The Park Regulations are designed for the protection of your property.
You, as prudent owners, will help protect the natural beauties and
scenery by warning the careless and reporting infractions of the
regulations. The following synopsis is for the general guidance of
visitors. Full regulations may be seen at the office of the superintendent
and ranger stations.
=_Fires._=--Fires may be lighted only when necessary and in designated
places. Before leaving, know your fire is out. HELP PROTECT this
wonderland so all may enjoy it.
=_Camps._=--Automobile campers must stop in the designated camp grounds.
All must be kept clean and sanitary. Burn your garbage in your camp fire.
Empty cans and residue must be placed in garbage cans. If no can is
provided, bury the refuse.
=_Public property, trees, flowers, and animals._=--The destruction,
injury, or disturbance of public property, trees, flowers, rocks, birds,
or animals, or other life is prohibited.
=_Fishing._=--Fishing is permitted in all lakes and streams except as
closed by order of the superintendent. All fish hooked less than 7
inches long shall be carefully handled with moist hands and returned at
once to the water. Fifteen fish (not exceeding a total of 10 pounds)
shall constitute the limit for a day's catch.
=_Automobiles._=--Obey park traffic rules. Drive carefully at all times.
The SPEED LIMIT is 20 miles per hour on grades and curves, and on straight
stretches of road 35 miles per hour. All roads are patrolled. Automobiles
will be stopped for checking at park entrances. Cars carrying passengers
for profit are subject to restrictions.
=_Dogs and cats._=--Must be kept securely on a leash while in the park. If
you have no leash, keep the animal in your car.
=_Park rangers._=--Are for your protection and guidance. Do not hesitate
to consult them. Accidents, complaints, and suggestions should be reported
to the superintendent's office immediately.
Events
OF HISTORICAL IMPORTANCE
1820 Maj. Stephen H. Long, commanding an exploring party sent out by
President Madison in 1819, first sighted Longs Peak. Park area
frequented by Arapaho and Ute Indians.
1843 Rufus B. Sage, another explorer, visited the area and later
published earliest known description in "Rocky Mountain Life, or
Startling Scenes and Perilous Adventures in the Far West During
an Expedition of Three Years."
1859 Joel Estes, the first white settler, entered the park and in
1860 built the first cabin.
1865 Charles F. Estes, first white child born in the park.
1868 First ascent of Longs Peak. The climb was made by William N.
Byers, Maj. J.W. Powell, and five other men.
1868 Rocky Mountain Jim, adventurer and frontiersman, settled in area.
1869 Earl of Dunraven, famous English sportsman, first visited this
area.
1871 The Hayden Geographical Survey, under Dr. E.V. Hayden, worked in
this region.
1874 First stage established between Longmont and Estes Park.
1874 Albert Bierstadt, famous artist, first visited the region.
1876 First wedding in the park: Anna Ferguson and Richard Hubbell.
1878 First hotel built by Earl of Dunraven.
1881 First public school established and held in Elkhorn Lodge.
1881 The Denver, Utah & Pacific Railroad built to Lyons and projected
to Pacific Ocean through Fall River and Milner Passes by Milner,
chief engineer for the company.
1900 Bear Lake fire.
1904 Big Thompson Canyon road completed.
1907 Automobile stage line established between Estes Park and Loveland.
1909 Automobile stage line established between Estes Park and Lyons.
1912 Fall River road begun. Completed in 1920.
1915 Rocky Mountain National Park Act approved January 26.
1927 Bear Lake road completed.
1929 State of Colorado ceded exclusive jurisdiction to Federal
Government.
1930 Never Summer Range area added to the park.
1932 Trail Ridge road opened.