Ranger Programs

A ranger plays guitar to open an evening program in front of an audience at the outdoor amphitheater. The dunes are silhouetted under a sky with clouds and stars.
Images and videos are shown on a large screen during evening programs at Great Sand Dunes' outdoor amphitheater. Programs begin at dusk, and last about 30-40 minutes. They are usually followed by a laser-guided constellation tour when it's completely dark.

NPS

Free Ranger Programs


Your visit can be more enjoyable when you better understand the environment around you. Ranger programs are offered primarily in summer and fall, and occasionally during winter and spring. Ranger program schedules are posted below.

 

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.

 
Ranger with Students by Medano Creek 688
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!

 
Three women standing in an in alpine area with snow, trees, and tundra
Three hikers on a commercially-guided hiking tour in an alpine area

Courtesy Kaiyote Tours

Commercial Tours

For commercially-guided birding, hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, and four-wheel-drive tours, visit the Commercial Tours page.

Last updated: September 24, 2023

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

Visitor Center
11999 State Highway 150

Mosca, CO 81146

Phone:

719 378-6395
Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center main number

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