Media Contacts: 

Heidi Barfels

Heidi@VisitEstesPark.com

Claire Molle

Claire@VisitEstesPark.com

 

Inspiration + Education: Estes Park Celebrates Earth Week 2024
With A Full Schedule Of Engaging Environmental Experiences

From Dark Skies To Natural Escapes, Visitors Will Enjoy Immersive Events And Unique Activities

 

Estes Park, CO – (March 29, 2024) – Estes Park is gearing up for an exciting Earth Week (April 20-28) celebration that promises a diverse array of activities to engage and inspire. Residents and visitors alike are invited to join in a week-long series of events, including an appearance and educational session with a former astronaut, film premieres and astronomy programs. 

“As home to some of the most stunning natural landscapes on the planet, Estes Park is the perfect place for an unforgettable Earth Week in 2024,” said Kara Franker, CEO of Visit Estes Park. “Where else could you enjoy a close encounter with an astronaut, a fee-free day at Rocky Mountain National Park, a fascinating film festival and much more, all in the space of a few days? Whatever you end up doing, Earth Week in Estes Park is going to be the ideal blend of education, inspiration and entertainment.” 

 

Estes Park Earth Week 2024 experiences include: 

  • Astronaut Loren Shriver’s Space Shuttle Mission (April 24, 6-8pm): Join former astronaut Loren Shriver at the YMCA of the Rockies’ Hempel Auditorium for an immersive experience where you will learn about the intricacies of space missions, dark skies and more. Shriver was one of the men behind the deployment of the legendary Hubble Telescope, and he’ll reveal the secrets of this boundary-breaking achievement. Free to attend, RSVP here. 

  • Environmental Film Festival (April 26-27): Acclaimed documentarian Nick Molle has hiked, documented and filmed Rocky Mountain National Park for 30 years. During this two-night event, Molle will premiere two new films: “Wild Ride: The Peak to Peak Highway” (April 26) and a never-before-seen sneak peek to “Water, The Sacred Gift” (April 27), exploring watershed history among indigenous cultures. Both evenings will feature guest speakers and an opening reception. Attend on the 27th for a meet and greet with Denver’s famed meteorologist Mike Nelson before the film. Single-night and package tickets are available. Purchase tickets here.  

  • National Park Week at Rocky Mountain National Park (April 20-28): Celebrate National Park Week and Earth Week in one of the most beautiful places on Earth, Rocky Mountain National Park. What is National Park Week? Kicking off with a fee-free day and ranger-led experiences on April 20, this week-long celebration of our national parks also includes National Junior Ranger Day on April 27, offering fun and interactive activities for all ages at Kawuneeche Visitor Center and the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center. Get more National Park Week info. 

  • Stories Behind the Stars: Looking Up From Earth (April 22, 6-8pm): At the Estes Park Memorial Observatory, join professional and award-winning nature photographer and local guide, Dawn Wilson, for an evening not just looking at the stars but hearing the stories behind her night photos. In honor of Earth Week, she will also discuss the significance of dark skies, and impacts light pollution has on wildlife, humans and our planet. Learn more about attending this free event here. Tip: You can find out when the skies in Estes will be darkest by visiting here. 

  • Student Environmental Film Festival (April 25, 5-8pm): During this event, students will find inspiration from open spaces in the Estes Valley to create films related to the environment. Films approved for submission are screened for a local audience and students will have the opportunity to share their perspectives with the community. Learn more here. 

  • Water Is Finite, A Symposium (April 27, 12:30-4pm): Join the Estes Valley Watershed Coalition for an afternoon of wonder. Their team of speakers – renowned meteorologist Mike Nelson, the state climatologist, a water commissioner, and engineers – will take you through the story of water in Colorado, from our local weather to our changing climate and snowpack to human engineering to address the issue of supply and demand of water in the Rocky Mountain region. Free, RSVP here. 

  • Earth Week Story Slam (April 28, 2pm): Share your own story or just enjoy a fun, story-filled afternoon at the Historic Park Theatre. In honor of Earth Week, the theme for this event is Call of the Wild. Storytellers will be selected at random, similar to The Moth's process, with prizes at stake for the winner and runner-up. Get tickets here.

 

For some Earth Week wellness, pay a visit to Qi Lounge Wellness Spa, offering 15% off all Eminence Organics products from April 21-27. Eminence Organics is a Certified B Corporation that plants a tree for every product sold, through the Forests for the Future Program. 

For those who arrive in electric vehicles, Estes has put in an effort to make sure you don’t run out of charge. There are several EV charging stations throughout the town, including Estes Park Visitors Center, the Historic Stanley Hotel, the Estes Park Events Complex and more. For a complete list, visit Chargehub.com. Or, ditch your car and rent an e-bike at such local spots as Backbone Adventures, Ride Colorado, or Estes Park Mountain Shop.

Editorial images for Earth Week in Estes Park can be found here, photo credit to Visit Estes Park.

 

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About Visit Estes Park

Visit Estes Park is the official Destination Marketing Organization for Estes Park, Colorado. A Destinations International (DI) accredited DMO, Visit Estes Park's mission is to drive sustainable year-round economic growth by encouraging visitor demand. Estes Park, just 90 minutes from Denver, is the basecamp for Rocky Mountain National Park offering outdoor experiences, activities, dining, shopping and an environment that is welcoming and approachable. Known for world-class adventure, resident wildlife and scenic beauty, Estes Park is Colorado’s quintessential mountain town. To learn more, go to visitestespark.com.