Calendar
NPS/Patrick Myers Saturday, April 14, 8:00am-11:30am Sand Robotics Challenge, Sponsored by NASA and Adams State UniversityGreat Sand Dunes are very similar to the dunes on planet Mars, where NASA rovers explore and do scientific research. Each spring, NASA and Adams State University sponsor a sand robotics challenge, where college student teams and the general public can compete with their own homemade rovers and learn about the technology of Mars rovers! The competition takes place in the Medano Creekbed, outside the designated wilderness area of the dunefield. Learn more on the Colorado Space Consortium's website. Free entrance to the park this day!
NPS/Graham Oden Friday, May 25 - Saturday, September 29 Summer Ranger ProgramsEvening programs or night hikes will be offered on most weekends in the summer at the outdoor amphitheater. Afternoon programs on weekends and some weekdays will allow visitors to learn more about the unique resources of Great Sand Dunes. View the current ranger program schedule.
NPS/Patrick Myers Extended Visitor Center HoursGreat Sand Dunes will offer extended visitor center hours starting Friday, May 25 through Labor Day weekend. The visitor center will be open daily from 8:30am to 5pm.
Saturday, July 28 Guided Bird Walk along Mosca Pass TrailCelebrate the Year of the Bird with a free guided birding hike along Mosca Pass Trail. Dr. Tim Armstrong of Adams State University will lead this walk in the forests of Mosca Canyon. Time to be announced.
NPS/Patrick Myers Junior Ranger DayJunior Ranger Day is an opportunity for kids of all ages to participate in exploratory activities at the South Ramada picnic area, adjacent to the Dunes Parking Area. Participants will have the opportunity to earn prizes after completing a variety of activities. This event is made possible with generous support from Friends of the Dunes and the staff and volunteers at Great Sand Dunes. Free entrance for all visitors this day!
courtesy Jack Rudder Celebrating Cultural Experiences in the San Luis Valley: Mountain Man EncampmentIn the 1700s, "Mountain Men" were some of the earliest known people of European descent to live in the San Luis Valley. They had to be savvy and rugged, able to negotiate with American Indians, soldiers, and settlers while living off the land in the remote Rocky Mountain backcountry. San Luis Valley historian, Jack Rudder, will create a mountain man encampment at the visitor center, complete with a historic tent and numerous items that would have been used by mountain men in this area. Stop by and discover this little-known part of San Luis Valley heritage!
Photo: Haley Eboma, courtesy Fort Larned National Historic Site Celebrating Cultural Experiences in the San Luis Valley:
Few realize that African American Buffalo Soldiers from the US Army patrolled the Great Sand Dunes area 140 years ago. Based at Fort Garland, these courageous men sometimes faced prejudice and persecution, yet heroically served their country by protecting area settlers and American Indians. Visit a living history Buffalo Soldier encampment between 11 am to 3 pm at the visitor center, and a more formal presentation from 7 pm to 8 pm at the amphitheater. Jay and Esther Clark and other reenactors will portray the daily life of Buffalo Soldiers and a laundress camping in this rugged wilderness. Stop by and discover this little-known part of San Luis Valley heritage!
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