 Dr. Beatrice “Bettie” Willard, RMNP alpine research pioneer (Chase Davies, NPS Photo) The Rocky Mountain Conservancy invites women and those who identify as female to explore a new series of Field Institute courses at Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) called “Bettie Courses.” These educational opportunities are designed to encourage women to experience the outdoors while learning about the natural environment, conservation efforts, and building confidence in outdoor skills.
Bettie Courses honor the legacy of Dr. Beatrice “Bettie” Willard, a ground-breaking scientist in the field of alpine ecology and botany. Willard spent 40 years in RMNP researching plant life and impacts of visitor use on RMNP’s delicate tundra. Willard authored “Land Above the Trees: A Guide to American Alpine Tundra,” influenced public policy, and was also instrumental in securing protective designation for the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument located west of Colorado Springs. Her research plots located at Forest Canyon and Rock Cut along Trail Ridge Road are included on the National Register of Historic Places because of the influence of her work. “Dr. Bettie Willard overcame numerous institutional barriers in her life and career to become a noted expert on the alpine environment and pioneer outdoor education,” said Carlie Bangs, education director for the Conservancy. “She was the first instructor in the Rocky Mountain Conservancy’s Field Institute—and thus the first in the National Park System--in 1962. She was as passionate about sharing her knowledge with the public and policy makers as she was in protecting the environment, especially the alpine tundra.” In her name, new courses focus on building outdoor skills and knowledge to connect women to the environment and to foster a conservation ethic in a welcoming and encouraging setting. For example, on multiday fishing courses, participants learn about stream ecology, fish and macroinvertebrate identification, and riparian habitat creating a holistic understanding of the waterways. A local guiding company, Rambling Ruby Rose, provides expert instruction in casting and fishing techniques. Registration for courses is available at www.RMConservancy.org/learn-with-us/ and selecting the button for upcoming Bettie Courses. Late summer and fall courses include: August 19-20, “Up and Over” Bear Lake to Grand Lake August 26, Black Lake Guided Hike Sept. 5-6, Stream Ecology and Fly Fishing Sept. 9-11, Summiting Longs Peak Oct. 7-8, Intermediate Climbing Fees are nominal, but scholarships are available by contacting the Field Institute directly. These scholarships are funded through the Magnificent Mountain Women Scholarship Fund in honor of Janet Robertson, author of the classic book “The Magnificent Mountain Women, Adventures in the Colorado Rockies” who herself is an expert on many of the trail-blazing women whose stories are intertwined with RMNP and a dear friend of Dr. Bettie Willard. In addition to honoring the life of Bettie Willard, the Conservancy will also host learning opportunities this fall to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Lady Isabella Bird’s notable visit to the Estes Valley. Visit Estes Park sponsors historical tours that will be offered throughout October and November. Dr. Ruth Alexander will give a history of women in Rocky Mountain National Park on October 21 at the Estes Valley Community Center. Tickets for Dr. Alexander’s presentation and more information on Rocky Mountain Conservancy Field Institute and educational programs are available at www.RMConservancy.org. The Rocky Mountain Conservancy promotes stewardship of Rocky Mountain National Park and similar lands through education and philanthropy. Since 1931, the Conservancy has raised more than $35 million to enhance and protect the park’s trails, lands, youth education, historic structures, and more.
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RMNP Update - July 19, 2023 On the afternoon of Monday, July 17, a 51-year-old male from Carencro, Louisiana was found unresponsive a little over one mile from the Mount Ida Trailhead by park visitors hiking in the area. They notified park rangers via a personal locator beacon and began CPR on the individual. Park rangers responded to the scene and continued CPR and initiated advanced medical care. The man was later pronounced deceased.
As is standard protocol the incident is under investigation. Park staff conducted recovery efforts via a litter carryout to the Mount Ida Trailhead. The man’s body was transferred to the Grand County Coroner’s Office who will determine the cause of death. The man’s name will be released by the coroner’s office after next of kin are notified. The park was assisted by Grand County Sheriff’s Office, Grand County EMS, Grand Lake Fire and Classic Air Medical, stationed in Steamboat Springs. Update from Grand County Cororner, July 20, 2023: The 51-year-old male who was found unresponsive on the Mount Ida Trailhead on July 17, 2023 has been identified as Mr. Robert Landry, from Carencro, Louisiana. Autopsy findings show that his death is consistent with an acute coronary event, as well as high altitude pulmonary edema. The manner is natural. Tawnya Bailey Grand County Coroner  Longs Peak rescue operation on July 12, 2023/ photo courtesy Rocky Mountain National Park On the evening of Tuesday, July 11, 2023, park rangers received a report of two climbers stranded and unable to complete their climb on Longs Peak. Neither party was injured. Rangers remained in contact with both climbers overnight and Rocky Mountain National Park Search and Rescue team members set out at first light on Wednesday, July 12. The two climbers set out on the morning of July 11 from Chasm Lake and began to ascend the Casual Route on the East Face of Longs Peak, also known as the Diamond. The climbers were unprepared for conditions on Longs Peak and did not have the equipment necessary to self-rescue or to spend an unplanned night in cold temperatures. Members of Rocky Mountain National Park’s Search and Rescue Team were involved in this rescue operation. NPS staff assisted the two climbers out of steep technical terrain. After climbing to the summit, the two climbers and the NPS rescue team came down together via the North Face of Longs Peak and hiked out, returning to the Longs Peak Trailhead on Wednesday evening. At 14,259 feet, Longs Peak is the highest elevation peak inside Rocky Mountain National Park and towers over all other summits. Climbing Longs Peak is a serious objective with serious outcomes. For most of the year, Longs Peak is in winter conditions, which requires winter mountaineering experience and knowledge of equipment. Disregard for the mountain environment any time of year has inherent danger. All climbers should have knowledge of climbing routes, the necessary equipment and knowledge to self-rescue, and necessary gear in the event of an unexpected overnight stay on the mountain.  Photo depicts the top of the Diamond and the North Face of Longs Peak on July 12, 2023 /photo courtesy Rocky Mountain National Park RMNP UPDATE - July 10, 2023 On Sunday, July 9, 2023, a 26-year-old female from Boulder, Colorado died after an approximate 500-foot-fall while free-solo climbing on the Four Aces of Blitzen Ridge in Rocky Mountain National Park. Blitzen Ridge is located on Ypsilon Mountain on the east side of the park.
A 27-year-old-male climbing partner, also from Boulder, notified park rangers, via cell phone, of her fall. Rocky Mountain National Park Search and Rescue Team members were able to reach him last night. Because of his location, the park requested assistance from a Colorado Air National Guard helicopter from Buckley Air Force Base to extricate the male climbing partner via a hoist operation, using a winch operated cable. He was uninjured. Rocky Mountain Rescue Group assisted with the helicopter hoist operations. Early this morning, Rocky Mountain National Park Search and Rescue Team members hiked to the area above Ypsilon Lake to prepare for a helicopter long-line recovery. The victim’s body was flown by Northern Colorado Interagency Helitak to a helispot in the Upper Beaver Meadows area of the park. Her body was then transferred to the Larimer County Coroner/Medical Examiner’s Office who will determine the cause of death. The woman’s name will be released after next of kin are notified. In addition to the Colorado Air National Guard, Rocky Mountain Rescue Group, and the Northern Colorado Helitak, the park was assisted yesterday by a Flight for Life Air Ambulance for initial air reconnaissance. Update from Larimer County, July 14, 2023 On July 9th, 2023, the Larimer County Coroner's Office was informed of a death in Rocky Mountain National Park at the Blitzen Ridge after reports of a fall. The decedent was identified as Bailee MULHOLLAND, age 26, of Boulder, CO. A forensic autopsy was performed at the Larimer County Forensic Sciences Center by Dr. Joe White, DO with the following results: Manner of death: Accident Cause of Death: Multiple Blunt Force Injuries RMNP UPDATE - July 9, 2023 Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park is temporarily closed between Deer Ridge Junction and Rainbow Curve due to a 3-vehicle accident at Many Parks Curve on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park. No serious injuries are reported.
This section of road is estimated to reopen at 2 pm. For updates, please check the Trail Ridge Road recorded status line at (970) 586-1222. No further information is available at this time. RMNP UPDATE - (corrected, July 8, 2023) On July 2, 2023, the Larimer County Coroner’s Office was notified about a death of a 24-year-old male, Luis Monteiro of Las Vegas, Nevada, at the West Creek Falls Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park. Due to the location of the incident, recovery efforts were made on 07/03/2023. The decedent was recovered and flown to Upper Beaver Meadows where he was taken into the care of the Larimer County Coroner’s Office.
An autopsy was performed on July 4, 2023, at the Larimer County Forensic Sciences Center by Dr. J. White, DO. Manner of Death: Accident Cause of Death: Drowning RMNP UPDATE - June 29, 2023  Iconic views and wildlife are abundant on Old Fall River Road/photo by Barb Boyer Buck Old Fall River Road will open to vehicles on Saturday, July 1. It is currently closed to all uses, including bicycles and pedestrians, until Friday morning, June 30, for dust abatement. This historic road normally opens by the fourth of July weekend. Old Fall River Road was built between 1913 and 1920. It is an unpaved road which travels from Endovalley Picnic Area to above treeline at Fall River Pass, following the steep slope of Mount Chapin’s south face. Due to the winding, narrow nature of the road, the scenic 9.4-mile route leading to Trail Ridge Road is one-way only. Vehicles over 25 feet and vehicles pulling trailers are prohibited on the road.
Travelers should plan ahead for Rocky Mountain National Park’s pilot temporary timed entry permit reservation system. There are two types of reservations. One permit is for the Bear Lake Road Corridor, which includes the entire corridor and access to the rest of the park. This reservation period is from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. The second permit is for the rest of Rocky Mountain National Park, excluding the Bear Lake Road corridor, and includes Old Fall River Road. This reservation period is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. To learn more visit https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/timed-entry-permit-system.htm RMNP UPDATE - June 22, 2023  Gary Ingram was selected to serve at Rocky's new superintendent/ photo courtesy of NPS ESTES PARK, Colo. – The National Park Service (NPS) has selected Gary Ingram as superintendent of Rocky Mountain National Park. Ingram will begin his new assignment in August. As superintendent, Ingram will oversee 150 permanent staff and approximately 250 seasonal staff and will work to continue to address complex challenges such as climate change and wildland fire; ecosystem restoration; and managing day use visitation that sustains the park's resources and offers varied quality visitor experiences. “Gary is a seasoned leader who comes to Rocky with a wealth of knowledge and experience gained during his 30 years with the NPS,” said Regional Director Kate Hammond. “His energy, enthusiasm and optimism will elevate an already high-functioning, high-performing team.” Most recently, Ingram served as the superintendent at Cumberland Island National Seashore and Fort Frederica National Monument. Prior to that he was superintendent at Jimmy Carter National Historic Park and special assistant to the Alaska Regional Director. He began his NPS career in Yosemite National Park where he served in variety of positions including law enforcement, horse patrol, emergency medical services, fire fighter, shift supervisor, chief liaison officer, and management assistant. "I am profoundly honored to be selected as the superintendent of Rocky Mountain National Park,” said Ingram. “The magnificent natural wonders and rich cultural history make it one of the world's most special places. I look forward to working with and serving the visitors, park staff, park partners, and affiliated Tribes as we continue to protect and enjoy this incredible resource." Ingram will be moving to the area with his wife, Athena. He succeeds Darla Sidles who recently retired after serving seven years as the park superintendent. Kyle Patterson, Rocky Mountain National Park’s Public Affairs Officer, will serve as interim superintendent between Sidles’ departure and Ingram's arrival. RMNP UPDATE - June 14, 2023 Beginning Tuesday, July 18, through Friday, July 21, the Wild Basin Road in Rocky Mountain National Park will be closed to all uses, including vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians for road maintenance. This closure will occur at the Wild Basin Entrance Station and will include the entire two-mile section of the road to the Wild Basin Trailhead.
The park’s roads crew will be spreading gravel and grading this narrow road to address ruts, potholes and help with drainage. Due to the road being closed to all uses from July 18 through July 21, visitors should avoid this area of Rocky Mountain National Park during this time. The trailhead parking area for the Sandbeach Lake Trail will not be impacted by this closure. For further information about Rocky Mountain National Park, please visit www.nps.gov/romo or call the park’s Information Office at (970) 586-1206.  Red-tailed Hawk perched on top of a pine tree. NPS/Schonlau photo Sheep Mountain Closure Added, Other Closures Removed or Continued for the Protection of Nesting Raptors in Rocky Mountain National ParkEach year, to protect breeding and nesting sites used by raptors (also known as birds of prey), Rocky Mountain National Park officials initiate temporary closures in the park. These raptors 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. Due to raptor nesting activity, Sheep Mountain, located north of Lumpy Ridge, has been added to the park’s closure list. In addition to Sheep Mountain, the following areas remain closed: Twin Owls, Rock One, Thunder Buttress, The Parish, Sundance Buttress, The Needle and Cathedral Wall. These closures include all climbing, approach and descent routes for the indicated formations on all sides of those formations. Visit the park’s website at https://www.nps.gov/romo/raptor-closures.htm for maps and all details on specific raptor closure areas. Closures have been lifted in the following areas: The Book, Left Book, The Bookmark Pinnacle, Bookmark, Batman Rock, Batman Pinnacle, Checkerboard Rock, and Lightning Rock. 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 [email protected]. 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. Raptor closures began on February 15 and will continue through July 31, if appropriate. These closures may be extended longer or rescinded at an earlier date based on nesting activity. 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.  VIP (Volunteers in Parks) raptor monitoring at the Lumpy Ridge trailhead. NPS/ROMO photo |
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