Geology of Trail Ridge Road

If you've ever been curious about the natural forces that sculpted Rocky's dramatic landscapes, this course is for you!

Participants in this full-day course will travel up the famous Trail Ridge Road, stopping at popular overlooks to view and discuss the geologic history of Rocky Mountain National Park. You will have a chance to examine ancient igneous and metamorphic rocks over a billion years in age, identify rugged landforms carved by glaciers during the last Ice Age, and stand beside glacial moraines deposited tens of thousands of years ago while we discuss glacial processes and the causes of ice ages. At the end of the day, you'll have a deeper understanding of the many natural forces that have shaped Rocky's landscapes through the millennia.

Who: Participants ages 16 and up.

Program level: Easy – Appropriate for most participants. Expect frequent short walks with ample breaks. Participants will be walking on paved or hardened surfaces with moderate slopes and occasional stairs. Participants may travel in vehicles to elevations above 12,000 feet. Wheelchair accessible transportation is available upon request.

This program is entirely field based.

When: Friday, August 14, 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
• Camera (optional)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Suggested Text: Geology Along Trail Ridge Road by Omer B. Raup (optional)

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