Rocky Mountain News

Firefighters will set fire to a portion of Rocky Mountain National Park in the coming months to learn about fire danger associated with beetle-killed trees. By starting, controlling and studying the fire, experts hope to learn specifics of how “epidemic levels” of beetle-killed trees could affect fire behavior and aftermath.

Back in 1915 the Rocky Mountain National Park was established to protect the natural beauty of its rugged environment, but there was a lot of human activity in that region long before the park was founded.

Another pretty fall hike my husband and I like to do each season is Rocky Mountain National Park's Sandbeach Lake. The trail leading to it is framed with golden Aspen and, just like it sounds, visitors are rewarded with a sandy beach reminiscent of the seashore. Only you're in the glorious Rocky Mountains and not at sea level.

For each of the recent past four years, as the temperatures begin to drop overnight, my wife, Judy, and I get the urge to visit the mountains of Colorado. About two weeks ago we put some warm clothing in the Blazer and headed west.

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.”

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.

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.

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,” 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.