When you think about Rocky, do you dream of marmots on the wide open tundra? Or the quiet of steep conifer forests? Or trout-filled streams winding through lush meadows? Each of these scenes is a special part of Rocky Mountain National Park, and we’re here to help you learn more about what makes each of Rocky’s ecosystems unique. We’ll spend the day traveling through the park, stopping to explore and learn about the plants, animals, geology, and other factors that characterize Rocky’s various life zones.

We will visit several different life zones during this day-long field experience. In each zone, we’ll take time to learn about key features such as landscape/topography, tree species, and geological features. As we explore each ecosystem, participants will learn more about wildlife in each life zone and hone their observation and identification skills for both flora and fauna. Participants will learn to identify features of the main ecosystems/life zones of Rocky Mountain National Park: the montane, subalpine, alpine tundra, and riparian ecosystems. In addition, they will learn about the various animals living in each one of those ecosystems.

Who: Participants ages 16 and up. This is a Level II course. Expect short-distance walks throughout the day primarily on level terrain.

When: Wednesday, September 20, 2023, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Where: Meet at the Estes Park Visitor Center, 500 Big Thompson Ave, Estes Park, and travel together to various locations on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park. We will begin in the lower meadows and work our way up to the tundra.