Various free ranger programs are offered throughout the year, although the greatest number and variety occur during the summer months. These include lectures on the park's wildlife, plants, geology, and human history. The programs may cover a very broad topic such as the living things that make their home in the park, or they may offer a detailed analysis of subjects such as the role of ice in landscape development, or how beavers have changed the face of the park. Talks are held at the various visitor centers/museums, as well as at campground amphitheaters.
One of the best ways to explore the park, especially for the first-time visitor, is on a ranger-led walk or hike. These vary -- based mostly on the interests and skills of the rangers on duty when you happen to visit -- but might include strenuous hikes into the alpine tundra, a trek along the Continental Divide to look at different rock formations, or an easy nature walk. Rangers also lead photo walks, orienteering instruction trips, and wildlife-viewing walks. There are walks and talks at several of the park's historic sites, including Holzwarth Trout Lodge Historic Site and the Moraine Park Museum.
At night, rangers periodically lead night-sky programs using the park's computerized telescopes and offer nightly talks during the elk-rutting season each fall. Winter visitors will find a variety of activities, including moonlight hikes, snowshoe and cross-country ski trips, and Saturday-evening talks at the visitor centers. Consult the High Country Headlines newspaper (free at entrance stations and visitor centers) for scheduled activities during your visit.
Especially For Kids -- The park offers a variety of special hikes and programs for children, including an especially popular trip to the park's beaver ponds. The park's Junior Ranger Program helps kids earn badges by completing activities that teach them about the park's plants and animals, and environmental concerns. Most of the kids' activities are scheduled during the summer; check on schedules at any park visitor center.
