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Colorado National Monument
For Kids
junior rangers

EXPLORE • LEARN • PROTECT your national monument. Become a junior ranger!

Junior Ranger Program

Colorado National Monument has an official Junior Ranger Program designed with activites for children ages 5 - 12, but anyone can complete the program. The goal of the program is to introduce the natural wonders of Colorado National Monument and present an opportunity for every visitor to explore, learn, and protect the park for the future.

To become a junior ranger, families and individuals can pick up the activity booklet at the visitor center front desk. After completing the requirements described in the booklet and reviewing your work with a ranger at the visitor center, participants are awarded an official Colorado National Monument junior ranger badge and certificate. Modeled after the National Park Service ranger badge, junior ranger badges feature Independence Monument.

Requirements include hiking on at least one park trail and completing several fun-filled educational activities on various park resources such as plants, animals, people, geology, and geography.

Ranger-led Activities

Walks are scheduled throughout the year. See the program schedule for further information.

 
junior rangers
Two new junior rangers, stewards of the land!
John Otto on a trail with his horse and burro  

Did You Know?
John Otto's efforts almost a century ago continue to help visitors experience Colorado National Monument. Of the 40 miles of trails available to hikers in the monument, many of them were first built by original park custodian John Otto.
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Last Updated: June 25, 2009 at 13:13 EST