News Release

Great Sand Dunes Announces Free Programs and Events during “We Love Our National Park” Celebration in April

Date: March 17, 2023
Contact: Kathy Faz Garcia, [phone]

To honor the Great Sand Dunes National Park, and to celebrate being the Gateway Community, Visit Alamosa will launch the third annual, month-long ‘We Love Our National Park Celebration’ on April 1, 2023. Each year in April since 1991, National Parks across the country celebrate National Park Week with special programs, events, and fee-free days. This year, National Park Week is April 22-30, which makes April the perfect time to celebrate and honor the national park’s dedication to conserving world-class resources while also showing appreciation to the community that promotes and supports their national park.

Various restaurants, shops, and attractions will offer Great Sand Dunes themed specials and displays to show their love for the national park unit during the month of April as part of Visit Alamosa’s “We Love our National Park” campaign. Great Sand Dunes is also planning events and programs throughout April to align with the campaign. The month-long celebration will kick-off with a block party on San Juan Avenue in Alamosa on Friday, April 7. The evening will feature a variety of activities and entertainment for all ages. Starting at 4pm, multiple Adams State University musical ensembles will perform and Park Superintendent Andrea Compton will be joined by city and county officials for opening remarks. Great Sand Dunes park rangers and partner organizations will have information tables throughout the evening from 5pm to 8pm. Local band, the Celtic (K)nots, will perform at 6pm and performers from the Salida Circus will be entertaining throughout the evening along Main Street and San Juan Avenue. A free ranger presentation will also be offered at the local San Luis Valley Museum at 6pm.

Throughout the month starting on April 7, free ranger programs or activity tables will be offered at the park visitor center on most weekends. Daily programs or activity tables at the park visitor center are planned during National Park Week, April 22-30. To kick off National Park Week, entrance fees will be waived on Saturday, April 22 and the park will host a Locals Night Under the Stars event at the park’s outdoor amphitheater from 8-10:30pm. This event will feature guest speaker, Michael Rymer from the International Dark Sky Association, followed by ranger-guided stargazing, and telescope viewing and learning about the impacts of light pollution.

April is the perfect time of the year to enjoy a picnic at the Mosca Creek picnic area, splash in Medano Creek, spend the night in Pinon Flats Campground, or rent a sand sled or sandboard and experience the dunes in a fun and exciting way. For a full schedule of events during the month of April and more information on visiting Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, including camping, hiking, Medano Creek conditions, Medano Pass Primitive Road conditions, visitor center hours, and other park news, visit www.nps.gov/grsa.