Summer evening programs at Great Sand Dunes' open-air amphitheater include images and videos on the large screen.
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 mid-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.
July 21 - 28, 2019
Sunday, July 21st
11:00 am Wildlife Talk- Grassland Speedway
Located on the patio of the visitor center, this 15 minute talk introduces you to the dunes’ fastest animal, the pronghorn.
3:00 pm Geology Talk- Dunes Formation Story
Located on the patio of the visitor center, this 15 minute talk explains why there are sand dunes in the middle of the Rocky Mountains.
11:00 am Wildlife Talk – Life at All Levels
Animals live at all elevation levels here, from tundra to wetlands. Learn about the different residents such as pikas and kangaroo rats that call this place home. Visitor Center, 20 minutes.
3:00 pm Ranger Program- Art for All Ages
Learn how to draw the amazing landscape that makes Great Sand Dunes so special. All art supplies are provided. Keep what you create. Visitor Center Theater, 30 minutes.
8:45 pm Evening Program- “Parks & Planets”
How NASA research in the National Parks aids space exploration. A love story. Amphitheater, 30 minutes. Telescope viewing available after the program. Weather permitting.
Saturday, July 27th
11:00 am Geology Talk- Dunes Formation Story
Located on the patio of the visitor center, this 15 minute talk explains why there are sand dunes in the middle of the Rocky Mountains.
11:00 am Wildlife Talk – Life at All Levels
Animals live at all elevation levels here, from tundra to wetlands. Learn about the different residents such as pikas and kangaroo rats that call this place home. Visitor Center, 20 minutes.
8:45 pm Evening Program -“Disappearing Darkness”
Learn how you can save the disappearing dark and bring back the starlight. Amphitheater, 45 minutes. Telescope viewing available after the program, weather permitting.
Sunday, July 28th
11:00 am WildlifeTalk – Life at All Levels
Animals live at all elevation levels here, from tundra to wetlands. Learn about the different residents such as pikas and kangaroo rats that call this place home. Visitor Center Back Porch, 20 minutes.
3:00 pm Wildlife Talk- Grassland Speedway
Located on the patio of the visitor center, this 15 minute talk introduces you to the dunes’ fastest animal, the pronghorn.
8:45 pm Evening Program- “Great Women of Great Sand Dunes”
Look at the history of Great Sand Dunes National Park through the lens of influential and inspiring women. Learn how they have changed the valley, and the National Park Service, forever. Weather permitting.
