Explore the natural and cultural wonders of the Rocky Mountains during a ranger-led walk, talk or activity. Fun and engaging programs will be happening all summer long! All ranger-guided experinces are free, great for visitors of all ages, and open to the public.
Ranger programs (topics, descriptions, times, and locations) are posted at visitor centers throughout the park. Programs may be canceled last minute due to unforeseen circumstances like inclement weather. We advise that you check at one of the park's visitor centers to check on the status of a program.
East Side (Estes Park) Programs
Program Name
Program Description
Location
Days of Week
Time of Program
Length
Season Dates
Discover Birding
Discover Rocky's migratory and resident birds alongside a skilled birder! Meet at the end of Upper Beaver Meadows Road for this easy hour to hour and a half walk. Binoculars are provided.
Upper Beaver Meadows
Wednesdays and Saturdays
7:30 a.m.
1-1.5 hours
May 24-August 23
Bird Sit & Stroll
So what's a bird sit, anyway? Enjoy a relaxing exploration of our feathered friends. Feel free to bring a chair or a blanket to get comfy! Meet at West Alluvial Fan Parking Area. Binoculars are provided.
West Alluvial Fan Parking Area
Tuesdays
7:30 a.m. - 9 a.m.
Drop in anytime between 7:30 a.m. and 9 a.m.
May 27 - August 23
Bighorn Basics
A symbol of Rocky Mountain National Park since 1915, explore the natural history and behavior of the elusive bighron sheep. Will you be lucky enough to spot one today?
Sheep Lakes Information Station
Daily Monday through Sunday
10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m.
15-20 minutes
May 24 - August 17
Junior Angler Adventures
Calling all Junior Rangers! Drop-in and earn your Junior Angler Badge while learning the ins and outs of fishing in Rocky. Park at the west Alluvial Fan and meet the ranger by the river in the meadow across the parking lot. Fishing gear provided.
West Alluvial Fan Parking Area
Thursdays
8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Drop in anytime between 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
Starting May 30
RockyLAB
Drop into RockyLAB and dive into hands-on fun. Explore different science and nature activities. Perfect for all ages. What will you discover?
Fall River Visitor Center
Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays
12 - 2 p.m.
Drop in anytime between 12 and 2 p.m.
Starting May 24
West Side (Grand Lake) Programs
Program Name
Program Description
Location
Days of the Week
Time of Program
Length
Season Dates
Holzwarth Stories
Step back in time for this short ranger-led talk and learn about the Holzwarth family.
Holzwarth Historic Site
Daily
11 a.m.
20 minutes
May 24 - September 1
Critter Chat
Drop in to discover the different types of animals that live on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park
Kawuneeche Visitor Center
Daily
1:15 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.
Drop in anytime between 1:15-2:15 p.m.
May 24 - September 1
Cocoa With a Ranger
Drop in to learn about recreational activities on the west side of the park. And enjoy free hot cocoa to start your day!
Kawuneeche Visitor Center
Daily
8 a.m. - 9 a.m.
Drop in anytime between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m.
May 24 - September 1
Exploring Rocky!
Hey kids! Drop in every Thursday for a Junior Ranger program and explore the West Side of Rocky Mountain National Park.
Kawuneeche Visitor Center
Thursdays
9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Drop in anytime between 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
May 29 - September 25
Calling all Junior Anglers!
Interested in learning about the fish that live in the Rocky Mountains? Want to learn how to fly-fish? Join us anytime between 9:30am - 1:30pm to learn how to fish...and maybe catch one yourself! Kids can earn a Jr Angler Badge too! Open to all ages; Fishing gear provided. *Anyone 16 and older must have a Colorado Fish and Wildlife permit to fish.
Holzwarth Historic Site Parking Area. Meet at the bridge, 1/4 mile walk from the parking area.
Fridays
9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Drop in anytime from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
May 30 - September 26
Ecology Walk
Go on a stroll to learn about plants, animals, and new growth after fire on a guided ecology walk.
Kawuneeche Visitor Center (meet at the flagpole)
Daily
9:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
45 minutes
June 1 - September 1
Special Program: Fly Fishing in the Rockies
Join Rocky Mountain National Park and National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD) at the Colorado River! Learn the basics of fly-fishing with trained instructors. Discover how to read the water, learn about fish species in the park, practice casting, and build community. Event is free and open to the public. Pre-registration with NSCD is required for people with disabilities: http://nscd.connectintouch.com).
*Anyone 16 and older must have a Colorado Fish and Wildlife permit to fish.
Holzwarth Historic Site Parking Area. Meet at the bridge, 1/4 mile walk from the parking area.
June 21, July 19, and August 23
9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Drop in anytime from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Begins June 21
Alpine Visitor Center Area Programs
Program Name
Program Description
Location
Days of the Week
Time of Program
Length
Season Dates
Tundra Nature Walk
Discover what makes the alpine tundra such an amazing place. Bring warm layers, water, and sunscreen.
Medicine Bow Curve
Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays
10 a.m.
1-1.5 hours
June 16 - August 9
High Country Tales
Join a ranger to hear fascinating and sometimes unexpected stories of how humans and wildlife interact with the alpine world.
Alpine Visitor Center
Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays
10:30 a.m.
20 minutes
June 8 - October 13
High Country Tales
Join a ranger to hear fascinating and sometimes unexpected stories of how humans and wildlife interact with the alpine world.
Alpine Visitor Center
Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays
2:30 p.m.
20 minutes
June 8 - October 13
Hidden Valley and Moraine Park Discovery Center
Program Name
Program Description
Location
Days of the Week
Time of Program
Length
Season Dates
Discovering Rocky
Meet a park ranger and learn more about a variety of topics related to wildlife, history and more in a fun and engaging environment!
Moraine Park Discovery Center
Daily
2 p.m.
30 minutes
May 24 - September 30
Discovery Day Activities
Learn about ecosystems, wildlife, and how to safely and respectfully enjoy all that Rocky Mountain National Park has to offer
Moraine Park Discovery Center
Daily
9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Drop in anytime from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily
May 17 - September 30
Junior Ranger Discovery Activities
Calling all Junior Rangers, come pick up a Junior Ranger Discovery Bag and enjoy fun activities while exploring around Hidden Valley with your family.
