On Saturday, Aug. 31, Great Sand Dunes welcomes Shawn Price and the Dineh Tah' Navajo Dancers for two special programs. These programs are free, but regular park entrance fees are in effect. At 3 p.m., there will be a 45-minute talk in the Visitor Center Auditorium about the profound significance of tribal treaties. The dancers will perform at 6:30 p.m. in the park's outdoor amphitheater.
Photo Patrick Myers NPS
Posted
By JOHN WATERS, Courier News Editor
GREAT SAND DUNES NATIONAL PARK AND PRESERVE — As summer comes to a close, this is a perfect time to visit Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. The peak visitation season has ended, although Labor Day weekend will be hectic. You should always enter the park early to avoid delays at the entrance. It is a sublime experience to enjoy the solitude and tranquility of the park in the morning.
This has been a wet summer, with year-to-date rainfall in the park at the end of July at 11.38 inches compared with annual average for the entire year of 11.22 inches, as recorded by the National Weather Service. The park has received plenty of additional rainfall so far this month.
The late season wildflowers are still in bloom and can be found throughout the park at lower elevations. On Wednesday, Aug. 21, this reporter found a riot of wildflower colors along the Mosca Pass Trail. The trail is a great way to experience the forests of the park and is a moderate seven-mile hike. Scarlet paintbrush, Aspen daisy and hairy golden aster were blooming along the trail.
The following is a list of the great Ranger-led programs offered through Aug. 29. The programs are free and a great way to learn about "our" national park.
Saturday, Aug. 24
10 a.m. Guided Hike: Tale of the Plants and Trees. The stories that the plants and rocks hold have immersive stories that relate resilience of the forest to everyday life. Step in the past and see how Native American people were able to survive here using medicinal plants and herbs. The hike is ½ mile (0.8 km). Please have closed-toe shoes, water, and insect repellant. Sign up in advance at the visitor center or call 719-378-6395. Meet at Montville Trailhead. 1 hour.
1:30 p.m. Touch Table. Discover fascinating hands-on objects found in Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. Visitor Center, 30 minutes.
8:45 p.m. Evening Ranger Program: Cosmic Connections. The world is full of different people who have their own stories to tell. Join a ranger in understanding what other cultures see in the stars. Amphitheater, 35-minute program with a 15-minute constellation tour, conditions permitting.
Sunday, Aug. 25
1:30 p.m. Ranger Program: The Rings of History. Trees are the longest living organism in the park and are great storytellers of history. Come learn how to tell their stories and create your own. Visitor center, 15 minutes.
8:30 p.m. Evening Ranger Program: Eye Shine. At night, nocturnal animals' eyes reflect even small amounts of light. This phenomenon gives us insights into the lives of these creatures. Amphitheater, 30-minute program with 15-minute constellation tour, conditions permitting.
Monday, Aug. 26
1:30 p.m. Ranger Program: Ecosystem Exploration. Come learn about the many diverse ecosystems found within Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, as well as the unique wildlife that inhabits them! Visitor Center, 15-30 minutes.
Tuesday, Aug. 27
1:30 p.m. Ranger Program: The Singing Sands. The Great Sand Dunes are a symphony of geological and animal sounds. Discover how the Great Sand Dunes were formed while making the wild sounds found in the park. Fun for all ages! Visitor Center, 15 minutes.
Wednesday, Aug. 28
1:30 p.m. Ranger Program: Ancient Paths: The Earliest Peoples at Great Sand Dunes. Rare evidence of the first cultures at Great Sand Dunes gives us glimpses into their perseverance, ingenuity, relationships, and creativity. Touch ancient artifacts and throw a spear with an atlatl. Visitor center back patio, 30 minutes.
Thursday, Aug. 29
1:30 p.m. Ranger Program: Pika Power. Living in alpine tundra is extreme, but pikas have proven to be the ultimate survivors. Join a ranger to learn about their adaptations and the new challenges they face. Visitor Center, 15 minutes.
