Rocksonthe tundra aresomeofthe most obviousplacestosee lichen in
EstesParkisthe easterngateway to RockyMountainNationalPark, oneof themostpopularand parksinthe country! When youlookatall of thebeautifulviews,abundantwildlife, scenic drives andoutdoor activities offered in thepark, it’s easy to seewhy millions of people visitevery year.Rocky Mountain is oneofthe nation’s highestnational parkswithelevationsfrom7,860
feet to 14,259 feet,RMNPmakes youfeel like youare on topofthe world. Within thepark’sboundariesare 77 mountain peaksover12,000 feet high andthe Continental Divide,according to theDepartment of theInterior. In this issue, you will findeverythingyou need to know to plan your visit. RMNP hasareservation system in place, so trytoplanahead. TheRocky Mountain Conservancyplays akey role in maintainingthe natural beauty andaccessibility of allthe park hastooffer.
DAWN WILSON PHOTOGRAPHY
Foundedin1931, theRocky Mountain Conservancyis theofficialnonprofit partnerofRocky Mountain National Park (RMNP).Our primary missionistoprotect andconserveRocky Mountain National Park andsimilar public landsthrough philanthropy,researchand educationprograms, Conservation Corpsprojects, and much,muchmore. Through unique hands-on learning experiencesand theNextGenerationFund, theConservancy also provides children’s and youthprograminginRocky Mountain National Park to help inspirethe next generation of park stewards andenvironmentaladvocates
TheRocky Mountain Conservancy raises moneytobenefitRocky andpromote stewardship. With thesupport of thousandsofmembers and donors,the Conservancyhas completedhundredsofsignificantprojects, includingthe purchase of the40-acre Cascade Cottages property for thepark, reconstruction of trails andbackcountry campsiteslosttothe East Troublesome andCameron Peak wildfires, construction of handicapped-accessible trails around Lily Lake andSprague Lake,and thedesignand constructionofthe spectacular Fall River VisitorCenter.
Whetherthisisyourfirst visitoryou andyourfamilyreturntoRocky Mountain National Park year after year,welcome!Asthe park’s official nonprofit partner, the
RockyMountainConservancy hasworkedalmost100 years to ensure that everything you love aboutRocky is protected in perpetuity andcontinually improved.
Please read on to explore oursignature programs,such as howwebuild andmaintain trails with ourConservation Corpscrews,provideone-ofa-kind educationopportunities inside theparkthrough ourField Institute, fund criticalresearch, acquirelandfor protection andtobuffer the park,and fund essentialtrainingand resourcesfor ourNational ParkService colleagues. Theseresources includethe verymodern—acustomoutfittedSearchand Rescue tactical vanand commandpost—and themoretraditional—horses andllamastosupport backcountrymaintenance and patrol.Wealsosupport programs to introducechildren andtheir families to ecology andthe wondersofthe outdoors, especially thosewho mightnot otherwisebeable to visitRocky.
This shortlistisjusta sample.Ifyou want to support RockyMountainNational Park,considerbecominga part of ourvibrant Conservancy.As one of theoldest andmosteffectivenational park partners,our goal is al-
ways to step up ourlevel of support. Ourmembers and donors come notjustfrom Colorado, butalsothe Midwest,Texas,the East and West Coasts,everywhere in betweenandeven internationally.Considerjoining us, andenjoy yourvisit!
EsteeRivera Murdock Executive Director
-LandProtection
-HistoricPreservation
-Trail Improvement
-The Next Generation Fund
-The Conservancy’sConservation Corps
-The Conservancy’sField Institute
-Publications
-Membership Land Protection — Protecting ournation’s valuable lands
RockyMountainNational Park encompassesmorethan 400squaremiles,but this is only thecoreofthe greater northern Coloradoecosystem Enos Millsand others hoped to preserve.Manyareas are at risk.Since theearly 1980s, theRocky Mountain Conservancyand itsdonor commu-
nity have ledthe efforttoacquireorsecureconservation easementsfor many importantparcels of land,bothin RockyMountainNational Park andinthe adjacent Arapaho-RooseveltNational Forest.Thisincludesinholdings within theparkthat have come onto theprivate market.Oncesecured by the Conservancy, thesetractsare thentransferred to federal agencies forpermanent protection. In 2018,the Conservancybrokeredthe donation of a40-acre parcel of land to Conservancy, andeventually to theparkbyformerastronaut VanceBrand
To quicklyrespond to acquisitionopportunities from willingsellers,the Conservancyseeks to maintain aviable Land Protection Fund.Onlylands that are significant to thelong-term benefit of theparkare
sidered.
Maintainingaccesstopark trails.
Trailimprovement is akeystone of ConservancycontributionstoRocky.Annually, more than 100miles of park hiking trails areimproved or enhanced to protectresourcesand ensure visitor
con- COURTESY PHOTOROCKY MOUNTAIN CONSERVANCYBlueberries, President JimmyCarter, horseback riding andexploringRocky Mountain National Park.
Thesewerejustafew of thetopicsGaryIngramand I chattedabout before launchingintoaninterview to discuss what broughthim to RMNP as thepark’snew superintendent.
When Irealizedwehad alreadybeenspeakingfor more than 30 minutes, andI hadyet to take asinglenote, Iadmired just howeasygoingand conversational he wasabout so many fascinatingtopics.
Ingram arrivedinEstes Park to starthis newposition in late August 2023.In theweeks that followed,he visitedBearLakefor thefirst time,admiringthe fall beauty alongthe corridor to thepopular lake.The trip to thewest side of theparkwas adifferent experience forhim.Helooks forwardtoventuring outmore into theparkbut knowshehas abig role to fillfor thefifth most popularnationalpark.
When Imentioned to Ingram abouthis reputation of beingenergetic andenthusiastic, he respondedbysaying, “Life’stoo shorttobepessimistic.Life’sjusttoo short. Thereare toomanypeopleto help andtoo many people to love in aday to be apessimist. Thereisalwaysanopportunity to do good.Ifwehave respectand love forone another, whatever little pieceof theworld Iamin, hopefully I’ll have apositiveimpact.”
Afteracareerasapolice officer, andasubsequentinjury from agunshot,his father movedhis family away from thecityand into YosemiteWest, atownsurrounded by Yosemite National Park, wherehecould pursue his dreams of beinganartist.
Here,Ingramcould grow up in theSierraNevadasurroundedbybeautyand the outdoors.
“You’reinYosemiteValleyinelementaryschoolin eightclassrooms,”saidIn-
watchedmegrowing up as a kid. Jimwas asupervisorinYosemite Valley.Jim hadahuge impact on my life.He’sthe guy that wouldteach us to always take thehighroad. Always do what’s right. He’s theone that taught me what rangersdo.”
When Iasked Ingram abouthow arangerevolves a career into becoming asuperintendent, he explainedhow rangershaveathree-sided responsibility to protectpeoplefromother people,protect people from theparkand protect theparkfromthe people, andeverythingthatencompasses that.
gram.“Youwould bounce backand forthbetween the classesevery year.Ifyou were on thebacksideofthe school, you’dlookupand rightthere wasYosemiteFalls.The windows wouldbe shakinginthe springtime from thewaterfall.And then youwould go on theother side andthere is Sentinel Rock.”
Ingram’s enthusiasm for theoutdoorsstarted young, andthe admiration forthe outdoors,and hisenthusiasticpersonality,has carried himthrough hiscareer.
BeinginYosemitefor his childhoodgaveIngrammany opportunitiestomeetand work with rangersinthe park, unknowinglycultivating an interest in public service. While attendingFresnoState in Fresno,Calif., Ingram worked as apoliceman with thegoalof transferring to SanDiego State to join ROTC andthenflying in theMarines aftercollege
Achanceencounter,however,changed hisworld when he methis future wife,Athena.
Sheand alongtimeacquaintance whoworkedasa ranger in Yosemite both suggested he return to thepark to work as arangerinstead of acareerinthe Marines. Ingram followed theiradvice, andhetookhis first position within theNationalParkSer-
vice as aranger.
“The timing of that wasabsolutely spectacularbetween my then newwifeand Jim Tucker,” said Ingram.“Ididn’t know himreallywell, buthe
“Protectingthe resources, protecting thepeople, risking your life andsacrifice,”saidIngram.“Thesewereall things that Jimsolidified.Ihad them as my foundation growingup, coming from alaw enforcement background.”
As Ingram’s career evolved,
DAWN WILSON PHOTOGRAPHY
Gary Ingram holdsastained-glass panelthatisidentical to a larger panelmadefor hisformerboss, PresidentJimmy Carter. Ingram is thenew Superintendent of RockyMountainNational Park,startinginthe position in August
RockyMountainNational Park will againuse atimed entrypermitreservation systemfor thesummerand fall 2024 seasons. Thesystem, whichthe National Park Service callsa “pilot reservation system,” requires visitors to book permitsinadvance to enterthe park andisintended to ease congestion impacts andimprove thevisitor experience in thepark.
Theannouncementwas made Thursday,Nov.9,2023, in apress releasefromRMNP.
At RMNP,the permit reservation system will starton May24but newthisyearis theend date,which will vary basedonone of twotypes of permit reservations.
Onepermitwillbefor the Bear Lake Road corridor, whichincludesthe entire
length of theroadfrominside the Beaver Meadows entrance to Bear Lake plus theremainderofthe park,from5a.m. to 6p.m.Thissystemwillbe in placefromFriday, May24 throughSunday, Oct. 20
Thesecond permit includes the“rest of thepark,”excludingthe Bear LakeRoadcorridor. This “restofthe park” reservationperiodwillbe from 9a.m.to2p.m.fromFriday, May24through Tuesday, Oct. 15
Permitsissuedusing the reservationsystemwillallowparkvisitorstoenter the park within atwo-hour windowwithnoset time fordeparture. Thereisa$2processingfee to make each reservation
Reservations to enterthe park from May24through June 30 will be available throughrecreation.govat8 a.m. MDTonWednesday, May1.The next releasewill
occurat8a.m.onJune1,for themonth of July andany remainingdaysthathavenot been booked forJune. On July 1at8 a.m.,reservationswill be available forthe month of August andany remainingdaysthathavenot been booked forJuly. On August 1at8 a.m.,reservationswill be availablefor themonth of Septemberand anyremainingdaysinAugustthathave notbeenbooked. On September1at8 a.m., reservations will be available forOctoberand anyremainingdays in Septemberthathavenot been booked.
Amodificationfromthe 2023 pilotsystemtothe 2024 pilotsystemincludeschangingthe bookingtimefor ticketsreleasedthe daybefore from 5p.m.to7p.m.MDT. In 2023,the availablereservationsreleasedthe daybefore were increased to 40 percent of totalcapacityfor each day during thetimed entrypermitsystemsummerand fall seasons.
patterns in RMNP have degraded naturaland cultural resources. This sort of degradation hasled to admonished qualityofthe visitor experience by increasing visitorand staff safety concerns andhas createdaheavy strain on RMNP’s facilities andability to performdaily operations.
Duetothe rising issues andaconcern forany further damage being done, RMNP staffbegan experimenting with pilotsolutions in 2016 in an attempttomanagethe number of people in theparkatone time.AsSidles explainedduringher tenure, thegoalwasn’ttoreducethe overallnumberofvisitorsbut to cutdownonthe concentrated useofpassesbetween 10 a.m.and2p.m.during busy months.
From 2016 to 2019,pilot methodswereusedtorestrict trafficatmostofthe popularareas in thepark, such as BearLake, Alpine VisitorCenterand Wild Basin, when capacity numberswerereached.
An additionalmodification includes usingdifferentdates forthe endofthe permit systemseason, ending on October20for theBearLakeCorridorpermitand October15 forthe “restofthe park”permit.
The2023modification for there-entrypolicyatBear Lake Corridor will continue to allowre-entriesat2 p.m. rather than the later6p.m required in 2022.
Alltimed-entryreservationsfor RMNP areavailable at recreation.gov. Reservationsare expected to runout quicklyand visitors areencouraged to plan aheadwhen possible.
Then COVID-19 hitin2020, andafter abrief closuredue to thepandemic, theparkreopened with a60percent reducedvisitor capacity.
This reopeningushered in thefirsttrial of atimed entry permit reservationsystem, whichconsistedofa seasonal, one-permit system forthe entire park betweenthe hoursof 6a.m.and 5p.m.
Since 2020,parkstaffhave evaluatedthe process, requestedfeedback from visitors, andusedtraffic and trailcounter data collection andanalysistomakerefinementsand adjustmentstothe system
Whileanincreaseinvisitors hasits benefits, former RMNP Superintendent Darla Sidles,who retiredfromher position in June 2023 and oversawthe initialimplementationofthe pilotreservation system usingtimed entry, said in 2023 that the rapidgrowthinday-usevisitationand thechanginguse
Themostrecentpublic commentperiodended in December 2023,whenthe publicwas offered theopportunity to evaluate andprovide feedback aboutfour different dayuse visitormanagement options:
—Alternative A: no action andreturntopre-2020 pilot management
On your next trip to Rocky Mountain National Park, don’tforgettoplana visitto EstesPark. It’s an idealbasecamp forendless adventure,offering unique shops, restaurants, breweries, art galleriesand more,along with incredible viewsthat attractvisitorsfromaround theworld.Hereare seven ways to make themostout of your next stay in EstesPark.
EstesPark’sRiverwalk offers abeautiful stroll of a tree-lined river. It also offers theability to popinto amyriadofart galleries, retail shops, restaurantsand sweets shopstomakethe most outofyourwalk. Don’t forget to grab abeverage from oneofour localcoffee shopstokeepyourenergyup on your jaunt.
Relaxwithabeveragethat waslocally made as youregale
thetales of theday.Whiskey, wine andbeerare allavailable to quench your thirst.
Massages,bodytreat-
ments, nails, facialsand acupuncturecan allbehad aftera daythatmay be hard on thefeet. Thecrisp Rocky Mountain airiscertainly soothing,but don’tstop there. AnyofEstes Park’s spas or wellness centersof-
fers theopportunity forrejuvenation.
Don’tforgettorefuel! Estes Park restaurantshavesomethingfor everyone when it comestofeedingthe hunger worked up on thetrails. Plus, thereare dessertoptions a plenty,sodon’t forget to save some room.
Localart,handcrafted goods, souvenirsand apparel. Estes Park shopshave things to remember your trip or decorate everycornerofyourhouse,thatyou mightnot find anywhere else.
If you, or thekids, arestill readytogo, checkout alocalamusement park forgocarts, bumper cars,miniature golf andmore. If that’s notenough,you canevenhop on ahigh-flyingropes course, tryyourhandataxe-throwingorflydownamountain coaster.
Born andraisedinthe mountainsand plains of Colorado, ThePostChicken and Beer serves family-style comfort food cooked with thelove of your grandmaand theskill of atrained chef.Featuredby GuyFieri on Food Network’s “DinersDrive-Ins,and Dives,” theirfried bird is better than therest.
chickenand cold beer is one of thebestpairingsinthe universe,which is whytheir brewersworksohardtocreatedelicious brewstogo with ourbird. Locatedonthe groundsofthe historic StanleyHotel,the menu also includes farm-fresh sides, salads, sandwiches,tenders,and scratch-made desserts.
ThePostChicken &Beer friesupthe crispiest, juiciest friedchicken —which just happenstobegluten-free —and pairsitwiththeir award-winningcraft brews. At this ChickenParty,The Post serves up fresh, all-natural chickenthathas been brinedfor hours, dipped in a buttermilk bath,and dunked inseasonedgluten-free flour. Thepressurefryerskeepthe bird juicyonthe inside and crispy on theoutside,even late at nightwhenyou are snacking outofthe fridge or outonthe trailwhile exploringRocky Mountain National Park.
ThePostbelievesthathot
ThePostisopendaily for lunch, dinner andbrunchon theweekends. Make areservationtodineonthe patio with unbeatable viewsofthe Park,throw aparty in one of theirprivate dining rooms, or getittogo. ThePost’sbirdis perfectlyportable andcan be enjoyedon anyofyouroutdoor adventures.Check it out at www.postchickenandbeer. com/
PHOTOCOURTESYVISIT ESTESPARK Estes Park is an idealbasecampfor endlessadventureTheRocky Mountain Conservancy is empowering womenand thosewho identify as female to experience mountain travel andrecreationwithintroductory coursesonrockclimbing, snowshoeing, winter recreation, andhigh-altitude hiking.
Theclasses offered through theConservancy’s FieldInstitutetoadvance women’s confidence in theoutdoors arecalledBettiecourses in honorofDr. Beatrice Willard (1925-2003). Willard, whowentbythe first name Bettie,was abeloved andrespectedecologist whostudied alpine tundra andlandmanagementplanninginRocky
Mountain National Park.Willard startedthe RockyMountain FieldSeminarsin1962.
Theprogram,now called theRocky Mountain Conservancy FieldInstitute,is thelongest-running national park field instituteprogram in thecountry andtypically welcomes over 1,000-course participants each year.
ing. Ialsogainednew adventure partners whopossess the same educationasme, which makesmefeelbothmore competentand saferwhen playinginthe mountains!”
Participantfeedbackwas enthusiastic andpositive.
“ThankstoRocky Mountain Conservancyfor creatinga safe spacetogrowmy winter recreation skills,ask questions, anddiscuss these importanttopics! Ilearned a lotfromthe courseand from theother womenparticipat-
From February 24 to 26, theConservancy offereda Rec1Avalanche Certification in conjunctionwithKent Mountain Adventure Center (KMAC) to educatebackcountryskiers, climbers,and winterrecreationenthusiasts on operatingsafelyinavalanche terrain. Thecoursetookplace in theadventure center’s classroomlocated at the StanleyHotel in EstesParkand in field locationsonthe east side of RMNP.
On March 19,the Conservancy’sField InstitutewillofferaBettiecoursetitled“Introduction to Winter Recreation” designed to help womenand thosewho identify as female cultivateskills necessarytorecreateinwinter, andspringsnow. environmentsineffectiveand safe ways.Ifyou’d like to learn more aboutBettieWillard andthe alpine tundra,sign up foranimmersive course titled “TundraPioneer:The Life andLegacyofBettie Willard” held on Thursday, July 20.Visit www.RMConservancy.org/eventstolearn more andregister.
In honorofformerboard member JanetRobertson, theRocky Mountain Conservancyhas establishedascholarship fund to assist thosein-
terested in attendingaBettiecourse. Robertsonserved on theboard formorethan 20 yearsand first setfootin
RockyMountainNational Park more than 80 yearsago. During herdecades hiking, skiing,climbing, andbackpackinginRocky Mountain National Park,she noticeda lack of diversityand women recreatingsoloonthe trails. Herservice on theboard was largelyfocused on increasing park access anduse forunderrepresented populations in RMNP.Robertson is the author of “The Magnificent Mountain Women: Adventuresinthe Colorado Rockies.”Contact theField Institute at education@rmconservancy.orgtolearn more about Bettie course scholarships.
TheRocky Mountain Conservancy promotes stewardshipofRocky Mountain National Park andsimilar landsthrough educationand philanthropy.Since 1931,the Conservancyhas raised more than $35million to enhance andprotect thepark’strails, lands, youtheducation,historicstructures, andmore. Learnhow to getinvolvedat RMConservancy.org.
FROM PAGE 5
he worked on legislationto establishschools in national parks, an initiative he feels passionate.Heworkedasa policy advisorfor Congress andfixed policy issues in Alaska,working as special assistanttothe Alaska Regional Director,anopportunity that allowedhim to be a liaisonbetween senators from Alaska andthe legislatorsin Washington,D.C.
.New RockyMountainNational Park superintendent Gary Ingram.(RMNP/Courtesy Photo)Afterworking as amanagementassistant in Yosemite forthree years, Ingram wasofferedanopportunity to become superintendentofthe JimmyCarter National Historical Park in Plains,Ga.
He talksabout beinginterviewed by theCarters,and as he does,his face lights up with abig smile. He is clearly
FROM PAGE 6
—Alternative B: timedentryreservationsfor therestof theparkand theBearLake Road Corridor
—Alternative C: dailyreservationsfor therestofthe park andtimed entryfor the Bear Lake Road Corridor
—Alternative D: temporary entrance stationclosures forthe rest of theparkand atimed entryfor Bear Lake Road Corridor
As an exampleofthe data theparkusedfor evaluation of theprogram,RMNPreceived an 18.6 percentresponserate (10,258responses) from avisitorexperiencesurveyin2021. Outofthese responses, 77.6 percentofvisitorsindicated that entering theparkunder thetimed entrysystemwas either thesameexperienceor better than theone they had when they visitedwithout the programinplace.
fond of thecouple, revealing severalstoriesabout histime workingwiththem.
At thebeginning of our meeting, Ingram showed me astained-glass pieceofart. Hissmaller versionmatches itslarger equivalent that hangsatthe Plains Historic Inn, a smallhotel andantiques shop developed by the Carters. Thesetwo pieces of artare theonlyonesinexistence, made specificallyfor himand theCarters.
Hissmile continuesashe reflectsonother stories about gettingtoknowthe Carters: Roslyn’s dailyroutineof eatingblueberries andworking with Jimmy on planninghis farewell ceremony were just a couple of thememories he felt humbledtoexperiencewith thecouple.
Butanother opportunity arosein2014tomanageCumberlandIslandNationalSeashore. During histenureat thepark,the longestofany previoussuperintendent, he consolidated management teamsofCumberlandIsland
“Peopleare saying [thatthe reservations] arehelping me have better behaviors,” said Kyle Patterson, Management Specialistand Public Affairs Officerfor RMNP,atameetinginGrand Lake on Nov. 14, 2023,todiscuss theplanand optionswiththe public. “They saytheyget up earlyand get out, they feel theexperience is better in thepark, andthey are learning to discover new places in thepark.”
Although visitation continuestoremain high in RMNP compared to adecadeago, the2023visitationnumbers revealed adecreaseof184,587 people passingthrough the entrance gatesfor atotal of 4.1million recreation visits
Thedecreaseinvisitation movedRMNP from thefourth spot in 2022 to thefifthspot in 2023 on thelistofmost visitednationalparks.The totalnumberalsorepresents thelowestvisitationnumber since2015whenthe park had nearly 4.2million recreation visits.
with nearby Fort Frederica National Monument as one of themanyimprovements he implemented.
Ingram andhis wife raised theirkidsinGeorgia,tellingme abouttheir property whereheowned atractor,had largeopenfields andenjoyed Georgia’sfallcolors.
Butashappy as they were in Georgia, when thenew opportunity to manage RMNP aroseafter theretirementannouncementbypreviousSuperintendent DarlaSidles, Ingram knew he couldn’t pass up theopportunity.
“There arestruggles here,” said Ingram.“Thethree goals [I have forRMNP] arehousingfor employees. Theother is fireand protectionsfor the gatewaycommunities as well as ourpark. And then the thirdisthe visitoruse managementplanand timedentry. Thegoodnewsisthatthe work that hasbeendonein thepastisphenomenal.”
Personally,the attraction fora move to Colorado feels like areturntothe beginning
SinceSidlesdepartmentin June 2023,anew superintendent,GaryIngram, hasjoined theteamatRMNP. He continues to evaluate thedatain thevisitor usemanagement plan andhas made it one of histop threeprioritiesfor his newrole.
“There arestruggles here,” said Ingram in aFebruary2024interview with the Trail-Gazette. “The three goals[Ihavefor RMNP]are housingfor employees. The otherisfire andprotections forthe gatewaycommunities as well as ourpark. Andthen thethird is thevisitor use management plan andtimed entry. Thegoodnewsisthat theworkthathas been done in thepastisphenomenal.”
WhileColorado’sother threemajor national parks
GreatSandDunes National Park andPreserve, Mesa Verde National Park and BlackCanyonofthe GunnisonNationalPark—all saw increasesofasmuchas20 percentfrom2022to2023,
of hiscareer.
“Mywife andI feel like we have gone full circle,” said Ingram.“We aretemporarilylivinginagovernment house. We have no children living at home.Weare living in themountains.Itfeels like we have gone full circle.We feel good in themountains.It feelsmorelikehome.”
Ingram knowsRMNPisa pinnacle park,and he is humbled that he hasbeenasked to lead it.
“Tobeselectedtotakecare of it andits people is oneofthe most humbling experiencesI have ever had,”saidIngram. “ThisisRocky Mountain National Park.ThisisColorado’s crownjewel.Thisisa pretty bigdeal. Iamexcited about making newfriends andcreatingpartnershipstodowhat we canto make this abetter place.”
If youwould like more informationabout thevisitoruse data,visit https:// www.nps.gov/subjects/socialscience/visitor-use-statistics-dashboard.htm
RMNP experienceda 4.3percent drop in visitation RMNP is notthe only park to implementorcontinue a timedentry reservationsystemin2024. Sixteenadditional national parksnow requiresomesortofreservation, includingtimed reservations to take acavetour, parking permitsand timed reservationstohikepopular trails or visitlocation-specificareas of apark, or atimed entryreservation to access anyportion of apark. Thenationalparks include: Acadia,Arches,CarlsbadCaverns,Glacier,Great SmokyMountains,Haleakala, MammothCave, Mesa Verde, MountRainier,Redwood,Sequoia, Shenandoah,Wind Cave,Yosemiteand Zion.Muir WoodsNationalMonument also hasarequiredparking reservationand shuttlebus system to access thepark.
Formoreinformation aboutthe reservationsystem, visithttps://www.nps.gov/ romo/planyourvisit/timed-entry-permit-system.htm.
As theNationalParkService slogan goes,“Half the Park is AfterDark.”
Considered to be an accidental benefit of protecting scenery, historyand habitat forwildlifeinthe national parks, preservation of the nightskies hasbecomea positivebonus.Sixteen national parksinthe U.S. have been designated International Dark SkyParks.Three of the four national parksinColorado have this designation.
RockyMountainNational Park is theonlynationalpark in Colorado that hasnot received that certification from theInternational Dark Sky Associationbecause of its proximitytothe FrontRange andthe lightpollution that comesalong with it.There
is,however,noshortageof places to witnessthe beauty of thenight skyabove thewildernessbetween EstesPark
andGrand Lake
On aclear nightany time of theyear, millions of twinklingstars,creativelynamed constellations,colorful nebulas andother celestialobjectsfill thesky aboveRocky Mountain National Park
MarchtoOctober,however,can be aspecial time to step outintothe cool night airbecause thegalacticcenterofthe MilkyWay rises abovethe horizon. Thecenteristhe denseststarcluster withinour galaxy,contains amassive blackhole called SagittariusA*and is considered therotationalcenterof theMilky Waygalaxy, which is whereEarth’s solarsystem is located.
Thecenterofthe Milky Wayrises in thesouth-southwest sky. From many places in RockyMountainNational Park, this meansthe MilkyWay happens to be aboveLongs Peak,
whichisalso in thesouthern portionofthe park.
Oneofthe best places to have afront-row seat of the MilkyWay is at Bear Lake. Whethervisitingwhenice coatsthe surfaceofthe lake in spring or thereflectionsof thestars danceonthe surface of thewater in summer andfall, stargazers aresure to be filledwithwonder. Walk to thenorth side of thelake andlooksouth across thewatertowards LongsPeaktoobservethe MilkyWay.
Threeother ideallocations forobserving theMilky Way from within theparkinclude from Poudre Lake alongTrail RidgeRoadheading towards GrandLake, at Rock Cutalong TrailRidge Road or from the Beaver MeadowsOverlook alongU.S.Highway 36.
Thefirsttwo areaccessiblewhenTrail RidgeRoadis
EstesParkhas developed astrongcraft beveragecommunity,now with four micro-breweries, threedistilleries, andone winery.Itall startedbackin1994whenEstesParkBrewery first opened.
Localentrepreneurand businessmanEdGrueff was theoriginalowner whoconverted theformergym into thebrewery.Whenasked aboutthe experience of openingthe first Breweryintown, he tellsus, “Itwas exciting, butthe biggestkey wasto educatepeopleabout micro-brew beer.Mostpeople were notfamiliarwithit.”
BecauseofthattheydecidedtoinvestinRaspberry Wheatand some lighterbeers to getpeopleintroducedto microbrews. From there, demand kept growing, andthe city begantorethink itsregulations in regardstoalcohol production.
Achangetocitycodein 2014 allowedmicrobreweries andmicro-distilleriestooperatewithout beingattached to arestaurant. Therewas alreadyanexistingexemption forSnowy Peak Winery in placesince 2005,but this change allowedfor accelerated development.
Afterthe change in code regulation,which wasapproved unanimouslybythe town boardinJul.of2014, thefirst establishmentto open wasLumpy RidgeBrewingCo. in Jul. of 2015.Lumpy RidgeBrewing Co.stands aloneonHwy.7,the former gasstation is nowacomfortable two-room loungewith greatviews of Lake Estes from thepatio.Thenin2023, ownerNickSmith,openeda tastingroomjustoffdowntown Elkhorn’swestarm,on Cleave St.calledthe Publick House.
Then next brewerytobeestablishedinEstes Park was Rock CutBrewing Co.opened on Aug. 29th amonth after
TheEstes Park Breweryislocated onthe Riversidebehindthe FunCityrainbow slides at 470ProspectVillage Dr. wherethey brew 10flagshipbeers,haveafullrestaurantand bar, retail store, pooltablesand arcades.
LumpyRidge Brewing. Rock CutBrewery is locatedright on theriver in frontofthe iconic FunCityslides, and is namedafter thefamous turn in RockyMountainNational Park that overlooksthe steepest valley on TrailRidge Road.
Then on Jul. 4th, of 2016 thefirstmicro-distillery, Elkins Distillery Co., opened specializing in Whisky.For thefirst5years Elkins Distillerymanufacturedattheir location on Hwy. 34,but aftera firethe operations had to be movedelsewhere,while thetasting room continuedas thesoleretaillocationinthe heartofdowntownonElkhorn.
Thefinalbrewery to beginmanufacturing in Estes Park wasAvant GardeAleworks, whichalsoopenedon Jul. 4th, threeyears afterElkins in 2019.Avant GardeAleworksislocated off Hwy. 7, behind theNAPAAutoparts, next to agrowing artist community in theadjacentPeak to Peak plaza.
Then anotherdistillery opened operations in May of 2022,going by thename of EstesParkDistillery, the companyisbetterknown as
United States.In EstesPark they have twolocations,one in therefurbished andcombinedBob andTony’sPizza /HighCountry Giftsshops plus up thestreetonMoraine, rightnexttoThe Barrel.
Afew minutesdrive down MoraineAve.isthe wayto reachthe newest craftbeverageproducerintown, the HogbackDistillery, which opened in Jul. 2023.Hogback Distillery is originally from theBoulder,Coregion, while theowner Graeme Wallace, is native of Scottland. Wallace hasbrought highland distillingpractices to Colorado’s rockymountains,try them outtotaste thedifference in highland flavors
Full Throttle Saloon,which is anationalbrand that has micro-distilleries allover the
EstesPark’swandering trails make fora full craft beverage tour.Check them all out, butpleasetakeyourtime anddrink responsibly.
DANIEL SEWELL —ESTES PARK TRAIL-GAZETTE
Nestledinthe rugged beauty of Colorado’sFront Range, MacGregorRanch stands as atestament to the enduring spirit of theAmericanWest. With itsrichhistory dating back to thelate19th century, this historic ranchhas woven itself intricatelyintothe fabric of EstesParkand its neighbor RockyMountainNational Park,serving as asymbolofconservation, stewardship,and thepioneeringspirit of thosewho settledthe region.
Thestory of MacGregor Ranchbeginsin1873whenAlexanderand ClaraMacGregor first arrivedinthe EstesPark Valley,duringwhich time Coloradowas stillaterritory.Recognizing thepotential of the area forranchingand farming, they establishedwhatwould become one of theoldestworkingcattleranches in Colorado.
MacGregorRanch remainsEstes Park’s only workingranch, raisingaherdofcattlethatcontinues to have thesamelineage as when Donald MacGregorestablished theoriginalherdinthe late 1800s.
Theranch has remained raisingits BlackAngus herd dating back to theearly 1900sasa cowcalfoperation to this day.
Whileoverthe decades, three generationsofthe MacGregor family worked tirelessly to ex-
pand anddevelop theranch, facing thechallengesofharsh weather, economic downturns, andchangingtimes with resilienceand determination.
Beyond itsroleasa producerofgrass-fed andfin-
ishedAngus beef,MacGregorRanch stands as acornerstone in theconservation efforts of theEstes Park area. Demonstratingits dedication to preserving theland’sintegrity,the ranchhas designated approximately1200acresfor aconservationeasementwith RockyMountainNational Park.Thisstrategic move ensures thecontinuationof ranching practiceswhile safeguarding againstfuturedevelopment, thus perpetuating theregion’snatural beauty andecologicalbalance.
Situated as agateway to oneofRocky Mountain National Park’s most frequented areas, LumpyRidge,MacGregor Ranchmaintains its autonomy as private property whilegenerouslygrantingtrail easementsfor visitors of RockyMountainNational Park.Ashikerstraverse thesetrails, they aretreated to
PHOTOCOURTESYMORGANMORRIS
open from late Maythrough approximatelymid-October.
Anothereasy-to-access lake that offerswonderfulviews of theMilky WayisLilyLake alongColoradoHighway 7.
Several meteor showers throughout theyearalsoprovide unique showsinthe night sky.
Themostpopularbecause
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thesetrails, they aretreated to panoramicviews of thelush haymeadows andhistoriccattleherd, painting avivid picture of theranch’s rich heritage andongoing agricultural practices. However, it’s essential forvisitorstoexercisecau-
of itstimingwithwarmer summer nights andabundant shooting stars—upto90per hour —isthe Perseids meteor shower in mid-August.The peak date in 2024 will be on thenight of August 12.
Otherworthwhilemeteor showersinclude theOrionids in Octoberand theGeminids in December.
This year also hasapartial lunareclipse on September18, whichcoincides with asuper moon that evening. Although amuchlessanticipated event
tion andrespect theboundariesofMacGregor Ranch. While enjoying thetrails, it’s imperativetoremainondesignated pathsuntil re-enteringRocky Mountain National Park. This ensuresthe preservation of theranch’s delicate ecosystem andrespectsthe ranch’scommitmentto both conservation andpublic access.
Eagertoexplore more of MacGregorRanch anddelve deeper into thecaptivating historythathas left an indeli-
than April’stotal solareclipse, this eveningeventduringa beautifulmonth in RMNP is anothercelestial eventtolook forwardtoviewing.
Acoupleofother notable eveningevents includea cometpassing closetoEarth in mid-October, threesuper moonsand thepeakofthe sun phasethatcould lead to some of thebestNorthernLights displays in adecade, including chancesinNorthernColorado.
RockyMountainNational Park also hostsnight sky
blemarkonEstes Park?Today, theranch operates alivinghistory museum,offering visitors aglimpse into thedaily livesof earlysettlersand ranchers in theWest. Historic buildings, artifacts, andexhibitstellthe storyofthe MacGregorfamily andtheir contributionstothe development andpreservation of theEstes Park Valley.
As youplanyoursummer adventures,don’t miss theopportunitytoexperiencethe rich tapestry of historywoven
andastronomyprograms throughout thesummeras well as an AstronomyFestivalonAugust2and 3. Visithttps://www.nps.gov/ romo/planyourvisit/astronomy_programs.htm forthe latest datesand information. So,packaheadlamporflashlight, warm clothesand sturdy shoestoheadout on aclear, dark nightduringthe new moon phase. On thesedarkest of nights each month, thestars seem to go on foreveronthe blackcanvasofthe nightsky.
into thefabricofMacGregor Ranch. Whetheryou’re drawn to theruggedlandscapesof theWestorcaptivatedby talesofpioneeringspirit, a visittothismuseumpromises to be both enlighteningand inspiring. Book your tour todayand immerseyourselfin thetimelessbeautyand enduring legacy of MacGregor Ranch, acherished landmark that continuestoshape the cultural landscapeofEstes Park forgenerations to come.
When you’re sick or injured butyou don’tneed theemergencyroomand youcan’t get into your regularphysician’s office,Estes Park Health’s Urgent Care Center is closeand convenient.
together very well.I think it’s just agreatteam.”
Dr.DiLauro is oneofthe internal medicine physicians at EPH. Shecoverssomeshifts at the Urgent Care on the weekends.DiLauro andthe nursepractitioners,EMTs andparamedics whohelppatients addressmanycommon complaints.
“Wesee alot of people with asorethroat,”Dr. DiLauro pointed out. “I wouldsay overallprobablypharyngitis. Andthen COVID symptoms have been more popular recently.Wecandoa rapid streptoruleout strep pharyngitis. We cangiveyou aCOVID test.And then we candox-rays. We do start IVssometimes becausesometimeswesee people with altitude relatedsymptoms. Oftenoxygenifthat’sappropriate. Anti-nauseadrugs for sometimesrelatedaltitude symptoms.And then injuries,manyinjuries,whether it’s your elbow, your knee, from hiking andfalling.Anklesprains.Fractures.Fishhooks that maybeare caught in someone’s earlobe.”
ThestaffatEPH Urgent Care says the varietyofmedical caseskeeps them on their toes.
Staffed with professionals whoknowhow to take care of everything from bumps andbruises to simple bone breaks andinfections, our Urgent Care is readytotake care of business quicklyand efficiently.
“There area lotofminor injuries andillnesses that don’tneedemergency room attentionbut simplycan be
takencareofaturgentcare,” said EliseBooth, EPHUrgent Care Family NursePractitioner.“We identifiedaneed in thecommunity to fillsome gaps for people whowere either travelingorlocalswho couldn’t seetheir primary care providers. We alsosaw an opportunity that we could relieve some of the patient care done by theemergency department when people didn’t need to be there.”
TheEstes Park Health Urgent Care opened in Mayof 2020.It’sconvenientlylocatedoffHighway 34 at 420 SteamerDrive.The spacious, state-of-the artfacilityincludes sevenexamrooms,an x-raysuite,apharmacy, an orthopedic room forsplinting, testingequipment and— most importantly—astaffof professionalsready forwhoever walksinthe door.
“Thisisaverynicefacility,”Dr. CynthiaDiLauro of EPHcommented.“It’s large andthe roomsare open and newand modern. Everything’savailable to you. It’s accessible.And the staff here is wonderful. Everyone works
“I love thediversity,” Booth emphasized.“Isee newpeopleall thetime. Isee different things allthe time.I’m constantly challenged.I’m constantlylearning.
For patients,the cost and convenienceofUrgentCare arehugebenefits.
“We’re saving people from ER visits that areunnecessary,” Boothadded. “We’re open seven days aweek. It’s hard thesedaystoget into your primarycareprovider forsame-dayappointments. We’rehappy to providethat servicetoour community membersaswell.”
When abump, bruise or break just can’twait, think EstesParkHealthUrgent Care.Patientsreceive the same,high-qualitycareofEstesParkHealthdelivered at this stand-alone center.
To watchavideo aboutEPH Urgent Care,gotohttps:// youtu.be/1iRKNBFv2u4.
PHOTOS BY WENDYRIGBY —ESTES PARK HEALTH Forpatients, thecostand convenience of Urgent Care arehuge benefits.With spring coming into bloom,Estes Park is entering into anew season of liveliness andentertainment.
No matter thetimeofyear though,The Stanleyhas events to keep people enthralled throughany season. Here is your guidetofinding theonesthatcaptivate your interests.
TheVault
Lookingfor something more exclusiveinyourwhiskeytasting?Looknofurther than TheVault.Located on thelower levelofthe main lodge, TheVault will be any whiskeyconnoisseur’sdream come true with aroomfullof single barrelsand specialbottles—a majority of whichare oneoflessthan200 in existence. TheVault offerspri-
vate,curated tastings,exploringwhiskey history, classificationsand tips on thebest waytoenjoy thedrink.
VNVNationisanalternative-electronicartist, based in HamburgGermany,led by Dublin,Ireland native RonanHarrisinthe rolesof singer,songwriterand producer. VNVNationisset to electrifythe historic StanleyHotel with theirdynamic performanceonApril 19 and 20,2024. Nestledinthe picturesque landscapes of EstesPark, Colorado,the StanleyHotel provides afittingly atmosphericbackdropfor VNVNation’smesmerizingblend of industrial beats andemotive melodies.Fans cananticipateanunforgettableexperienceas they immersethemselvesinthe pul-
satingrhythms andsoul-stirring lyrics that have defined VNVNation’sillustriouscareer.These performances promisetobemore than just concerts;they’redestinedto be transformative encounters with musicatits most transcendent.
ColinQuinn
Getready fora nightof laughs with ColinQuinn 2024!Presented by Comedy WorksEntertainment and StanleyLive, catchhim at The ConcertHall, TheStanley HotelinEstes Park,COonSaturday, April27, 2024,at6pm and8:30p.m
ColinQuinn,the comedic forcefromBrooklyn(well, Park Slope),has left hismark from MTV’s“Remote Control” to SNLand Comedy Central’s “Tough Crowd.”WithBroadwayhitslike“ColinQuinn: An IrishWake” andweb series “Cop Show,” Quinn’shu-
morisastapleyou didn’t know youneeded. Ticketson sale at stanleylive.com/colinquinn.
Clutch live at TheStanley
StanleyLiveand 107.9KBPI Presents Clutch!Get readyfor an unforgettablerockexperience at theHistoricStanleyHotel!Clutch, theiconic American rock band hailing from Frederick, Maryland, is settoignitethe stageon May2nd andMay 3rd. Born in Germantown andfueledby thecreativeenergyofFrederick, Clutch is notjustaband; it’s ahometownrocklegacy. Don’tmissanunforgettablenight with specialsupportingperformancesby BlacktopMojoand TheNative Howl
Formore informationon entertainmentatThe Stanley Hotel, interested personscan go to https://www.stanleyhotel.com/entertainment.html.
As nature delicately transitionsintothe blossominghues of spring,one destination stands outamidstthe changinglandscape,Estes Park,Colorado. Backed up to thebase of RockyMountainNational Park,Estes Park retainsits captivatingwintercharm,offering visitors an escape from theordinaryspringvacation.
This spring,treat your familytoasnowy spring break vacation!Readontolearn howtodoit!
Create everlastingmemories as youtraverse snow-covered trails.Snowshoeing is a traditionalwinterpastime in EstesPark. Localoutfitters like theEstes Park Mountain Shop make your experience af-
fordable with snowshoe rentalsfor theentirefamily. Begin your journeywitharefreshinghikealong theBearLake Trailormarvelat thefrozensplendorof AlbertaFalls. Learnmoreabout snowshoeinginEstes Park andRocky Mountain National park here Forthose seekinga touchof adrenaline,embrace thethrill of iceskating on serene,glassy pondsnestled amidst toweringevergreensatYMCAofthe Rockies. Dive deeper into the naturalwonders of the area with educationalprograms offered by theRocky Mountain Conservancy, featuring guided snowshoe treksand captivatinganimalencounters.Toreallygivethe kiddos athrill, pick up some sleds andhit theslopesatHidden Valley locatedinside theNational Park!
WhileEstes Park’s outdoor
offerings areabundant, itsindoor charms areequally captivating.Amidststunning mountainvistas, cozy venues beckon with warmth andculinary delights.Whether you crave aheartymealafter a dayofadventure, desire to indulgeinsweet treats from quaint localshops,orsimply wish to cozy up with acup of coffeeand agoodbook, EstesPark’sstreets areadorned with places to ward off the chilland relax.
Sipa warm tealatte at the Inkwell&Brew, then enjoy homemade Italiancuisine beside thefireplaceatMama Rose’s,orgrabsomefreshly popped sugary kernelsform TheCaramel Corn,then treatthe family to some classicmountaincuisine at The Wapiti ColoradoPub sitting alongsideFallRiver.
Complementingthe out-
door grandeur areEstes Park’s rustic yetinvitinglodgingoptions.Fromintimate cabins nestledamong snowladen pinesand steamy hot tubs to family-friendlyresortsboastingcrackling fireplaces,accommodations transforma family vacation into an Alpine-esque fairy tale,where comfortmeets adventure. Learnmoreabout family-friendlywinterlodginghere.
Getcrafty
Letyourfamily’screativityflow with some hands-on crafting fun! Head over to theCreativityCabin or Bear andBee Maker’sStudiofor anostalgic bondingexperience.Chooseyourown craft andget readytounleash your creativitysidebyside!
Pack thoselayersand prepare fora springtimeadventure filledwiththe magicof winter in EstesPark!
safety.Thishighlyphysical work,which caninclude everything from building rock stepsand clearing fallen trees to building bridgesand wetlandsboardwalks, is accomplishedinpartnership with theRMNPtrailsprogram throughConservancy fundingand theRocky Mountain Conservancy-Conservation Corpsprogram
Thepopularityofthe Longs Peak trailtothe summit of one of Colorado’smosticonicfourteenerscontinues to grow.The high volume of userseachyear widens thetrail andthreatens thedelicatetundra. Beginning in 2020,RMNPtrail crews supported by ConservancyConservationCorps crews,began thelatestphase of improvements, repairingand reinforc-
ingthe trailtowithstand not only foot traffic, butalsocustodial operationsand recurring search andrescue(SAR) operations. Some of theConservancy’s othernotable projects includeextensive trailrestoration throughoutthe park following the2020EastTroublesomeand CameronPeakwildfires.
-Longs Peak Trail, $120,000 (2020-ongoing)
-Green Mountain TrailSystem— wildfirereconstruction,(2021-ongoing)
-LilyLakeTrail,$109,000 (2016)
-Alberta Falls—LakeHaiyaha Loop Trails Rehabilitation,$420,000(2009-2012)
ConservationCorps
Fosteringstewardship and education.
TheRocky Mountain Conservancy-ConservationCorps supports on-the-groundconservationand trailimprovement work in RockyMoun-
tain National Park,the Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest, andsimilar public landsin Colorado.Thisprogram providesyoungpeopleaged18-26 with an opportunitytolearn andtogivebackto theirpubliclands throughtheirservice andhardworkduring thesummerand fall.
Followingthe Cameron Peak andEastTroublesome wildfires of 2020,the Conservancycommunity established thenew WildfireRestoration andHealthy ForestsFundto help initiate therecoveryeffort andsupport strategies to preventfuturewidespread devastationinthe park.Conservancy Conservation Corps memberswereassignedto help rebuildthe Fern Lake trailand Corpsfire recovery efforts in theparkcontinue today.
Educationasatoolfor
stewardship.
In 1931,Dr. Beatrice Willard,a localecologist and tundra specialist,was deeply inspired by thepotential of field-based educationalexperiencesinthe national parks. In Rocky, sheinitiated the first educational programof itskindinanationalpark, andmorethan50years later, theinnovativeField Institute is more popularthanever.
Today, participants discoverand explorea wide range of topics throughcustom, youthand family programs, andoutdoor educationaladventures andtours.These includehikingand skill-building, photography, art, natural history, andculturalhistory throughhundredsofday-long andmulti-day adventures offeredinRocky Mountain National Park.Recognizedsubject matter expertsleadthese field-based,hands-onlearningexperiences.
Anew series called Bettie Courses, in honor of Dr.Willard,has been developedto
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encouragewomen andthose whoidentifyasfemaletoexploreand learnskillsnecessary to thrive in thebackcountry. Visitors whobelieve in “collectingexperiences,not things”can explorecourseofferingsand register at RMConservancy.org/events or by calling970-586-3262.
Lookingforward,the RockyMountainConservancy is planning to addavirtual classroomand online learningplatformtoextendRMNP learning andexperiences to students andnaturelovers everywhere whohaveaccess to theinternet.
TheRocky Mountain Conservancy also offersguided bustours to areasincluding TrailRidge Road,BearLake Road,Grand Lake,and other popularspots in RockyMountain National Park.Eachfam-
ily-friendly tour offersadifferent adventure andisled by one ofour talented naturalist guides.Customtours arealso available.Contactthe Field InstituteatRMConservancy org/events or 970-586-3262 to learnmoreand register.
Preserving thepark’sheritage.
Dozens of historic buildings dotRocky Mountain National Park.Evenmorecan be foundinneighboring communities andadjacentnational forests. This is whereour historicalheritagecomes to life. As stewards of history, the RockyMountainConservancy alreadyhas restored many significant buildings.
TheConservancyand the park regularlyidentify special structures in need of help.Onlythrough repair, restoration and adaptive use will thesebuildings be saved andtheir importanthistory conveyed to coming genera-
tions. Planning is underway to protectthe Shadow Mountain Lookoutonthe west side, oneofthe National Park Service’smosticonicrusticwildfirewatchtowers
TheConservancy is committed to preserving thehistory andsharing thestories of theninetraditionally associated tribal nationswhose traditionalhomelands includeRocky Mountain National Park.Inconsultation with thesetribalnations,the IndigenousConnections program will create andexpand online andprint materials, educationalcurriculum, exhibits, andpublicationsincludingJunior Ranger materials to take theparktothe next phaseofinclusive storytelling of thepark’sculturalhistory
Nature.Passiton. Passingthe stewardship of RockyMountainNational Park on to ourchildrenisa task as bigasour signature
mountains. With thesupport of ourdonorsand members,our goal is to buildand maintain aconnectionbetweenchildren, nature and thepark. Throughthe Next Generation Fund,the Rocky Mountain Conservancycapturesthe hearts,minds and fundingnecessary to secure thefutureofthe educational programs at RockyMountain National Park
To meet thesechallenges, thereare twoparts to the Next Generation Fund: a “working”fund, whichprovides more than $500,000 in donationsannuallyfor program support; andbuilding an endowmentfundthatwill eventually supportthese programsinperpetuity.
Programs supported by theNextGeneration Fund:
—The Conservancy’sConservationCorps
—Rocky’s Junior Ranger Program
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—RMNP’s“Heartofthe Rockies” EnvironmentalEducationprogram
—Youth andfamily-orientedpublications andexhibits
—Parkinternships andfellowships
—Conservancy internships andfellowships
—Youth andfamilyprogramsthrough theConservancy’sField Institute
Junior Ranger Program
Engaging kids as future park stewards.
TheNextGeneration Fund supports theprogram throughthe development andpublicationofinnovative activity booklets, games, andJuniorRangeritems. This programhelps children andtheir families to explore andexperienceRocky Mountain National Park up close. Throughengagingactivi-
ties andbooks,JuniorRangersbecomefamiliar with the flora andfauna of Rockyto help them developa love for nature,nurturing asense of commitment to thefutureof parksand protectedareas.As part of theIndigenousConnectionsprogram,the Conservancy,inconsultationwith membersofninetraditionally associated tribal nations of RockyMountain National Park,isfunding updatesto
Junior Ranger materialsto includeinformation aboutthe Native people of theregion. In 2022,almost42,000children participated in theJunior Ranger ProgramatRocky.
EnvironmentalEducation
Distance andbus transportationbudgetshortages no longerkeepschools from “visiting” theirnational park.Withfunding through theNextGenerationFund,
throughbasic videoconferencing platforms, students across thecountry (and the world!)get achancetosit down with arangertoexplorevarious topics relevant to RockyMountainNational Park.Schoolfield-trip season also provides unique educational experiencestohighneedsschools in Denver,Fort Collins, Boulder, Longmont andEstes Park,providing much-needed transportation to RMNP.These students are then immersed in theecology, geology,orbiology of RMNP throughhands-on, inquiry-based programs that highlightthese topics
Conservation Corps
Fosteringstewardship and educationthrough work and experience.
TheRocky Mountain Conservancy-ConservationCorps supports on-the-groundconservationworkinRocky Mountain National,Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest, andsimilar public landsin
Colorado.Thisprogram providesyoung people aged 18-25 with an opportunity to learn andtogivebacktotheir publiclands throughtheir service andhardworkduring thesummerand fall.
TheRocky Mountain Conservancy fundsthe development of fun, educational booksfor kids to further Rocky’seducational goals.
Recent publications include:
Mountain Valley Journals —exploresthe cultural history of MoraineParkand EstesParkfrom12,000 years agotothe present.
Cimarron theBighorn Sheep—tells thestory of the first year of adventuresfor a bighornlambinthe Rocky Mountains.
RunningWild—takes readersonincrediblejourneys down both sidesofthe ContinentalDividetowhere thewaterstravel.
Wild Inside —Rocky Mountain National Park (Englishand Spanish) —opens theworld of Rocky’swildlife to youngkidsina sturdy and entertaining boardbookformatfor youngsters
Developinginterpretive andeducation skills.
TheNextGeneration Fund provides more than
More than 100RMNPstaffmembers participateinSearch&Rescueoperations. The Conservancypurchased anew SARtacticalvan andcommand post in 2022andfunds recurring training,equipment,and mental healthsupport services.Rocky’s SARpersonnel respondto between 160and 180eventsayear, thethird busiestinthe National Park Service.
$85,000annuallyfor paid internshipsthatenablestudentstoworkalongside professionalranger-naturalists andeducators to learnthe artand craftof leading educationprogramsinthe field. This investment in future generationsallows students to work full-time during variousseasons to assist with educationand outreach in thepark: conductinginterpretiveprograms; providinginformal, roving interpretation along trails andatoverlooks; and providingparkinformation andanswering questionsat visitorcenters.
Search andRescue Support
RockyMountainNational Park hasthe thirdhighest search andrescueincident
rate in theNationalParkService,with160-180 callouts a year (which does notinclude regularemergency medical serviceorambulance calls). Theterrain of theparkvaries drasticallybylocation, elevation,and season,and weather conditionscan change within minutes. TheParkSearch andRescue team respondday or nighttoassistinjured or lost hikers.
TheConservancy recognizesthe vitalSAR mission andsupportsthe park and rangerswithfunds fortraining, mental health andcriticalincidentstressdebriefing, andequipment andsupplies. Last year,the Conservancy purchasedanew tactical SAR vanfor RMNP.SAR teamsin RMNP requireanearlyendless arrayofskillsand gear to safely andeffectivelycarry outtheir missions,fromtech-
nicalclimbingand swiftwaterrescues to wilderness first aidand workingwithcivilian andmilitaryair evacuation operations.
It’s easy to supportRocky Mountain National Park and theRocky Mountain Conservancy.Becomeamember, shop in ourvisitor centerand online nature stores (withmembers receivinga 15 percentdiscount),donate, or participateinColorado’s RMNP licenseplate program. Stateresidents canpurchase theuniqueRMNPplate fora $30donation. Onehundred percentofthe fundsgenerated throughthisprogram supportRMNP. Getyourlicenseplate todayatRMConservancy.org.
