Date: July 28, 2009
Contact: Sandra Snell-Dobert, (970) 641-2337 ext. 227
The month of August brings the last burst of flowers, thunderstorms and colorful sunsets. Why not come out to your national park or recreation area to enjoy those August delights or explore, learn and have fun?
A Special Program called Black Canyon Wildlife Olympics will be offered for Junior Rangers and their families on three Saturdays in August (1, 8, 15). Note, August 15 is a fee free day at the park. Test your skills and compare your abilities with those of animals at the Black Canyon. Who will win the gold? A bear, an eagle, or you! How well can you smell? How far can you see? How high can you jump? Stop by the South Rim Visitor Center any time between 9:30 am and 11:30 am. Stay as short or as long as your schedule allows. Recommended for children between the ages of 5 and 12.
Families can participate in fun activities with a ranger on Sundays between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. See the movie in the visitor center, browse the bookstore or just chat with a ranger. There are many other activities available. For more information, call the South Rim Visitor Center at (970) 249-1914, ext. 423.
Nearby, Curecanti National Recreation Area, between Montrose and Gunnison on Highway 50, has lots of things going on as well. Free programs include our Saturday Night Sky Programs (except August 1) – astronomy when the moon is small, moonlight hikes at Dillon Pinnacles when the moon is full or nearly so August 8 and September 5. For more information, or to sign up for those moonlight hikes, call the visitor center at (970) 641-2337, ext. 205.
The Morrow Point Boat Tour departs every day except Tuesday, through Labor Day. Tour times are 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Tickets for adults are $16, children $8, Adults with Senior Pass or Access Pass $8. Prepaid reservations are required for the boat tour and may be made by calling the Curecanti visitor center at Elk Creek as well.
