Rocky Mountain National Park covers 416 square miles of mountainous area in northern Colorado. The park contains lakes, rivers, mountain peaks and heavily wooded forests. Park rangers are essential to the operation of this park. Rangers share their knowledge of the local area and surrounding nature to help visitors make the most of a visit to this national park.
Rangers at Rocky Mountain National Park provide natural interpretive services. These services explain the various plants and wildlife within the park and how the plants and animals interact with each other. Rangers also host displays of wildlife habitats and various terrain features of the park. Rangers are on hand to answer any questions guests may have while browsing these displays.
National Park Rangers act in the capacity of law enforcement officials. They ensure that guests are using park resources in a manner that is consistent with park rules and regulations. They also ensure that visitors do not break environmental laws. Rangers patrol the park to look for poachers or individuals who are removing plants or other natural resources without permission.
Rocky Mountain National Park Rangers often perform emergency services. In the event that a camper is lost inside park property, rangers will be called upon to perform search and rescue missions. Rangers may be asked to help combat fires that break out on the grounds.
Rangers at Rocky Mountain National Park lead many evening programs. These programs are held at the various campgrounds within the park. Programs are free and open to all members of the public. Some evening programs include rock climbing, bird watching and identification, history of the local area and various science related topics.
National Park rangers help facilitate Trail Ridge road tours within the park. These tours are conducted by bus. This bus leaves each morning and returns the same afternoon, with a one-hour stop for lunch. Rangers show guests popular sites such as Many Parks Curve, Lava Cliffs, Forest Canyon Overlook and Rainbow Curve.
Park rangers need to be in good physical condition as the job may require them to walk and stand frequently. Rangers need to be familiar with park regulations and operating procedures. A background in forestry or biology is useful to a ranger when presenting interpretive programs. Ability to work well with others is also necessary.
Rocky Mountain National Park is open year round. Some areas have limited access during the winter months. A few nature centers are open only during the spring and summer months. This means that many rangers will be employed seasonally. These rangers typically work from April through October and usually work more hours from May through September.
