The foundation of Rocky Mountain National Park's awe-inspiring scenery is its bedrock! Join us to learn about how geology shapes Rocky!
If you've ever been curious about the natural forces that sculpted Rocky's dramatic landscapes, this course is for you!
Participants in this full-day course will travel up the famous Trail Ridge Road, stopping at popular overlooks to view and discuss the geologic history of Rocky Mountain National Park. You will have a chance to examine ancient igneous and metamorphic rocks over a billion years in age, identify rugged landforms carved by glaciers during the last Ice Age, and stand beside glacial moraines deposited tens of thousands of years ago while we discuss glacial processes and the causes of ice ages. At the end of the day, you'll have a deeper understanding of the many natural forces that have shaped Rocky's landscapes through the millennia.
Who: Participants ages 16 and up.
Program level: Easy – Appropriate for most participants. Expect frequent short walks with ample breaks. Participants will be walking on paved or hardened surfaces with moderate slopes and occasional stairs. Participants may travel in vehicles to elevations above 12,000 feet. Wheelchair accessible transportation is available upon request.
This program is entirely field based.
When: Friday, August 14, 2026 from 9:00am to 3:00pm
Where: Meet at the Fall River Visitor Center, 3450 Fall River Road, Estes Park, CO 80517, and travel together to various locations within RMNP in Conservancy vehicles. All required fees and permits for park entry are included in your registration.
