Location:      Fall River Visitor Center located right outside the north entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park in Estes Park, Colorado

Time:  9:00 AM-3:30 PM                  

Course Description: The premier attraction of Rocky Mountain National Park is the scenic and breathtaking by-way named Trail Ridge Road.  As the nation’s highest continuous paved highway, this road meanders through various life zones on its way through the Park and over one of the largest, most pristine stretches of alpine tundra in the lower 48 states.  Participants will receive a unique overview of the Park’s history, flora, fauna, and geology while viewing passing landscapes from the comfort of a 14-passenger van, with opportunity for taking pictures at the many pull-off stops along the way.  Some of the more notable features that guests will visit are the Alluvial Fan, Rainbow Curve, Milner Pass (Continental Divide), and the Alpine Visitor Center.  Both lunch and admission into Rocky Mountain National Park are included in the registration fee.

Course Level:  I

This bus tour will include stops along the road for viewing wildlife.  Participants may get out to take pictures, but no significant walking will be required.  Note: A significant portion of this tour will be at elevations above 11,000 ft.

Expectations:  Professional conduct will be expected from participants at all times.  Individual ideas will be respected.  Except during course breaks, cellular phones, pagers, and personal entertainment devices are strictly prohibited in the classroom and during field sessions.

Tentative Course Schedule:

  9:00 AM         Depart Fall River Visitor Center.

  9:15 AM        Sheep Lakes

  9:45 AM        Alluvial Fan

10:15 AM        Hidden Valley

10:45 AM        Many Parks Curve

11:15 AM        Rainbow Curve

11:45 AM        Alpine Visitor Center/Lunch

12:45 PM         Depart Alpine Visitor Center.

12:50 PM         Medicine Bow Curve

  1:30 PM         Milner Pass

  2:15 PM         Rock Cut

  2:45 PM         Forest Canyon Overlook

  3:30 PM         Arrive at Fall River Visitor Center.

What to Bring:

§  Snacks, energy bars, and Water

§  Binocular

§  Camera                                 

Remember to Bring the 10 Essentials:

Rocky Mountain National Park recommends that hikers always carry the 10 essentials in their daypacks.

?     Raingear                               ?     Map and compass                 ?     Flashlight or headlamp

?     Sunglasses and sunscreen     ?     Candles                                 ?     Matches or other fire starter

?     Pocketknife                          ?     First-aid kit                           ?     Extra layers of clothing

?     Sack lunch, snacks, and water                                                  

Note:  Rocky Mountain Field Seminars recommends that participants for all courses dress in layers and wear comfortable, sturdy hiking boots/shoes.  Participants should be prepared for sudden changes in temperature and weather conditions.