Free Ranger Programs, May 22 – 28, 2022
All programs are weather-dependent.
Monday, May 23
3:30 pm Afternoon Program - Ancient Paths: The Earliest Peoples at Great Sand Dunes. Rare evidence of the first cultures at Great Sand Dunes give us glimpses into their perseverance, ingenuity, relationships, and creativity. Touch ancient artifacts and throw a spear with an atlatl. Amphitheater, 30 minutes.
Tuesday, May 24
3:30 pm Afternoon Program - 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! Amphitheater, 30 minutes.
Thursday, May 26
10:30am Porch Talk: Ranger’s choice. Join a Park ranger for a porch talk on the topic of their choice. Visitor center, 15 minutes.
Friday, May 27
10:30am Porch Talk: An Origin Story. How many times have you been asked, ”Where are you from?” It’s a frequently asked question in visitor centers in our National Parks. At Great Sand Dunes, it’s the visitor asking the question, though. “Where did the dunes come from?” Join us on the porch for a 15-minute origin story of the Great Sand Dunes, where we’ll also explore the answer to the question of our own origin story. Visitor center, 15 minutes
3:30 pm Afternoon Program: Nature Journaling. The overwhelming health benefits of nature journaling make it the perfect activity for persons of all ages. Nature heals, soothes, and restores. Journaling increases our ability to pay attention and hones our observation skills. And it’s fun! It can be done alone. Or you can share the activity with family and friends, or peers. With the diversity of flora and fauna in the 7 Life Zones of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, there’s no shortage of journaling material. For this 30-minute, ranger-led program, we will focus on the park’s trees. Amphitheater, 30 minutes.
8:30 pm Evening Program: Ranger’s choice. Join a Park ranger for an evening program on the topic of their choice. Constellation tour after the program. Amphitheater, 45 minutes.
Saturday, May 28
10:00 am 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 the Great Sand Dunes. Visitor center, 15 minutes.
3:30 pm Afternoon Program - Ancient Paths: The Earliest Peoples at Great Sand Dunes. Rare evidence of the first cultures at Great Sand Dunes give us glimpses into their perseverance, ingenuity, relationships, and creativity. Touch ancient artifacts and throw a spear with an atlatl. Amphitheater, 30 minutes.
8:30 pm Evening Program: The Dunes to the Moon and Beyond. The extreme environment and dark night skies of Great Sand Dunes provide an astonishing, otherworldly window into our solar system and universe. Constellation tour after the program. Amphitheater, 45 minutes.
