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| Visitor Center | Open | Close |
| Alpine | Memorial Day Weekend | Mid Oct |
| Corral Creek | Mid Jun - Daily | Labor Day |
| Headquarters | All Year - 8:00 am to 5:00 pm - Daily | 25 Dec |
| Kawuneeche | All Year - 8:00 am to 4:30 pm - Daily | 25 Dec |
| Lily Lake | Summer | Winter |
| Moraine Park Museum | Mid May | Mid Oct |
| Sheep Lakes | Mid May - Daily | Mid Aug |
Special Events and Programs
Rocky Mountain National Park is open year round with peak visitation in Jul and Aug. The roads close after heavy snow and the only road that goes through the park from one side to the other, closes from Oct through May.
The snow-mantled peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park rise above verdant subalpine valleys and glistening lakes. One third of the park is above tree line, and here tundra predominates - a major reason why these peaks and valleys have been set aside as a national park.
There are many activities to do to enjoy Rocky Mountain National Park. Here are a few activities that the visitor may consider: camping, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, mountaineering, photography, ranger activities, stargazing and winter sports activities.
The Never Summer Ranch examines historical dude ranching open mid Jun through Labor day.
Special lecture series and programs occur year round. The Rocky Mountain Nature Association offers summer seminar programs. Both the towns of Grand Lake and Estes Park hold special activities.
Flowers in Bloom
June and July are the best months for seeing the wild flowers. Weather conditions determine when and where flowers bloom; call 970-586-1206 for up to date information.
Artist-in-Residence Program
Artists have had a long-standing impact on the formation, expansion and direction of this country's national parks. Painting the dynamic landscapes of the American West, visual artists like George Catlin and Albert Bierstadt publicized many of the natural wonders of a land little known to the eastern populace. These artists' visual records focused attention on an emerging scene, and their work helped to stimulate the establishment of many of our national parks.
Painters of today continue to document the landscapes of the national parks with contemporary approaches and techniques. Writers, journalists, musicians, composers, and other performing artists also draw upon the multifaceted quality of parks for inspiration. All of these artists translate the national park's purpose, as a place of pleasure and preservation, into images which bring others an enjoyment of the parks they may never visit. Rocky Mountain National Park's Artist-in-Residence (AIR) program provides professional artists the opportunity to become a part of a long established tradition of artists in our national parks.
The Artist-in-Residence program at Rocky Mountain National Park offers professional writers, composers, and visual and performing artists the opportunity to pursue their particular art form while being surrounded by the inspiring landscape of Rocky Mountain National Park. The park provides the use of a rustic, historic cabin to selected participants for two-week periods from early June through September. No stipend is provided.
In return, participating artists are asked to donate to the park an original piece of work representative of their artistic medium and two week stay. They are also asked to provide the copyright to the National Park Service. Although the National Park Service will not allow the donated art work to be used for commercial purposes by independent commercial entities, it may be used for educational purposes or by Rocky Mountain National Park's non-profit cooperating association for their products. The artist retains a royalty-free, non-exclusive license under the copyright of the art. The National Park Service owns the artwork and the rights to reproduce it. Under those rights, the artist has a license under the copyright to make use of the artwork for his or her purposes. When artists reproduce artwork for their own purposes, publication information will include the language: "This artwork was produced under the Artist-In-Residence Program at Rocky Mountain National Park."
These creative works of donated artwork will be displayed on a rotating schedule or shared with the public through other appropriate means.
Artists are required to present two pre-scheduled presentations to the public during their residency. This interaction can be tailored to an individual's medium, interest, and experience, and would use only a few hours of one's stay. Examples of programs include a demonstration, talk, exploratory hike, or a performance.
The Rocky Mountain National Park AIR program is managed by the Division of Interpretation. It is one of the longest running programs in the national park system. The works completed under this program are contributing to the public understanding and appreciation of our national parks.
The finished artwork will characterize Rocky Mountain National Park for present and future generations. Offering the park visitor and the general public an opportunity to see our heritage through the eyes, and ears of the contributing artists fulfills one of the program's main purposes. Another aim of the program is to ensure the preservation of the William Allen White cabin, an historic structure within Rocky Mountain Park. Built in 1887, this home was set aside in 1984 to house Artist-in-Residence participants.
Perpetuating the memory of William Allen White, a nationally recognized editor and author, is the third purpose of the AIR program. Mr. White spent thirty one summers in his cabin amidst the inspiring landscape of Moraine Park and the Rocky Mountains.
The William Allen White Cabin
The William Allen White Cabin is the home of Rocky Mountain National Park's Artist-in-Residence program. The rustic cabin on the hill overlooking Moraine Park was the summer retreat of William Allen White from 1912 to 1943. A nationally recognized journalist and editor of the Emporia Gazette (Kansas), his spirit lives on with the contemporary artists who work in his cabin today.
The cabin has a high-beamed living room/dining area with a large fireplace, one bedroom and bathroom, and a small kitchen. There is limited central heat. Participants in the AIR program will find the cabin fully furnished including linens and kitchenware. Individuals need to bring personal amenities.
Because of the historic fabric of the cabin, the facility is not fully accessible for individuals with disabilities. Personal needs can be addressed on a case by case basis. Pets are not allowed.
The Selection Process
A panel composed of professionals from various related disciplines will choose six to eight finalists, with four alternates for the upcoming season. Selections are made solely on the basis of merit.
How to Apply
It is critical to follow the requirements precisely. Insufficient or excessive materials will be cause for application rejection. The required 2002 application materials are:
1. Six copies each of:
4. Preferred residency dates noted on the entry form (June - September).
5. A completed entry form.
Entry forms may be obtained by mailing a request to :
Coordinator, Artist-In-Residence Program
Rocky Mountain National Park
Estes Park, CO 80517
or by phoning: 970-586-1206.
Calendar
Entries are usually accepted from November through January. Applications postmarked after the deadline will not be considered. Call or write the park for exact dates. Notification of finalists are usually given in March.
Ranger Led Activities
A variety of ranger led programs are offered throughout the year. Walks, talks, hikes and slide programs are given daily, bi-weekly, and weekly. Check the spring and summer issues of the park newspaper "Country Headlines" for complete schedules of activities.
| Activity | Length | Time | Description |
| Alpine Visitor Center | Daily - Memorial Day - mid Oct | "The Land of No Trees", alpine tundra ecosystem exhibits | |
| Evening Program | 1.0 hr | Sat at 7:00 pm | Check at visitor center for topics for the evening programs |
| Full Moon Walks | 1.5 to 2.0 hr | Call 970-586-1206 for times & locations |
Witness the beauty of the natural world by moonlight |
| Half-day Snowshoe Excursion | 4.0 hr | Call 970-586-1206 for times & reservation |
Join a ranger for an intermediate level winter journey |
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| Moraine Park Museum | Varies | Daily - May mid Oct |
"The Making of a Landscape", geology exhibits |
| Snowshoe with a Ranger | 2.0 hr | Call 970-586-1206 for times & reservation |
Take a beginner level snowshoe tour with a ranger |
| Winter Exploration | Call 970-586-1206 | Backcountry office, end of path, east of Park HQ VC | Call 970-586-1206 for times & locations |
| Winter Stories | 45 min | Easy winter stroll through the park's montane meadows & forests | Join a ranger for a hot drink & heart-warming stories of the park & legends from the past |
| Activity | Length | Time | Description |
| Evening Program | 1.0 hr | 2nd & 3rd Sat at 7:00 pm |
Check at the Kawuneeche Visitor Center for topics |
| Lily Lake Visitor Center | Varies | 1st & 2nd Sat 03 Jan - 14 Mar |
Combination forest service & park service exhibits explore the Longs Peak area at the center |
| Snowshoe in the Kawuneeche | 2.0 hr | Daily - Jun - Aug | Take a beginner level snowshoe tour with a ranger |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Side Ski Trails | 2.0 hrs | 3rd & 4th Sat 20 Dec - 28 Feb |
Check at the Kawuneeche Visitor Center at 1:30 pm |
Junior Ranger Programs
A variety of ranger led programs are offered throughout the year. Walks, talks, hikes and slide programs are given daily, bi-weekly, and weekly. Junior Ranger log books are available at all park visitor centers. Check the spring and summer issues of the park newspaper "Country Headlines" for complete schedules of activities.
1) The park has a "Rocky's Junior Ranger Program" for children in kindergarten through eighth grade. Emphasis is placed on park preservation, flora and fauna facts, and environmental education. When kids complete the Junior Ranger booklet, they earn a badge. Check at a visitor center for information.
2) "Children's Adventure" is a ranger-led program for kids 6 to 12 years old. It focuses on hands-on activities that teach kids about the park's geology and wildlife. At the "Skins and Skulls" talk, kids touch animal skulls and stuffed animals while learning about moose, elk, bighorn sheep, bobcats, and other creatures.
3) "Rocky's Engineers" is a terrific program led by a park ranger. Kids and adults learn how beavers make the harsh Rocky Mountain environment their home. Bring your Junior Ranger Log Book to earn credit for attending. Check at a visitor center for times.
4) Explore the park at night by attending "Rocky After Dark," led by a ranger. The whole family will learn about animals that see well in the dark, plus how to identify trees by touch. Bring jackets and flashlights.
5) The Beaver Boardwalk near the beginning of Trail Ridge Road is another place to visit with young beaver fans. The trail takes you over a pond recently inhabited by an industrious colony of beavers. Their story is told on signs along the walkway.
6) There are plenty of hiking trails that kids can enjoy (a half mile or less). See what plants and animals they can identify on the trail. The Moraine Park Nature Trail tests observation skills. Scout the shores of alpine lakes on Sprague Lake Nature Trail and Bear Lake Trail.
7) Saddle up a horse and ride into the high country. This is a wonderful way for older children to see more alpine country than possible on foot. Sign up for one of the guided rides that allow time for fishing for brown, brook, rainbow, and cutthroat trout. (A state fishing license is required.) Call: 970-586-3244 or 970-586-2327.
8) Try this car game: Describe what the mountains, clouds, and other features look like. The Mummy Range, for example, looks like a sleeping Egyptian mummy. What other shapes do the mountains seem to take?
9) At the Moraine Park Museum, see exhibits created by the Denver Museum of Natural History. The "animal, vegetable, mineral" game is a natural to play after learning about the geology and wildlife of the Rockies. For example: "I'm thinking of something that's speckled when it's warm out and white when it snows." (A ptarmigan.) 10) In late July, the mountains ring with music and fun during the Rooftop Fair and Rodeo in Estes Park. A rodeo with Colorado cowboys, a parade, and country-western concerts are all on the agenda. In the winter, go to the Winter Carnival at Grand Lake to celebrate this snowy wonderland. There are snowmobile events, snow sculpture contests, and more.
Other Tips for Parents with Children
Kids are born naturalists. They access the natural world by asking questions, which sometimes come in bunches. Introducing children to the outdoors can begin at any time, but why not begin early? And why not start them out in Rocky Mountain National Park, one of the country's premier outdoor wonderlands.
Infants can be carried in a front pack, which can be tucked inside the jacket if it's chilly. Hike anywhere. The youngster will be enthralled by the stunning scenery and the fresh mountain air, so enthralled that he or she will fall asleep in short order.
When they reach the toddler stage, children begin to more actively interact with nature. It is a time of observation, of making initial connections and stockpiling notes. It is a wonderful time to introduce them to one of the many discovery trips found around the park. A few suggestions.
Explore the edges of Bear Lake while enjoying the guidebook-guided trail tour that explains the area's natural and human history. Water holds an amazing variety of plant and animal life that will pique a child's curiosity.
Discover Rocky Mountain's amazing array of wildlife. At particular times during the summer (ask a park ranger), the bighorn sheep come down to Sheep Lakes. Kids especially enjoy watching them cross the road after the lambs are born. Find a ponderosa pine forest and watch for Abert's squirrels. Their dark color and busy activities catch a toddler's eye for contrast and movement.
Kids that are a bit older develop a more complex understanding of the world around them. While some children might enjoy expending energy hiking along a trail, most seem happiest thoroughly exploring a smaller area. On any hike with 3 to 5 year olds, it's a good idea to include a magnifying glass in the backpack. Textures of trees, plants, bugs and rocks are exciting close-up.
Kids love climbing on rocks. The trail to Gem Lake is a rocky paradise lined by boulders that are perfectly arranged for climbing.
In the early summer, enjoy the amazing floral colors found along the trail to Cub Lake. Have the youngsters keep an eye out for hummingbirds that may be visiting the flowers. Watch for beaver along the way in the Cub Creek drainage. Beaver dams are easy to spot in this area and stream banks are ideal places to look for animal tracks.
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