Free Ranger Programs
September 24-29, 2023
All programs are outdoors and weather-dependent. Other than guided hikes, there are no advance reservations or sign-ups for programs or events.
Sunday, September 24
10:00am Guided Hike: Guardians of the Dunes. Trees from the top of the mountains to the creeks by the dunes have helped watch over the park. Join a ranger on a half mile guided hike and explore together how each species of trees help protect the lands around the dunes. Please wear appropriate hiking attire including closed-toe shoes, bring snacks and a minimum of two liters of water. Please sign up in advance by stopping by the visitor center or calling 719-378-6395. Meet at Montville/Mosca Pass Trailhead. 1 hour.
2:00pm 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.
Monday, September 25
10:00am Ranger Program: Tools to Live by. There have been a number of tools essential to human survival. As time passed, the specific tools have changed, but the ideas have stayed the same. Join us to learn about and gain hands on experience with some of the most important tools to those that have survived in the wilderness around Great Sand Dunes. Visitor center, 45 minutes
2:00pm Porch Talk: The Sky's the Limit. Weather is all around, yet how often are we able to read what it is telling us? Join us as we learn to distinguish between different types of clouds and begin to understand the messages the weather is sending us. Visitor center, 15 minutes.
Tuesday, September 26
10:00am Ranger Program: The Sky's the Limit. Weather is all around, yet how often are we able to read what it is telling us? Join us as we learn to distinguish between different types of clouds and begin to understand the messages the weather is sending us. Visitor center, 15 minutes.
2:00pm Porch Talk: Dunes Dance Moves. The formation of the Great Sand Dunes can be portrayed and felt through simple dance moves. Learn how the dunes were formed as you make these moves along with a ranger! Visitor center, 15 minutes.
Wednesday, September 27
2:00pm 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.
Thursday, September 28
10:00am Ranger Program: Tools to Live by. There have been a number of tools essential to human survival. As time passed, the specific tools have changed, but the ideas have stayed the same. Join us to learn about and gain hands on experience with some of the most important tools to those that have survived in the wilderness around Great Sand Dunes. Visitor center, 45 minutes
Friday, September 29
2:00pm 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: Stars Above the Sand. There are more stars than grains of sand! From dunes in our solar system to the newest images from the James Webb Space Telescope, we’ll explore the unexpected wonders of the universe. Constellation tour after the program if skies are clear. Amphitheater, 35-minute program with 15-minute constellation tour.
