Guided Tour

Park ranger conducting guided tour for park visitors.

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This guided ranger-led activity begins in the picnic area and follows the Monument Hill Walking Trail to the top of Monument Hill, a distance of approximately one-half mile. Preplanned stops along the way allow ranger staff to discuss events leading up to the Sand Creek Massacre. The following topics will be addressed in this program:

• The Cheyenne and Arapaho

• Sand Creek as a camping site

• Influence of white trade with the Plains Tribes

• California and Colorado Gold Rushes

• The Civil War and its impact on the West

• Indian War of 1864

• Sand Creek Massacre

• Events after the massacre

• Events leading up to the formation of the park

With questions and answers, this program generally lasts up to two hours. Educators should plan on a two hour block of time when requesting this program. The guided tour is a staff-intense educational experience and is subject to staff availability. Limitations may apply, please call in advance if you are thinking about requesting this program.

*NOTE: Ranger staff can work with educators to make the guided tour a more immersive experience for students, which can include role-playing and other audience-centered techniques. If educators are interested in this facet of the guided tour, please indicate this when contacting the park in advance and planning your visit. Please note that this additional format can add as much as thirty minutes to two hour guided tour program time.