Ranger Programs

Images and videos are shown during summer evening programs at Great Sand Dunes' open-air amphitheater.

NPS/Graham Oden

Free Ranger Programs

Your visit can be more enjoyable when you better understand the environment around you. Ranger programs are offered primarily late spring through fall, and occasionally during other times of the year as staffing permits. 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.

 

Call [phone]

to register for a ranger guided program. You must speak to a ranger to register. Voice mail and e-mail will not be accepted.

April 3 – April 25 Great Sand Dunes Appreciation Month and National Park Week

Saturday, April 3
10:30 a.m. - Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve Appreciation Month Ceremony Join City of Alamosa Mayor Ty Coleman, and Park Superintendent Pam Rice at the Alamosa Welcome Center for an unveiling ceremony. Mayor Coleman will present Superintendent Rice with the official proclamation devoting the month of April as the “Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve Appreciation Month”. No registration is necessary. Alamosa Welcome Center, 30 minutes.

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Meet and Greet with Great Sand Dunes Park Rangers Following the ceremony, meet with park rangers to learn about programs and events during the month of April, pick up maps and brochures to plan your trip to Great Sand Dunes, and learn about the Junior Ranger Program. No registration is necessary. Alamosa Welcome Center, 60 minutes.

Saturday, April 10
12:00 - 1:00 p.m. - Information Table at Visitor Center Patio Join a Ranger on the back patio to learn about the park resources that make this national park unique and special. No registration is necessary. Visitor Center Patio, 60 minutes.

Saturday, April 17 – Fee Free Day – First Day of National Park Week
12:00 - 1:30 p.m. - B.A.R.K. Ranger Guided Hike Participate in a ranger guided hike along the Sand Sheet Loop and Montville Nature Trails to learn about the National Park Service B.A.R.K. Ranger program, a program designed for pet owners and their pets to learn how to have a safe and fun visit in a national park. Dog owners will learn how to read the landscape, avoid dangers, and share the path with others. Meet at the Visitor Center, 90 minutes. Limited space, register by calling the visitor center at 719-378-6395 between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

2:00 - 3:00 pm - Information Table at Visitor Center Patio Come learn about the National Park Service and the different sites that we manage. No registration is necessary. Visitor Center Patio, 60 minutes.

Sunday, April 18
11:00a.m. - 12:00p.m. - Information Table at Visitor Center PatioCome learn about the National Park Service and the different sites that we manage. No registration is necessary. Visitor Center Patio, 60 minutes.

Monday, April 19
10:00– 10:30 a.m. – Free Ranger Talk Come learn the military history of Great Sand Dunes, from conquistadors to calvary, and the World War II soldiers that trained here. Amphitheater, 30 mintues. Limited space, register by calling the visitor center at 719-378-6395 between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 20
10:00 – 10:30 a.m. – Conversation with a Ranger Meet with a Visitor and Resource Protection Park Ranger and learn how park rangers preserve and protect the park and preserve on foot, horseback, and in vehicles. Come with questions, get some answers and hear some stories. Amphitheater, 30 minutes Limited space, register by calling the visitor center at 719-378-6395 between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday, April 21
10:00 – 10:30 a.m. and 3:00 – 3:30 p.m. – Wildlife Wiggles Dance Class Wiggle, wag, and waddle with a ranger as you discover the coolest dance moves inspired by Great Sand Dunes’ wildlife. This program will get kids’ hearts pumping all while learning and having fun. Parents can enjoy views of the dunes and watch their kids’ dance moves. Visitor Center Patio, 30 minutes. Limited space, register by calling the visitor center at 719-378-6395, between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 22
10:00 – 11:00 a.m. – Conversation with a RangerJoin in a conversation with staff from the Resource Management Program and learn what they do to protect and conserve the natural and cultural resources at Great Sand Dunes. Amphitheater, 30 minutes Limited space, register by calling the visitor center at 719-378-6395 between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Friday, April 23
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. - Backpacking 101Come learn some protips and tricks about backpacking in the Great Sand Dunes and Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Areas. Visitors will learn leave no trace principles and safe ways to explore the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. Amphitheater, 30 minutes. Limited space, register by calling the visitor center at 719-378-6395 between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 24
9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. - B.A.R.K. Ranger Guided Hike at Cole ParkParticipate in a 1.5-mile ranger guided hike starting at Cole Park to learn about the National Park Service B.A.R.K. Ranger program, a program designed for pet owners and their pets to learn how to have a safe and fun visit in a national park. Dog owners will learn how to read the landscape, avoid dangers, and share the path with others. Meet at Cole Park behind the Alamosa library, 90 minutes. Limited space, register by calling the visitor center at 719-378-6395 between 9:00a.m. and 4:30p.m.

12:00 - 2:00 p.m. - Information Table at Alamosa Welcome CenterStop by the Alamosa Welcome Center to learn about the significance of Great Sand Dunes’ International Dark Sky Certification. Rangers will offer night sky viewing tips and ways to reduce light pollution. Visitors are welcome to pick up Junior Ranger activitiy books and learn more about the Junior Ranger Program. No registration is necessary. Alamosa Welcome Center, 2 hours.

Sunday, April 25
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. - Information Table at Visitor Center Patio Join a Ranger on the back patio to learn about the park resources that make this national park unique and special. No registration is necessary. Visitor Center Patio, 60 minutes.

Visitors must follow COVID safety guidelines and protocols at all programs and events.

 

Ranger with Students Beside Medano Creek

NPS/Patrick Myers

Programs for Schools

Free educational programs at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve provide hands-on field experiences that can support and enhance your learning objectives. Visit our Education Page to learn more and request a program!