September 2015 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 the ranger programs page to find our 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.

 

	September 2015 Events
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 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!
June 1, 2015 - October 31, 2015	Hot Sulphur Creative Arts Council Celebration of RMNP Location: Hot Sulphur Springs Town Hall, 513 Aspen St, Hot Sulphur Springs, CO The Creative Arts Council celebrates the 100th Anniversary of RMNP by hosting a Historic Arts Show featuring photography of RMNP from local artists.
July 25 - November 28, 2015	Jim Disney: Rocky Mountain Vision Location: Loveland Museum, Loveland, CO Details: Jim Disney is a Loveland resident and also an avid outdoorsman who spends much of his time in Rocky Mountain National Park. His love for wildlife, the outdoors, and the Colorado mountains are evident in his paintings and artwork. Jim was commissioned to design the commemorative poster for the RMNP Centennial Celebration. This exhibit will feature Jim's art work, as well as a lecture/talk/tour by the artist.
August 30 - September 5, 2015	100 Images for 100 Years Instagram Photography Exhibit Time: Daily 9am - 5pm Location: Fall River Visitor Center Details: For an entire year, RMNP collected images submitted to Instagram with the #RMNP with the hopes of collecting 100,000 photos for our Centennial Celebration. This exhibit is the culmination of that project, with 100 photos chosen from those that were submitted. Come experience these amazing images taken by photographers just like you.
September 2, 2015	Centennial Artist in Residence Program Presents: Through an Artist's Eyes Time: 7:30pm Location: Beaver Meadows Visitor Center Auditorium Details: Discover the many ways that nature inspires art in these weekly presentations by one of the park's Artists in Residence. See the artist's work and discover how their residency in the park is influencing their art. During the Centennial year, Artist in Residence participants will represent the past, present, and future of the program.
September 3, 2015	Centennial Science Behind the Scenery Time: 7:30pm Location: Beaver Meadows Visitor Center Auditorium Details: This series highlights scientific activity and learning in the park as it relates to the 100th Anniversary. Each week a different scientist conducting research in the park will share their experiences and discoveries.
September 3, 2015	West Side Re-Dedication Celebration Time: 11am - 1pm Location: Holzwarth Historic Site, RMNP Details: Come join us for music and fun as we celebrate the next 100 years of Rocky Mountain National Park. The event will be held at the Holzwarth Historic Site. However, to attend this event visitors must board a shuttle bus from the Grand Lake Elementary School or the Kawuneeche Visitor Center. Buses will begin service at 9am and will continue through 3pm. Space is limited so please plan ahead, arrive early, carpool, or ride a bus. Click here for a map of the bus route.
September 4, 2015	Centennial Re-Dedication Ceremony Time: 11am - 1pm Location: Glacier Basin Campground, RMNP Details: Join us for special speakers, music, and family activities as we dedicate Rocky Mountain National Park for the next 100 years. The event will be held in the meadow at Glacier Basin Campground. The area will open at 9am for event attendees. Parking is expected to fill up quickly at Glacier Basin Campground. A portion of Rocky Mountain National Park's Park & Ride lot will be reserved for event attendees as well. A shuttle bus will be running from the Estes Park Fairgrounds Park & Ride directly to Glacier Basin Campground beginning at 9am and will continue through 2:30pm. Space is limited so please plan ahead, arrive early, carpool, or ride a bus. Click here for a map of the shuttle bus route.
September 4, 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!
September 6, 2015	Tombstone Tales Time: 11am - 5pm Location: Shuttle from Grand Lake, CO to the Grand Lake Cemetary in RMNP Details: This spooky event will "visit" with 6 real characters who played a significant role in the early days of Rocky Mountain National Park and the Grand Lake Area. Tickets: $20/adult, $5/under 12. For more information visit www.grandartscouncil.com
September 18-19, 2015	RMNP Employee/Alumni Reunion Location: YMCA of the Rockies Details: Click here for details.