Staunton State Park 2022 Visitor Programs

May 26 and May 31
Fishing at Davis Ponds,10a-2p
Enjoy a day of fishing. Instructors will provide equipment and instruction on bait, spin cast fishing in a Colorado high country pond.

Sunday May 29
Night Sky Program 845p
Come join us as we discover how our ancestors “connected the dots” in the night sky. Listen to ancient star stories of gods, monsters, heroes and villains. Meet at Marmot amphitheater.

Thursday, June 2
Photography Walk: Nature and Art of Seeing 9-10:30a
Most people take one photo of a subject, usually from their eye level. By looking from multiple perspectives beyond our own self-imposed filters, and invoking intuition, we can create a fuller story of the subject and its surroundings.

We will walk along the Davis Ponds Trail in a mindful way, slowing down to look at the small details as well as the big picture. Learn to cultivate an imaginative eye toward creating beautiful photographic images. Meet outside the Visitors Center. Bring a camera or cell phone. Children are welcome to attend with a parent or adult supervisor.

Wildflower Hike 10a
Take a wildflower hike with a plant expert! Learn interesting facts and some fun about Staunton’s beautiful wildflowers! Meet at Ranch Hand Group Picnic Area.

Fishing at Davis Ponds 10a-2p
Enjoy a day of fishing. Instructors will provide equipment and instruction on bait, spin cast fishing in a Colorado high country pond.

Saturday and Sunday, June 4 and 5
Interpreter’s Table-Bird Beak Buffet 10a-2p
Come dig in the dirt and peck around for seeds,and discover how bird’s beak structure helps them eat and build their nest.

Monday, June 6
Fishing at Davis Ponds 10a-2p
Enjoy a day of fishing. Instructors will provide equipment and instruction on bait, spin cast fishing in a Colorado high country pond.

Tuesday, June 7
Archery in the Park! 10a-2p
Come enjoy archery! All skill levels welcome. This event is Instructor guided. All equipment is provided. Fun for all ages! The archery range is located above the Meadow Parking lot.

Wildflower Hike 10a
Take a wildflower hike with a plant expert! Learn interesting facts and some fun about Staunton’s beautiful wildflowers! Meet at Ranch Hand Group Picnic Area.

Wednesday, June 8
Fishing at Davis Ponds 10a-2p
Enjoy a day of fishing. Instructors will provide equipment and instruction on bait, spin cast fishing in a Colorado high country pond.

Thursday, June 9
Wildflower Hike 10a
Take a wildflower hike with a plant expert! Learn interesting facts and some fun about Staunton’s beautiful wildflowers! Meet at Ranch Hand Group Picnic Area.

Saturday, June 11
Wildlife Photography Clinic and Hike 10a
Learn how to take breathtaking photographs! Bring your own camera for a short instructional class and then hike with a photographer along the beautiful trails to use your new skills to photograph the many wonders of Staunton State Park! Meet at the Visitor Center Patio

Saturday and Sunday, June 11 and 12
Archery in the Park! 10a-2p
Come enjoy archery! All skill levels welcome. This event is Instructor guided. All equipment is provided. Fun for all ages! The archery range is located above the Meadow Parking lot.

Tuesday, June 14
Wildflower Hike 10a
Take a wildflower hike with a plant expert! Learn interesting facts and some fun about Staunton’s beautiful wildflowers! Meet at Ranch Hand Group Picnic Area.

Thursday, June 16
Wildflower Hike 10a
Take a wildflower hike with a plant expert! Learn interesting facts and some fun about Staunton’s beautiful wildflowers! Meet at Ranch Hand Group Picnic Area.

Sunday June 19
Interpreter’s Table 10a-2p
It’s that time of year! The Does are dropping their fawns and bucks and bulls are starting to grow their antlers! Visit the interpreters table to learn how the deer elk and moose spend their spring days!

Tuesday, June 21
Fishing at Davis Ponds 10a-2p
Enjoy a day of fishing. Instructors will provide equipment and instruction on bait, spin cast fishing in a Colorado high country pond.

Wildflower Hike 10a
Take a wildflower hike with a plant expert! Learn interesting facts and some fun about Staunton’s beautiful wildflowers! Meet at Ranch Hand Group Picnic Area.

Thursday, June 23
Wildflower Hike 10a
Take a wildflower hike with a plant expert! Learn interesting facts and some fun about Staunton’s beautiful wildflowers! Meet at Ranch Hand Group Picnic Area.

Saturday June 25 Marmot Fest 10a-3p
Marmot Hike 10a
It’s all about celebrating marmots with fun activities for whole family including: ‘Where’s Raymond?’ scavenger hunt, games and crafts, hikes and rock climbing with instruction and equipment provided. It all starts at Meadows Parking Lot!

Wildlife Photography Clinic and Hike 10a
Learn how to take breathtaking photographs! Bring your own camera for a short instructional class and then hike with a photographer along the beautiful trails to use your new skills to photograph the many wonders of Staunton State Park! Meet at the Visitor Center Patio.

Saturday June 25 cont.
Fishing at Davis Ponds 10a-2p
Enjoy a day of fishing. Instructors will provide equipment and instruction on bait, spin cast fishing in a Colorado high country pond.

Night Sky Program 8:45p
Come join us as we discover how our ancestors “connected the dots” in the night sky. Listen to ancient star stories of gods, monsters, heroes and villains. Meet at Marmot amphitheater.

Sunday June 26 Marmot Fest 10a-3p
Marmot Hike 12p
It’s all about marmots with fun activities for whole family including: ‘Where’s Raymond?’ scavenger hunt, games and crafts, hikes and rock climbing with instruction and equipment provided. It all starts at Meadows Parking Lot!

Fishing at Davis Ponds 10a-2p
Enjoy a day of fishing. Instructors will provide equipment and instruction on bait, spin cast fishing in a Colorado high country pond.

Tuesday and Thursday, June 28 and 30
Wildflower Hike 10a
Take a wildflower hike with a plant expert! Learn interesting facts and some fun about Staunton’s beautiful wildflowers! Meet at Ranch Hand Group Picnic Area.

Saturday, July 16 & Sunday July 17
Interpreter’s Table 10-2p Edible Medicinal Plants with Hike at 11a
Come learn how Drs. Rachael and Archibald Staunton used plant preparations to treat the people of the mountains! Location is Meadow Parking Lot.

Meet at Meadow Parking Lot for the Hike at 11a, then we’ll head on down the Davis Ponds Trail while listening to edible and medicinal uses as well as amazing stories of our wildflower world!! Along this beautiful trail we will search for elusive flower Fairies!!

Tuesday, July 19
Wildflower Hike 10a
Take a wildflower hike with a plant expert! Learn interesting facts and some fun about Staunton’s beautiful wildflowers! Meet at Ranch Hand Group Picnic Area.

Wednesday, July 20
Fishing at Davis Ponds 10a-2p
Enjoy a day of fishing. Instructors will provide equipment and instruction on bait, spin cast fishing in a Colorado high country pond.

Thursday, July 21
Wildflower Hike 10a
Take a wildflower hike with a plant expert! Learn interesting facts and some fun about Staunton’s beautiful wildflowers! Meet at Ranch Hand Group Picnic Area.

Saturday, July 23
Wildlife Photography Clinic and Hike 10a
Learn how to take breathtaking photographs! Bring your own camera for a short instructional class and then hike with a photographer along the beautiful trails to use your new skills to photograph the many wonders of Staunton State Park! Meet at the Visitor Center Patio

Interpreter’s Table: Mushrooms Moss and Lichens, Can you Dig It? 10a-2p
Learn mushrooms, moss and lichen ecology and why these organisms are so essential to the health of our Montane Forests.

Night Sky Program 845p
Come join us as we discover how our ancestors “connected the dots” in the night sky. Listen to ancient star stories of gods, monsters, heroes and villains. Meet at Marmot amphitheater.

Sunday July 24
Interpreter’s Table: Mushrooms Moss and Lichens, Can you Dig It? 10a-2p
Learn mushrooms, moss and lichen ecology and why these organisms are so essential to the health of our Montane Forests.

Tuesday, July 26
Wildflower Hike 10a
Take a wildflower hike with a plant expert! Learn interesting facts and some fun about Staunton’s beautiful wildflowers! Meet at Ranch Hand Group Picnic Area.

Thursday, July 28
Wildflower Hike 10a
Take a wildflower hike with a plant expert! Learn interesting facts and some fun about Staunton’s beautiful wildflowers! Meet at Ranch Hand Group Picnic Area.

Saturday July 30
Fishing at Davis Ponds 10a-2p
Enjoy a day of fishing. Instructors will provide equipment and instruction on bait, spin cast fishing in a Colorado high country pond.

Saturday Aug 27 & Sunday Aug 28
Archery in the Park! 10a-2p
Come enjoy archery! All skill levels welcome. This event is Instructor guided. All equipment is provided. Fun for all ages! The archery range is located above the Meadow Parking lot.

Tuesday, Aug 30
Wildflower Hike 10a
Take a wildflower hike with a plant expert! Learn interesting facts and some fun about Staunton’s beautiful wildflowers! Meet at Ranch Hand Group Picnic Area.

Thursday, Sept 1
SURVIVE IN THE WILD Seeds, Berries & Roots 10a
Walk with a Native Plant Master through the changing Fall colors. Discover interesting documented historical uses of our native plants by settlers, natives & wildlife in their winter survival.

Fishing at Davis Ponds 10a-2p
Enjoy a day of fishing. Instructors will provide equipment and instruction on bait, spin cast fishing in a Colorado high country pond.

Saturday, Sept 3
Wildlife Photography Clinic and Hike 10am
Learn how to take breathtaking photographs! Bring your own camera for a short instructional class and then hike with a photographer along the beautiful trails to use your new skills to photograph the many wonders of Staunton State Park! Meet at the Visitor Center Patio

Mushrooms Moss and Lichens, Can you Dig It? Interpreter’s Table 10a-2p
Learn mushrooms, moss and lichen ecology and why these organisms are so essential to the health of our Montane Forests.

Coyote Awakenings 6:30p
Interpretive naturalist/long time storyteller Swiftdeer-Paige celebrates the return of the coyote to our area. Play a lively audience participatory game to learn how coyotes survive in the modern world, listen to a whimsical Okanagan story about how the spirit chief named coyotes and other animals, engage in the entire coyote friendly version to Home On The Range accompanied by harmonica, and then be enthralled to hear an amazing true story of how Swiftdeer was saved by a coyote and her pup in the rugged high desert wilderness of north central New Mexico. Meet at Marmot Amphitheater.

Sunday, Sept 4
Mushrooms Moss and Lichens, Can you Dig It? Interpreter’s Table 10a-2p
Learn about mushrooms, moss and lichen ecology and why these organisms are so essential to the health of our Montane Forests.

Tuesday, Sept 6
SURVIVE IN THE WILD Seeds, Berries & Roots 10a
Walk with a Native Plant Master through the changing Fall colors. Discover interesting documented historical uses of our native plants by settlers, natives & wildlife in their winter survival.

Thursday, Sept 8
SURVIVE IN THE WILD Seeds, Berries & Roots 10a
Walk with a Native Plant Master through the changing Fall colors. Discover interesting documented historical uses of our native plants by settlers, natives & wildlife in their winter survival.

Saturday and Sunday Sept 10-11
Staunton State Park Living History Days 10a-3p
Come join some old time fun, live music by the campfire at the renovated Staunton Cabin! Take a free Cabin tour and enjoy some Johnny Cakes and lemonade! Learn about how doctors Rachel and Archibald Staunton treated patients during the pandemic of their times, with old school surgery techniques and medicinal plants. Create Historical Crafts and play old time games! Experience the protest of the Feather Trade and the fight to protect our beautiful colorful birds from becoming decorations on ladies hats! Trapping and Hunting gear used in the day will be displayed along with the valuable furs that were sought after by fur traders.

Hike from the Visitor Center or Staunton Ranch Trail and hunt for the stolen Reynolds Gang treasure!! (This hike will end at the Staunton Cabin!) Hop on the hay-ride at the visitor center or road below Meadow Parking lot for free ride to the cabin or it’s a 30 min hike on the Davis Ponds to Chase Meadow Trail from either the Visitor Center or Group Picnic Area. Also easily accessed along Staunton Ranch Trail to the Historical Cabin District Trail.

Fishing at Davis Ponds 10a-2p
Enjoy a day of fishing. Instructors will provide equipment and instruction on bait, spin cast fishing in a Colorado high country pond.

Tuesday, Sept 13
SURVIVE IN THE WILD Seeds, Berries & Roots 10a
Walk with a Native Plant Master through the changing Fall colors. Discover interesting documented historical uses of our native plants by settlers, natives & wildlife in their winter survival.

Thursday, Sept 15
SURVIVE IN THE WILD Seeds, Berries & Roots 10a
Walk with a Native Plant Master through the changing Fall colors. Discover interesting documented historical uses of our native plants by settlers, natives & wildlife in their winter survival.

Saturday, Sept 17
Wildlife Photography Clinic and Hike 10am
Learn how to take breathtaking photographs! Bring your own camera for a short instructional class and then hike with a photographer along the beautiful trails to use your new skills to photograph the many wonders of Staunton State Park! Meet at the Visitor Center Patio.

The Rut!! Interpreters Table: 10a-2p
It’s that time of year! The male elk, deer and moose are battling and bugling to win the loyalty of a “harem” of females. Visit the Interpreter’s Table and see what the “Rut” is all about!

Sunday, Sept 18
The Rut!! Interpreters Table: 10a-2p
It’s that time of year! The male elk, deer and moose are battling and bugling to win the loyalty of a “harem” of females. Visit the Interpreter’s Table and see what the “Rut” is all about!

Tuesday, Sept 20
SURVIVE IN THE WILD Seeds, Berries & Roots 10a
Walk with a Native Plant Master through the changing Fall colors. Discover interesting documented historical uses of our native plants by settlers, natives & wildlife in their winter survival. Ranch Hand Group Picnic Area.

Thursday, Sept 22
SURVIVE IN THE WILD Seeds, Berries & Roots 10a
Walk with a Native Plant Master through the changing Fall colors. Discover interesting documented historical uses of our native plants by settlers, natives & wildlife in their winter survival. Ranch Hand Group Picnic Area.

Saturday, Sept 24
Squirrels and Such!! Interpreter’s Table 10a-2p
Come check out the various critters in the squirrel family and those that look like them and how they are preparing their homes and food stores for winter!

Bugling Elk 5p
Have you ever wondered about Staunton State Park’s trail; Bugling Elk? What is a bugle? Come learn about Bugling Elk, the rut, and how these large animals live with Park Ranger Jess at the Visitor Center.

Night Sky Program 8:15p
Come join us as we discover how our ancestors “connected the dots” in the night sky. Listen to ancient star stories of gods, monsters, heroes and villains. Meet at Marmot Amphitheater.

Sunday Sept 25
Squirrels and Such!! 10a-2p
Come check out the various critters in the squirrel family and those that look like them and how they are preparing their homes and food stores for winter!

Fishing at Davis Ponds 10a-2p
Enjoy a day of fishing. Instructors will provide equipment and instruction on bait, spin cast fishing in a Colorado high country pond.

Tuesday, Sept 27
SURVIVE IN THE WILD Seeds, Berries & Roots 10a
Walk with a Native Plant Master through the changing Fall colors. Discover interesting documented historical uses of our native plants by settlers, natives & wildlife in their winter survival. Ranch Hand Group Picnic Area.

Thursday, Sept 29
SURVIVE IN THE WILD Seeds, Berries & Roots 10a
Walk with a Native Plant Master through the changing Fall colors. Discover interesting documented historical uses of our native plants by settlers, natives & wildlife in their winter survival. Ranch Hand Group Picnic Area.

Saturday Oct 1 & Sunday October 2
Leaf Peeping!! 10a-2p
Interpreter’s Table The leaves are changing and the mountains look amazing. Come visit and discover how and why the leaves change their colors in the fall!

Wednesday Oct 5
Fishing at Davis Ponds 10a-2p
Enjoy a day of fishing. Instructors will provide equipment and instruction on bait, spin cast fishing in a Colorado high country pond.

Saturday Oct 8
Fishing at Davis Ponds 10a-2p
Enjoy a day of fishing. Instructors will provide equipment and instruction on bait, spin cast fishing in a Colorado high country pond.

Sunday Oct 9
The Rut!!! 10a-2p
It’s that time of year! The male elk, deer and moose are battling and bugling to win the loyalty of a “harem” of females. Visit the Interpreter’s Table and see what the “Rut” is all about!

Tuesday Oct 11
Fishing at Davis Ponds 10a-2p
Enjoy a day of fishing. Instructors will provide equipment and instruction on bait, spin cast fishing in a Colorado high country pond.

Tuesday Oct 18 & Wednesday Oct 19
Fishing at Davis Ponds 10a-2p
Enjoy a day of fishing. Instructors will provide equipment and instruction on bait, spin cast fishing in a Colorado high country pond.

Saturday Oct 22
Bear in Mind 2p-3p
Marmot Amphitheatre or Visitor Center if it Rains
This hour long program presented by interpretive naturalist/long time storyteller Swiftdeer-Paige celebrates our area's most rarely sighted large mammal the black bear (Ursus americanus). Come and enjoy this fascinating fact filled and thoroughly engaging interactive indigenous friendly storytelling program to bring out the bear in you!

Sunday Oct 23
Archery in the Park! 10a-2p
Come enjoy archery! All skill levels welcome. This event is Instructor guided. All equipment is provided. Fun for all ages! The archery range is located above the Meadow Parking lot.

Saturday Oct 29
Hike or Treat! 10a-2p
Treat the kids to a fun, educational and sometimes tricky hike for a Halloween the kids won’t forget!
Hikes start from the Visitor Center parking Lot or Ranch Hand Group Picnic Area! Hike through the spooky Pookah Loop of Davis Ponds trail. Along the way, discover fun facts and fiction about Halloween creatures that live in Staunton Park!

Staunton’s Amazing volunteers will be on the trail in costume handing out treats! Come to Ranch Hand Group Picnic Area and enjoy displays on Bats, Owls and Spiders then witness Dr Staunton’s brain transplants! Hot dogs, smores and refreshments for all!

Sunday Oct 30
Fishing at Davis Ponds 10a-2p
Enjoy a day of fishing. Instructors will provide equipment and instruction on bait, spin cast fishing in a Colorado high country pond.

The Hidden Storyteller As If the Earth Matters Workshop
Sunday December 4th
10 am to noon

Where can you find the nearest storyteller? The answer may be closer than you think. We are all born with the innate ability to tell stories, though we live in a fast-paced electronic age that doesn't nurture the narrative and those gifts of life.

Activities in this 2 hour earth friendly workshop for adults provide the basic necessary tools for educators, eco-questers, parents and grandparents to enjoy the art of storytelling for their audience while integrating creative collaborative exercises which embrace nature in our lives. Come and explore an enchanting window into your inner child and beyond with long time eco-storyteller Dennis Swiftdeer Paige.

Adults only

Staunton State Park Visitor Center