Ranger Programs

Ranger programs are offered at various locations throughout the park

NPS/D. Goodman

Ranger programs are a long-standing tradition in the National Park Service that continues today. Park rangers share knowledge of park resources through guided walks, talks, and campground illustrated programs for visitors of all ages.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park offers a variety of free programs at the South Rim, ranging from informal talks at viewpoints to formal programs on topics such as geology, park history, ecology, and night skies. Most summer programs are available from mid-May through September. Program details and times are found on the park calendar or at the visitor center.

Programs are subject to change/cancellation due to inclement weather, emergencies, and park staffing. Check locally at the South Rim Visitor Center or campground bulletin boards for current offerings.

 

Summer Programs

Summer programs typically run from mid-May through September.

Program	Time and Day	Date	Location
Ranger's Choice	times vary based on season	Daily, topics vary. Check at the Visitor Center for more details.	Locations vary. Check at the Visitor Center.
Geology	11:00 am	Daily	Pulpit Rock Overlook
Twilight Talks/Evening Programs	times vary based on season	Daily, topics and times vary. Check at the Visitor Center for more details.	South Rim Campground Amphitheater
Constellation Tour	times vary based on season	Dates vary	South Rim Campground Amphitheater

Ranger's Choice Talk (20-30 minutes)
Explore one of the fascinating stories of Black Canyon, from human history to plants to wildlife. Stop by the South Rim Visitor Center for daily topics and locations. Programs are not at the visitor center.

Geology Talk (20-30 minutes)
How did the Black Canyon form? What kind of rock is it? Why is it so steep and deep? Stop by Pulpit Rock Overlook to discover answers to these and other geology questions.

Twilight Talk/Evening Program (30-45 minutes)
Explore questions about Black Canyon's human and natural history. Program takes place at the South Rim Campground amphitheater. Parking at the campground is limited. If you attend the program but are not camping, please park in the overflow parking across from loop A. Twilight talks occur before sunset. Evening programs start around sunset, but end after dark (bring a light for departing).

Constellation Tours (30-45 minutes)
Come explore the stars and the universe with a park ranger. Program topics will discuss preserving the night skies and stories of various constellations. Other nights, visitors can look deeper into the universe with the aid of telescopes and ponder the question: Are we truly alone in the universe? Be prepared for cooler temperatures. Please use red light only; white lights/flashlights can hinder night vision and be a safety hazard.

 

Snowshoe walk with a ranger

NPS Photo

Winter Programs

For the 2024-2025 winter season, please check back.

Program	Time and Day	Day	Location
Snowshoe Walks	11:00 am	Saturday and Sundays only	South Rim Visitor Center
Ranger Talk		Daily	South Rim Visitor Center

Snowshoe Walk (90 minutes)
Snowshoe walks are typically from mid-January to late February or early March. Walks are dependent on snow levels.

Snowshoe with a ranger among the oaks, open meadows and along the canyon rim of the Black Canyon. For more information and gear requirements, visit Ranger Guided Snowshoe Walks.

Ranger Talk (20-30 minutes)
Explore questions about Black Canyon's geology or winter ecology with a park ranger.