"Rocky Mountain Explorer Package" Combines Lodging With Field Programs in Rocky Mountain National Park

You can pair lodging with a day of hiking, or learning about black bears, or following historic Native American trails in Rocky Mountain National Park under package deals put together by lodging concessionaire Forever Resorts.

The company's Rocky Mountain Explorer Package is being offered through the Rocky Mountain Park Inn in Estes Park, Colorado, and in conjunction with the Rocky Mountain Nature Association.

Each package includes the following:

* One night’s accommodation for two adults

* Two passes to select field seminars offered by the RMNA (seminars included in packages are described below)

* Breakfast for two

* Boxed lunch for two in a backpack

* A seven-day pass for Rocky Mountain National Park ($20 value)

A portion of each package price will be donated to the RMNA’s Next Generation Fund, which helps pay for educational programs and products for youth and families within Rocky Mountain National Park.

Rocky Mountain Explorer packages available for the 2011 season include:

Waterfall Hiking Package

June 11 from 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Cascading waterfalls and gorgeous scenery will be the backdrop for this hike as participants learn how optimal use of hiking poles can save knees as well as improve balance, posture, strength and endurance. Top-quality loaner poles are provided so folks can learn which poles fit them best and suit their specific needs and goals. Cost: $389.95

Bear Facts & Lion Tales Package

Includes July 6 from 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Join Kathy Brown, a Park ranger and East District naturalist, to learn about the daily lives and habits of two of RMNP's most interesting predators-bears and mountain lions. Learn what they eat, how they hunt, special challenges involved with managing predators and what to do if you encounter one. Seminar includes short-distance walks on primary-level terrain. Cost: $359.95

Arapaho Names & Trails Package

August 7 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. – With Sue Langdon, RMNP ranger, caravan to various locations in the Estes Valley and Rocky Mountain National Park and explore the Arapaho's journey through the area and the stories and legacy of names they left behind. The morning will include a 1.5-hour history of the Arapaho with the remainder of the day in the field caravanning to historic locations. Cost: $359.95

Hike with a Naturalist: Tundra Ute Trail Package

September 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. – Enjoy breathtaking views as you hike across the Alpine Tundra from AVC to Milner Pass on a Native American foot trail. Learn about alpine ecology, geologic formations and the science of weather as you wind downward towards Poudre Lake. Participants may expect to hike more than 5 miles while learning how tundra inhabitants prepare for winter and enjoy the changing landscape. Cost: $389.95

All packages have limited availability and must be booked two weeks prior to the date of the field seminar included in the package. To make a reservation for one of these unique outdoor packages visit: www.RockyMountainParkInn.com or call 970-586-2332 and ask about the Rocky Mountain Explorer Packages.