Ranger-guided Field Trips

Ranger-guided programs offer students opportunities to connect directly within each park.

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Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area offer free ranger-guided, curriculum-based programs that directly support Colorado Academic Standards and Next Generation Science Standards. Group size is limited due to park infrastructure, potential impacts on park resources and limited staffing. Reservations are required. Programs are normally offered two times a year: in the spring (April–May) and in the fall (September–November). Winter snowshoeing programs may be offered if snow conditions allow.

Field Trip Reservations

Before Making Your Reservation
Please review the selection of field programs offered for your grade level. If no program is listed for your grade level, the education program may be able to work with you to meet your goals. Contact the education specialist at e-mail us or call [phone] ext. 203.

Make a Reservation
To request a program, please e-mail us or call [phone] ext. 203 with the following information:

• Three or more preferred dates.

• The age/grade and number of students per class.

• Field trips are limited to two classes due to park infrastructure, potential impacts on resources and limited staffing. Multiple days can be scheduled to accommodate larger groups.

• Contact information: school phone number and address, teacher phone number (cell preferred) and email address.

• Special needs or other pertinent information for your group.

• The program you would like for your class (see options below).

Confirmation of Your Reservation
After making your reservation, you will receive an email with a confirmation letter and pre-visit packet that includes directions, a letter for free entrance to the park (if applicable), a student packing list, student expectations and chaperone expectations.

Cancellations
To cancel a program, please let us know at least two weeks in advance of the date of your program. Programs may be canceled due to inclement weather. In the case of a weather cancellation, we will contact you to discuss options to reschedule. Monitor weather conditions in advance. Programs may be rescheduled; however, we cannot guarantee a reschedule date. Programs may be canceled for groups who are more than 30 minutes late without prior contact.

 

General Field Trip Information

Duration: Most programs are designed for a 4-hour visit, including lunch.

Chaperone to Student Ratio: We require that you provide at least one chaperone for every 10 students. We recommend a ratio of one to six for grades K-2 and a ratio of one to eight for grades 3-5.

Field Trip Cost: All education programs offered by Black Canyon and Curecanti are free for school groups. Our program is funded by your tax dollars.

Accessibility: There are few wheelchair accessible trails within the park and all visitor centers are accessible. Most programs can be moved or modified to provide accommodations. Please let us know if you have any participants that need an accessible site.

Safety: There is limited cell service reception in either park. Park Rangers carry radios and will communicate with emergency services personnel in case of an emergency.

Location and Directions: Most field trips meet at a park visitor center and then caravan with rangers to a field location. Specific directions will be provided to group leaders in the confirmation letter.

• Park map and driving directions to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
• Park map and driving directions to Curecanti National Recreation Area

Weather: Weather varies depending on field trip location.

• Black Canyon (South Rim) weather
• Black Canyon (North Rim) weather
• Curecanti National Recreation Area weather

 

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Second Grade - Our Changing Earth

Students investigate the rocks and landscapes of Black Canyon or Curecanti looking for signs of slow and fast changes in this station-based program. Students model changes to the surface of the earth in sandboxes and hike a park trail to complete a scavenger hunt of slow and fast changes and make predictions about how the area will change.

Colorado Academic Standards: SC.2.3.1 &SC.2.3.2.
Next Generation Science Standards: 2-ESS1-1 & 2-ESS2-2. 4-ESS1-1 & 4-ESS2-1.

 

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Fourth Grade - Mystery of the Black Canyon

Students take on the role of a geologist to perform investigations and gather clues to solve the mystery of the Black Canyon. Students practice their observation skills, identify rocks, and record evidence of landscape change to support a conclusion on how Black Canyon was formed. This program can be enhanced with a virtual ranger-led pre-trip classroom program and a teacher-led post-trip lesson.

Colorado Academic Standards: SC.4.3.1. & SC.4.3.2.
Next Generation Science Standards: 4-ESS1-1 & 4-ESS2-1.

 

NPS Photo

Fourth Grade - Mystery of the Dillon Pinnacles

Students take on the role of a geologist to perform investigations and gather clues to solve the mystery of the Dillon Pinnacles. Students practice their observation skills, identify rocks, and record evidence of landscape change to support a conclusion on how the Dillon Pinnacles were formed. This program can be enhanced with a virtual ranger-led pre-trip classroom program and a teacher-led post-trip lesson.

Colorado Academic Standards: SC.4.3.1. & SC.4.3.2.
Next Generation Science Standards: 4-ESS1-1 & 4-ESS2-1.