"Pictures are worth a thousand words", but this session will show you that art allows one to capture the feelings and emotions behind the view.

Join us to learn the basics of nature journaling and how to use it to express your time outdoors. Materials are provided to make your own nature journals here.

Best for folks 16+

Accessibility:

This program can be adapted to those with special mobility needs and those who are blind and visually impaired. If requested, we can provide ASL interpretation through the NPS; however, we will need a least 2 weeks notice for this service.

About your facilitator: Haley Stapleton

Although Haley is a full-time environmental educator, she makes time for art each day, and believes that the best way to experience nature is through a paintbrush.

Park Ranger, Kristen Davis, will be leading a Leave No Trace workshop to talk about the 7 principles and how we can practice them when visiting not only national parks, but all outdoor areas!

She will have activities for each of the principles. Some that require some movement and some that will be more stationary.

This is a family friendly session

Accessibility:

Some activities require some movement but can be adapted for any individuals needs.

About your facilitator: Kristen Davis

"My name is Kristen and I am a first-year ranger very excited to be here!"

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Brought to you by Sawyer and Continental Divide Trail Coalition

¡Bienvenido a una aventura inolvidable! En esta clase, aprenderás todo lo esencial para caminatas de largas distancias o varios días. Zelzin, con su impresionante experiencia de más de 7 mil millas caminadas en solitario, compartirá valiosos consejos y trucos. Podrás ver, probar y usar el equipo de un auténtico thru-hiker. Si has considerado el Colorado Trail, el Pacific Crest Trail u otro sendero, pero aún te sientes indeciso, esta clase es justo lo que necesitas. Obtendrás información vital, habilidades prácticas y la inspiración para dar ese primer paso hacia tu propia aventura. Prepárate para calzarte las botas, ajustar tu mochila y dejarte llevar por la emoción del senderismo. Zelzin te mostrará que puedes conquistar cualquier sendero y vivir una experiencia gratificante. ¡Nos vemos en el sendero! En la clase hablaré de los principios del thru-hiking y retos a los que te puedes enfrentar. Despues mostrare diferentes equipos que hicieron la diferencia en mis caminatas. Mostraré al publico mi equipo y como empaquetar la mochila. Para el público de esta clase es opcional traer equipo que les gustaría que diera mi opinión o equipo que no están seguros si funcionaria en largas distancia, solo elegiré a 2-3 personas.

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ENG Welcome to an unforgettable adventure! In this class, you will learn all the essentials for long-distance or multi-day hikes. Zelzin, with her impressive experience of over 7,000 miles hiked solo, will share valuable tips and tricks. You’ll have the chance to see, try, and use authentic thruhiker gear. If you've ever considered the Colorado Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, or another trail but still feel unsure, this class is exactly what you need. You'll gain vital information, practical skills, and the inspiration to take that first step toward your own adventure. Get ready to lace up your boots, adjust your backpack, and embrace the excitement of hiking. Zelzin will show you that you can conquer any trail and have a rewarding experience. See you on the trail! In the class I will talk about the principles of thruhiking and challenges you may face. Then I will show different equipment that made a difference in my hikes. I will show the public my equipment and how to pack the backpack. For the audience of this class it is optional to bring equipment that they like to give my opinion or equipment that they are not sure will work over long distances.

This session is best for folks 16+.

Accessibility:

This session is a bilingual session with English and Spanish translations.

About your facilitator: Zelzin Aketzalli

Zelzin Aketzalli is an outstanding Mexican trail creator, speaker and athlete who, with her inspiring career, has become the first person from her country, Mexico, to complete the Triple Crown of Hiking alone and now dedicates her life to training future Thru-hikers, encourage nature conservation and motivate others to pursue their dreams.

Brought to you by Visit Estes Park

In this session we will take a deep dive into the basics of what Science and Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) are and how they are both similar and different.

We will complete an activity together moving through the scientific process, making observations and hypothesis, and learn more about how these two ways of knowing can come together to give us all a better understanding of the puzzle of life. We will then apply what we learned to be active scientists informed by TEK in Rocky Mountain National Park!

This session is family friendly.

Accessibility:

Session is completely adaptive to reach folks of diversity of abilities. Activity will be completed in one area and movement can be as far or as close as participants desire and are capable.

About your facilitator: Ellen Bradley

Ellen Bradley (she/her) is a Lingít skier, scientist, and story teller who is passionate about Land Back, Traditional Ecological Knowledge, and Tribal sovereignty.

Let's connect with the earth around us while we move. Not an intense workout.

Slow movement encouraging connection with the land, dirt and grass under our feet and hands.

Access:

The movements will be limited, with a focus on connection to the earth.

People should wear comfortable clothes, hiking gear or workout gear would be best.

Facilitated by Sarah Ortegon HighWalking

My name is Sarah Ortegon, I was born in Denver, Colorado. I am number 10 in a family of 12 kids. I am enrolled Eastern Shoshone and I am also Northern Arapaho. In 2013 I graduated from Metropolitan State University of Denver with a BA degree in Fine Art. The Denver Art Museum has added my piece titled, “Home is Where the Heart Is” to their collection. I am also in the PBS Film, “The Art of Home”, which will air nationally in November 2019 on PBS.

I have a major passion that drives me to use my creative abilities. I give all credit to my parents and to the Native community that supports me. Every opportunity thus far has helped me grow into the individual that I am today.

Take a guided off trail hike and explore the different ways we move through spaces like Rocky Mountain National Park. We will focus both on how we connect to the natural world as well as well as how to connect to our bodies in these spaces. This hike will include movement sessions like yoga to build physical and mental awareness. It will also include learning about terrain at Rocky and gaining confidence in off trail hiking. Yoga portions will be suitable for all levels.  

ACCESSIBILITY: ASL by Request.