Rocky Mountain National Park reaches a big milestone in 2015, so the park is kicking off a year-long celebration of its 100th birthday on September 3, 2014. An ambitious agenda featuring a wide variety of activities has been planned through September 2015 for the centennial observance which has a great slogan: "Wilderness, Wildlife, Wonder: Honor the Past, Celebrate the Present, Inspire the Future."

First on the park's centennial calendar are a pair of events, one on the park's east side, and one on the west.

A Kick-off Ceremony will be held on the east side of the park on Wednesday, September 3, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. The event will be held at Hidden Valley; however, to attend this event, visitors must board a shuttle bus from the Fairgrounds Park-n-Ride (1170 Manford Ave., Estes Park). Buses will begin service at noon and will continue through 5:00 p.m.

A Kick-off Ice Cream Social will be held on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park on Thursday, September 4, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. The event will be held at the Holzwarth Historic Site; to attend this event, visitors must board a shuttle bus from the Grand Lake Town Hall or the Kawuneeche Visitor Center, which is located one mile north of the town of Grand Lake on US34.  Buses will begin service at noon and will continue through 5:00 p.m.

For both events, visitors are encouraged to be at bus stops as close to noon as possible to ensure timely arrival at the event. Special guests, music, activities, and treats will round out the two-hour events in both locations.

The rest of September—and the following twelve months—feature a wide range of activities including guided hikes and climbs, easy walks, talks, exhibits, art events and music. You'll find a complete calendar of events at this link, and there's a short video and more information about the entire centennial year on the park website.

A park spokesperson extended a special invitation to everyone to visit and enjoy the park in the year ahead:

"Whether you are a regular visitor, a national park traveler, or a virtual explorer, Rocky Mountain National Park hopes that the anniversary will inspire you to experience and connect with the park that has inspired 100 years of protection and will continue to enchant and delight visitors and stewards for another 100 years."