Harbison Meadows

Managing agency

National Park Service

This picnic area on the edge of Harbison Meadows offers covered and uncovered picnic tables. The beautiful view across the meadow may have been one of the most important factors in convincing Kitty and Annie Harbison to homestead there. In 1896, the sisters started homesteading adjoining plots of land in what is now Rocky Mountain National Park. Neither married and instead ran a dairy ranch, built cabins to live in, and took care of their mother and father. In the late 1930s the park acquired the land from Mame, their fostered daughter, who they left the ranch to after their deaths. The meadow is now home to elk, migratory birds, coyotes and mule deer, while the picnic area can attract hungry chipmunks, squirrels, and birds. Picnic Tables: 4 Fire Grates: 4 Use of Portable Grills*: Yes * The use of disposable or portable charcoal grills, wood fuel camp stoves, and gas grills is allowed for food preparation as adjuncts to fire grates provided by the park in auto campgrounds and picnic areas. Where portable grills are allowed, the used charcoal and ash must be completely extinguished and disposed of in trash receptacle. Help keep wildlife wild. Never approach or feed wildlife. Animals that learn people are a source of food can become aggressive or stop hunting or foraging on their own. Keep your distance - it's the law! You could be hurt or issued a fine. Vault toilets are also available here.