Rocky Mountain National Park Motorists Guide: National Park Service, 1937

Nothing on paper can truly match the awe of standing amidst the towering peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park — but this 1937 sheet comes remarkably close. Serving as both a guide and a time capsule, it draws visitors into the park as it once was. The main map, adapted from a United States Geological Survey sheet, has been carefully updated to chart winding transportation routes, lofty mountain summits, and celebrated landmarks.

To the left, two smaller regional maps trace the threads of connection leading to the park, with automobile roads and railways boldly marked, and further details explained in the legend. Charming illustrations bring to life the park’s resident wildlife and its idyllic vistas, inviting the viewer to imagine stepping into the scenery.

Flip the sheet over, and you’ll find a wealth of practical information: detailed trail descriptions, guidance on viewing wildlife, notes on visitor amenities, and rules meant to preserve the park’s majesty for all. It ends, fittingly, with words of straightforward wisdom from another era: “BE CAREFUL WITH FIRE. THE SPEED LIMIT IS 35 MILES PER HOUR.”

Background on Creator

The National Park Service (NPS) is a U.S. federal agency established in 1916 to manage national parks, monuments, and historic sites. Its mission is to preserve and protect natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. The NPS oversees more than 400 sites across the country, including both iconic landscapes and important historical places. It employs approximately 20,000 people and relies on many volunteers. The NPS also partners with others to conserve nature, share history, and promote outdoor recreation.