Early Wildflowers of Rocky Mountain National Park

Some of Rocky Mountain National Park's earliest blooms are the loveliest, from tiny alpine forget-me-nots to colorful calypso orchids. We’ll spend the day exploring a variety of wildflower habitats in Rocky Mountain National Park, from high alpine ridges to lower montane meadows. Participants in this outdoor course will have a chance to hone their identification skills and get up close with the mountain flora. You’ll discover each species' amazing adaptations for survival in harsh conditions and the unique stories behind their beautiful faces.

Who: Participants ages 16 and up.

Program level: Moderate – These programs are most appropriate for those with some hiking experience. Expect to travel 1-2 miles over the course of the program and to be on your feet for several hours at a time. Participants should be comfortable navigating both maintained trails and unmaintained meadows or wooded areas. Transportation will be in a 15-passenger van with bench seats and a narrow aisle that requires stepping up to enter. Prior experience hiking or walking above 8,000 feet is recommended.

This program is entirely field based.

When: Wednesday, June 10, 2026 from 9:00am to 3:00pm

Where: Meet at the Fall River Visitor Center, 3450 Fall River Road, Estes Park, CO 80517, and travel together to various locations within RMNP in Conservancy vehicles. All required fees and permits for park entry are included in your registration.

What to Bring:

• 10 Essentials for Field Institute Courses.

About Your Instructor: Leanne Benton is a former ranger-naturalist in Rocky Mountain National Park who has led wildflower and tundra ecology walks in the park for 35 years and has studied and photographed the park’s wildflowers for more than 40 years.

Refund Policy:

Cancellations made more than 30 days prior to the start of the course are eligible for a full refund. Cancellations made fewer than 30 days in advance are not eligible for a refund.

Our programs proceed rain or shine, and participants should be prepared for inclement weather. However, should we decide to cancel a program due to unsafe weather or emergency conditions, we will notify participants by email and automatically issue full refunds.

Conservancy members get 10% off individual registration when you use the discount code in your membership email!

Not a member of the Conservancy? Learn more and join here:

If you have questions about this course, please contact the Field Institute by email at [email protected] or by phone at 970-586-3262.

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Host or Publisher Rocky Mountain Conservancy Education Team