NPS/Graham Oden
Free Ranger Programs
Your visit can be more enjoyable when you better understand the environment around you. Ranger programs are offered from late May through October as staffing permits, and occasionally during other times of the year. Schedules are generally posted each Friday for the following week's programs. You may request a special program for a larger group by calling the Visitor Center at 719-378-6395, or send an email.
Refresh or reload this page for the current list of upcoming programs. Please call 719-378-6395 with any questions about the program schedule.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sunday, August 12
2:00 - 3:00 pm - Solar Telescope Viewing
Stop by the visitor center back porch to safely view sunspots and solar flares! Weather permitting.
8:45 p.m. Evening Program - Perseid Meteor Shower
Join Rangers Kyle and Stephen to learn the impact meteors have on our lives during the Perseid meteor shower. Come prepared for a short half-mile walk with closed toes shoes and warm layers. Bring a folding chair or blanket to have the best meteor watching experience. Dunes Parking Lot, 2 hours.
Monday, August 13
3:30 pm Afternoon Program - “Art for All Ages”
Come sketch the dunes with a ranger-artist and learn about the unique environment surrounding you! Art supplies will be provided. Visitor Center, 30 minutes.
Tuesday, August 14
3:30 pm Afternoon Program - “Art for All Ages”
Come sketch the dunes with a ranger-artist and learn about the unique environment surrounding you! Art supplies will be provided. Visitor Center, 30 minutes.
Wednesday, August 15
3:30 pm Afternoon Program - “Art for All Ages”
Come sketch the dunes with a ranger-artist and learn about the unique environment surrounding you! Art supplies will be provided. Visitor Center, 30 minutes.
Thursday, August 16
2:00 - 3:00 pm Solar Telescope Viewing
Stop by the visitor center back porch to safely view sunspots and solar flares! Weather permitting.
8:45 p.m. Evening Program - “Exploring Mars Today”
Join Astronomy Volunteer, Bob Bohley, on a journey to the planet Mars as it rises in the east. Mars is making its closest approach to Earth in 15 years. Explore this fascinating planet, what we know and what we don’t know. Amphitheater, 30 minutes. Telescope viewing available after the program, weather permitting.
Friday, August 17
2:00 - 3:00 pm - Solar Telescope Viewing
Stop by the visitor center back porch to safely view sunspots and solar flares! Weather Permitting.
3:30 pm Afternoon Program - Micro Art: Make a Dune Memory Book!
Join Ranger Amy for a very micro-art workshop. Make a handmade book that captures your park experience while exploring the geologic and human history of the park. Art materials provided. All ages welcome!
8:45 pm Evening Program - “The Disappearing Darkness”
The night sky is disappearing for millions of people across the world. Join a ranger to discover where the night sky has gone and what you can do to bring it back! Amphitheater, 45 minutes. Telescope viewing available after the program, weather permitting. Bring a pair of binoculars for viewing after the program.
Saturday, August 18
11:00 am - 3:00 pm - Free Special Event - Celebrating Cultural Experiences in the San Luis Valley: Buffalo Soldier Encampment
Stop by and see Jay and Esther Clark and other historical reenactors to learn about the daily life of Buffalo Soldiers. Buffalo Soldiers served their country by protecting area settlers and American Indians while stationed at Fort Garland and patrolling the San Luis Valley. Visitor Center back porch.
2:00 - 3:00 pm - Solar Telescope Viewing
Stop by the visitor center back porch to safely view sunspots and solar flares! Weather permitting.
3:30 pm Afternoon Program - “Secrets in the Sand”
Come discover some of the secrets of the sand dunes! Learn about rare animals-- both ancient and present-day-- that lived here, and mysterious legends. Touch real spear points, prehistoric camel teeth, and a Columbian mammoth tooth. Visitor Center Back Porch, 30 minutes.
7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Sunset Program - Celebrating Cultural Experiences in the San Luis Valley: Buffalo Soldier Encampment
Join Jay and Esther Clark and other historical reenactors to learn about the daily life of Buffalo Soldiers. Buffalo Soldiers served their country by protecting area settlers and American Indians while stationed at Fort Garland and patrolling the San Luis Valley. Amphitheater, 1 hour.
8:45 p.m. Evening Program - “Exploring Mars Today”
Join Astronomy Volunteer, Bob Bohley, on a journey to the planet Mars as it rises in the east. Mars is making its closest approach to Earth in 15 years. Explore this fascinating planet, what we know and what we don’t know. Amphitheater, 30 minutes. Telescope viewing available after the program, weather permitting.
|
|
