Date: December 2, 2016
Contact: Sandra Snell-Dobert, 970-641-2337, ext. 227
Montrose, CO: Winter is coming and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park has opportunities to get outdoors. Ranger guided programs are designed to help you get started on experiencing the snow. Ski clinics and snowshoe walks are dependent upon snow conditions. Call the South Rim Visitor Center for updates at: 970-249-1914, ext. 423
Cross Country Ski Clinics: Saturdays, December 31 and January 7, 11:00 am. Learn the basics of cross country skiing. This 2 hour clinic will cover simple striding and gliding and traveling in variable terrain and snow conditions. Meet at South Rim Visitor Center. You must provide your own ski equipment. Reservations required: (970) 249-1914, ext. 423.
Snowshoe Walks: January 11 – March 4, Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. 10:00 am Saturdays, 1:00 pm Wednesdays and Sundays. Meet at South Rim Visitor Center. No special skill is needed to participate in these 1.5 mile walks. Allow 2 hours for the program. Snowshoes are available to use, free of charge, for these programs. Reservations required: (970) 249-1914, ext. 423.
Full Moon Snowshoe Walks: Thursday, January 12 and Friday, February 10, 5:30 pm. Meet at South Rim Visitor Center. Experience a moonlit winter night on snowshoes. No special skill needed to participate in this walk. Allow 90 minutes for the program – be prepared for cold weather. Snowshoes are available to use free of charge. Hot drinks will be available after the program. Reservations required: (970) 249-1914, ext. 423.
Winter Night Skies: February 25 and March 25, 2017, 7:00 pm. Meet at the South Rim Visitor Center. Join Sky Rangers and the Black Canyon Astronomical Society to learn more about what is happening in the night sky. The evening starts with a special program followed by night sky viewing. If the weather looks bad, call (970) 249-1914, ext. 423. Be prepared for cold weather.
The South Rim Visitor Center winter hours are 9:00 am to 4:00 pm every day (closed Christmas Day). Western National Parks Association provides a bookstore inside the visitor center. A 15% discount is offered on all purchases every Saturday and Sunday through December 24.
