Scenic Ecology Bus Tour 10/29

Fall River Visitor Center US Hwy 34, Estes Park, CO

Saturday, October 29, 3:00 - 6:00 PM Meet at Fall River Visitor Center on the eastern side of RMNP. Rocky Mountain National Park is lively and full of energy during the fall months as Elk begin to rut and the Aspens turn to a fire yellow. Sweeping views of valleys turning to 10,000 foot peaks […]

Scenic Ecology Bus Tour 10/30

Fall River Visitor Center US Hwy 34, Estes Park, CO

Sunday, October 30, 3:00 - 6:00 PM Meet at Fall River Visitor Center on the eastern side of RMNP. Rocky Mountain National Park is lively and full of energy during the fall months as Elk begin to rut and the Aspens turn to a fire yellow. Sweeping views of valleys turning to 10,000 foot peaks […]

Families on the Trail – Bear Lake

Join us on this free Guided Family Hike at Bear Lake! This educational trip will take you and your family from downtown Estes Park up to Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. We'll travel together on the RMC bus, then walk around Bear Lake and learn about how the plants and animals of Rocky […]

Hike with a Naturalist: Calypso Cascade

CANCELLED - #OptOutside and spend Black Friday visiting serene Calypso Cascades! Enjoy a moderate 3.6 mile hike through the Wild Basin area to visit Calypso Cascades. Hike with our naturalist guide past Copeland Falls, Upper and Lower Falls. This nature walk takes us through lush woods along the North Saint Vrain river to the cascades […]

Hike with a Naturalist: Bridal Veil Falls

#OptOutside and make your way to picturesque Bridal Veil Falls Enjoy a moderate 6.6 mile blissful hike past historic McGraw Ranch and through mountain meadows to the rocky grotto in Cow Creek canyon. This hike takes you through meadows and follows a creek stream that ends at dramatic Bridal Veil Falls. This family-friendly hike is […]

Intermediate Snowshoeing

Feeling comfortable snowshoeing on level ground? Then it's time to tackle more challenging terrain with this intermediate level outing for older teens and adults, offered by Rocky Mountain Conservancy. We'll meet in downtown Estes Park, and travel together into Rocky Mountain National Park to spend a few hours in the woods. Our exact route will […]

Bettie Course: Introduction to Winter Recreation

This Bettie Course is offered to women, and individuals that identify as women, in collaboration with KMAC in Estes Park, CO. This experience is an introduction to winter recreational activities. If you're new to exploring the outdoors in the winter, this is the course for you! This course involves classroom instruction, preparation for an outdoor […]

Kids Outdoor Explorer Summer Club

Keep the learning alive this summer with a morning adventure in Rocky Mountain National Park! Join Carlie for some hands-on learning in Rocky Mountain National Park! Leaving from Estes Park Visitor Center promptly at 9:30 and heading into the National Park, the group will explore one of many accessible locations for children, including Upper Beaver […]

Kids Outdoor Explorer Summer Club

Keep the learning alive this summer with a morning adventure in Rocky Mountain National Park! Join Carlie for some hands-on learning in Rocky Mountain National Park! Leaving from Estes Park Visitor Center promptly at 9:30 and heading into the National Park, the group will explore one of many accessible locations for children, including Upper Beaver […]

Native Orchids of Rocky Mountain National Park – Course FULL

Join Conservancy author and instructor Marlene Borneman for a day-long educational outing to explore the unique orchids of Rocky Mountain National Park. What is an orchid? The orchid family (Orchidaceae) is the largest family of flowering plants, with roughly 35,000 distinct species. While many of us consider orchids to be tropical plants, there are about […]

Early Wildflowers of Rocky Mountain National Park – Course FULL

Join Conservancy instructor Leanne Benton for an exploration of the early season wildflowers throughout Rocky Mountain National Park! Some of the park's early blooms are the loveliest, from tiny alpine forget-me-nots to colorful calypso orchids. We’ll start in the classroom for an informative lecture, and then search the park for these beauties as we explore […]

Diurnal Raptors: Rocky Mountain Birds of Prey – Filling up fast!

The Rocky Mountains and Front Range area are home to an exciting variety of raptors! Experienced wildlife guide Perry Conway will introduce you to these remarkable birds and help you learn to spot them in the wild. Register now, there are just a few spots left! Our morning will begin with an informative lecture, illustrated […]

Early Wildflowers of Rocky Mountain National Park – Additional Date!

We've added another session due to popular demand! Join Conservancy instructor Leanne Benton for an exploration of the early season wildflowers  throughout Rocky Mountain National Park! Some of the park's early blooms are the loveliest, from tiny alpine forget-me-nots to colorful calypso orchids. We’ll start in the classroom for an informative lecture, and then search […]

Kids Outdoor Explorer Summer Club

Keep the learning alive this summer with a morning adventure in Rocky Mountain National Park! Join Carlie for some hands-on learning in Rocky Mountain National Park! Leaving from Estes Park Visitor Center promptly at 9:30 and heading into the National Park, the group will explore one of many accessible locations for children, including Upper Beaver […]

Ecology of North American Bears

Itching to learn more about the bears of North America and Rocky Mountain National Park? Veteran naturalist and wildlife photographer Perry Conway presents this in-depth course on bear ecology and habitats. This full day course begins with a classroom session, where Perry will give an introductory lecture to the various species of bears found worldwide. […]

Geology of Trail Ridge Road – 2 spots left!

The foundation of Rocky Mountain National Park's awe-inspiring views is its bedrock! Join us to learn about how the park's geology shapes its majestic landscapes. If this course has filled, please check out our "Geology of the Fall River and Big Thompson Valleys" as an alternate: Geology of the Fall River and Big Thompson Valleys […]

Beginning Birding by Habitat

A two-day introductory birding course for anyone who wants to learn about the diverse habitats of Rocky Mountain National Park and the birds who call these places home. In this two day class, instructor Debbie Bangs will begin with a brief talk about why birds are so specific to various habitats within the biomes of […]

Families on the Trail

Join us for a family-friendly morning excursion in Rocky Mountain National Park! We will travel together on the Conservancy bus to various locations within Rocky Mountain National Park, where we're go for a short hike and investigate the ecosystems we find. We'll explore a new spot each week, with plenty of time for snacks and […]

Families on the Water

Rocky Mountain Conservancy and Sarah from Rambling Ruby Rose Guided Fly Fishing invite your family to get on the water for some fly fishing! This outdoor exploration experience is for children with their adult, that are at least 5 years old and headed into kindergarten. Join Carlie with Rocky Mountain Conservancy and our local fly […]

Wildflowers of Rocky Mountain National Park I and II

Explore the wonder and diversity of Rocky Mountain National Park's wildflowers with experienced RMNP interpretive naturalist, Leanne Benton. Rocky Mountain National Park's vertical topography allows for a wide variety of habitats, and participants will search out lush wildflower displays across the park, from serene montane meadows to high alpine ridges. Participants will get up close […]

Wildflowers of Rocky Mountain National Park I and II

Explore the wonder and diversity of Rocky Mountain National Park's wildflowers with experienced RMNP interpretive naturalist, Leanne Benton. Rocky Mountain National Park's vertical topography allows for a wide variety of habitats, and participants will search out lush wildflower displays across the park, from serene montane meadows to high alpine ridges. Participants will get up close […]

Families on the Trail

Join us for a family-friendly morning excursion in Rocky Mountain National Park! We will travel together on the Conservancy bus to various locations within Rocky Mountain National Park, where we're go for a short hike and investigate the ecosystems we find. We'll explore a new spot each week, with plenty of time for snacks and […]

Cancelled – Go Outside and Paint! An Introduction to Plein Air Painting

Interested in painting outdoors, but don't know how to get started? This course is for you! Unfortunately, this course has been cancelled for 2023. It will be offered again next summer, so please check back! In this morning course, participants will get a taste of the plein air experience as instructor Gail Denton provides an […]

Families on the Trail

Join us for a family-friendly morning excursion in Rocky Mountain National Park! We will travel together on the Conservancy bus to various locations within Rocky Mountain National Park, where we're go for a short hike and investigate the ecosystems we find. We'll explore a new spot each week, with plenty of time for snacks and […]

Families on the Trail

Join us for a family-friendly morning excursion in Rocky Mountain National Park! We will travel together on the Conservancy bus to various locations within Rocky Mountain National Park, where we're go for a short hike and investigate the ecosystems we find. We'll explore a new spot each week, with plenty of time for snacks and […]

Wildflower Photography in Rocky Mountain National Park – CANCELLED

Unfortunately, this class has been cancelled. For a similar program, please consider our Macro Photography course, offered on August 25 and 26, 2023. Learn to capture the delicate beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park’s infinitely varied wildflowers with expert photography instructor, Bob Dean. The creation of beautiful, strong images is a combination of art and […]

Families on the Trail

Join us for a family-friendly morning excursion in Rocky Mountain National Park! We will travel together on the Conservancy bus to various locations within Rocky Mountain National Park, where we're go for a short hike and investigate the ecosystems we find. We'll explore a new spot each week, with plenty of time for snacks and […]

Edible & Medicinal Plants of Rocky Mountain National Park

Join naturalist Leanne Benton for an exploration of the many useful (and a few dangerous) plant species found throughout Rocky Mountain National Park! Not only are Rocky's plants diverse and beautiful, but many species have been part of the grocery store and pharmacy of earlier peoples, and are still used today. We will explore these […]

Wild Mushrooms & Fungi of Rocky Mountain National Park – Course Full

Rocky Mountain National Park is home to unique fungi of all shapes and sizes! Join noted mycologist Jon Sommer to learn more about Rocky’s wide variety of wild mushrooms. This course has sold out, but you can join the wait list and we'll let you know if a spot opens up. Click on the "Join […]

Geology of the Fall River & Big Thompson Valleys

Curious about how the interaction between rock and water has shaped the eastern side of Rocky Mountain National Park? Join noted geologist David Lindsey for this informative exploration of the Fall River and Big Thompson Valleys! Entering Rocky Mountain National Park along the Fall River corridor, we will travel together up the famous Trail Ridge […]

Mindfulness Mini Retreats & Guided Hikes

Spend a day connecting with yourself and nature through yoga, hiking, guided meditation and journaling in Rocky Mountain National Park. Estes Park Yoga and the Rocky Mountain Conservancy are excited to offer this series of mini retreats in gorgeous Rocky Mountain National Park. We will begin with an hour of yoga practice (all abilities welcome) […]

Night Sky Landscape Photography – 2 spots open!

Learn to photograph stars, the Milky Way, the moon and planets with foreground landscape features using digital cameras with ordinary lenses with accomplished photojournalist Stan Honda! Participants in this three day course will learn about image composition, how to place subjects in the frame, and how to tell a story with their images. Instructor Stan […]

Macro Photography in Rocky Mountain National Park

Zoom in! Learn to create intricate, detailed images of the tiny wonders found in Rocky Mountain National Park with instructor Bob Dean. In this two-part course, students will learn to capture dramatic images of the small world. Instructor Bob Dean will lead participants through a virtual classroom discussion of macro photography skills and techniques on […]

Sketchbook Journaling: RMNP Autumn in Watercolor

Toss your sketchbook and some simple watercolor tools into your day pack, and explore Rocky Mountain National Park with instructor Karen Ramsay! Through instruction, demonstrations and free exploration time, you will be able to capture the beauty around you. During the morning in the classroom, participants will learn (or sharpen) some basic sketching and observation […]

Outdoor Explorers Fall 2023 After-school Club

Join Rocky Mountain Conservancy education staff for some hands-on learning in Rocky Mountain National Park! This after school, exploration based, outdoor education program is for Estes Valley children enrolled in kindergarten through 3rd grade in the 2023-2024 school year. Estes Valley home-school students are welcome! Each week, Rocky Mountain Conservancy education staff will take kids […]

Outdoor Explorers Fall 2023 After-school Club

Join Rocky Mountain Conservancy education staff for some hands-on learning in Rocky Mountain National Park! This after school, exploration based, outdoor education program is for Estes Valley children enrolled in kindergarten through 3rd grade in the 2023-2024 school year. Estes Valley home-school students are welcome! Each week, Rocky Mountain Conservancy education staff will take kids […]

Exploring the Ecosystems and Wildlife of Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is host to a diverse range of unique ecosystems, from sunny montane meadows to windswept tundra expanses. Get to know each special place up close with us! When you think about Rocky, do you dream of marmots on the wide open tundra? Or the quiet of steep conifer forests? Or trout-filled […]

Science Connections with Derrick Taff

Join Rocky Mountain Conservancy for this engaging lecture series at The Old Gallery in Allenspark! Connecting specialty science, local research, current events and fascinating topics to the public, the Rocky Mountain Conservancy is eager to collaborate with the Old Gallery to present Science Connections. An extension of the Conservancy Field Institute, this speaker series connects […]

Bettie Course: Women’s Outdoor Climbing

This Bettie Course is offered to women and individuals that identify as women through the Rocky Mountain Conservancy in collaboration with KMAC guides, located in Estes Park, CO. This experience is a two-day course that begins with the foundation for rock climbing outdoors, including an orientation to outdoor climbing gear, preparation and packing, and route […]