Registration for this course has closed. Not only are the plants diverse and beautiful, many have served as the grocery store and pharmacy for earlier people, and are still used today. Spend the day exploring the flora of the park with retired RMNP interpretive ranger, Leanne Benton. Focus on these edible and medicinal species with […]
Sunday, September 18, 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 […]
Thursday, September 22, 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 […]
Friday, Sept. 23, 2022, 7:30am - 11:30am It's impossible to ignore the magic of fall in the Rockies, as morning sunlight glows through golden aspen leaves and elk bugles echo in the distance. Experience these autumnal wonders on foot as you join a professional naturalist guide on a morning excursion to discover the plants, animals, […]
Saturday, September 24, 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 […]
Sunday, September 25, 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 […]
Thursday, September 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 […]
This course is now full. Please check back for similar offerings at a later date! The Thumb Open Space was recently created in partnership between the Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO), the Town of Estes Park, Estes Valley Land Trust, Access Fund, and Rocky Mountain Conservancy. Join KMAC guides in an introductory climbing course, designed especially […]
Saturday, October 1, 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 […]
Sunday, October 2, 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 […]
Wednesday, Oct. 5 2022, 8:30am - 11:30am It's impossible to ignore the magic of fall in the Rockies, as morning sunlight glows through golden aspen leaves and elk bugles echo in the distance. Experience these autumnal wonders on foot as you join a professional naturalist guide on a morning excursion to discover the plants, animals, […]
Thursday, Oct. 6 2022, 8:00am - 12:00am Beginning at picturesque Bear Lake, you'll tackle a short climb before a gentle descent to Bierstadt Lake, a remnant of Rocky's glacial past. Once at the lake, enjoy breathtaking views of the Continental Divide and keep an eye out for amphibians and waterfowl. You'll finish your hike by […]
Thursday, October 6, 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 […]
Limited Fall Learning Opportunity This two-part hybrid course is designed for beginner and intermediate photographers. It will begin with an online orientation and introduction via Zoom on Friday evening. On Saturday, participants will head into the park for a full day of photography at several locations throughout Rocky Mountain National Park. Enjoy the changing fall […]
This course is now full. Ladies, are you ready to get your feet wet? Join us as we explore the streams and rivers of Rocky Mountain National Park! This two-day course focuses on water and stream ecology, as well as as introduction to fly fishing. This Bettie Course is offered especially for women and will […]
Saturday, October 8, 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 […]
Sunday, October 9, 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 […]
Wednesday, Oct. 12 2022, 8:30am - 11:30am It's impossible to ignore the magic of fall in the Rockies, as morning sunlight glows through golden aspen leaves and elk bugles echo in the distance. Experience these autumnal wonders on foot as you join a professional naturalist guide on a morning excursion to discover the plants, animals, […]
Thursday, Oct. 13 2022, 8:00am - 12:00am Beginning at picturesque Bear Lake, you'll tackle a short climb before a gentle descent to Bierstadt Lake, a remnant of Rocky's glacial past. Once at the lake, enjoy breathtaking views of the Continental Divide and keep an eye out for amphibians and waterfowl. You'll finish your hike by […]
Thursday, October 13, 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 […]
Sunday, October 16, 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 […]
Thursday, October 20, 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 […]
Join us for a free half-day excursion in Rocky Mountain National Park! We will travel together on the RMC bus to Sprague Lake, where we'll hike around the lake and learn about the plants and animals that live there. This program is open to elementary school-aged children and their caregivers, and younger children are also […]
Saturday, October 22, 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 […]
Sunday, October 23, 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 […]
Thursday, October 27, 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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Hop on the RMC minibus for an exciting trip to visit two of Rocky Mountain National Park's iconic rivers! We'll head into RMNP to visit two amazing rivers, have lunch, and see if we can figure out their similarities and differences. We'd like you to join us! This educational program is free to attend, but […]
The prefect introduction for young photographers! Join Rocky Mountain Conservancy Education Fellow Olivia Gonzales for an introductory course on how to take amazing outdoor photographs. You will learn how to use one of RMC's digital cameras then head into Rocky Mountain National Park to get some practice making your own images. After the course, the […]
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 […]
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 […]
#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 […]
Curious about snowshoeing in Rocky Mountain National Park? Join us for this FREE introductory course for kids & caregivers! Just because there's snow on the ground doesn't mean families can't get out on the trail! During this afternoon course, we’ll travel together on the RMC bus into Rocky Mountain National Park to learn how to […]
Join Rocky Mountain Conservancy for a guided winter hike to the Eugenia Mine historic site in Rocky Mountain National Park! We'll meet in downtown Estes Park, travel together to the trailhead, and then head into the woods! Your guide will discuss the history of the Eugenia Mine and other notable mining operations on the east […]
SOLD OUT - Curious about snowshoeing in Rocky Mountain National Park? Join us for this FREE introductory course for kids & caregivers! - SOLD OUT Just because there's snow on the ground doesn't mean families can't get out on the trail! During this morning course, we’ll travel together on the RMC bus into Rocky Mountain […]
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 […]
SOLD OUT - Curious about snowshoeing in Rocky Mountain National Park? Join us for this FREE introductory course for kids & caregivers! - SOLD OUT Just because there's snow on the ground doesn't mean families can't get out on the trail! During this morning course, we’ll travel together on the RMC bus into Rocky Mountain […]
SOLD OUT - Curious about snowshoeing in Rocky Mountain National Park? Join us for this FREE introductory course for kids & caregivers! - SOLD OUT Just because there's snow on the ground doesn't mean families can't get out on the trail! During this morning course, we’ll travel together on the RMC bus into Rocky Mountain […]
CANCELLED DUE TO WINTER STORM WARNING Click here for more information on weather conditions 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 […]
Join Dusty and Carlie as they venture into Rocky Mountain National Park for an intense educational experience that culminates in a Rec-1 Avy certification. This Bettie Course is offered to women, and individuals that identify as women, in collaboration with KMAC in Estes Park, CO. This experience is a three-day course that begins by providing […]
SOLD OUT - Curious about snowshoeing in Rocky Mountain National Park? Join us for this FREE introductory course for kids & caregivers! - SOLD OUT Just because there's snow on the ground doesn't mean families can't get out on the trail! During this morning course, we’ll travel together on the RMC bus into Rocky Mountain […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Join Cheri Yost and Leanne Benton for a look at the remarkable life and career of alpine ecologist, Bettie Willard, whose research influenced Rocky Mountain National Park's tundra protection policies and who founded the Rocky Mountain Conservancy Field Seminars Program. Dr. Bettie WillardEnclosure Work, Photo: NPS We will travel to the tundra to immerse ourselves […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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) […]
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 […]
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 […]
Rocky Mountain Conservancy is excited to announce "The Illustrated Journal: Painting and Drawing your Life," led by Donna Lyons, and offered in Grand Lake and the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park! The journal can be a place to rediscover your particular physical spaces and can generate significance and gratitude for the small pleasures […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Learn to capture a unique perspective on the spectacular fall colors of Rocky Mountain National Park with accomplished nature photographer, Bob Dean! Each fall, Rocky Mountain National Park puts on a show as fall blankets the forest and meadows in golds, reds, and browns. In this two-part course, instructor Bob Dean will teach beginning and […]
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 […]
Celebrate the women who made history in Rocky Mountain National Park with the Conservancy and Dr. Ruth M. Alexander! The Estes Park community celebrates notable author Isabella Bird's arrival to the valley and summit of Longs Peak 150 years ago with an informative presentation and discussion of some of the most notable women to visit […]
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 […]
