Colorado Parks and Wildlife
For release May, 2016

Staunton State Park Celebrates Marmot Fest June 25/26

PINE, Colo. – Staunton State Park is celebrating Marmot Fest Saturday, June 25, and Sunday, June 26. As the world’s largest ground squirrel, marmots spend 80 percent of their lives underground in the winter, so June is the perfect time to see the pups and marmot families playing and basking in the sun at Staunton!



In anticipation of Marmot Fest, join in a scavenger hunt with local businesses called "Where’s Raymond?” Participating businesses will display a special "Where’s Raymond" flyer. Ask for a free map to get started and find a list of participating businesses on the map and the park’s website.



Guided Marmot Meander Hike – 9:30 a.m.

Hike out early and see the marmots in the park. This hike meets near the Staunton Ranch Trail just past the Group Picnic Area parking area.



Marmot Observation Sites – 9:30 to 1:30p.m.

Park marmot monitors will help you scope out marmots on the Climbing Access Trail and at the Staunton Cabin District. Hike out on Staunton Ranch Trail and follow the signs to meet the monitors.



"All About Marmots" Activities for Children and Families – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Make marmot puppets and masks, experience what it’s like to crawl through a marmot burrow, spot marmots with binoculars, and explore skins and skulls. Head out on Staunton Ranch Trail just past Group Picnic Area parking area



Self- guided Marmot Scavenger hike – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Learn about marmots on a scavenger hunt in the park along the Staunton Ranch Trail.



Self- guided Marmot Vs. Dog Challenge – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Take your dog for a walk along the Staunton Ranch Trail to take the challenge.

Introductory Rock Climbing at Whistle Pig– 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Learn to climb a rock formation called Whistle Pig. All equipment provided. Head out on Staunton Ranch Trail to Climbing Access Trail and follow signs.

Friends of Staunton State Park "Adopt-a-Marmot" Stewardship Program

Help protect the habitat in the park so it can be a healthy home for marmots and all park animals. 
On Staunton Ranch Trail just past Group Picnic Area parking area



For more information about Staunton State Park, visit:
 cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/staunton



CPW is an enterprise agency, relying primarily on license sales, state parks fees and registration fees to support its operations, including: 42 state parks and more than 350 wildlife areas covering approximately 900,000 acres, big-game management, hunting, fishing, wildlife watching, camping, motorized and nonmotorized trails, boating and outdoor education. CPW's work contributes approximately $6 billion in total economic impact annually throughout Colorado.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife