Enos A. Mills

Born in Kansas in 1870, Enos A. Mills made his life in the Colorado mountains and became known for his deep love of wilderness. Often called the "Father of Rocky Mountain National Park," he played a leading role in the campaign that helped establish the park in 1915.

Mills was more than an activist: he was also a popular lecturer, guide, and prolific nature writer. His books and essays invited readers to look closely at forests, wildlife, and mountain landscapes, and his work helped shape early nature education in the United States.

He died in 1922 at the age of 52, but his legacy remains closely tied to Rocky Mountain National Park and to the tradition of American nature writing. His life still stands as a vivid example of how one passionate voice can change how people see and protect the natural world.