Free Ranger Programs, July 29 - August 4, 2022
Refresh this page for the current program list. All programs are weather-dependent.
Friday, August 5
10:30am Porch Talk: It's About Time. Join us as we go through Earth's geologic history and learn about some of the events that led to the formation of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. Visitor center, 15 minutes.
8:45pm Evening Program: Creatures of the Night. During the night, activity on the dunefield comes alive. This ranger talk will discuss various nocturnal animals and how they interact with both each other and the dunefield in a fun and family-friendly way. Amphitheater, 45 minutes.
Saturday, August 6
9:00am to 1:00pm Special event: Jr. Ranger Day. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is celebrating Junior Ranger Day. Activities will take place at the south entrance to the dunefield from the Dunes Parking Area (follow signs posted in the parking lot). Participants will have the opportunity to earn patches, pedometers, and t-shirts after completing a variety of activities. Families and children of all ages are welcome and there are no fees or reservations required to participate in the event.
Sunday, August 7
10:30am Porch Talk: It's About Time. Join us as we go through Earth's geologic history and learn about some of the events that led to the formation of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. Visitor center, 15 minutes.
8:45pm Evening Program: Creatures of the Night. During the night, activity on the dunefield comes alive. This ranger talk will discuss various nocturnal animals and how they interact with both each other and the dunefield in a fun and family-friendly way. Amphitheater, 45 minutes.
Monday, August 8
10:30am Porch Talk: Dunes MD: The Park as a Pharmacy. Before there were hospitals and pharmacies here, diverse people living in the Great Sand Dunes region had to adapt by using native plants to heal themselves. Visitor center, 15 minutes.
Tuesday, August 910:30am Porch Talk: The Mystery of the Sands & Native American People. Join us as we go over how the dunes formed, and learn about the people who used to survive here. Visitor center, 15 minutes.
Wednesday, August 10
10:30am Porch Talk: The Mysterious Crestone Crater. Located near the town of Crestone, The Crestone Crater is a strange landform that we do not yet fully understand. Join us as we go over some of the different ways that it could have possibly formed. Visitor center, 15 minutes.
Thursday, August 11
10:30am Porch Talk: The Four Elements that Formed the Dunes. The biggest question visitors ask our staff is “How did the dunes get here?” This ranger talk will answer every step of the process that formed the dunes in a fun and family-friendly way. Visitor center, 15 minutes.
Friday, August 12
10:30am Porch Talk: The Mystery of the Sands & Native American People. Join us as we go over how the dunes formed, and learn about the people who used to survive here. Visitor center, 15 minutes.
8:45pm Evening Program: Star Stuff. Everything on Earth, including you, me, and the dunes, is made of star stuff. Join us as we go through the history of the universe, from the Big Bang, to the formation of the dunes. Constellation tour after the program. Amphitheater, 45 minutes.
Saturday, August 13
10:30am Porch Talk: It's About Time. Join us as we go through Earth's geologic history and learn about some of the events that led to the formation of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. Visitor center, 15 minutes.
