennial Seminar: 9 The Geology of Estes Park Hike the Ute Trail with a Naturalist Rock Climbing 970-586-3262 for details Estes Park Museum 6 Wilderness Act 50th Anniversary Estes Park, CO Wilderness Walk 10 Centennial Speaker Series: Robert Stanton Lily Lake, RMNP Beaver Meadows Visitor Center, RMNP 6-7 Oil Painters of America Great Paint Out 25 Wilderness, Wildlife, and Wonder Halloween Trail River Ranch, RMNP Grand Lake, CO 7 Music, Munchies, and Maybe a Moose Trail River Ranch, RMNP November 2014 8 RMC Centennial Seminar: The First 100 Years 3 Meet Me @ the Museum: 970-586-3263 for details Souvenirs of RMNP 13 RMC Centennial Seminar: Estes Park Museum Bighorn Sheep Ecology Estes Park, CO 970-586-3263 for details 8 Whooo’s There? 15 The Women of Wind Research Estes Park Museum in RMNP Estes Park, CO Beaver Meadows Auditorium, RMNP 28 The Wonder of Christmas 20 RMC Centennial Seminar: Grand Lake, CO Photographing the Wildlife and Wonder of Autumn with John Fielder December 2014 970-586-3263 for details 20 Constitution Week Concert 20-21 Home for the Holidays: The Wonder of featuring Peggy Mann Christmas in the Rockies Grand Lake, CO Rocky Mountain Repertory Theater 21-30 Paint Something Grand Grand Lake, CO Grand Lake, CO 26-31 Centennial Holiday Melodrama 25-28 Rocky Mountain Plein Air Painters Grand Lake, CO Opening Reception and Art Sale 31 New Year’s Eve Fireworks Celebrating RMNP Fall River Visitor Center, RMNP Grand Lake, CO 26 Centennial Speaker Series: Mary Taylor Young Kawuneeche Visitor Center, RMNP For complete details, please visit www.nps.gov/romo

Long Term Events - starting September 2014

Year Round September 4, 2014 - September 4, 2015 September 26, 2014 - October 4, 2015 Centennial Ranger Programs YMCA of the Rockies Centennial Hikes Climb On! - an exhibit Rocky Mountain National Park www.y-hikes.com/index.html for details Estes Park Museum Estes Park, CO September 1 - November 30, 2014 September 4, 2014 - September 4, 2015 One Book, One Valley Events Grand Lake Chamber and Visitor Center November 22 , 2014 - January 11, 2015 Estes Valley Library, Estes Park, CO 100th Anniversary Activities The Wonder of Art from the www.estesvalleylibrary.org grandlakechamber.com/100th Park - an Art Exhibit Grand Lake, CO September 4, 2014 - September 4, 2015 September 4, 2014 - September 4, 2015 Colorado Mountain Club Hikes, Centennial and RMNP Information at Climbs, and Snowshoes in RMNP The Old Gallery www.cmc.org for more details 14862 Peak to Peak Hwy, Allenspark, CO Ranger-Led Programs | West Side

Programs & Activities LENGTH LOCATION SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT Skins and Things - Examine the skins, 40 min Kawuneeche 10:30a 10:30a 10:30a 10:30a skulls, antlers, teeth and bones of many talk Visitor Center park mammals. Ends 9/21

Behind the Scenes - Short videos 1 hour Kawuneeche 10:30a 10:30a 10:30a documenting how the park addresses Visitor Center challenges like elk management, pine beetles, and bear safety. Ends 9/17

Beyond the Falls - A pleasant stroll to 1.5 East Inlet 2:00p Adams Falls and a spectacular view hour Trailhead just beyond. Ends 9/16 1 mile

Rocky Mountain Heritage Walk - 1.5 Holzwarth 2:00p 2:00p Learn about the human history of the hours Historic Site Kawuneeche Valley while strolling to the 1 mile parking area grounds of an historic guest ranch. Ends 9/17

Coyote Valley River Walk - 1 hour Coyote Valley 2:00p Explore ecology and history on this easy 1 mile Trailhead walk along the Colorado River. 9/11 & 9/18 only

Inside the Fence - Enter an exclosure 1 hour Holzwarth 2:00p to learn about moose, elk and beaver and 1 mile Historic Site to explore habitat recovery first hand. 9/6 parking area and 9/20 only

Wilderness Connections – Celebrate 1.5 - 2 Onahu 2:00p 2:00p the 50th anniversary of the Wilderness Act hours Trailhead with a moderate hike to a hidden meadow 2 miles and picturesque creek. Ends 9/21

Evening & Special Programs LENGTH LOCATION SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

Timber Creek Campground Program 1 hour Timber Creek 7:45p 7:45p 7:45p 7:45p 7:45p 7:45p 7:45p Check at the campground or Kawuneeche program Campground Visitor Center for topics. Ends 9/20 Amphitheater

Holzwarth Historic Site – Tour a Drop-in Holzwarth 10:30a 10:30a 10:30a 10:30a 10:30a 10:30a 1920s-era dude ranch for a taste of early tour Historic Site to to to to to to homesteading and tourism. September 2-7 parking area 4:30p 4:30p 4:30p 4:30p 4:30p 4:30p only. Elk Day, Kawuneeche Visitor Center 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 13 only

Learn all about these bugling beauties in a special day of elk activities. Rangers will be on hand at the Kawuneeche Visitor Center with fun family activities to share. Please drop in!

All children must be accompanied by an adult. Programs may be cancelled due to high winds or lightning.

Notes from the Field

20,000 Calories a Day?! It takes all of us to save the life Ask most visitors: “Want to see a of a bear! bear?” and the resounding answer is, “Yes – that would be cool!” But few • Keep a clean camp. visitors want to see a bear in their • Clean up spills on grills and stoves and tent, ripping into their backpack or wash dishes promptly. destroying their car. The purpose of • Use food storage lockers. bear management in Rocky Mountain • Never leave food items or coolers National Park is to keep bears wild unsecured or unattended. and prevent encounters that can • When parking your vehicle make sure threaten visitor safety, damage all food and trash is stowed out of property, or provide food rewards to sight with windows closed and bears. Once bears get human food doors locked. they can become more aggressive. • When hiking keep your backpack with Often these bears need to be killed. you at all times. • Latch doors on dumpsters. In the fall when bears are preparing • If there isn’t space in trash cans or for winter dormancy they have an Bears consume 20,000 calories a day in fall dumpsters take items with you. insatiable appetite and can eat up to • If you see a bear where it doesn’t Don't attract wildlife, including cosmetics, pet food and bowls, 20,000 calories. This is a time when belong or in the process of getting black bears, to campsites because of odoriferous attractants, visitors need to be “bear aware” and a food reward take action – yell, clap, improperly stored food items. and garbage. keep anything bears may consider honk your horn. food properly stored. Food items include: drinks, toiletries, 5 Camping | 2014

PARK CAMPGROUNDS Location and Location Brief Description Food Storage Storage Food Lockers Summer Drinking Water, Toilets Flush First-Come, First-Come, First-Served Sites Firewood Max RV/Trailer Length Dump Station Designated Sites Accessible Tent Pad Size Pad Tent Reservable

Summer Ranger- led Evening O ered Programs No; use Aspenglen Open Situated in a pine forest 30 ft Glacier 13 ft near Fall River just Elevation 8,220 ft rst-come, Basin, x 15 ft inside the Fall River 53 Sites rst-served Daily in Moraine Entrance on US Hwy Reservable May 22 – when September Park or 34 west of Estes Park. Sept 28 Moraine Timber Park CG is Creek Open rst-come, closed for rst-served when repaving Moraine Park CG is closed for repaving. Glacier Basin 35 ft Located on Bear Lake Road Varies across from the Park & Ride. Elevation 8,500 ft Due to hazard tree removal 150 Sites there is no campground shade May 22 – Sept 7 in the C & D Loops. Longs Peak In a pine forest, nine Tents 13 ft miles south of Estes Elevation 9,405 ft only x 15 ft Only vault Park. Turn west at the While water 26 Sites toilets Longs Peak Area sign. May 23 - Nov 2 is on Moraine Park Located in a ponderosa pine Limited Varies forest above the meadows of Elevation 8,160 ft number of B Loop Daily in B Loop Moraine Park, this campground 244 Sites year- September sites up to has vault is a short drive from the Beaver Open year-round 40 ft Meadows Entrance on Bear Lake round toilets Road. year- Reservable for May A solar heated shower bag stall round facility is available in summer. 22 - Sept 28 This campground will be then temporarily closed for repaving and will reopen date TBD in October. Timber Creek On the park’s west side near the 30 ft Varies Colorado River,10 miles north of Elevation 8,900 ft the town of Grand Lake on US 98 Sites Hwy 34. Due to hazard tree May 23 - Nov 2 removal there is no campground shade.

Camping Information

Overnight stays in Rocky Mountain Stay Limits except in the solar shower facility in trash or recycling receptacles. National Park must be in a The maximum length of stay is seven in Moraine Park Campground. Hummingbird feeders and bird campground (or a backcountry nights total between June 1 and Remember, toiletries attract wildlife feeders are attractants for wildlife site). You may not stay overnight in September 30, plus an additional 14 and need to be properly stored when such as raccoons, elk, deer, and your car or RV along a road or at a nights between October 1 and May not in use. bears, and are not allowed in trailhead. 31. Stay limits are on a parkwide campgrounds. Coolers, dirty stoves, basis rather than on a per Pets grills, non-disposable tableware and It is common for all park campground basis. All campgrounds allow pets with cookware must be washed and campgrounds to fill up on most certain restrictions: they must be on stored in the same manner as food. summer days and fall weekends. At All Standard Campsites a leash no longer than six feet; pet Camp kitchens must be kept clean Reservations for late-May through • No more than eight people may owners must pick up and dispose of and individual items properly stored. September can be made six months camp at a given site. pet excrement in trash receptacles; In campgrounds, store all food items to one day in advance and are highly • All campsites, including RV sites, pets may not make noise that in food storage lockers; if full, store recommended. Make a reservation have a tent pad, picnic table and impacts visitors or wildlife. Pets are food items by one of the following online at www.reserveamerica.com fire grate. never allowed on any park trails or in methods: or www.recreation.gov or call 1-877- • Shared food storage lockers meadow areas. Pets should never be • Inside vehicle trunks; be sure 444-6777. are available throughout all left unattended. Keep a clean camp! windows are closed and doors campgrounds. Never leave pet food unsecured are locked. Fees to Camp • Tents must fit on the tent pad; or unattended. • In vehicles without trunks, • When the water is off (fall/winter/ two or three tents are allowed, as items should be placed as low in Food Storage spring), campgrounds are long as they fit. the vehicle passenger Do not attract wildlife, including $14/site/night. • There are no electric, water or compartment as possible and black bears, to your campsite. Keep a • When the water is on (summer), sewer hookups at covered from sight, with clean camp! Never leave food items all campgrounds are $20.00/site/ any park campsites. windows closed and doors locked. unsecured or unattended. Improperly night. • A solar-heated shower bag • Visitors with convertibles or stored or unattended food items will • America the Beautiful Senior stall facility (no running water) motorcycles are encouraged to use result in a violation notice. “Food and Access Pass holders receive is at Moraine Park Campground. food storage lockers, available in items” include food, drinks, a 50% discount on camping all park campgrounds. Food There are no other shower facilities toiletries, cosmetics, pet food and fees. storage lockers, which are in the park, but showers are available bowls, and odoriferous attractants. • Park entrance fees and camping approximately 3 ft x 4 ft x 3 ft are in nearby communities. Garbage, including empty cans, food fees can be paid by cash, check shared with other visitors and Portable showers are prohibited wrappers, etc., must be disposed of or credit card any time of year. cannot be locked. Food storage locker symbols are located on all campground maps.

Backcountry Camping

Permits are required for all overnight backcountry camping, and reservations are recommended for summer. Camping is allowed only in designated sites and areas. Permits may be obtained at the Beaver Meadows Backcountry Office or Kawuneeche Visitor Center. For further information write to: Backcountry Office, For your safety and the protection of park Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, Colorado 80517 or phone (970) 586- wildlife, carry in/carry out, commerically- 1242.The administrative permit fee of $20 is required for backcountry permits made, hard sided, bear-resistant food between May 1 and October 31; there is no charge in winter. storage canisters are required of all backcountry campers parkwide between Sprague Lake Accessible Backcountry Campsite May 1 and October 31. Reservations and information are available through the Canisters may be rented or purchased at Backcountry Office at (970) 586-1242. This site accommodates 12 outdoor shops in surrounding communities. campers with a maximum of five wheelchair users at the camp. The Pack out all garbage. administrative permit fee is $20 from May 1 to October 31. 6 Park Partners

At Rocky Mountain Conservancy Nature Stores, Your Purchase Makes A Difference The best Rocky Mountain National Park t-shirts, games, toys, books, maps and other interesting items are here, at any of the Rocky Mountain Conservancy Nature Stores located in park visitor centers. When you make a purchase from our nonprofit organization, proceeds are returned to the park, supporting important educational and research programs. Drop by today. Visit Conservancy Nature Stores at: Alpine Visitor Center D Beaver Meadows Visitor Center Fall River Visitor Center D Kawuneeche Visitor Center D Moraine Park Visitor Center www.RMConservancy.org www.RMConservancy.org

Love Rocky Mountain National Park? At Conservancy Nature Stores, Help Us Make it Even Better! Your Purchase Makes A Difference! If you’ve walked the Lily Lake Trail, Visit the Conservancy’s Nature Stores explored the Fall River Visitor in any park visitor center for the Center, or introduced a child to nature through the park’s Junior Ranger best RMNP t-shirts, games, Program, you know our work. jewelry, books, maps and other great park items. Become a Member or Donate Today! Proceeds support the park!

www.RMConservancy.orgwww.RMConservancy.org

International Sister Parks Republic of Poland Slovakia

Rocky Mountain National Park and the Tatra National Parks in Slovakia and Poland established an ongoing sister park relationship in 2007. The three parks have similar mountain terrain and ecosystems and are seeking solutions to common issues. The exchange of information and expertise to better manage these great preserves benefits all. Tatra National Park of Slovakia and Poland

7 Free Shuttle Bus Information

Using Rocky Mountain National Park's free shuttle bus service Bear Lake corridor, while enjoying the beautiful scenery without enables you to access many destinations and loop hikes along the the distraction and hassle of traffic congestion and limited parking. 34 K AR 36 S P

T S E

isitor E Estes Park V Center K OWN OF Daily Service: June 28-September 7, plus weekends through October 12 Center Visitor between the Estes Park The only Park & Ride. and the RMNP stop on this express route is Beaver Center. Meadows Visitor The first Bus leaves the Estes Park Center at 6:30 a.m., and the last Visitor bus leaves for Estes Park at 8 p.m. It runs on an hourly schedule early and and a half-hour schedule late in the day, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. A Hiker Shuttle T LakeL Estes A park pass is to board required the Hiker Shuttle; it may be purchased at the automated machine at the Estes Park Visitor Center. 7 ESTES 36 isitor V Beaver Meadows Center Daily Service: June 14-October 12 Buses operate daily between Park & Ride and Fern Lake Bus Stop, leaving Park & Ride every 30 minutes from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Moraine Park Route is based at the Park & Ride shuttle bus parking area across from the Glacier Basin Campground.

Moraine Park Shuttle

Moraine Park Moraine

Discovery Center Beaver Meadows Entrance Horseshoe Park

34

Park Tuxedo 34

Bear Lake Road

Campground

Glacier Basin

Moraine Park Campground

Sprague Lake Glacier Creek Livery

C Loop Trail Ridge Road Trail Bear Lake Shuttle Daily Service: June 14-October 12 Buses operate daily between Park & Ride and Bear Lake, leaving Park & Ride every 10-15 minutes from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Bear Lake Route is based at the Park & Ride shuttle bus parking area across from the Glacier Basin Campground.

Park

Lake Sprague

Hollowell

Park & Ride

Trailhead Cub Lake Cub

Fern Lake Bus Stop

Bear Lake Road

N

Trailhead

Lake Bierstadt

Glacier Gorge Trailhead

Shuttle Bus Stop

Bear Lake ● There are no shuttle bus services on the west side of Ridge Road. There are several the park or across Trail commercial shuttle tours in the Estes area; contact Estes Park Visitor Center for information, 800-443-7837, or visitestespark.com. ● There are no bike racks on park shuttle buses. ● Most park shuttle buses are accessible and can or accommodate wheelchairs. Contact shuttle staff rangers if accommodation is needed. ● Dogs are not allowed on park shuttle buses (except service animals that have been individually trained to perform specific tasks for the benefit of persons with disabilities).

The park newspaper is produced by Rocky Mountain National Park in cooperation with -- and funding provided by -- the Rocky Mountain Nature Conservancy. Printed on recycled paper. 8