Kawuneeche Visitor Center — Attraction in Four Corners States

Visited on Monday 9/9/24 around 10am before my 11am-1pm timed-entry. The rangers at this center were very helpful. They gave me suggestions of where to view a variety of wildlife. With their suggestions, I spotted a moose, a few elks, pikas, marmots and many mule deer, as well as several bird species not native to my area!

It's not a huge center, but they had a nice variety of resources and small gifts. I purchased a paperback book about RMNP wildlife and which region to find each animal for under $7. So, the prices were more reasonable than I anticipated.

I didn't get her name, but I want to thank the ranger who gave me the tip about spotting pikas at Rock Cut. I heard them almost immediately and not long after, I spotted them zipping in and out of the rocks. I also saw a marmot that was more camera-shy.

The alpine/sub-alpine region is fascinating since I would never get the opportunity to see any of this flora and fauna around my home in Georgia. Thanks to these people I was able to get the most out of my visit to RMNP!

Some of the aspens were beginning to change across the street from the center. The other pictures are the animals I spotted throughout the park. The moose was a surprise, so I couldn't get pulled over to get the picture until he had walked into the trees, unfortunately. But ask them for suggestions, and you will definitely see...

This particular ranger station/visitor center is well equipped for a bit of shopping and some much needed bathroom time. Also, what I liked the most is their educational capability here.

Ever had a burning question about what the hell was that white poop on the trail? Wait-what about the ones that look like big giant almond like shaped poop? What about the ones littered with fruit seeds? Oh yeah. I'm curious as hell. If you're like me no need to bother the rangers. Do this: if you're facing the counter inside the building to your left as you go in; go to the left end of it. There you will see separated in compartments are varied dried poops(the wild animal kind) labeled for you and me. Open it. Take a pic! Go home and now you're prepared to name each one you'll see on the trail.

The white one? It's a Bobcat. That's the freebie you'll get. Now go!

Oh yeah. You need to go all the way to the second smaller counter to pick up your backcountry permit. You will be questioned politely about your capability to handle some situations. Ex: snowshoes? Tons of snow? Trail not visible? This is the time to admit your shortcomings if you have any:)

Now happy trails but pls do it lightly. Pick up after...

If you want to get the most out of a trip to any National Park, stop by the Visitor Center on your first day! Kawuneeche is a great Visitor Center for obtaining information and orientation to the park. Rangers and volunteers can give you a park map as well as detailed hiking maps, answer questions about the general area, and give you detailed driving instructions on getting to other parts of Colorado. (Why don't gas stations have maps for Colorado and surrounding states anymore?)

They have a three-dimensional map of the park with light up points of interest, displays covering popular activities in the park, a 24 minute movie "Spirit if the Mountains," and a small shop with reference books (think birds, history, geology, and mammals of the park), children's books, plush, tshirts and sweatshirts, and topo-maps of the park. Finally, they have the all-important Passport Cancellation and the new-in-2018 Rocky Jr...