It Happened In Rocky Mountain National Park: Stories of Events and People that Shaped a National Park

It Happened In...

by Phyllis J. Perry

From an out-of-control wildfire that nearly destroyed a town to a serial spouse killer in Estes Park, It Happened in Rocky Mountain National Park looks at intriguing people and episodes from the history of Colorado’s largest national park.

Learn how two teens’ attempt to scale the Diamond—a sheer granite cliff so dangerous that climbing it used to be outlawed—resulted in one of the most complicated rescues in the park’s history. Read about the life and untimely demise of Rocky Mountain Jim, who was badly scarred by a grizzly bear attack and earned a reputation as an eccentric but highly skilled wilderness guide. And meet Harriet Peters, an unusually tenacious girl who summited 14,259-foot-tall Longs Peak at the tender age of eight.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

216 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Mackenzie Marrow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second Edition - 2018

Really interesting and informative! Perry writes a great story while keeping it to what happened.

Some of the information did get pretty repetitive if you're just reading straight through. And I wished she had talked more about the Native people who came before. They seemed like an after thought

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a easy and interesting read about different events that have happened in Rocky Mountain National Park. The writing and editing are often lacking, but the read is worthwhile for those interested in the Park.

[Rainier Lolly · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s boring. Like really boring. Think of some of the most boring stories that could come out of RMNP and then compile them into a book. This is that book.

Each chapter is a new tale and only lasts about 5-10 pages tops. Within those pages is about a paragraphs worth of information spread out and repeated, and repeated, and repeated.

Let’s also not forget about the blatant dismissal of native people and their journeys over the land. You mean to tell me that in the millennia that Native American people have lived on the land that is now called Colorado, the author is unwilling to believe that any of those people climbed Longs Peak? That it’s so unbelievably unrealistic that anyone before the mid 1800s climbed up the mountain? Not one of the MILLIONS of people that lived in the area before settlers? Really? Really. Straight delusional thinking if you ask me.

Could have been a fun book talking about RMNP but was very disappointed with it over all. Glad I just got it from the library so I can just return it and forget about it. I know there’s good stories about the park but will just stick with listening to park rangers and the internet I guess.

[Brett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This will be your book if you want some history about Rocky Mountain National Park in an unusual format. The format is chapters in order by time interspersed with one-page biographies, not obituaries, which might be a better description. The first section consists of the settling by Europeans and Americans. The rest is pretty much ways to die in the park. I know some people who, if they read this book first, would never visit this gorgeous park. It is a good read, not very long, but all the death is a bit tiresome.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Includes some local history in addition to the National Park storyline. Writing and stories are better than some of the other “It happened in...” books. Likely because the author is local to the area and passionate. Finished up a bit like the “death in the...” series but I suppose it’s hard to avoid those more salacious tales.

[Ellen Deckinga · Rating 2 out of 5]

Each chapter started with great detail and imagery, but then the chapter got dry. The stories are interesting, and could make fantastic stories on their own. If I were to write historical fiction, this would be one of my idea prompts.

[Savannah Tagget · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bad writing but interesting for someone like me who lives near and frequently recreates in RMNP. Short and easy to get through. Basically written like little short stories.

[Susan Kasza · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is so boring. Some of the stories should be quite interesting, but the writing is dry as can be.

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Little dry but interesting stories. 3-4 pages per chapter.

[Alessandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this! A bit of light reading and I wish there had been more details but still really enjoyed it

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting history and information about this beautiful area.

[Jake Watmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book while visiting Colorado, as I always get a book when I visit a National Park and this one did not disappoint.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an enjoyable walk through time to find out how many trys it took for a party to reach the summit of Longs Peak and since that time what dangers are up there. Some of the struggles the park faces were struggles that occured back before the area was called "Rocky Mountain National Park" and other stories in and around the park that we see today.

[Boulder Book Store · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tuesday, March 11, 2008, at 7:30pm at the Boulder Book Store.

[Mckinley · Rating 3 out of 5]

History of the area. Engaging.

[Clif Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting as this is one of my favorite parks. Several editing errors, though.