Two rangers dressed in green uniforms stand in front a a large tree trunk

Culturally Peeled Ponderosa Pines in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, Mosca, Colorado

Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve

  • Aug 27, 2026 at 11:00 AM
  • Free

Join Park Archeologist Ree Rodgers and explore one of the few living "sites" on the National Register of Historic Places, 5SH1035, is a grove of approximately 72 culturally peeled Ponderosa Pine trees. Also known locally as "Indian Grove" this cluster of trees represents a distinct phase in the history of the San Luis Valley of southern Colorado. We'll discuss what distinguishes these trees as cultural phenomena, the historical context of the site, how they have been studied and by whom, what archaeologists have learned about them, and finally how the park is working to preserve them for future generations. 

Fees

Entrance Fees Apply

Location

Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center Auditorium

Latitude and Longitude 37.733075, -105.512372

Schedule

Date:

Aug 27, 2026

Time:

11:00 AM

Duration:

1 hour

Contact Information

Ree Rodgers
719-378-6364
Contact Us

Event Type

  • Talk
Tags: culturally modified tree, archeology