Inside this Issue Join the Celebration Find us on your favorite social media platform to join in on special events, • Important Info This year marks one hundred years since photos, videos, and more! • Staying Safe Rocky was established. See the special insert • Centennial Information to learn about 100 years of Wilderness, • Ranger-led Programs Wildlife, and Wonder, and the events @Rockynps #rmnp • Fun Things to Do: Hiking, planned to celebrate the centennial birthday. Camping & More!
National Park Service Rocky U.S. Department of the Interior
Mountain The official newspaper National of Rocky Mountain National Park Park
Park News Spring 2015 March 22, 2015 - June 13, 2015
Enjoy Your Visit By Katy Sykes, Information Office Manager What pictures in your mind does the word "springtime" conjure up? Fields of flowers, baby animals, twittering birds? How about white mountains and snowfalls measured in feet? Springtime in Rocky Mountain National Park is all of these and more. Actually, springtime in Rocky can feel like any season of the year: sunny, snowy, rainy, windy, warm, and cold. Spring days can be gorgeous with crystal blue skies and bright sunshine that pours down over the mountains. But traditionally, some of the park’s biggest snowfalls occur in March and April. Snow into early June up on the mountaintops is not uncommon. Trail Ridge Road is scheduled to open for the season on May 22 this year, but its opening is always weather-dependent and it stays open as long as weather and road conditions permit. Spring snows are usually quite wet, which is great for forest fire prevention but not always great for activities like snowshoeing, Dream Lake in springtime NPS/John Marino backcountry skiing, and early season hiking. Check with a ranger about current conditions. Mountain stream and lake ice melts in the warm spring sun, Visitor Centers Estes Park Area so be extra careful not to fall in, as the water is very cold. Hypothermia can be deadly. Please see the schedule of ranger-led programs on page 4 for One of the harbingers of spring is the brilliant Mountain events and activities at these visitor centers and elsewhere bluebird, first spotted in late February - early March. Alpine Visitor Center Pasqueflowers, Snow buttercups, and Easter daisies start Starting May 22, open daily (weather permitting) 10:30-4:30. blooming in early April. By the third week of May, fields of This highest visitor center in the National Park Service is on cheery bright-yellow Golden banner, a member of the pea Trail Ridge Road at 11,796 feet. Extraordinary alpine tundra family, splash the mountainsides and roadsides. In early June, views, displays, information, a bookstore, an adjacent gift look for the several species of delicate orchids that bloom in shop and cafe. Call (970) 586-1222 for Trail Ridge Road status. the park. Wild roses and Colorado blue columbine appear Alpine Visitor Center NPS/Peter Biddle around the third week of June. Beaver Meadows Visitor Center Through May 2, open daily 8-4:30. Starting May 3, open daily Bears usually come out of winter hibernation in late March - 8-5. Near the Beaver Meadows Entrance on U.S. Hwy. 36 early April. They are hungry and not much natural food is west of Estes Park. Park information, free park movie and available yet. Help protect them by properly securing food new Centennial movie, and bookstore. Backcountry camping items. Baby animals start showing up in May and June. As permits are available by following the trail just east of the fun as they are to look at, be sure to give the new mule deer, visitor center to the Backcountry Office. bighorn sheep, elk, and moose moms extra space, as they can be quite protective of their precious babies. Fall River Visitor Center Open weekends in May and daily starting May 18, 9-5. Near the Fall River Entrance on U.S. Hwy. 34 west of Estes Park. Features life-sized wildlife exhibits, displays and bookstore. Free Park Movie
Sheep Lakes Information Station Beaver Meadows Visitor Center In celebration of Rocky's Centennial, this year both the Starting May 16, open daily 9-4:30 (weather permitting) NPS/Ann Schonlau stunning 23-minute park movie Spirit of the Mountains, and in Horseshoe Park on U.S. Hwy. 34 west of Estes Park. new inspirational 21-minute Centennial film are shown in Information and ranger programs. Horseshoe Park is a good Beaver Meadows Visitor Center and Kawuneeche Visitor place to look for wildlife, including bighorn sheep and elk. Center through September. Beaver Meadows has Assisted Listening Devices for audio Grand Lake Area description and amplification and induction loops for people with hearing aids. Both visitor centers have a captioned Kawuneeche Visitor Center version of the park film. Beaver Meadows has the park film Open daily 8-4:30. Starting May 4, open daily 8-5. On U.S. en Espanol. All park visitor centers are accessible. Hwy. 34 north of Grand Lake. Park information and maps, free park movie and new Centennial movie, exhibits on how to plan your visit, bookstore, and backcountry camping Kawuneeche Visitor Center permits. NPS/Peter Biddle
Park Phone Park Information: (970) 586-1206 TTY for deaf, hard of hearing, Dial 911 to report Numbers Trail Ridge Road Status: (970) 586-1222 speech impaired (970) 586-1319 Emergencies Entrance Fees Wildlife Viewing Entrance fees may be increasing in • Obey wildlife closure areas and “no stopping” traffic zones. spring 2015. • Use parking areas along the road. If not available, pull your vehicle completely All entrance fees are paid at entrance off the road and do not park on vegetation. stations (not visitor centers). Fees and • Approaching animals may cause them stress, leading to disease or illness. passes can be paid in US currency by • If you cause an animal to move or change its behavior, you are too close! major credit or debit card, cash, or • Wildlife can be unpredictable. For your safety and theirs, enjoy and check. photograph wildlife from a distance. • Never feed wildlife, including birds and chipmunks. Wilson's Warbler NPS/Russell Smith Stay Safe
You Are Responsible It is your responsibility to be safe and to know and obey park rules. Park safety information, rules and regulations can be found at visitor centers, entrance stations, on trailhead bulletin boards, and on the park website at www.nps.gov/romo. Altitude Sickness Campfires Hypothermia Rivers and Streams Each year a number of visitors Campfires are permitted only in Drowsiness, impaired judgment, Rivers and streams can be deadly. experience symptoms of altitude campgrounds and picnic areas with excessive shivering and slurred speech During spring runoff, waterways sickness, including headaches, nausea, fire grates. During high fire danger, are all signs of hypothermia. Prevent swell with melting snow from higher fatigue, dizziness, vomiting, and in campfires may be prohibited. Firewood this condition by wearing insulated, elevations. Beside being frigid, the acute situations, even unconsciousness. can be purchased at campgrounds in wind-proof layers and drinking plenty water can be swift and strong. Powerful High altitude can also aggrivate summer. Collecting vegetation, dead or of fluids. currents can knock a person over preexisting medical conditions such as alive, is prohibited. and quickly pull them downstream or heart and lung diseases. Take your time Marijuana underwater, where they may become and be sure to drink plenty of water, Cell Service Undependable Although small amounts of recreational trapped. Rocks at streamside are often eat lightly, and get lots of rest. The only Don’t depend on a cell phone for marijuana are legal in Colorado, slippery, and the water nearby may cure for altitude sickness is to go down emergency help, as many locations in possession and use of marijuana be deep. Always closely supervise to a lower elevation. this rugged park have no cell service. continue to be illegal in Rocky children around any body of water, but Avalanches Mountain National Park and all federal particularly near rivers and streams. Falling Trees lands. Avalanches can be easily triggered by Take Only Pictures backcountry travelers. Always practice Falling trees are an ever-present Regulations prohibit taking any natural safe travel procedures and reduce your hazard and can fall without warning. Pets features including pinecones, rocks, exposure in or below avalanche terrain. Be particularly watchful around dead PETS ARE PROHIBITED ON ALL antlers, artifacts, or disturbing soil, Stay flexible; if hazardous avalanche trees when it's windy, or following a ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL rocks, or vegetation -including flowers- conditions exist, use alternate routes. snowstorm when branches are heavy PARK TRAILS, TUNDRA, AND with snow. MEADOW AREAS. For the safety of in the park. Use of metal detectors is Know before you go: check current your pet and the benefit of park wildlife prohibited. avalanche conditions at the Colorado and other visitors, leashed pets are only Avalanche Information Center website, Firearms allowed in picnic areas, parking lots, Ticks http://avalanche.state.co.us/, at a park Firearm possession in Rocky Mountain campgrounds, and along roadsides. Spring is tick season. When you're visitor center, or call (970) 586-1206. National Park is permitted for those out in vegetated areas, particularly tall who are legally authorized to possess Pets should never be left unattended grasses, check yourself regularly for Backcountry Travel firearms under federal, Colorado in vehicles if it creates a danger to ticks. Use repellant with DEET. If a tick Avoid traveling alone in the or local laws. However, hunting, the animal or if it becomes a public does imbed itself, use tweezers and backcountry. Leave detailed recreational shooting, and target nuisance. Pets must be on leashes slowly pull the tick straight out. Ticks information about your trip itinerary practice are illegal. no longer than six feet when outside can carry diseases, including Colorado with a friend so park authorities can be Federal law prohibits firearms in park vehicles. Tick Fever. notified if you fail to return. buildings and facilities. Those legally Stop in a visitor center for more Because weather in Rocky can be so allowed to carry firearms must comply information on hiking options for Wildlife Encounters - Bears changeable and conditions variable, with all applicable state and federal pets outside the park or see the pets and Mountain Lions hikers and climbers need to remain firearm laws. brochure on the park website, http:// Seeing a bear or mountain lion is www.nps.gov/romo. uncommon, and interactions are even flexible. Be prepared to turn around if Fishing conditions are more difficult than Service animals that have been more uncommon. But it's best to keep Several species of trout are found in the anticipated. Longs Peak, a popular individually trained to perform specific the following in mind: park, including brown, brook, rainbow, climb in the park, has unavoidable and tasks for the benefit of persons with Travel in groups and make noise and cutthroat (including the protected treacherous ice and snow and usually disabilities are allowed in the park. as you hike closely together. Keep Colorado River and greenback). remains that way until mid-summer. children close! A predator does not Not all park lakes have reproducing Emotional support (“therapy distinguish a running child from Camping is only allowed in designated populations of fish; cold water animals”) and service animals-in- running prey. sites and areas (see page 5). temperatures and lack of spawning training are not service animals under habitat prevent reproduction in most the Americans with Disabilities Act If you see a bear or mountain lion, Bicycles high altitude lakes. and may not access trails or other stop, stay calm, and back away Bicycling is prohibited on trails. Bicycles non-motorized areas. slowly. Never approach any wildlife A Colorado state fishing license is are permitted on all roads that are open or turn your back and run. Stand required to fish in the park. The fishing to motor vehicles, both paved and dirt, tall and look large. Raise your arms. brochure, including regulations, unless otherwise posted. There are no Protect small children by picking possession limits, and a list of park designated bicycle lanes along roads. them up. waters, is available at park visitor Park roads are narrow with few or no centers and on the park website, If approached, make loud noises, shoulders, so ride with care. By law, you http://www.nps.gov/romo. shout, clap hands, clang pots or must ride single file. Shuttle buses are pans, and fight back if attacked. not equipped to transport bicycles. See the Camping section on page 5 to learn how to properly store food and other scented items. Travel Tips
is always weather dependent. Plus, it Old Fall River Road is scheduled to The Essentials Park Roads may temporarily close several times open to motorized travel in early July Always carry essential survival items, Weather conditions in Rocky Mountain after that date due to weather. For a 2015. regardless of the length of your trip. National Park can be very changeable, recorded message with current Trail ✓✓ Lots of water and high-energy food and it can snow any time of the year, Ridge Road status call (970) 586-1222. ✓✓ Layers of clothing including storm especially at higher elevations. Winter closures are at Many Parks gear, hat, and gloves The Rocky Information Office is open Curve on the east side, 8 miles from the ✓✓ Sunglasses with UV protection 8-4:30 daily and can assist with current Beaver Meadows/US Highway 36 and ✓✓ Sunscreen conditions, (970) 586-1206, or stop at a Fall River/US Highway 34 entrances, ✓✓ Sturdy footwear and extra socks visitor center. and the Colorado River Trailhead on ✓✓ First aid kit the west side, 10 miles from the Grand All-wheel drive, 4-wheel drive, or snow ✓✓ Topographic map and compass/GPS Lake Entrance. tires may be recommended during ✓✓ Flashlight or headlamp periods of heavy snow. Weather permiting, lower elevation ✓✓ Waterproof matches, pocket knife, paved roads remain open year-round, whistle This year, Trail Ridge Road is scheduled including Bear Lake Road. Bighorn Sheep Lamb NPS/Ann Schonlau 2 to open for the season on May 22. This Resources Stewardship Do You Hear the Sounds of the Wilderness? of the park and improve your chances of seeing wildlife. Rocky is also the only by Cecilia White, Acoustic Technician, NPS Natural Sounds and Night Skies Division national park in the West with a If you had arrived in Rocky Mountain something unique—a peaceful escape Congressional ban on commercial air National Park in 1915, the snow-capped to the serenity of the wilderness; the tours, which means you won’t hear peaks and sparkling alpine lakes might excitement of an encounter with helicopters as you take in your scenic not have looked much different than wildlife; an exhilarating view of view. The League of Women Voters of they do today. But can you imagine majestic scenery. The sounds of nature Estes Park led the concerned citizens how it sounded? Elk bugling, birds enhance your visit, but what’s equally who lobbied for this ban in 1998. singing, wind whistling, water trickling, important is what you don’t hear. Together, they proved Margaret Bull elk bugle in fall NPS/Ann Schonlau flowing, or gushing. There was far less Rocky Mountain National Park has Meade’s famous quote: “Never doubt beginnings? Improvements in noise to detract from this natural taken specific actions to protect its that a small group of thoughtful, commercial air flights are already symphony. Trail Ridge Road was still natural sounds and keep noise to a committed citizens can change the quieting the park. Visitors who choose two decades away. There were very few minimum. For example, Rocky worked world; indeed, it's the only thing that to ride shuttles and silence their devices vehicles roaring through the park, and with the Federal Aviation ever has.” no planes whooshing overhead. The Administration to adjust the routes and are making a difference. Newer electric So how will Rocky sound in another and natural gas-fueled vehicles make trails were uncrowded and no quiet the descent patterns of jets 100 years? As the population grows, it’s technological devices beeped, buzzed, approaching Denver International less noise than traditional ones. How likely that more and more visitors will will you reduce your own noise or blasted annoying tones. Airport. The changes enacted in 2013 come to the park. But could changes in mean that your wilderness experience footprint as you visit the park? What Chances are, on your visit to Rocky technology and behavior help bring the will you hear today? today, you are hoping to experience will be more tranquil than ever. Shuttle park back to its more tranquil buses reduce traffic noise in busy areas The Fragile Alpine Tundra To help protect alpine tundra • Stay on trails where they exist. About one-third of Rocky is covered with fragile, exquisite alpine tundra. • Never walk single file off trail. With care you may walk on the tundra. • Step on rocks or gravel wherever However, there are four Tundra possible. Protection Areas in which you must • Pets are prohibited on all RMNP stay on trails as you walk: the area tundra areas. surrounding the Alpine Visitor Center, The tiny plants thank you. Forest Canyon, Rock Cut, and Gore Range overlooks. All of these areas are along Trail Ridge Road. Alpine Sunflowers NPS/Ann Schonlau
Junior Rangers Moraine Park Discovery Center Become a Junior Ranger Explore Moraine Park Discovery Center Free Junior Ranger books are available Perched above the meadows of at park visitor centers for children Moraine Park along Bear Lake Road ages 12 and under. A successfully with expansive views of mountains, completed book earns a badge! meadows, and often wildlife is You are an important part of this park. Moraine Park Discovery Center. Stay in touch. Contact us anytime at: [email protected] It is open 9-4:30 May 23, 24, and 25, and then daily starting May 30. Los libros de guardaparque juveniles son para niños que Also find interactive exhibits, a self- tiene 12 años o menos. se pueden obtener sin costo en el guiding nature trail, and bookstore. centro de visitantes del parque. Si se completa el libro con éxito puede recibir una insignia! Junior Rangers attend a ranger-led program NPS/Ann Schonlau
Park Partners
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.org At Rocky Mountain Conservancy Nature Stores, ROCKY MOUNTAIN YOUR PURCHASE MAKES A DIFFERENCE FIELD INSTITUTE IN The best Rocky Mountain National Park t-shirts, games, toys, ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK books, maps and other interesting items are here, at any of Spring adventures in the Rockies - more than 100 classes! the Rocky Mountain Conservancy Nature Stores located in Mysterious Owls of Rocky April 17, 18 park visitor centers. When you make a purchase from Behind the Scenes in RMNP May 8 our nonprofi t organization, proceeds are returned to Orienteering for Beginners: Map & Compass Basics May 30 the park, supporting important educational and North American Eagles June 6 research programs. Drop by today. Boreal Toads: Amphibians at High AlƟ tudes June 8 Photographing Wildlife June 14 Visit Conservancy Nature Stores at: Adventures by Bus Tours in the Park: Alpine Visitor Center D Beaver Meadows Visitor Center Journey to the Top! Trail Ridge Road Adventure Tours June 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25 Fall River Visitor Center D Kawuneeche Visitor Center Grand Lake Safari: An EducaƟ onal Adventure by Bus June 9, 16, 23, 30 D Moraine Park Discovery Center Sunset Safari: An EducaƟ onal Adventure by Bus June 12, 19, 26 www.RMConservancy.org Have fun and learn 970-586-3262 More informaƟ on at in the park! www.RMConservancy.org any park visitor center 3 Ranger-Led Programs East Side and West Side
All children must be accompanied by an adult. Programs may be cancelled due to high winds or lightning. East Side Special Activity Location Time Length Frequency International Migratory Bird Day Meet first at Beaver 8:00 am-12:00 pm 4 hour event Saturday, June 6 only Bring binoculars and a field guide for Meadows Visitor Center this ranger-led birding excursion. on US Hwy 36 west of Come for part of all of this Estes Park multi-location event. Call (970)586-1206 for information
East Side Ranger-led Location Time Length Frequency Programs Bighorn Basics Sheep Lakes Information 10:30 am 30 minute talk Daily (weather permitting) Sheep Lakes is a popular viewing area for Station in Horseshoe starts May 16 bighorn sheep. Meet at the Sheep Lakes Park along US 34 west Information Station to learn about this of Estes Park majestic symbol of Rocky. Starts May 16 Spring Bird Walk Meet at Cub Lake 8:00 am 1.5 hour program Monday Join a local expert for birding at one Trailhead in Moraine Wednesday of the best times of the year. Bring Park Thursday binoculars and a field guide. Be prepared for frosty, damp mornings. Bear Necessities Beaver Meadows Visitor 10:30 am 20-30 minute talk Saturday Join a ranger to learn about the Center on US Hwy 36 Sunday amazing lives of Rocky's bears. west of Estes Park Learn how you can help save them. Beaver Meadows Beaver Meadows Visitor 7:00 pm 45 minute program Saturday, May 9 Evening Programs Center Auditorium on Friday, May 15 Enjoy a variety of special May evening US Hwy 36 west of Estes Saturday, May 23 programs at Beaver Meadows Visitor Park only Center
West Side Ranger-led Location Time Length Frequency Programs Skins and Things Kawuneeche Visitor 3:00 pm 40 minute talk Saturday May 23 Examine the skins, skulls, antlers, teeth Center on US Hwy 34 Friday May 29 and bones of many park mammals. north of Grand Lake Saturday May 30 Sunday May 31 Friday June 5 Saturday June 6 only Wilderness Connections Meet at Onahu 9:30 am 1.5-2 hour hike Saturday Celebrate wilderness with a moderate Trailhead north of the May 23 2-mile hike to a hidden meadow and Grand Lake Entrance May 30 picturesque creek. June 6 only Saturday Night in the Park Kawuneeche Visitor 7:00 pm 1 hour program Saturday May 23 Enjoy an evening program in the Center on US Hwy 34 Saturday May 30 auditorium. For topics, inquire at north of Grand Lake only the Kawuneeche Visitor Center.
Male Western Tanager NPS/Ann Schonlau
Sheep Lakes Ranger NPS/Beth Honea Male Mountain Bluebird NPS/Jim Westfall Onahu Trail /NPS 4 ~ Special Section ~
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 Kiwanis Club was founded. enter the park as the glaciers retreat. Pluto was photographed for the first time. The Lusitania was sunk, and 1200-1300 Ute enter North Park and Billie Holiday and Frank Sinatra were born. The first transcontinental Middle Park and Rocky Mountain phone call was made. Ford manufactured its one-millionth Model T, and National Park. Albert Einstein formulated the theory of relativity. 1800 Arapaho make first appearance in the park. On January 26th, Rocky Mountain National Park was established. Gold never really panned out for the 1820 Stephen A. Long Expedition on the plains and are first non-Indians to see A lot of history has passed between 1915 and today. A lot of things have miners at LuLu City. Longs Peak. changed – music, science, manufacturing, technology, politics. But some things haven’t. 1843 Rufus B. Sage is first explorer to enter east side of the park and write about it. Rocky Mountain National Park is still here. After almost 100 years, despite all the history, all the change, and all the progress, Rocky Mountain 1858 Joel Estes enters what is now Estes Park and starts a ranch. National Park is still important to people. Our need for mountains and wild places, beauty and escape is just as strong today as it was 100 years ago, 1868 John Wesley Powell, William Byers if not more so. (Rocky Mountain News), and others make the first ascent of Longs Peak. Some visitors seek out the high country on a regular basis, using it as a 1871 Addie Alexander is the first woman portal through which to filter the world. Some have a memory of a snow- to climb Longs Peak The Grand Ditch cuts across the Never covered peak or a day on the trail to think back on fondly. Others will never 1874 Hayden's "U.S. Geological and set foot inside Rocky Mountain National Park's boundaries, and yet find Summer Mountains and can be seen Geographical Survey of the Territories" great joy in simply knowing that it exists. from Farview Curve. enters the park. 1874 Abner Sprague homesteads in The celebration of Rocky Mountain National Park's 100th Anniversary Moraine Park, builds Sprague's Ranch, and is for everyone. It is a reminder of all that has happened here. It is a establishes tourism and dude ranching in celebration of the connections that people have made with this place, the park. the things that live here, and those who work diligently to protect it. This 1876 State of Colorado created by celebration is a challenge to us to refresh the values that Rocky Mountain Congress National Park embodies as we progress into the next 100 years. It is a 1874-1886 Mining occurs on the west renewal of the vow that was made to protect this place, so that it can side of the mountains; Lulu City and continue to shelter us and those who come after us. Gaskill Towns established. 1895-1935 Grand Ditch is built to bring You will do many things in 2015. water from Never Summer Range across La Poudre Pass and down the Cache Le In 1910, Sprague's Lodge was built Let the 100th Anniversary of Rocky Mountain National Park be one that Poudre to the plains for agriculture. in the Glacier Basin Area. By the 30s, you remember. rates were $17.50-$40/night. 1896-1902 Mining on the east side of the park (Eugenia and Meeker Mines). We invite you to join us for the celebration. Read on to find out about the www.nps.gov/romo 1905 Stanley Hotel constructed in Estes many ways you can get involved! Park. for detailed 1906 Antiquities Act passed; allows the information on events 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. http://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/centennial-social-media. htm How has the park left its mark on your family? What pictures tell 1907 Squeaky Bob Wheeler opens the Hotel de Hardscrabble for tourists in the your park story? Kawuneeche Valley. Now there is a way to share your stories, memories, and photos of your time in Rocky Mountain National Park and be part of the 1907 Enos Mills, James Grafton Rodgers, and others begin lobbying for the Rocky Mountain National Park Centennial Celebration! establishment of Rocky Mountain National The Civilian Conservation Corps Park. Visit rmnp100.com to contribute to the Centennial Family Photo created many of the roads and trails 1914 Arapaho pack trip provides 30 Indian Album. Click on the decade of your choosing and upload a photo still used in the park today. names for mountains and other topograph- or write down your story (or both!). Your memories will become ic features in the park. part of our virtual time capsule that will be kept to help document January 26, 1915 Congress signs the connections that people legislation creating Rocky Mountain have made with the park over National Park the past 100 years. September 4, 1915 Rocky Mountain National Park is publically dedicated in Spread the word to friends Horseshoe Park and family who might want to 1913-1920 Fall River Road is constructed participate, enter your memory, as the first road over the Continental and then check back to see how Divide between Estes Park and Grand Lake. the album grows. 1933-1942 Trail Ridge Road constructed. Be 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 events. its successor, Trail Ridge Road in inholdings once found in places such experiences, not to mention The 100th anniversary of the 1932; of the Civilian Conservation like Moraine and Horseshoe Parks. the wonder of it all, is the gift of the dedication of Rocky Mountain Corps days of the 1930s which The size of the ranger force and past to the present. National Park is certainly no advanced important park projects, support staff of necessity has also exception. That event took place including trail building, by well grown (at the time of the dedication Let then this celebratory on September 4, 1915, on an open more than a decade; and of the there were only three). They are centennial year also be a year of re- knoll in Horseshoe Park close “holing through” of the 13-mile needed to take care of the more dedication. Let it be a year in which by today’s Lawn Lake trailhead, Alva Adams tunnel beneath the than three million visitors who enter we reaffirm our own responsibility a two-sided banner overhead. park in 1944, a key element in the the park each year. Balancing this as present-day stewards in helping Though the day was overcast, the Colorado-Big Thompson trans- accessibility with the need to protect to preserve this special place, so crowd was large. Individuals and mountain irrigation project. Other, and preserve the park’s fragile that a hundred years hence it will be families came from Denver and more recent, accomplishments ecology is, and will remain, a major said that we in our time—to quote other Front Range towns as well as include the opening of the Beaver challenge. Enos Mills’ dream of 1915 the Organic Act of 1916 that created from Estes Park. Enos Mills, already Meadows Visitors Center in is, in fact, an still unfinished one— it the National Park Service—helped celebrated as “The Father of Rocky 1967, a cornerstone of Mission is an affirmation in progress, as all “to conserve the scenery and the Mountain National Park,” served ’66 project, the last concerted truly great dreams are. natural and historic objects . . . as master of ceremonies. “This is attempt to refurbish and update by such means as will leave them the proudest moment of my life,” America’s system of national parks; So even as we enjoy the unimpaired for the enjoyment of he told the crowd. “I have lived to and the completion in 2013 of the centennial events of the coming future generations." Put in less lofty see the realization of a great dream reconstruction and relocation of months let us do so with gratitude terms: that we too helped pass Enos come true. It means great things for portions of much-traveled Bear not only to those who made Rocky Mills’ “great dream” forward into Colorado and for the nation.” And Lake Road. Mountain National Park possible the hands of those whom we will indeed it most certainly has. Though but to those who labor today never know. the anniversary of that dedication Centennial years, rightly and will labor tomorrow to keep Saturday is still a year away, a series considered, should not simply Enos Mills’ dream alive. The late of events are being planned that focus on the past. They should draw Western writer Wallace Stegner will give all of us ample opportunity our attention to the present and called national parks “the best idea both to celebrate and reflect. to the future as well. Over the past we ever had.” Those of us who hundred years Rocky Mountain have had the privilege of hiking the Looking back one thinks of National Park has grown slightly in trails of Rocky Mountain National the park’s milestone events and size and greatly in complexity. To be Park, lunching besides one of its achievements. There have been sure, it is rather less cluttered than supremely beautiful lakes, or fishing many. One thinks of the completion it was in 1915. All of the great resort one of its peaceful and sequestered of Fall River Road over the hotels (those “castles of woods”) streams, will surely agree. Our Continental Divide in 1920, and are gone, as are many of the other ability to enjoy the authenticity of Timeline of Events continued Song of Enos Across the Divide GeoTour by Will LaPage 1964 The Wilderness Act is passed which Artist-in-Residence 2008 later allows for further protection of the Do you love a treasure hunt? Are you looking park It's more than music that's alive in these hills. for a new, fun way to discover the Wilderness, 1966 National Historic Preservation Act is Listen closely whereever you go, Wildlife, and Wonder of Rocky Mountain National created to protect historic and prehistoric and you're sure to catch the spirit of a man named Mills. Park and the surrounding area? Then this activity resources on federal lands. Enos was a man for whom beauty must be shared. is for you! 1968 Beaver Meadows Headquarters Enos was a man for whom wild things must be cared. What is a geocaching? Geocaching is a free building is finished. Enos had a heart and Enos had a vision. world-wide, high-tech treasure hunt that starts 1982 The Lawn Lake dam collapses Enos built a park to heal the raw divisions, with the internet and then gets people outside to resulting in a flood that kills 3 people and to share the forest and share the streams. hunt and explore for "caches" - usually a container severly impacts Estes Park. and a logbook for others to find and write in. 1988 McGraw Ranch is purchased and the Up where democracy springs to life There are many of these traditional caches in from elegantly simple dreams, buildings are remodeled and turned into a Grand Lake and Estes Park that lead you to research center in 2001. there's a land of inspiration, a land of bold creation, examples of the wilderness, wildlife, wonder, and 1992 Lily Lake area is purchased and the a forever treasure for the world, popular accessible trail is constructed. a forever measure for our nation. history of the area. In order to follow Leave No High up where the glaciers melt and icy streams arise, Trace principles, traditional caches are not allowed 2000 Fall River Visitor Center opens. A up where flinty peaks stab at emerald skies - in Rocky Mountain National Park. Instead, congressional act was required to allow a private company to build a visitor center that's where Enos' spirit roams, virtual and Earthcaches bring you to meaningful outside the park with NPS staff. that's where Enos' spirit cries: locations, spots with a great view, or spots with Let the Rockies fuel your soul as the Rockies fill your eyes! 2002 Beaver Meadows Headquarters is geological significance in the park. These caches declared a National Historic Landmark have a question you must answer in order to "log" as the only building in the NPS designed by the Frank Lloyd Wright school of your visit. architecture. What is a Geo-Tour? This Geo-Tour is a series of geocaches that takes you around Estes Park, 2003 Grand Ditch breach occurs. over the Continental Divide through RMNP 2004 Hidden Valley reopens for winter (when Trail Ridge Road is open), and around sledding and summer picnics. Grand Lake. Do part of the tour or the whole 2007 Sister Park Agreement signed with thing! Commemorative collectible coins are Tatra National Parks. awarded for various levels of completion. 2008 The Final Elk and Vegetation What do I need to participate? You'll need: Management Plan/Environmental Impact Statement is signed. • A GPS unit or a smartphone with a downloadable geocaching app (such as c:geo) 2009 The Omnibus Public Land • The GeoTour Passport, available only at the Management Act of 2009 is passed providing additional protection for over Estes Park and Grand Lake Visitor Centers 95% of the backcountry of the park by (this passport is not available at RMNP visitor designating it as official Wilderness. Traditional geocaching is not allowed centers) 2011 Sister Park Agreement signed with in Rocky Mountain National Park. • a free online account with Geocaching.com Tusheti National Park in the Republic of Please practice Leave No Trace ethics Georgia. Need more information? Visit the Estes Park or and do not take items from or leave Grand Lake Visitor Centers for more information 2013 Record flooding severely impacts caches in the national park. Rocky Mountain National Park and on this fun way to celebrate our Centennial and surrounding communities. we'll see you Across the Divide! The Rocky Mountain Conservancy The nonprofit Rocky Mountain National Park and its public lands wilderness, wildlife, and wonder member and helping to support Conservancy (formerly the partners. The Rocky Mountain of the park. Seminars are led by Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain Nature Conservancy also raises funds for talented instructors and usually Association) was founded in trails and improvement projects require some hiking, and cover 1931 to develop informational within Rocky Mountain National a myriad of topics including brochures for the park. Today, Park. wildlife biology, history, botany, through the publication and The Rocky Mountain and photography. sale of educational materials, Conservancy Field Institute will Stop by a bookstore in one of the Conservancy supports be offering a special Centennial the park visitor centers to shop, the research and educational Seminar Series throughout 2014 pick up a seminar catalog, or Visit rmconservancy.org for programs of Rocky Mountain and 2015 in order to highlight the learn more about becoming a more information.
Celebrate Rocky on Social Media Join in on the celebration this place so special and we want Like us on Facebook 100 Days Outside Challenge: conversation by finding us you to be the focus of these for a daily glimpse into Even if you can't celebrate our on your favorite social media videos. Record yourself, friends, the world of Rocky Centennial with us here in the platform. Gain access to special and family enjoying the park. Mountain National Park. See park all year long, celebrate with events, photos, videos, and This project is focused on the beautiful photos and video, and us from home by joining this more! people and their emotions that join in a discussion about what Facebook event and sharing the are inspired by this beautiful Rocky means to you. beauty of nature where you live @Rockynps place. Look for the finished (#100DaysOutside). video late summer 2015! Minute of Wonder Weekly Subscribe to our Video Series: Every Monday Follow us on Twitter for YouTube channel for Join us on Instagram and morning during the celebration up-to-date information exclusive videos about help us reach our goal of year a one-minute "Minute of about trail conditions, the park, and participate in our 100K photos for 100 years Wonder" video will remind avalanche reports, road status, Centennial RMNP YouTube of Rocky by posting your photos you of why we are celebrating and weather. Project. For this project, we want and using #RMNP. Throughout the Wilderness, Wildlife, and you to capture the moments the year RMNP will be hosting Wonder of Rocky Mountain Visit www.nps.gov/romo for when you were truly in awe of seasonal InstaMeets to help National Park. more information on how to get Rocky Mountain National Park. reach our goal. and share it with us. involved digitally with RMNP! YOU are a part of what makes Rocky Mountain National Park
Spring Centennial Calendar of Events For complete event details, please visit www.nps.gov/romo March 2015 June 2015
24 Centennial Speaker Series: John Fielder 5 Wild Inspirations Denver Museum of Nature and Science -$15 Aspen and Evergreen Gallery Denver, CO Estes Park, CO 28 Centennial Saturday Night 6 Technology of Your Ancestors Beaver Meadows Visitor Center, RMNP Rocky Mountain Conservancy Seminar 30 Pioneers of the Peaks - Harry Kent $70, 970-586-3262 for information Local Climbers Who Made History 6 Rocky Mountain Molecules: Chemical Estes Park Museum Storylines of Wonder Estes Park, CO Beaver Meadows Visitor Center, RMNP 6 Celebrating Rocky Invitational Art Show April 2015 Opening Reception Cultural Arts Council, 25 Earth Day/ Estes Park, CO National Junior Ranger Day 6-14 Estes Institute RMNP Student Beaver Meadows Visitor, RMNP Art Celebration 27 Pioneers of the Peaks - Keith Lober Fall River Visitor Center, RMNP Local Climbers Who Made History 12 RMNP Centennial Celebration Concert Estes Park Museum Oratorio Society of Estes Park Estes Park, CO Estes Park, CO 12-14 FACE of Fiber in the Rockies 2015 May 2015 Fiber Arts Show Estes Park, CO 1 Wild Inspirations 12-14 Rocky Mountain High Golf Aspen and Evergreen Gallery Grand Lake Golf Course Estes Park, CO Grand Lake, CO 18 Pioneers of the Peaks 13 RMNP Centennial Celebration Concert Local Climbers Who Made History Oratorio Society of Estes Park Estes Park Museum Estes Park, CO Estes Park, CO 13 Rocky Mountain Molecules: Chemical 19 Enos Mills and the Campaign for Storylines of Wonder Rocky Mountain National Park Beaver Meadows Visitor Center, RMNP History Colorado 13-14 The onderW of Local Crafts Denver, CO Grand Lake, CO 29-31 Estes Park Western Heritage Art and Artisan Show and Sale Estes Park, CO 30 Centennial Speaker Series: Jill Baron For complete details, please visit www.nps.gov/romo Beaver Meadows Visitor Center, RMNP 30-31 Rocky Mountain Checkwagon Cookoff Estes Park, CO
Long Term Events
September 4, 2014 - September 4, 2015 September 26, 2014 - October 4, 2015 May 23 - September 4, 2015 YMCA of the Rockies Centennial Hikes Climb On! - an Exhibit Centennial Exhibit www.y-hikes.com/index.html for details Estes Park Museum Kauffman House Museum Estes Park, CO Grand Lake, CO September 4, 2014 - September 4, 2015 Grand Lake and Estes Park January 24 - May 2 June 1 - October 31, 2015 100th Anniversary Activities Harold Dunning's World View Celebration of RMNP grandlakechamber.com/100th Loveland Museum Hot Sulphur Creative Arts Council www.visitestespark.com/rocky-mountain- Loveland, CO Hot Sulphur Springs, CO national-park/centennial/ March 21 - September 4, 2015 June 6 - July 23, 2015 September 4, 2014 - September 4, 2015 We Love RMNP Exhibit Celebrating Rocky Invitational Colorado Mountain Club Hikes, Climbs, History Colorado Art Show and Snowshoes in RMNP Denver, CO Cultural Arts Council www.cmc.org for more details Estes Park, CO
Camping 2015
Campground Reservable for Summer? Firewood & Ice Max RV Trailer Length Summer Dump Station Designated Accessible Sites Pad Tent Size Summer Flush Toilets Location and Brief Description Aspenglen Yes, may fill by Yes 30 ft No, use Glacier Yes 13 ft x Yes. B Loop In a pine forest by rushing Fall Elevation 8,220 feet reservation Basin, Moraine 15 ft will have River just inside the Fall River 52 sites Park or Timber no comfort Entrance on US Hwy 34 west of May 21-Sep 27 Creek stations 5/21- Estes Park. 7/31/15 Glacier Basin Yes, the A, B, Yes 35 ft Yes Yes Varies Yes Along Bear Lake Road, it is across Elevation 8,500 feet D, and Group from the Park & Ride; see page 8 150 sites Loops may fill by for summer shuttle bus schedule A & B Loops open May 21-Sep 7 reservation. Hazard trees were removed so C & D Loops open May 21-Sep 2, C Loop is first- there is no shade in the C, D, & then closed to camping Sep 3-4; come, first- Group Loops, but there are good reopen 1st-come, 1st served Sept 5-7 served all season views & night sky, and it's good for slideouts. Longs Peak No, all sites are Firewood Tents No No 13 ft x No, vault In a pine forest 9 miles south of Elevation 9,405 feet always first- only in only 15 ft toilets only Estes Park off of Highway 7. The 26 sites come, first- summer trailhead to Longs Peak and other May 22-Nov 1 served only destinations is a short walk away. Moraine Park First-come, first- Yes, in Limited Yes Yes Varies Yes except B In a pine forest above the Elevation 8,160 feet served thru 5/20. summer number Loop always meadows of Moraine Park, this 77 sites winter Can be full by only of sites has vault campground is a short drive from 244 sites summer reservation in up to 40 toilets the Beaver Meadows Entrance on Open Year-round summer ft Bear Lake Road; see page 8 for Reservable for May 21-Sep 27 summer shuttle bus schedule. Timber Creek No, all sites are Firewood 30 ft Yes Yes Varies Yes The only campground on the Elevation 8,900 feet always first- only park's west side, it is near the 98 sites come, first- Colorado River 10 miles north of May 22-Nov 1 served Grand Lake on US Hwy 34.
Camping Information
Overnight stays in Rocky Mountain Stay Limits • Remember, toiletries attract wildlife raccoons, elk, deer, and bears, and are National Park must be in a campground The maximum length of stay is seven and need to be properly stored not allowed in campgrounds. Coolers, (or a backcountry site); staying nights total between June 1 and when not in use. dirty stoves, grills, non-disposable overnight in a car or RV along a road or September 30, plus an additional 14 Pets tableware and cookware must be at a trailhead is not allowed. nights between October 1 and May All campgrounds allow pets with washed and stored in the same manner It is common for all park campgrounds 31. Stay limits are on a parkwide basis certain restrictions: they must be on as food. Camp kitchens must be kept to fill up on most summer days and fall rather than on a per campground basis. a leash no longer than six feet; pet clean and individual items properly weekends. At All Standard Campsites owners must pick up and dispose of pet stored. Reservations for late-May through • Eight people or less may camp at a excrement in trash receptacles; pets may In campgrounds, store all food items in September can be made six months given site. not make noise that impacts visitors or food storage lockers; if full, store food to one day in advance and are highly • All campsites, including RV sites, wildlife. Pets are never allowed on any items by one of the following methods: recommended. Make a reservation have a tent pad, picnic table and park trails or in meadow areas. Pets • Inside vehicle trunks with windows online at www.reserveamerica.com or fire grate. should never be left unattended. Keep closed and doors locked. www.recreation.gov or call 1-877-444- a clean camp! Never leave pet food • Shared food storage lockers unsecured or unattended. • In vehicles without trunks, items 6777. are available throughout all should be placed as low in the campgrounds. vehicle passenger compartment as Fees to Camp Food Storage possible and covered from sight, • When the water is off (winter), • Tents must fit on the tent pad; two Do not attract wildlife, including black with windows closed and doors Moraine Park Loop B campground or three tents are allowed, as long as bears, to your campsite. Keep a clean locked. is $14/site/night. they fit on the pad. camp! Never leave food items unsecured or unattended. Improperly • Visitors with convertibles or • When the water is on (summer), • There are no electric, water stored or unattended food items will motorcycles are encouraged to use all campgrounds are $20.00/site/ or sewer hookups at any park result in a violation notice. “Food food storage lockers, available in night. campsites. items” include food, drinks, toiletries, all park campgrounds. Food • America the Beautiful Senior and • There are no shower facilities in the cosmetics, pet food and bowls, and storage lockers, which are Access Pass holders receive a 50% park, but showers are available in odoriferous attractants. Garbage, approximately 3 ft x 4 ft x 3 ft are discount on camping fees. nearby communities. including empty cans, food shared with other visitors and • Park entrance fees and camping • Portable showers are prohibited wrappers, etc., must be disposed of in cannot be locked. Food storage fees may be paid in US currency by except in the two solar-heated trash or recycling receptacles. locker symbols are located on all major credit or debit card, cash, or shower bag stall facilities at Hummingbird feeders and bird feeders campground maps. check. Moraine Park Campground. are attractants for wildlife such as
Backcountry Camping Permits are required for all overnight For your safety and the protection of Leave No Trace Sprague Lake Accessible backcountry camping, and reservations park wildlife, backcountry campers are Rocky Mountain National Park attracts Backcountry Campsite are recommended for summer. required to use carry in/carry out, over three million visitors a year. Reservations and information are Camping is allowed only in designated commerically-manufactured, hard- Whether you are hiking, camping, or available through the Backcountry sites and areas. Backcountry permits sided, bear-resistant food storage driving Trail Ridge Road, keep your Office at (970) 586-1242. This site may be obtained at the Beaver containers in all areas of the park park beautiful by practicing Leave No accommodates 12 campers with a Meadows Backcountry Office or at the between May 1 and October 31. Trace Ethics. maximum of five wheelchair users at Kawuneeche Visitor Center. Containers may be rented or purchased • Plan ahead and prepare the camp. The administrative permit An administrative permit fee of $26 at outdoor shops in nearby • Travel and camp on durable fee is $26 from May 1 to October 31. is required for backcountry permits communities. surfaces • Dispose of waste properly between May 1 and October 31. The For further information write to: • Leave what you find nonrefundable, non-exchangeable fee Backcountry Office, Rocky Mountain • Minimize campfire impacts must be paid when reservations are National Park, Estes Park, Colorado • Respect wildlife made. There is no backcountry permit 80517, or call (970) 586-1242. fee in winter. • Be considerate of others Lanceleaf springbeauty NPS/Debbie Biddle 5 Early Season Hiking Trails Family-Friendly Trails
Early-season trails may melt out earlier than other trails. Check with a ranger about current conditions. Mountain weather in spring can be extremely varied, and days can be warm and sunny or cold and snowy. March and April are typically the snowiest months of the year, and it's not uncommon for snow to fall in May and even early June. Spring snows are usually much wetter. The resulting spring trail conditions can be snowy, icy, and muddy. Conditions can change quickly, especially on warm days. Crusty snow or ice in the morning may soften as the day warms up, making trails muddy. Upper trails and trails in shady areas often hold snow longer. Be prepared with good waterproof footwear and layers of clothing, sunglasses, and a hat and gloves. It's an in-between time, when the snow can be too wet and soft to snowshoe, but there is too much snow to hike without postholing. Remember! Pets are prohibited on ALL Rocky Mountain National Park trails, tundra, and meadow areas. NPS/Jon Olsen
Trail Round-Trip Elevation (Some Trails Trailhead Highlights Family-Friendly ) Distance Gain West Side Trails Adams Falls East Inlet Trailhead, located on 0.6 mile 80 feet A beautiful short hike near Grand Lake. The trail continues the far east end of Grand Lake beyond the falls to lush meadows. Coyote Valley Trail Coyote Valley Trailhead on 1 mile 10 feet Follows the bank of the Colorado River with views of the US Hwy 34, 6 miles north of Never Summer Mountains. Look for moose, songbirds, and Kawuneeche Visitor Center wildflowers. Packed gravel, level grade. Holzwarth Historic Site 8 miles north of Kawuneeche 0.5 mile 10 feet Explore a 1920s dude ranch. In off-season, buildings are closed Visitor Center on US Hwy 34 but you can walk around outside. East Shore Trail East side of Shadow Mountain 5.2 miles 100 feet 2.6 miles to Green Ridge Campground; a side loop trail to Lake, just south of Grand Lake Ranger Meadows reconnects with the main trail, adding 1.4 miles. Cascade Falls North Inlet Trailhead off Tunnel 6.8 miles 300 feet A relatively level hike to a rocky cascade. Road in Grand Lake East Side Trails Sprague Lake On Bear Lake Road 0.5 mile loop 10 feet This packed gravel, level grade trail circles lovely Sprague Lake.
Bear Lake At the end of Bear Lake Road 0.5 miles 20 feet Follow the self-guiding nature trail as it encircles beautiful Bear Lake. The first portion of the trail in either direction is accessible. Packed gravel trail. Lily Lake South of Estes Park on 0.8 mile loop 20 feet Wildflowers, waterfowl, and mountain views may be seen on Highway 7 this level walk around pretty Lily Lake. Caution: the trail was flood-damaged along the south shore. Tundra Communities Trail At Rock Cut on Trail Ridge 0.5 mile 260 feet View the miniature world of the alpine tundra and enjoy Road (open May 22, weather sweeping views of the park. permitting) Moraine Park Discovery Center On Bear Lake Road 0.8 mile 20 feet A self-guiding trail booklet is available for this packed-gravel Nature Trail trail. It winds up and down the hillside behind the Discovery Center and has beautiful views. Gem Lake Lumpy Ridge Trailhead on Devils 3.2 miles 1,000 feet Big rocks and nice views on this rather steep hike. The lake is Gulch Road north of Estes Park small and spring-fed (no stream). Usually one of the first trails to melt out in spring. The Pool Fern Lake Trailhead off of Bear 3.4 miles 245 feet A pretty, shaded hike in a deep valley along a rushing stream. Lake Road Deer Mountain Deer Mountain Trailhead at Deer 6 miles 1,083 feet One of the few mountains in RMNP with a trail to the summit, Ridge Junction where US Hwy 34 this trail melts out earlier than many others. Great views of and US Hwy 36 from Estes Park mountains and valleys. meet A Summer Trip? Planning is Essential
It's Busy in Summer Summer Hiking • Colorado SNOTEL Sites. There Thinking of Climbing Longs Peak? Summer is a glorious time of year in Planning a summer hike? Rocky has are five in the park: Bear Lake, Training, technical skills and Rocky, and most people visit here in over 350 miles of trails to take you to Copeland Lake, Wild Basin (near conditioning are needed to climb many summer and on fall weekends. These spectacular scenery, soaring mountains, Ouzel Falls), Willow Park, and of Rocky's high peaks. Mountaintops are the park's busiest times. Expect rushing streams and powerful Lake Irene. Visit www.wcc.nrcs. can experience wintry conditions any congestion on roads, in parking areas, waterfalls, shimmering lakes, and the usda.gov/nwcc/rgrpt?report=daily_ time of year. and along popular trails. amazing alpine tundra, where 200 year- snowdelta_7day&state=co In general, the most snow-free and ice- Best tip to help: plan ahead. old plants can be the size of a quarter. • Call the RMNP Information Office free time of year to climb Longs Peak • Make reservations for camping in Many repairs have already been done, 8-4:30 daily for conditions, updates, is mid-July through mid-September. the park and lodging in the local but be aware that some park trails and and information, 970-586-1206. However, weather and conditions vary, areas. bridges may still be damaged from the so it's best to check with a ranger or 2013 flood. online for current conditions. Longs • Tour and hike early and late in the Know before you go: be prepared and Peak is NOT a hike! It is a climb that day; by mid-morning, parking areas crosses enormous sheer vertical rock are often full. informed, including checking weather and trail conditions. Many resources faces, often with falling rocks, requiring • Carpool and/or use the free are readily available, including scrambling, where an unroped fall summer park shuttle buses. The would likely be fatal. The route has shuttle schedule is on the back • RMNP Trail Conditions Reports at narrow ledges, loose rock, and steep page. www.nps.gov and follow the "Road, cliffs. The terrain requires good route- Trail & Longs Peak Conditions and finding and scrambling skills. Use Closures" link caution, as injuries requiring rescue are • National Weather Service forecasts very dangersous and take many hours, at www.weather.gov and put in a if not days, to evacuate. location like Estes Park, CO; Grand Don't have summit fever: Enjoy the Lake, CO; Alpine Visitor Center, experience but be willing to turn CO (elevation 11,864 ft). Gem Lake Trail/NPS around at any time. 6 Information to Know
Rocky Mountain National Park Why Isn't Trail Ridge Road Open? 1000 US Hwy 36, Estes Park, CO 80517 By Katy Sykes, Information Office Manager 16018 US Hwy 34, Grand Lake, CO 80447 Winds howled across the mountaintops all winter long. 970-586-1206 Imagine what they left - towering piles of drifted snow www.nps.gov/romo interspersed with bare tundra. Through it all runs Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved highway in the U.S. At Lost and Found 12,183 feet, it's Rocky's seasonal connection between the All lost and found in Rocky is handled by the Backcountry towns of Estes Park and Grand Lake. Every spring Rocky Office, located next door to the Beaver Meadows Visitor hopes to open Trail Ridge Road by the Friday of Memorial Center, 970-586-1242. Day Weekend, which this year is May 22. Spring opening is a If you find something, please stop at any open park visitor difficult, lengthy process. Most years the opening day goal is center to drop it off. met, but not always. Why? Blame weather and machines. Plow operators begin clearing snow in mid-April. Crews Contacts Outside Rocky from the park's east side and west side work up their sides of Neighbors the road and eventually meet at the Alpine Visitor Center. Estes Park Visitor Center Rotary plow at Alpine Visitor Center Mountain snow happens any time of year, but spring tends 500 Big Thompson Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517 NPS/Ann Schonlau to bring the deepest, wettest snow. Often plowed areas get www.visitestespark.com snowed in again, or strong winds blow and drift the road so 800-443-7837 970-577-9900 it's covered again. This is part of the plow driver's annual routine. Grand Lake Chamber of Commerce Rocky uses large rotary plows to handle the deep snow. 14700 US Hwy 34, Grand Lake, CO 80447 Often two plows work together. The first rotary pioneers, www.grandlakechamber.com or clears, one lane; the second rotary widens so two lanes 800-531-1019 970-627-3402 are cleared. When the snow is deeper than about 5 feet, the rotary works on the deep snow in layers. Plow drivers say the US Forest Service Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forest rotary "ramps," moving forward and plowing the top layer, www.fs.usda/gov/arp backing up, then going back in to plow the rest down to the Boulder Ranger District pavement. 2140 Yarmouth Ave, Boulder, CO 80301 So you're driving a rotary plow through a vast tundra 303-541-2500 landscape of deep, drifted, untrammeled snow. How do you Canyon Lakes Ranger District know where the road is? Your only guide is a row of poles. 2150 Centre Ave, Building E, Ft. Collins, CO 80526 These snow poles (bare logs) are placed and maintained 970-295-6700 along the outside edges of Trail Ridge Road to guide plows. Snow poles along Trail Ridge Road The snow is not always soft and undisturbed. Wind scours Sulphur Ranger District NPS/John Marino and drifts the snow into crusty, uneven piles. Rocks and 9 Ten Mile Drive, Granby, CO 80446 sticks imbedded in the snow can cause problems. Rockslides 970-887-4100 routinely happen. Roadside signs are usually buried in drifts. Camping Reservations Not only the road must be cleared, but buildings including (note: US Forest Service campgrounds in the Arapaho & the Alpine Visitor Center and various restrooms are shoveled Roosevelt National Forest use this reservation service too) out, mostly by hand. National Park Camping Reservations Last year Trail Ridge Road opened on May 23. The earliest www.reserveamerica/com or www.recreation.gov the road has opened was on May 7, 2002; the latest June 26, Reservations 877-444-6777 1943. Trail Ridge Road officially closed for the season last year Customer Service 888-448-1474 on November 4, which was later than the average date of From Outside the US 518-885-3639 October 23. Once Trail Ridge Road opens, it usually closes temporarily Larimer County Camping for mountaintop snowstorms, even into early June. Heavy www.larimercamping.com melting on the road during the day and freezing temperatures 800-397-7795 at night may cause hazardous driving conditions. Because Colorado Department of Transportation weather conditions may change rapidly, park visitors should be prepared to adjust travel plans accordingly and are Road Conditions encouraged to call the park's Trail Ridge Road recorded www.cotrip.org 877-315-7623 status line at (970) 586-1222. Park staff update the recorded Plowing Trail Ridge Road line during and after regular office hours when the road NPS/John Marino status changes. Toward a Greener Park Greening Your Ride at Rocky Greening Your Park
Recycling Available in Major Park Locations Glass, plastic #1 though #7 and aluminum may be recycled in park campgrounds and at major park locations. Look for our distinctive recycling containers or ask at any visitor center or campground for their locations. Help us reduce the use of plastic water bottles! There is limited potable drinking water in the park. Please remember to bring your own resusable water containers and refill them at park visitor centers.
7 Ride the Free Shuttle Bus
Using Rocky Mountain National Park's free shuttle bus service Bear Lake corridor, while enjoying the beautiful scenery without the enables you to access many destinations and loop hikes along the distraction and hassle of traffic congestion and limited parking.
Bear Lake Shuttle Moraine Park Shuttle Hiker Shuttle
Weekends: May 23, 24, 25, 30, 31 Weekends: May 23, 24, 25, 30, 31 Daily Service: June 27 - September 13 June 6 & 7 June 6 & 7 Weekends Saturdays and Sundays Daily Service: June 13 - October 12 Daily Service: June 13 - October 12 September 19 - October 11 Buses operate daily between Park Buses operate daily between Park Buses operate between the Estes Park & Ride and Bear Lake, leaving Park & Ride and Fern Lake Bus Stop, Visitor Center and the RMNP Park & & Ride every 10-15 minutes from 7 leaving Park & Ride every 30 Ride. The only stop on this express a.m. to 7 p.m. minutes from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. route is Beaver Meadows Visitor The Bear Lake Route is based at The Moraine Park Route is based at Center. the Park & Ride shuttle bus parking the Park & Ride shuttle bus parking The first bus leaves the Estes Park area across from the Glacier Basin area across from the Glacier Basin Visitor Center at 7:30 a.m., and the Campground. Campground. last bus leaves for Estes Park at 8 p.m. Buses run on an hourly schedule early and late in the day, and a half-hour schedule from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. A park pass is required to board the Hiker Shuttle. It may be purchased at the Park & Ride.
RMNP shuttle bus on Bear Lake Road NPS/Ann Schonlau
Horseshoe Park Trail Ridge Road 34 34 Fern Lake Estes Park Bus Stop Moraine Park Beaver Meadows C Loop Campground Entrance Visitor Beaver Center Meadows N Cub Lake Visitor Trailhead Center LakeLAKE Estes 36 EST S Moraine Park 34 Discovery 7 36 Bear Lake Road Center Hollowell TOWN OF Park ESTES PARK Tuxedo Park Bierstadt Lake Park Trailhead & Glacier Basin Bear Lake RoadRide Campground
Sprague Lake Bear Glacier Creek Livery ● There are no shuttle bus services on the west side of Lake Sprague There is a 1/4 mile trail Lake from the bus stop at the park or across Trail Ridge Road. There are several Glacier Gorge Glacier Creek Livery commercial shuttle tours in the Estes area; contact the Trailhead through the woods to Estes Park Visitor Center for information, Sprague Lake 800-443-7837, or visitestespark.com. ● There are no bike racks on park shuttle buses. ● Most park shuttle buses are accessible and can Hiker Shuttle Express Route accommodate wheelchairs. Contact shuttle staff or Stops at Park & Ride, Beaver Meadows Visitor Center, rangers if accommodation is needed. and the Estes Park Visitor Center only ● Dogs are not allowed on park shuttle buses (except service animals that have been individually trained Bear Lake Route to perform specific tasks for the benefit of persons Moraine Park Route with disabilities). Shuttle Bus Stop
This park newspaper is funded by the Rocky Mountain Conservancy. For more information visit RMConservancy.org 8 Printed on recycled paper