This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page News | May 1 Rocky Mountain National Park’s 2025 timed-entry reservation system will open Thursday This is the public’s first opportunity for permits to access the park from May 23 through June 30 Subsequent rounds of reservations will occur on the first of every month through September.  Timed-entry reservations will be required to enter the park from May 23 through Oct with timed entry to the Bear Lake Road Corridor running until Oct Park officials say that the system manages day-use visitor access to protect the park’s resources, maintain a positive visitor experience, promote safety and support the park’s ability to maintain daily operations. It was formally established through the Day Use Visitor Access Plan, which was finalized in May 2024 The 2025 system will operate similarly to the 2024 system One permit will be for the Bear Lake Road Corridor which includes the entire corridor as well as the rest of the park This reservation period will be from 5 a.m meaning a reservation is needed to enter the Bear Lake Corridor between those times The second permit will be for the rest of the park and excludes the Bear Lake Road corridor This second reservation period will be from 9 a.m and permits will allow park visitors to enter the park within two-hour windows of availability There is no set time for departure with these permits.  The only cost associated with booking a reservation is a $2 processing fee at Recreation.gov Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most visited national parks In 2022 the park received 4.3 million visits Even with a pilot vehicle reservation timed entry system in place the park received some of the highest visitation in its history For more information, visit http://www.nps.gov/romo The Sky-Hi News strives to deliver powerful stories that spark emotion and focus on the place we live contributions from readers like you helped to fund some of our most important reporting including coverage of the East Troublesome Fire consider making a contribution to our newsroom in support of the work we do Share your photos on Instagram using #exploregrand or #skyhinews An official website of the United States government The project is being partially funded through GDO’s Grid Resilience State and Tribal Formula Grants Program (funded under Section 40101(d) of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law) Estes Park is a remote community well-acquainted with the challenges of extreme weather an employee of Estes Park Power and Communications the town has lost 100% power three times." These power outages often caused by severe weather events like wildfires disrupt daily life and critical services that keep Estes Park running the town has taken a proactive step towards a more resilient future by partnering with the Grid Deployment Office (GDO) and Estes Park Power and Communications to implement a battery energy storage system (BESS) initiative The BESS will play a crucial role in expediting power restoration to critical infrastructure during outages "having electricity is one of the basic expectations of being able to run a business and stay in business." With 4.5 million visitors each year tourism relies on Estes Park maintaining power to continue serving the community The battery could also enable critical infrastructure in the community to operate independently during grid disruptions and help deepen the integration of future renewable energy sources like solar and wind This program aims to strengthen and modernize America’s power grid against extreme weather the Colorado Energy Office has received more than $25 million in formula grant funding which is being sub-awarded to local projects Estes Park is one of the first projects being put into action under this program By advancing grid resilience solutions like Estes Park’s BESS initiative and the Colorado Energy Office aim to improve the quality of life for residents and businesses by ensuring reliable power while helping the community attract more visitors Want to learn more? Check out our video to hear directly from the people behind this project:  Powering Communities: Building Resilience in Estes Park, CO.  The extirpation of wolves and grizzly bears from this region means moose in the park have few predators to regulate their population means that moose significantly impact already-degraded willow populations in the park The impact of moose browse may be equal to the impact of elk browse on willow communities GPS collar data helps managers understand which habitat moose occupy By pairing moose locations with vegetation height researchers can better predict habitat preference and use this information to identify areas of the park where moose are more likely to establish home ranges GPS collar data also captures how moose move around and utilize the habitat they occupy Pairing this space-use data with population data can help researchers estimate the cumulative impact moose are having on the park’s willow populations Vegetation surveys conducted as part of the EVMP document browse impacts by both moose and elk and help monitor willow and other vegetation conditions on the ground Knowledge and data from moose research will help inform current vegetation management plans and will support potential moose management strategies in the future Download the NPS app to navigate the parks on the go winter is their favorite time of year to visit Rocky Mountain National Park winter is an enchanting time to explore the wonders of the park easy-to-learn activity and offers a new way to see the beauty of the park in winter Rocky Mountain National Park offers Ranger-Led Snowshoe Walks on both the east side (Estes Park) and west side (Grand Lake) of the park Snowshoe walks are offered from January through mid-March Participants must provide their own snowshoes Rental opportunities are available in nearby communities outside of the park Living on Campus Guests are responsible for furnishing their own bedding *Rates are subject to change pending approval by the Board of Trustees Page Last Updated: Today | Contact for this Page: Housing & Residential Education / Dining Services — Federal workers at Rocky Mountain National Park are beginning to feel the effects of President Trump's mass layoffs saying Monday the president's plans to shrink the size of the federal government is now threatening the future of one of the country's most famous national parks The new wave of mass layoffs, ordered by the Trump administration Friday targeted probationary employees who had yet to qualify for civil service protections hundreds of demonstrators gathered for a protest outside Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) to speak out after the recent firings and layoffs of several park rangers Protesters said these massive layoffs and staffing shortages were now putting operations at the park — which sees millions of people each year — at great risk there’s no way this park can function," said Estes Park resident Iolanthe Culjak who attended Monday's protest in support of friends impacted by the latest round of layoffs said the park relies on rangers to protect it "The people that are being let go are distraught because they get good reviews by their supervisors and then they're getting the standard letter basically (telling them) that you have not performed well and you're gone," Culjak said Margaret Krob told Denver7 she traveled to Estes Park from Aurora to show her support "I just wanted to come out and be a voice for saving our parks and our park rangers please treat them with dignity," Krob said Demonstrators said several of the firings and layoffs happened Friday and are part of President Trump's push to cut federal spending Governor Jared Polis said Friday the Trump administration "fired at least 90 people in Colorado and 3,400 Forest Service employees as part of much broader cuts to programs that protect health and safety with no replacement plans to deliver basic services." It's unclear how many other national park employees besides those at RMNP have been impacted throughout our state said it was important for her to stand behind the employees who were let go "Rangers don't go into this career for big bucks by any means They go in because they have a calling on their heart They have a passion to help the resources and to have this as a wonderful gift to give the American public," Brazelton said Brazelton said these cuts can have detrimental impacts to the economy as a whole and the families who are now left without jobs If these folks have to leave because they've lost their jobs the local economy will suffer," Brazelton added "If we can't have the park open as often as we'd like to In 2023, people visiting national parks across the country contributed an estimated $26.4 billion to the economy, data from the NPS shows Denver7 reached out to RMNP for a statement but we did not hear back Denver7 is committed to making a difference in our community by standing up for what's right lending a helping hand and following through on promises Brad Manard feels relief each time he takes a tour group into Rocky Mountain National Park and his first stop He's more confident these days that if Sheep Lakes doesn't deliver 'Are we going to see a moose?'" said Manard who owns RMNPhotographer Tours in Estes Park "I tell them there’s a chance depending on the time of year I was in the park every day through the 25th and saw moose every day." shares another side of the park visitors' most sought-after wildlife and 95% of those willows on the west side of the park have been lost in the last 20 to 30 years "We know we have heavily degraded wetlands and a long history of too many elk on winter range on the east side of the park that is reducing willows," he said "We strongly suspect moose are exacerbating that which is making restoration of our wetlands difficult." the park must find balance between how many moose it can sustain to match visitor enjoyment with vegetative growth Rocky Mountain National Park didn't use to have a moose problem but that has changed in a big wayHistorical records of moose in or near Rocky Mountain National Park indicate little evidence of the animals' presence Historical accounts from the 1860s document one instance of a moose that was shot and killed near present-day Estes Park That began to change in 1978-1979 when the Colorado Division of Wildlife introduced 12 moose each of those years into North Park to increase wildlife viewing and hunting opportunities in the Kawuneeche Valley on the park's west side a place outside of which moose were rarely seen for the next 30 years That has markedly changed over the past 12 years "There are now many more moose sightings on the east side of the park and moose are in every drainage in the park," park spokesperson Kyle Patterson said so has the damage to biodiverse rich wetlands which in summer make up 91% of a moose’s diet A large moose can consume about 45 pounds or more of willow in a day which amounts to about 3 pounds of willows a day but preliminary results from park surveys estimated the moose population grew 5% annually in 2019 and 2020 the last time the park surveyed the animals the survey only covered about 65% of the park and did not include all areas of known moose habitat such as the Wild Basin and Paradise Park areas resulting in the park acknowledging the parkwide moose population is underestimated the park will renew it's aerial moose population survey with a new estimate expected this fall The number of elk in the park in winter is estimated around 100 with several hundred more in nearby Estes Park and surrounding area Those numbers increase in summer through fall Hundreds of elk around the park and Estes Park migrate in winter to Loveland and the surrounding area Since Colorado Parks and Wildlife brought 24 moose from Utah and Wyoming into North Park in the late 1970s the statewide population has ballooned to around 3,500 animals That is more moose than Wyoming and on par with Utah The current estimated moose population in North Park where the original moose transplants took place The estimated moose population in the nearby Laramie River area is around 200 Colorado Parks and Wildlife's statewide big game manager said the agency is intentionally working to keep moose populations just outside of Rocky Mountain National Park stable He said the agency does this mainly through hunting with herd management plans assigned to areas in an attempt to balance the herd size with its habitat while accommodating the public's demand for wildlife recreational opportunities so we don't damage the willows and aspen," Holland said We want to keep them at objective numbers so they don't exhaust the resource and crash Restoring the park's willow-beaver wetland ecosystem isn't just a moose issue "The perfect ecosystem has a bunch of connected parts," Deacy explained "Restoration can't mess with with just one part There are three to four major parts to it." Deacy said restoring a healthy hydrology that promotes high water tables and creates a habitat for willows to proliferate is critical elk and to a lesser extent deer (collectively called ungulates) need to be managed at levels that can sustain growth of tall willows That task is made more difficult because hunting of those ungulates is not allowed in the park and there are few predators — mountain lions moose adults and calves have high survival rates Healthy wetland and willows make an ideal habitat for beavers whose job it is to create dams that store and filter water "The cheat code is if we can restore the processes for the beavers that will improve the hydrology and tall willow growth," Deacy said "A really healthy ecosystem is 100% consistent with excellent wildlife viewing." The park began its moose monitoring program in 2017 and will continue until it has enough data to create a moose management plan In 2020, the park and other entities began the Kawuneechee Valley Restoration Collborative to restore the willow-beaver wetland ecosystem The park's Elk and Vegetation Management Plan is a 20-year endeavor to address the impacts of an overabundance of elk on park resources but it's on the decades scale," Deacy said of restoring the park's willow-beaver wetland ecosystem Manard said he photographed his first moose around 1982 in the Kawuneeche Valley The first time he saw one on the east side of the park was at Sprague Lake in 2013 His company now leads more than 200 tours in the park every summer Manard said he sees both sides of the park's growing moose population dilemma He hopes the park will ultimately find the right number of moose to sustain his business and restore the park's wetlands and willows for the park's 4 million annual visitors "Moose are important to the economy of Estes Park Grand Lake and Rocky Mountain National Park," he said "They are wonderful to educate visitors about moose and their habitat I also understand the park studying moose and finding a good balance of the number of moose the park can sustain I hope we don't forget that for visitors to the park Colorado Postcards are snapshots of our colorful state in sound. They give brief insights into our people and places, our flora and fauna, and our past and present, from every corner of Colorado. Listen now. © 2025 Colorado Public Radio. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy. one of a series of pow wows that take place statewide The first-time free event, which starts Friday and ends Sunday, happens at Estes Park Events Complex. It will feature a musical performance as well as a film symposium, traditional dance competitions, a talk by Jeremiah RisingBuffalo Maybee — a Rocky Mountain National Park district supervisory park ranger — and a fashion show Penny Singer a self-described Urban Navajo who makes traditional ribbon shirts and other Indigenous clothing will travel from the New Mexico/Arizona line to Estes Park for the first time to show some of her fashion at the event “It’s a good way for myself to show people how my garments can be worn — you can dress it up adding that her items range in price from $450 to $950 this is going to be like a preview of what’s going to be coming up for the next year.”  She said she makes blazers as well as ribbon shirts using applique techniques she learned from her Navajo elders geometric designs; that’s my style,” said Singer who turns 55 soon and who has been making a living selling her clothing and handbags “My inspiration behind this is a lot of what I grew up visually seeing with my grandmother,” she said in a virtual interview from her home on the reservation about twenty miles east of Shiprock So everything that I think I’m doing now in my collection is more of a visual learning and telling a story … It’s wearable art and some of it has stories,” she said Also expected are owners of Eagle Plume’s, a shop that sells Native American art in Estes Park, and a color guard by the Indigenous Veterans of Colorado That part of the event involves Indigenous men who are veterans carrying flags as the group does at other pow wows and gatherings filmmakers and lecturers participate in pow wows like this one as part of a series of other pow wows in Colorado.  traveling around to pow wows and art markets is a regular thing “Most of my business is at the art markets that I go to now that fashion has emerged for the past maybe six the same is true: The group participated a few weeks ago in the Mile High New Year’s Eve Pow Wow at Lincoln High School in Denver and in the pow wow at the Denver Coliseum last March.  they’re scheduled to be a part of another pow wow in Thornton that will feature a dancing competition and a spiritual adviser one of many such events around Colorado each year.  You want to know what is really going on these days We can help you keep up.  The Lookout is a free daily email newsletter with news and happenings from all over Colorado Sign up here and we will see you in the morning © 2025 Colorado Public Radio. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy Towering snow-capped mountains, pristine wilderness, quality healthcare, and affordable assisted living make Colorado an ideal retirement destination and natural beauty will find the Centennial State a perfect match From Montrose’s dizzying canyons to the rich railroad history of Golden and the historic charm of Estes Park these small towns each offer unique advantages This article ranks and explores Colorado’s eight best retirement towns and living options to help future retirees find their perfect fit Are your retirement dreams brimming with outdoor adventure? If the answer is yes, the top-ranked retirement town is Montrose. It’s a gateway to all the Rocky Mountains have to offer Check out Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park for a dizzying look at its precipitously steep canyons It’s perfect for rock climbing and more (if you can handle the adrenaline) Montrose and Colorado’s entire Western Slope are rich with Native American heritage Pay homage to the indigenous population by learning about their history at the Ute Indian Museum or the Montrose County Historical Museum Retirees can take advantage of several scenic retirement communities in the Montrose area like Spring Creek Chalet or The Homestead at Montrose You may also appreciate the town’s easy access to numerous highly rated healthcare facilities like Cedar Point Health Montrose has an affordable median home value of around $450,000 which is below the state average of $550,000 Golden sits outside of Denver’s bustling metropolis. Its proximity to Denver (and all of its accompanying amenities etc.) is why those looking to stay connected to urban amenities adore it Clear Creek runs through the center of town; its rhythmic hum is the heartbeat of this charming city Locals float through downtown on innertubes in the summer or enjoy fishing from the banks History buffs will have plenty to keep them busy Visit the Buffalo Bill Museum & Grave for an interesting and scenic afternoon the Colorado Railroad Museum offers fascinating insights into the region’s early history CommonSpirit Emergency & Urgent Care is just one of the area’s medical facilities offering 24-hour care There are several retirement communities in the small town of Golden Clear Creek Commons is a 55+ adult community in the heart of downtown with easy access to walking and biking paths the community boasts a healthy senior population that is over 2,000 strong Picture yourself chugging through the scenic wilderness of the San Juan National Forest on a historic train. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad has carried passengers through this area’s high mountain landscapes for over 140 years. It would be a breathtaking introduction to your new surroundings in beautiful Durango would make the perfect home base for planning your next mountain adventure Its cheery accommodations are just minutes from historic downtown where you can fine-tune your hobbies at Jimmy’s Music & Supply or grab a bite to eat at the Olde Tymer’s Cafe Retirees also appreciate the area’s many healthcare options like the five-star-rated Durango Primary Care over 16% of locals are above the age of 65 indicating a strong social environment for seniors Several pristine mountain ranges surround Steamboat's Yampa Valley They provide an awe-inspiring backdrop for Steamboat Springs’ residents Its gorgeous locale and welcoming locals are why it earned the fourth spot on this list so check out Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation for an annual pass and many other senior-friendly recreational activities You can take in the scenery from Casey’s Pond an active adult senior living community in the area It won “Customer Experience” awards for nine consecutive years and offers a range of care options and amenities to suit your retirement needs retirees abound as over 18% of locals are above the age of 65 Windsor offers a relaxed atmosphere and plenty of cultural activities to pass the time The Windsor History Museum’s historic buildings chronicle the region’s ties to the railroad and the sugar beet boom Eagle’s Peak is one of the best-reviewed senior accommodations in Windsor featuring resort-style amenities and an active adult community Retirees will also appreciate the town’s many medical care facilities including the top-rated UCHealth Family Medicine clinic on Main Street Active seniors will be drawn to the area’s 40+ miles of trails perfect for cycling or long walks through the woods The Windsor Lake Trail is especially popular with residents Berthoud brings to mind the picturesque American towns depicted in Norman Rockwell’s timeless paintings historic streets will bring your retirement dreams to life or hike near Carter Lake or Flatiron Reservoir Archers can take advantage of the range near Lon Hagler State Wildlife Area and finish their day with trail hiking and fishing The Little Thompson Valley Pioneer Museum is another popular destination for history buffs You can pick from several retirement communities or assisted living facilities Apple Leaf Assisted Living is particularly well reviewed with residents ranking CommonSpirity Primary Care especially high Cortez is a vibrant archaeological epicenter situated between Mesa Verde National Park and Ute Mountain Tribal Park You can learn about the region’s historical legacy with a visit to the Cortez Cultural Center or hike through it at the nearby Hovenweep National Monument You can find several assisted living facilities in Cortez with one reviewer noting the staff are “the highest echelon of caregivers.” Healthcare is also abundant and the AFC Urgent Care Center is a preferred option for locals An added benefit of Cortez is its affordable median home value of around $330,000 which is $200,000 less than the state average Retirement is an opportunity to build new hobbies and expand your passions Estes Park is the ideal setting to learn something new Take a fly fishing lesson from Estes Angler or rent a mountain bike at Backbone Adventures perhaps you would like to change your perspective with a ride on the Estes Park Aerial Tramway Estes Park offers several medical care options for such a small population (fewer than 6,000 residents) UCHealth Primary Care is well-reviewed and conveniently located near the center of town When the day is done and you need to kick up your feet the Good Samaritan Society offers great amenities like a pool It also has options for either assisted or independent living situations Colorado is an ideal retirement destination for active seniors This state has no end of outdoor adventures to invigorate one's golden years Medical care is also excellent in the Centennial State each town listed has several retirement homes or senior communities from which to choose Only you can decide which of Colorado’s eight best retirement towns matches your lifestyle but this list should give you plenty to consider during your search photos and original descriptions © 2025 worldatlas.com