Wildflowers of Rocky Mountain National Park: Montane and Subalpine
Jun 24, 2026
Come explore the stunning wildflowers of Rocky Mountain National Park’s montane and subalpine ecosystems with us!
Experience the vibrant beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park’s montane and subalpine wildflowers as they bloom in stunning array. This field-based class will take you through lush meadows and forested slopes, where you’ll explore a diverse range of wildflower habitats, honing identification skills and building confidence in your ability to identify plants. From delicate columbines to striking paintbrushes, you’ll uncover the captivating stories behind each flower and gain a deeper appreciation for the park’s rich botanical diversity.
Who: Participants ages 16 and up.
Program level: Moderate – These programs are most appropriate for those with some hiking experience. Expect to travel 1 to 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 24, 2026 from 9:00am to 3:00pm
Where: Meet at the Estes Park Visitor Center 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.
- hand lens (optional)
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.