The News from Rocky Mountain

Hear the Bugle Call

Hear the sound of the elk echoing through the Rockies. View the golden aspens glistening in the sunlight. Take a deep breath in of the cool mountain air and watch the majestic bull elk chase his harem through Rocky Mountain National Park. Elk Fest celebrates fall in the Rockies and all things Wapiti — the American elk that calls Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park “home.”

Victim ID'd in Skiing Death at Rocky Mountain National Park

The man who was killed this week trying to ski on Taylor Glacier in Rocky Mountain National Park was identified today as Matthew Chesaux of Boulder.

Chesaux, 40, died of blunt force injuries, according to the Larimer County coroner. The death also was ruled an accident.

Firewood Collection Permits Available from Rocky Mountain National Park

Permits are available to collect firewood generated from hazard tree removals within Rocky Mountain National Park beginning Oct. 1 through Oct. 19. A $40 non-refundable administrative fee will be charged for removing up to two cords of firewood. Initially up to 50 permits will be issued. Additional permits may be issued depending on the amount of firewood remaining.

National Beagle Show to Be Held in Estes Park

The National Beagle Club of America (NBC) will hold its annual specialty show in Estes Park, Oct. 1-3. In addition, the Rocky Mountain Beagle Club (RMBC) will also hold its annual specialty show, Sept. 29-30. Both shows will take place at the Rocky Mountain Park Holiday Inn, 101 South Saint Vrain Avenue in Estes Park.

Wildlife of Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park Program Monday

“Wildlife of Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park,” the fifth in a series of educational programs sponsored by Outdoor Eyes and the Estes Park Public Library will be presented Sept. 22. These free programs are held at 7 p.m. at the Estes Park Public Library.

Planned Burn Set for Rocky Mountain National Park Today, Tomorrow

Rangers at Rocky Mountain National Park are conducting a planned, or "prescribed," burn in the Beaver Meadows area today and tomorrow.

The Upper Beaver Meadows Road will be closed to vehicles during the burn, which rangers are conducting to reduce the risk of a catastrophic fire in the area. Vistors will still be permitted to walk along the road to watch elk, according to park spokeswoman Kyle Patterson.

Estes Park, Colorado: Fall Color Gold Rush

As the slanting rays of the sun signal Indian summer's last warm days, the promise of change -- another school year, a new television season, the presidential election -- is in the air.

But for Coloradoans living near the towering Front Range of the Rockies, autumn hasn't arrived until the bugling of the elk pierces the valleys and the aspen groves turn red and gold.

Climbers Scolded for Leaving Trash, Waste Behind at Rocky Mountain National Park

When I come upon a forgotten candy wrapper or aluminum can among the wildflowers, I usually picture the responsible party as some hairy Neanderthal type, grunting and snorting his way through the wilderness, chucking half-empty beers into the bushes, readjusting his diaper, and marching on – probably to bait fish for trout.

I may have to realign the well-worn trails of my own prejudice. The pariahs of the latest rubbish over littering aren't Neanderthals, but Colorado climbers, who suffered a blow to their overall reputation this week when Rangers at Rocky Mountain National Park scolded them for leaving trash, gear, and human waste behind at popular climbing spots in the Park.

Time for Encore at Rocky Mountain National Park

A magical and rugged destination, Rocky Mountain National Park has always been a crossroads of sorts for pioneering explorers long ago, and for backcountry travelers and visitors today. A conservative estimate indicates that some 3.5 million visitors hike, picnic and drive through the 415-square-mile park each year.

Eubanks in Washington Touting Rocky Wilderness

Larimer County Commissioner Randy Eubanks is in Washington D.C. this week touting the benefits of designating Rocky Mountain National Park a wilderness area. Eubanks was attending Wilderness Week, a gathering of wilderness advocates and supporters from around the country aimed at raising awareness of the nation’s public wild lands and the need to protect them for future generations to use and enjoy. The gathering began Sunday and concludes today. Eubanks will specifically be speaking up for wilderness designation for northern Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park.

Hunting Elk — with a Camera — around Rocky Mountain National Park

There’s frost on the windshield and in the predawn dimness I can see my breath. Common sense tells me to return to bed in the cabin where my wife, Ellen, lies dreaming, lulled by the soothing roar of the nearby Big Thompson River.

Trails, Trails, and More Trails in Your Own Backyard!

"There's no reason for horseowners and trail riders to stop trail riding just because fuel prices are reaching the liquid gold stage. All one has to do is find those trails in your own backyard," Bonnie Davis, trail rider for over 40 years and owner of Two Horse Enterprises, stated.

Two Horse Enterprises is dedicated to trail riding and horsecamping and has equestrian trail guides for half the nation -- over 30! Plus some guides to trails in National Parks and National Grasslands.

Having Fun(gi) in the National Park

In Rocky Mountain National Park, there are four different species of vole, eight kinds of bats, 125 unique butterflies and two distinct spruce trees. But mushrooms -- nobody has any idea how many kinds of mushrooms might be hiding under the soils of the park waiting to pop up from the duff after a late summer rain.

Moraine Park Golf Course Going Au Naturel

No one has golfed in Moraine Park for 46 years, but the outline of the old nine-hole course stands out, weeds against native grass.
On Thursday, park crews began lowering the abandoned greens and tees to their natural grade as part of a plan to restore native wetlands and grasses.

Rocky Mountain National Park Program Reveals the Many Faces of Longs Peak

Longs Peak is the highest peak in Rocky Mountain National Park, and a dominant visual icon in Colorado’s Northern Front Range. Rising to an elevation of 14,259 feet, it is the northernmost of Colorado’s 54 peaks that rise above fourteen thousand feet. Rocky Mountain National Park will host the program, “Longs Peak, Historic Icon,” Saturday, Aug. 23, at 8:30 p.m. at the Moraine Park Campground Amphitheater.