Enos Abijah Mills (1870–1922) was an influential American naturalist, author, and homesteader whose tireless advocacy earned him recognition as the "Father of Rocky Mountain National Park." Born in 1870, Mills dedicated much of his life to exploring, documenting, and preserving the wilderness of the American West. His deep connection to the natural world shaped his writing and public speaking, establishing him as a prominent voice in the early American conservation movement.\n\nThroughout his life, Mills traveled extensively across the Rocky Mountains. Unlike many of his contemporaries, he advocated for a peaceful relationship with nature, believing in communing with wild animals rather than hunting them for food or safety. He shared his observations and philosophy through numerous writings and lectures. His dedication to environmental education caught the attention of President Theodore Roosevelt, who appointed Mills as a government lecturer to promote forestry and conservation.\n\nIn addition to his advocacy, Mills operated the Longs Peak House, an inn that served as a summer retreat for writers, publicists, and intellectuals. Often compared to the Roycroft artisan community, the establishment became a hub for creative and intellectual exchange in the Rockies. Mills's legacy as a pioneer of nature preservation and outdoor education remains highly regarded, and he was posthumously inducted into the Colorado Business Hall of Fame in 2016.
