May Centennial Events

Year-round Activities

RMNP Centennial Ranger Programs
These FREE talks, walks, and evening programs with a ranger are offered throughout the year and celebrate the wilderness, wildlife, and wonder of our Centennial. Please consult our park newspaper or our ranger programs page to see what is being offered during your visit.

Rocky Mountain Conservancy Centennial Seminar Series
Beginning in the Fall of 2014 and running through the end of 2015, the non-profit partner of RMNP, the Rocky Mountain Conservancy, will be offering full, half, and multi-day field classes through the RMC-Field Institute program to celebrate the Centennial. Visit www.rmconservancy.org and click on the "learn with us" tab to find out more about these classes.

Celebrate our Centennial with the Colorado Mountain Club (Starting September 2014)
The Colorado Mountain Club was instrumental in the formation of Rocky Mountain National Park 100 years ago. Original members participated in a 1914 pack trip organized to give Arapaho names to area peaks and features in an effort to help persuade Congree to establish Rocky Mountain National Park. James Grafton Rodgers, who began lobbying for designation as a national park in 1907, became the first president of the Colorado Mountain Club in 1912. Click here for details.

• Climbs, Hikes, and Snowshoes of 100 of the 125 Named Peaks in the Park
• 100 Mile Hike Combo
• Wildflower Hikes led by Colorado Native Plant Masters

YMCA of the Rockies Centennial Hikes (Starting September 2014)
TheYMCA of the Rockies has been leading educational excursions into Rocky Mountain National Park since the park's creation in 1915. Come enjoy the beauty and backcountry of the park with one of their talented hike-leaders. Fees: Free for YMCA guests, $20 day pass required for non-YMCA guests. Click here for details.

Climb On! - an exhibit (September 26, 2014 - October 4, 2015)
Join us at the Estes Park Museum (200 Fourth Street, Estes Park) and experience the vertical side of Estes Park, home to some of the nation's most spectacular rock climbing. Granite boulders, sub-alpine crags, and high mountain walls make the Estes valley and surrounding high peaks a world class training ground for elite and amateur climbers alike. Learn about ascending rocky terrain and how individuals pioneered local routes that pushed the limits of gravity. 10am - 5pm daily. Free admission.

Grand Lake Chamber and Visitor Center 100th Anniversary Activities (Starting September 2014)
Starting in September 2014 and continuing through September 2015, the Grand Lake Chamber and Visitor Center will be offering activities for all ages.

• 100th Anniversary Children's Coloring Map (with Crayon Pack): Young visitors will enjoy this way to explore the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park and learn unique details of the park's history.
• Grand Lake "Then and Now" Walking Tour: This self-guided walking tour starts at the Grand Lake Chamber and Visitor Center and highlights many of the locations that RMNP visitors have enjoyed throughout the years. Visitors will find, in store fronts, photographic examples of Grand Lake's tourist destinations - then and now.

Across the Divide Geo-Tour, a Centennial GeoAdventure
Looking for a new, fun way to spend the day in Estes Park, Grand Lake, and Rocky Mountain National Park? Starting March 1, come experience this FREE Family Fun GPS treasure hunt! 50 Geocaches (EarthCaches, virtual caches, and traditional caches) in Estes Park, Grand Lake, and RMNP relating to the Wilderness, Wildlife, Wonder and RMNP's Centennial history take you from town to town and across the Continental Divide (when Trail Ridge Road is open). Whether you are new to geo-caching or are a geo-caching expert, this tour is a fun and challenging adventure for the whole family. Find 10, 35, or 50 geocaches and earn different souvenir commemorative coins. Find out more at the Grand Lake or Estes Park Visitor Centers, the Across the Divide GeoTour Facebook page, or cut and past the following website into your browser: www.geocaching.com/play/geotours/across-the-divide.

Wilderness, Wildlife, and Wonder Art Show and Centennial and RMNP Information at The Old Gallery
Visitors traveling into the RMNP area of the Peak to Peak Highway (Rt. 7) can stop at The Old Gallery (14862 Peak to Peak Highway, Allenspark, CO) for park information and promotional materials. Art created by local artists will feature the area's Wilderness, Wildlife, and Wonder and will be on display for the Celebration year.

 

	May 2015 Events
Today - July 31, 2015	Registration for Vacation Races' Rocky Mountain Half Marathon Location: Estes Park, CO Details: Register with Vacation Races for this beautiful half marathon in the Town of Estes Park. Event though the course is entirely outside the park, the entire run has spectacular views of Longs Peak, the Continental Divide, and local features to inspires you as you run. To find out more informatino or to register visit www.therockymountainhalf.com
Today - September 1, 2015	Registration for Vacation Races' 100th Anniversary Virtual Race - 5K, 10K, or Half Marathon Location: ANYWHERE! Details: Register with Vacation Races for this run virtual race. What is a virtual race? A virtual race sets the distance and the day, and you get to pick the location. Pick your distance (5K, 10K, or Half Marathon), register, run that distance between September 1-7, log your time and race conditions on the website, and receive a race t-shirt, race medal, and fun prizes. Celebrate our Centennial whereever you are by running with us! For more details or to register, visit www.therockymountainhalf.com/rocky-mountain-100th-anniversary-virtual-race/
January 24 - May 2, 2015	Harold Dunning's World View Location: Loveland Museum, Loveland, CO Details: Harold Dunning was a collector and the founder of the Loveland History Museum, which is now the Loveland Museum/Gallery. Dunning was also an avid outdoorsman who climbed Longs Peak over 100 times! Recently, Dunning's family donated many of his personal items and photos, several of them reflecting the time he spent in Rocky Mountain National Park. This exhibit will also feature accompanying programs about Dunning and also about climbing and hiking in the park.
March 21 - September 4 (and beyond!)	RMNP Centennial Exhibit Location: History Colorado, Denver, CO Details: This exhibit explores the many ways that people have connected with the landscape of Rocky Mountain National Park over time. Come see how your experiences fit into history of people in the park!
May 1, 2015	Wild Inspirations Time: 5-8pm Location: Aspen and Evergreen Gallery, 356 E. Elkhorn Ave, Estes Park, CO Details: Art and artists throughout American history have discovered inspiration from wild places and played important roles informing the public about the wonders of lands now forever protected by law. Come meet local artists at this event and hear one or more speak briefly about how Rocky Mountain National Park inspires their art. Enjoy appetizers, drinks, and live music! A percentage of all sales will go to benefit the park. See you there!
May 18, 2015	Pioneers of the Peaks: Local Climbers Who Made History The Art of Mountaineering with James Disney Time: 7pm Location: Estes Park Museum, 200 Fourth Street, Estes Park, CO Details: For several decades, a small group of men and women made history exploring and ascending the summits surrounding the Estes Valley. This hardy group paved the way for others to pursue the challenges of our alluring landscapes. In 2013 and 2014, the Estes Park Museum and the Estes Valley Library gathered their inspiring stories. This January through June, a monthly series will feature special guests from among the 18 local climbers and mountaineers who were interviewed for the Climbers' Oral History Project. These monthly talks will be held at the Estes Park Museum in conjunction with the museum's "Climb On!" exhibition celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Rocky Mountain National Park.
May 19, 2015	Enos Mills and the Campaign for Rocky Mountain National Park Time: 1pm and 7pm Location: History Colorado, 1200 Broadway, Denver, CO Details: On January 26, 1915, after a hard-fought seven year campaign, President Woodrow Wilson signed the bill creating Rocky Mountain National Park. At the center of it all was conservationist Enos A. Mills, the "Father of Rocky Mountain National Park". Historian Jim Pickering delves inot the history of this Colorado icon and tourist magnet as we celebrate its Centennial. Tickets: members $8.50, nonmembers $10, students (with ID) $6.50. To buy tickets by phone, call 303-866-2394, or for more information email [e-mail]. Tickets can also be purchased online at HistoryColorado.org.
May 20, 2015	Spectacular High Altitude Trail Ridge Road Bicycle Ride (without motor vehicle traffic) *Ride is contingent on Trail Ridge Road being closed to motor vehicle traffic at this time* Time: 8am - noon Location: Trail Ridge Road. Start location will be given out upon making reservation. Details: Intermediate/Advanced/Adult, Limit 20 Riders. Experience the wonders of Trail Ridge Road without motor vehicle traffic. Trail Ridge Road offers a dazzling variety of mountain environments, chances to see wildlife, and magnificent views. Feel the "gentle" breeze, smell the spring air, witness the wonder of yearly regeneration, and challenge yourself with high altitudes and steep climbs and descents. There will be two turnaround points: Rock Cut and Alpine Visitor Center. You must bring: bikes and helmets for all riders, appropriate clothing, water, snacks, recovery gear for you and your bike, and sun protection. For more information, or to sign up, please contact Mark Kougl at 586-1311.
May 23, 2015 - September 4, 2015	Kauffman House Museum Centennial Exhibit Location: Kauffman House Museum, 407 Pitkin St., Grand Lake, CO This exhibit highlights the history of the development of the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park and the related changes in Grand Lake. Come browse historic narratives, memoirs, photographs, and artifacts that will take you back up to 100 years!
May 25, 2015	A Wonder-ful Memorial Tribute Time: 10am Location: Downtown Grand Lake, CO Details: In the western gateway town to Rocky Mountain National Park, the Grand Lake Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony honors those who served to protect and defend our nation. The parade begins promptly at 10am and proceeds down Grave Ave. It includes Veterans, service groups, horses, and plenty of patriotism! Immediately following the parade will be a touching ceremony in Town Park with live music. Veterans are provided with complimentary coffee and continental breakfast at Pancho & Lefty's and will be treated to a potluck and beverages following the ceremony.
May 29-31, 2015	Estes Park Western Heritage Art and Artisan Show and Sale Time:Friday, May 29: 6-10pm, Saturday, May 30: 9am-5pm, Sunday, May 31: 9am - 3pm Location: Stanley Fairgounds Pavilion Bldg, Estes Park, CO Details: Come view the best in Western art! The Windows in the West Art Show will showcase the beauty of the mountains and wildlife that are found in Rocky Mountain National Park and the surrounding area. The Western Artisan Show will celebrate traditional cowboy arts, tack, and tools that have been in use since the park first was founded in 1915. Many pieces from the RMNP Artist-in-Residence collection will exhibited, and several pieces will be available for purchase.
May 30, 2015	Centennial Speaker Series: Jill Baron - "Stories from Loch Vale" Time: 7:30 pm, doors open at 7 pm Location: Beaver Meadows Visitor Center Auditorium Details: As Rocky Mountain National Park celebrates its first 100 years, we will address the importance of long-term ecosystem science in understanding the natural dynamics of mountain catchments, the effects of human activities, and how scientific knowledge will be essential to protecting mountain ecosystems for the next 100 years.
May 30-31, 2015	Rocky Mountain Chuckwagon Cook-off Details:This event has been CANCELLED. We apologize for the inconvenience.