Welcome to the home of Rocky Mountain Outdoor Writers and Photographers!
Formed in 1973, Rocky Mountain Outdoor Writers and Photographers, Inc., is an organization of professional and aspiring communicators, dedicated to sharing the outdoor experience. Through writing, photography, broadcast media, and artistic expression, members provide information about the recreational and natural resources found in the Rocky Mountain West. Become a part of our creative community.
- RMOWP’s 2022 conference is now in our rearview mirror. It was packed with fun, informative and exciting field trips and workshops. Stay tuned for when and where we’ll gather in 2023.
- Participate in our annual contest. The 2022 winners were announced at the annual conference in Golden, Colorado in late June. Visit the contest area of our website to view 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winning images.
- Meet some of our members — see what we’re up to.
We need your inspiration, participation, and support. YOU are the organization!
2022 1st Place
Photo Award Winners
Click on a photo to view a larger image, and scroll through the set.
Recent news
Conference Choices
by Don Laine
Where are we going next year? And maybe the next few?
With apologies to Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, and the delightful Dorothy Lamour, “We’re off on the Road to Morocco…”
Well, not really. But we are checking out three possible locations that are just as fascinating, all relatively small communities with plenty to see and do, and we hope, affordable lodging and meeting space. Please continue reading and then email info@rmowp.org with your thoughts. Now, in no particular order, our three possible locations are: Los Alamos, NM, Cortez, CO, and Kanab, UT. Read on for why…
(more…)A View from the Inside
By Richard Holmes
May 2022
Looking up from my hospital bed on a warm April afternoon I see two tall women in green scrubs. One of them is the doctor who will be taking out my gallbladder, I think the one holding a butcher knife in her hand. I could shorten this tale by saying the day began with a trip to the doctor to look at a sore thumb and ended up with removal of my remaining gallbladder.
(more…)Kokopelli – Friend or Foe?
By Don Laine
Of the many subjects of rock art found in the American West, one claims both a name and a gender: He’s Kokopelli, and he’s been found in ruins dating as early as A.D. 200 and as late as the 16th century. The consistency of the images over a wide geographic area indicates that Kokopelli was a well-traveled and universally recognized deity. The figure is generally seen as hunchbacked and playing a flute. His image is still used by potters, weavers, and painters, as well as for decoration on jewelry and clothing. Kokopelli has never been a totally evil character, although he’s frequently been a comic one, and sometimes a bit lecherous.
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