Fall in the Rocky Region

by Jesse Speer

by Jesse Speer

by Bob Koropp

Fall brings clear blue skies and crisp air punctuated with occasional snows, bugling elk and bighorn sheep butting contests.

Aspen start turning in late August at higher elevations and the golden leaves work their way down to lower elevations in October. The peak of the gold rush in our mountains is usually in late September. Daylight and elevation set the timing of the color season. Rain, snow, cold and wind affect the intensity of color.

Elk bugling runs from mid-September to mid-October, although some bugles may be heard in late August and late October.

Bighorn sheep stage their head-butting contests in October and November.

Fall Events

Oklahoma!

8 pm at Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre, Grand Lake. After 34 years, Rodgers and Hammerstein's joyous celebration of the American spirit returns to RMRT's stage! A heartwarming romance, a jubilant comedy, and a showcase for some of the most beautiful songs ever written for the stage, this time honored... [more]

The Cantabile Singers

Nov. 11: Estes Park Music Festival presents The Cantabile Singers, an acclaimed vocal ensemble. Stanley Hotel. 2 pm

Season of Change

We will look among the last golden leaves and wildflowers; we will listen among the elk bugling and pikas squeaking; and we will watch the insects and birds. Somewhere in all this looking, listening, and watching we will discover in the story of living the answers for the... [more]

Movie

Call for current shows and times. Historic Park Theater (summer only), Estes Park. 970-;586-8904. Reel Mountain Theater, Estes Park. 970-586-4227.

Sleigh Rides & Christmas Trees

Nov. 24-25: Sleigh Rides & Christmas Trees, horse-drawn rides into the woods to choose a pre-cut Christmas tree. Reservations required. Aspen Lodge. 970-577-3402

Plein-Air Paining Without Fear

Rocky Mountain Nature Association Field Seminar... [more]

Western History and Heritage Weekend at Wind River

Learn about the colorful history of the Estes Valley in an atmosphere of rustic elegance, great accommodations, delicious food, and a wonderful setting for equestrian touring in Rocky Mountain National Park.Rocky Mountain Nature Association Field Seminar... [more]

Inside the Fence

What's inside the fence in Horseshoe Park; how is it connected to the Lawn Lake Flood? See wetland restoration in action. Mosquito repellent and closed-toe shoes recommended. Meet a Park Ranger/Naturalist at the West Alluvial Fan parking lot. Mondays at 9:30 AM. Sundays and Wednesdays at 2:30 PM. 1- 1.5... [more]

Beagle Dog Show

Rocky Mountain Beagle Club Specialty Dog Show - features beagles only, with participants from all over the United States. Event will include obedience, agility, rally, and conformation judging. Vendors will have dog-related items for sale, and the event is open to the general public.... [more]

Painting the Parks

7th Annual Estes Park Plein Air 2008-Painting the Parks, Estes Park, CO, beauty and inspiration go hand-in-hand when painters come to the Estes Valley and the Northern Rockies to paint the parks this summer. Artists from across the nation to come together to paint on-location from Aug. 9 through 22,... [more]

Geology Rocks!

Love the scenic views in the park? Come take a closer look at what is rocking at Rocky and the forces behind the park. Meet at the Moraine Park Museum. 2 PM, 30 minutes. Wheelchair access.

Film Festival

3rd Annual Estes Park Film Festival - A showcase of new independent feature films, documentaries, and short films from around the country. 09/11/08 - 09/14/08, The Historic Park Theatre, 130 Moraine Ave, 970-231-2580, www.estesparkfilm.com... [more]

Cheley Camp Tour

Tour the historic Cheley Colorado Camp from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, September 13. Facilitated by the Estes Park Museum and guided by Cheley Camp staff. Space is limited, reservations required. Call the Museum at 970-586-6256. Free for members of the Estes Park Museum Friends & Foundation, Inc. and... [more]

Estes Park Music Festival

Nov. 18: Estes Park Music Festival presents Hsing-ay-Hsu on piano.

Museum exhibits

Museum exhibits at the Estes Park Museum, 200 4th Street. 970-586-6256

Seeing Red!

What's killing the pine trees? Walk through a lodgepole forest to discover the mighty impact of a tiny beetle. Meet at the Onahu Trailhead. 1 hour walk. 10:30 AM on Wednesday & Thursday. 2:30 PM on Monday & Saturday.... [more]

Art Walk

local galleries 5-7:00 p.m.

The Elk Rut: High Country Romance

Elk are among the most commonly observed mammals in Rocky Mountain National Park but few people understand the social and sexual interactions occurring during the rut. Although elk are the most vocal deer species in North America, a majority of their communication is through body language. The seminar... [more]

Skins & Things

Examine the skins, skulls, antlers, teeth and bones of park mammals. Drop in anytime during the program. Meet at Kawuneeche Visitor Center, 3 PM 40 minute activity. Wheelchair access.

Wildlife Photography

Truly great wildlife images "connect" with a viewer and elicit a variety of emotional reactions - humor, joy, excitement, reverence, apprehension, a sense of wonder, and much more. Creating a wildlife photograph with the power to "connect" is the result of a unique combination of skills, including knowledge... [more]

Fall Folk Festival

970.627.3372

Enchanting Wearable Art

Opening exhibit and reception with whimsical, wire wrap/ bead and fossil jewelry by Alice League and the colorful creations of life-long fiber and knitwear artist, Janice Kay. Art Center of Estes Park, 517 Big Thompson Ave., 5 pm, 7 pm, 970-586-5882... [more]

Lines into Shapes

Opening exhibit and reception for the Art Centers annual nationally juried exhibit and sale. All mediums are represented, with approximately 180 works of art. Cash prizes are awarded the night of the opening reception. Free, 5 pm, 09/19/08, Art Center of... [more]

Animal Tracking

Tracking is a basic naturalist's skill that will greatly expand your experience, knowledge and understanding of nature. In this fun and intensive workshop, participants will learn a systematic method for identifying tracks and using tracks to better understand animal behavior and ecology. Indoor sessions will focus on mastering... [more]

Night in Morocco

6:00 p.m.

Holiday Art Walk

12th Annual Holiday Art Walk, tourof the galleries and artist studios throughout the area. Tourmaps are available at the Cultural Arts Council at 304 E Elkhorn Ave., Visitors Centers, and participatinggalleries. 10 am - 5 pm, 970-586-9203, www.EstesArts.com Nov. 28-29

All About Lightning

Learn why lightning can be a hair-raising experience and find out how to minimize your risk of being struck by lightning. Meet at the Alpine Visitor Center. 2 pm, 30 minute talk Wheelchair access.

Write Here in the Rockies

Practice the art and craft of nature writing in an intimate setting near Rocky Mountain National Park. At this indepth workshop, you will refine your skills through drills, writing exercises, discussions of the craft of writing, examination of good writers, and group critique. This is an excellent opportunity... [more]

October Specials

Check out the special offers that Estes Park businesses have listed for this month.

September Specials

Check out the special offers that Estes Park businesses have listed for this month.

Autumn Art Walk

Autumn Art Walk & Studio Tour - A self-guided tour of galleries and artist studios throughout area. Tour directories available at the Cultural Arts Council at 304 E Elkhorn Ave, visitors centers, and participating artist studios. Free, 10 am, 09/13/08 - 09/14/08, Area art galleries,... [more]

Tundra to Trees

Hike an ancient Ute trail that leads from alpine heights down through old growth forest. Meet at Milner Pass parking area to carpool for this moderate 4 mile hike. Bring warm clothing, rain gear, water, and snacks. 9 AM 4 hour hike

Planet Earth

Planet Earth is the topic for the Park's Fall Film Series. All programs begin at 7 pm in the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center Auditorium. Nov. 10: Deserts, Nov. 17: Ice Worlds, Nov. 24: Shallow Seas

Centennial Celebration Concert

Nov. 18: Centennial Celebration Concert featuring Barbara Barber and Friends performing an all-Bach violin concert. Presbyterian Community Church of the Rockies. 3 pm

High Country Health

High Country Health & Medicine, an exhibit that examines the history of human health and medical practices in the Estes Valley, Estes Park Museum.

Historic Lodges Tour

Rocky Mountain National Park Historic Lodges & Homesteads Tour - Board our 14-passenger van and tour the sites of lodges and homesteads from the past in Rocky Mountain National Park. Ken Jessen will be our guide as we begin at the Fall River Inn Site and travel to... [more]

Bear Lake Stroll

Enjoy an easy walk around a lovely subalpine lake and learn about the natural and human forces that have shaped this landscape. Meet at Bear Lake. 2 PM 1-1.5 hours.

Holzwarth Historic Site

Buildings are open 10 AM - 4 PM daily. Discuss early settlement with staff. This is a great family activity! 10 AM - 4 PM Drop-in tour

Cheley Camp Tour

Estes Park was a sleepy mountain town in 1921 when Frank Cheley founded Cheley Colorado Camps as the Bear Lake Trail School at Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Just 24 campers attended that first year. By 1926, the camp grew to accommodate 60 boys who swam... [more]

Photographing Elk and Aspen

Autumn is a truly magical time to be in the high country. This seminar will focus on two seasonal events that will offer photographers an outstanding opportunity to capture memorable moments on film - fall colors and bugling elk. Lectures, fieldwork, and critiques will encompass this photographic experience... [more]

Here Come the Beetles!

Pine bark beetles are rapidly transforming our forests. Learn what this means for all species who share Rocky Mountain National Park. Meet at the Fall River Visitor Center. 2:30 PM 20-30 minute talk. Wheelchair access.

Holiday House Christmas Bazaar,

Nov. 24: Holiday House Christmas Bazaar, an annual event benefi ting the Estes Park Medical Center. 9 am - 3 pm

Fine Arts & Crafts Festival

34th annual juried show featuring 95 artists from across the country. Festival includes work selected as the best of all entries. Wearable art, sculpture, photography, jewelry, folk art, glass, wood, leather, metal, ceramics, oil, pencil drawings and watercolor paintings. Sponsored by the Fine Arts Guild of... [more]

Quilt in a Day

Patricia Knoechel demonstrates Eleanor Burns' newest book "Victory Quilts." Estes Park High School, 1-3 pm. $10 in advance, $12 at the door. You can purchase tickets from EVQG, P.O. Box 3931, Estes Park, CO 80517. Sponsored by the Estes Valley Quilt Guild.

Open House & BBQ

Fire Prevention Week - 4:00 p..m. - 970 627-8428

Riverside Rhythms

Riverside Rhythms, a free musical entertainment series in Riverside Plaza on East Riverside Drive just a half-block south of Elkhorn Avenue. Free, 3 pm, Riverside Plaza, East Riverside Dr., 970-577-9900 or 800-44 ESTES... [more]

Lubeck's Rocky Mountains

L.Lawrence Lubeck's Rocky Mountains exhibit examining the painter's large format oils of the Rocky Mountains, Estes Park Museum.

Catch the Glow

Catch the Glow Holiday Celebration & Evening Parade to kick off the holiday season. Visits with Santa, hay rides, pony rides, carolers, costumed characters and an early-evening lighted parade, all activities are free. Downtown Estes Park, activities begin at Noon; the parade starts at 5:30 pm, 970-577-9900 or 800-44-ESTES

Before Estes

Before Estes: Native Cultures of the Mountain Valley - Exhibit opening and reception. Discover the history of the native peoples of the Estes Valley. Sponsored by the Estes Park Museum Friends & Foundation and the Town of Estes Park Free, Estes Park Museum, 970-586-6256,... [more]

Art Walk

10th Summer Art Walk - Self guided tour of the galleries and artist studios throughout the area. Tour maps are available at the Cultural Arts Council at 304 E Elkhorn Ave., Visitors Centers, and participating artist studios. Through Labor Day. Free, 10 am - 5 pm daily , Art... [more]

The Colorado: Secrets at the Source

This film tells the magnificent story of the Colorado River, which flows through some of America's most dramatic high country and canyon lands. Daily at the Kawuneeche Visitor Center. 1:15 PM 50 minute film

Watercolor-Here and There

Exhibit eaturing an array of colorful watercolors depicting images of flowers, landscapes and architecture by Pam England. Art Center of Estes Park, 517 Big Thompson Ave., 970-586-5882, info@artcenterofestes.com,

Park Movie

See the stunning 23 minute Park movie at the Beaver Meadows and Kawuneeche Visitor Centers during normal business hours. Spectacular aerial footage of the rugged high country of Rocky Mountain National Park, as well as wildlife and other park resources.

Nature's Tranquility

Mel Wilson shares his wildlife and nature photographyof Rocky Mountain Natl. Park as well as photographs of many other breathtaking locations throughout America. Art Center of Estes Park, 517 Big Thompson Ave., 5 pm, 7 pm, 970-586-5882 (Opening exhibit and reception Nov 21)

Beaver Meadows Evening Program

Enjoy a wide variety of informative and entertaining programs at the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center. Science Thursday: Bears, glaciers, deer: researchers are learning more each day about this park. A different researcher each Thurs. Artist-in-the-Park: The park, through the eyes of a different creative artist each Tues.... [more]

Writing in the Woods

Rocky Mountain Nature Association Field Seminar... [more]

Studio Tour

3rd Annual Estes Park Studio Tour - an opportunity for the public to visit artists in their studios, watch artists as they work and ask questions, and to be able to experience the art process in the artists habitat. Free,... [more]

Bands, Brats 'n Beer

Autumn Gold - A Festival of Bands, Brats 'n Beer - Hear great music and enjoy the treats. It's an annual event heralding golden sights and sounds from a series of bands. Performers and times to be announced. 10 am -... [more]

Moraine Park Nature Walk

Enjoy an easy 3/4 mile stroll through the Moraine Park landscape with a National Park Ranger.Naturalist. Encounter the dynamic forces that created this valley and discover what lives here today. Meet at the Moraine Park Visitor Center 10 AM, 1 hour

Why Do Fools Fall in Love?

Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre, Grand Lake at 8 pm. This nostalgic show mixes drama, comedy, and 60s love songs creating a lighthearted and engaging mix. Four girlfriends gather to celebrate the upcoming wedding of one of their own. As the bachelorette party picks up steam, the girls discover more... [more]

Mushrooms

Rocky Mountain Nature Association Field Seminar... [more]

Lily Lake Wildflower Walk

Take time to stop and smell the roses, and enjoy learning about the variety of flowers blooming this season. Meet at the Lily Lake parking lot for this easy walk.3 PM 1.5 hour walk. Handicap access/

Running of the Bulls

A 3.75 mile run/walk around Lake Estes to benefit Partners Mentoring Youth. 10:00 am, 09/20/08, Lake Estes Marina, 1700 Big Thompson Ave. Register at www.active.com. Pre-registration fees are $20 per person and $15... [more]

Native Lifestyles

Explore what drew prehistoric peoples, and later Ute and Arapaho, to the high country. Meet at the Upper Beaver Meadows Trailhead 9 AM 1.5 hour walk

Amazing Beavers

Beavers drastically change their environment, and they have wonderful adaptations to do so. To see their work first hand, meet at Sprague Lake parking lot. 1:30 PM 1 hour talk. Wheelchair access.

November Specials

Check out the special offers that Estes Park businesses have listed for this month.

Free park movie

See the stunning 23 minute park movie at the Beaver Meadows (en espanol) and Kawuneeche Visitor Centers during normal business hours. Spectacular aerial footage of the rugged high country of Rocky Mountain National Park, as well as wildlife and other park resources.

Explore!

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