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RMNP UPDATE - Feb. 27, 2023 Rocky Mountain National Park will hold a public comment period for an Environmental Assessment (EA) on the proposal to construct new employee housing in the park. The housing would replace structures destroyed in the East Troublesome Fire of 2020. Public comments on this EA will be open on the park’s Planning, Environment, and Public Comment (PEPC) website at https://go.nps.gov/parkplanning/romo/replacementhousing from Feb. 17 through March 5, 2023.
The structures lost in the fire provided housing for 22 seasonal employees. The proposed new housing complex would accommodate the same number of employees. Providing housing is critical for recruiting and retaining seasonal staff to work on the west side of the park. The employees work mid-April through mid-October and provide essential visitor services and carry out critical park operations. The positions include park rangers, park guides, fee and campground staff, trail crew members, buildings and utilities staff and custodians. The proposed housing complex would be located near the existing park housing area on the west side of the park. It would consist of two dormitories, 10 residential units, three recreational vehicle sites, and a residential support facility that would include laundry, showers, and a communal kitchen. The project would include the construction of new utility systems, replacement of a water well and associated infrastructure at the existing park housing area, and removal of destroyed utilities infrastructure. Disaster supplemental funding is expected to pay for the proposed project. On October 21, 2020, the East Troublesome Fire made a run of 18-miles and over 100,000-acres in Grand County, Colorado. Rocky Mountain National Park lost numerous structures, including 18 historic buildings at the former Green Mountain-Onahu seasonal housing area, 3 RV sites and all associated utilities. The East Troublesome Fire was the largest fire in Rocky Mountain National Park’s 108-year history. It burned over 21,000 acres within the park. The park held a virtual public meeting in July of 2022. To learn more about this proposed project, visit https://www.nps.gov/romo/getinvolved/proposal-to-construct-new-housing-destroyed-by-the-east-troublesome-fire.htm Public comments on this proposed project can be submitted at the following web address: https://go.nps.gov/parkplanning/romo/replacementhousing. Comments may also be submitted via mail to: Rocky Mountain National Park Office of the Superintendent 1000 US Hwy 36 Estes Park, CO 80517 Please be advised, before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment – including your personal identifying information – may be made publicly available at any time. Although you can ask in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee we will be able to do so. For more information on Rocky Mountain National Park, please call the park’s Information Office at (970) 586-1206 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/romo.
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 Red tailed Hawk; NPS photo by Schonlau RMNP Update - February 13, 2023 Each year, to protect breeding and nesting sites of raptors (also known as birds of prey), Rocky Mountain National Park officials initiate temporary closures in the park. Raptors that are protected include multiple species of hawks, owls, golden eagles, and peregrine falcons.
To ensure that these birds can nest undisturbed, specific areas within the park are closed temporarily to public use during their breeding and nesting season. These areas are monitored by park wildlife managers. Raptor closures begin on February 15 and continue through July 31, if appropriate. These closures may be extended longer or rescinded at an earlier date depending on nesting activity. A closure is in place in the Loch Vale area which includes Cathedral Wall. The areas above the Loch Vale-Sky Pond Trail are closed to off trail travel. In Lumpy Ridge, area closures include Checkerboard Rock, Lightning Rock, Batman Rock, Batman Pinnacle, Sundance, Thunder Buttress, The Parish, Bookmark Pinnacle, The Left Book, Bookmark, Twin Owls, Rock One and the Needle. These closures include the named formations. Closures include all climbing routes, outcroppings, cliffs, faces, ascent and descent routes and climber access trails to the named rock formations. Check the park’s website at https://www.nps.gov/romo/raptor-closures.htm for all details on specific raptor closure areas, including maps. The National Park Service is committed to preserving birds of prey. If nest sites are located or territorial behaviors such as aggressive divebombing/vocalizing or birds fleeing nest sites due to human disturbance are observed, please report the general location to ROMO_Information@nps.gov. The same cliffs that are critical for raptors also appeal to climbers. The cooperation of climbing organizations and individuals continues to be essential to the successful nesting of raptors in the park. For further information on Rocky Mountain National Park, please visit www.nps.gov/romo or call the park’s Information Office at (970) 586-1206. RMNP Update, 2/3/2023  NPS Photo: Ranger-led Snowshoe Walk; photo by Schonlau For many, winter is their favorite time of year to visit Rocky Mountain National Park. The park is less crowded, yet alive with the beauty of the season. Weekends are busier than weekdays. For those who are prepared, winter is an enchanting time to explore RMNP. Snowshoeing is a fun, easy-to-learn activity and offers a new way to see nature in winter. RMNP offers ranger-led snowshoe walks on both the east side (Estes Park) and west side (Grand Lake) of the park. Snowshoe walks are offered through mid-March, depending on snow conditions. Participants must provide their own snowshoes. Don’t own your own gear? Rental opportunities are available in nearby communities outside of the park. Join a Ranger-led Snowshoe Walk The ranger-led Beginner Snowshoe Walk is a two-hour exploration of the subalpine forest. No previous snowshoe experience is required, but the walk is considered moderately strenuous. Participants should have a baseline fitness level that allows them to snowshoe approximately one mile over hilly terrain at high elevations. Participants must be 8 years or older and MUST wear waterproof boots. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/ranger-led-snowshoe-walks.htm. Reservations are required for all ranger-led snowshoe programs. There is no additional fee beyond the regular park entrance fee to participate. On the east side of RMNP (near Estes Park), snowshoe walks are offered every Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. and reservations can be scheduled up to seven days in advance by calling 970-586-1223. On the west side of RMNP (near Grand Lake), snowshoe walks are offered every Saturday and Sunday at 1:00 p.m.; reservations can be scheduled up to four days in advance by calling 970-627-3471. Are you a teacher interested in bringing your class to Rocky this winter? Ranger-led educational snowshoe programs are offered to organized school groups. To learn more and to schedule a field trip on either the east or west side of Rocky Mountain National Park, visit the park’s webpage at www.nps.gov/romo/learn/education/rangerguided.htm.  NPS Photo: elk track in snow Become a Track Scene Investigator! Have you ever been out hiking and wondered what animal made a track in the snow? If so, join our new east side (Estes Park) ranger-led program titled “Track Scene Investigator.” This program will be offered on the following Sundays at 1:00 pm (February 5, February 19, March 5, and March 19). Participants will meet your park ranger guide at the West Alluvial Fan Parking Lot. This program is free and designed for visitors of all ages. No reservations are required. This program will be taking place outside, so be prepared for weather and winter conditions; snowshoes are recommended but not provided. To learn more, visit https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/ranger_led_activities.htm. A variety of winter and springtime programs are also offered through the park’s non-profit partner, the Rocky Mountain Conservancy (RMC). Some of these programs are free and some charge a fee to participate. To see their program schedule and to learn more, please visit the RMC website at https://rmconservancy.org/upcoming-events/. Go Sledding! Sledding is another wintertime activity fun for all ages. The only place in RMNP where sledding is allowed is at the Hidden Valley Snowplay Area, located on the east side of the park approximately 7 miles from the Beaver Meadows and Fall River entrances. Facilities at Hidden Valley include a warming hut (open on weekends), and flush restrooms. For more information, visit https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/plan-your-winter-springtime-visit-to-rocky.htm.  NPS Photo: Visitors Sledding at Hidden Valley; photo by Schonlau Take a Winter Camping Trip If prepared, winter camping can be a fun getaway. Approximately 70 campsites are available in Moraine Park Campground. Winter campsites are first come, first served and the fee is $30 per site, per night. For more details, visit https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/camping.htm. If interested in winter wilderness backpacking camping trips, contact the park’s Wilderness Office at 970-586-1242. Permits are required for all overnight camping in the park.  NPS Photo: winter camping at MPCG; photo by Grossman Winter Safety Tips Your safety is your responsibility; know your limits and make sure that everyone in your group is prepared for the anticipated weather and conditions. Travel across and under steep slopes is not advised unless all members of your party have the education, safety equipment, and experience to make informed decisions about traveling in avalanche terrain. For the latest avalanche conditions, visit http://avalanche.state.co.us. Trip planning in winter is critical! Parking lots at popular destinations like Bear Lake, Glacier Gorge, and Hidden Valley often fill on weekends. Trail navigation in winter can present difficult challenges. Trails in the park are not marked for winter use, so route-finding skills are necessary. Signs and trails can be buried beneath snow and difficult to follow. Never follow other people’s tracks, they can easily lead you off-course. Cell phones, GPS devices, and other electronic devices are not reliable in cold conditions, as batteries can freeze. Pack a paper topographical map and know how to read it. Before heading out on your winter trip, always tell a friend or family member where you are going and when you will return. And remember, roads can be icy and snow packed. Make sure your vehicle is ready for winter driving in the mountains. For more information on Rocky Mountain National Park, please call the park’s Information Office at (970) 586-1206 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/romo.  NPS Photo: Park Rangers Skiing in RMNP |
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