The Rocky Mountains are home to unique fungi of all shapes and sizes! Join noted mycologist Jon Sommer to learn more about RMNP's wild fungi!

During this day-long course, you’ll learn the basics of what mushrooms are, how to identify them, and their place in the ecosystem. This west side course begins with a 90-minute instructional slideshow, where instructor Jon Sommer will share his extensive experience and cover basic fungi ecology and identification. After this short classroom session, the class moves into Rocky Mountain National Park for hands-on exploration and learning.

We will begin at the Grand Lake Center in Grand Lake, CO, and travel together to various sites on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park in Conservancy vehicles. Registration includes all required fees and permits for Rocky Mountain National Park.

Who: Participants ages 16 and up. Expect moderate hikes of up to three miles over rough, uneven terrain (we will be going off-trail!).

When: Monday, July 29, from 9:00am to 5:00pm

Where: Grand Lake (meeting location to be announced) and field locations on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park

What to bring: 10 Essentials for Field Courses, sack lunch, collecting basket or container, your favorite mushroom guide (optional).

About your instructor: Jon Sommer is a mycologist & botanist with more than 4 decades of experience teaching mushroom identification classes and giving talks about mushroom taxonomy and biology across the United States. Living and exploring in Colorado for 30 years, he has an in-depth knowledge of the mushrooms and plants found in and around Rocky Mountain National Park.

Conservancy members get 15% off individual registration when you use the discount code in your membership email! Limit 2 per membership.

Not a member of the Conservancy? Learn more and join here: Conservancy Membership

If you have questions about this course, please contact the Field Institute by email at education@RMConservancy.org or by phone at 970-586-3262.