In 1967, astronaut Vance Brand bought 160 acres beside Rocky Mountain National Park for $32,000

Former NASA astronaut Vance Brand spent decades exploring space, but one of his lasting contributions came from land he bought beside Rocky Mountain National Park. In 1967, Brand purchased 160 acres along the park’s eastern boundary for $32,000.

Years later, with the support of his wife and children, he donated 40 acres of undeveloped forest to protect the landscape around the park. The property was transferred in 2019 to the Rocky Mountain Conservancy, the park’s nonprofit partner, while officials pursued the federal approval needed to change the park boundary.

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To me the park is a wonderful place that must be preserved, and where possible expanded.

Colorado lawmakers introduced the Rocky Mountain National Park Boundary Modification Act in 2020. Senator Michael Bennet, former Senator Cory Gardner and Representative Joe Neguse sponsored the measure, which won bipartisan support, passed Congress and became law in January 2021.

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The numerous hiking, camping, and (non-technical) mountain climbing experiences that I had there in my youth led me to purchase land along Rocky Mountain National Park's eastern boundary in 1967.

The donated land was formally added to Rocky Mountain National Park in September 2022. It lies about four miles from Longs Peak and includes aspen and pine forests crossed by small mountain streams. The property also creates a natural buffer between private homes and the Estes Cone, Storm Pass and Eugenia Mine hiking routes.

Brand said the park’s landscapes and the experiences he had there as a young person inspired him to buy land along its boundary. He said his family hoped the donation would preserve the property in its natural state for current and future generations of Americans.

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My family and I sincerely hope that this donation to the national park will keep the land in its natural state for the benefit and enjoyment of current and future generations of Americans.