ESTES PARK – A variety of wonderful programs are taking place this week highlighting Rocky Mountain National Park’s Centennial. The following programs are free and open to the public, please note the venues of each program.

Thursday, October 9, 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
The Geology Of Estes Park Rock Climbing: A Thrill More Than One Million Years In the Making
Estes Park Museum
The soaring granite walls of Lumpy Ridge and the area’s alpine peaks are a rock climber’s paradise. The Diamond on the east face of Longs Peak is world famous for alpine rock climbing. Visitors from across the country and around the world converge on Estes Park to enjoy the classic climbing routes on Hallett Peak, Petit Grepon, Twin Owls, The Book, and many other peaks and walls. So why is the park a rock climbing mecca? It all comes down to the area’s geology. Journey through Estes Park’s geological history, at the Estes Park Museum and explore questions such as “Why is there so much granite here?”, “How did that rock come to form such soaring walls?” and “How does our climbing impact the environment?”

Friday, October 10, 2:00 p.m.
Centennial Speaker Series: Former National Park Service Director Robert Stanton
Beaver Meadows Visitor Center Auditorium, Rocky Mountain National Park

Robert Stanton, former Senior Advisor to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior, and former Director of the National Park Service will reflect on Rocky Mountain National Park’s Centennial in 2015 as well as the National Park Service’s upcoming Centennial in 2016.

Friday, October 10, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
One Book, One Valley Opening Reception: The Big Burn
Estes Valley Library
The Estes Valley Library welcomes you to a festive kick-off celebration including wine and cheese for their One Book, One Valley event surrounding the book, The Big Burn; an upstairs exhibit featuring park-themed postcards and children’s nature photography; a visit from Smokey Bear; and at 6:30pm, a “Reader’s Theater” performance with special focus on Theodore Roosevelt and his lively daughter, Alice. Come as you are or join in the fun of Rocky Mountain National Park’s 100th birthday theme: ranger style uniforms or hats – bring your own – and they’ll have a few on hand!