1. Decide Ranger-guided or Teacher-guided Field Trip
Ranger-guided: Standards based programs are offered for 3rd, 4th and 6th grades. Field trip descriptions, related standards and curriculum materials are in Curriculum Materials. Programs can be arranged for other grades, please contact us to discuss ideas.
Teacher-guided: Teachers wanting to facilitate their own programs in the park or at the visitor center are most welcome; but again, we remind you that reservations are required. Rangers are available to give a 15 minute “welcome talk,” which orients students to Colorado National Monument, the National Park Service, trail etiquette and Leave No Trace ethics. Ranger “welcome talks” are strongly recommended at the beginning of your teacher-guided field trip.
The Saddlehorn Visitor Center is a great place to start a self-guided field trip. Two videos are available: The Spirit of Colorado National Monument and Geology of Colorado National Monument – each 12 minutes. From the visitor center, access to a wide variety of study sites and trails are only minutes away.
2. Make a Reservation
Colorado National Monument strongly encourages all teachers to book field trips at least three weeks in advance of their proposed field trip date. This allows us to better serve you and helps to protect resources. Reservations will be processed on a first come, first served basis. To reserve a field trip, fill out the Outreach Education Request Form.
3. Submit an Academic Fee Waiver
To qualify for a fee waiver, an applicant must be a recognized educational institution. The purpose of the visit must be educational rather than recreational in nature and must relate directly to the resources of the area.
- Please submit requests 14 days prior to your scheduled visit.
- Please note that camping fees are not waived for educational groups.
Download Academic Fee Waiver Application Here. (PDF, 51KB)
Fax: 970-858-0372
Mail:
Fee Waiver Coordinator
Colorado National Monument
Fruita, CO 81521
Questions - Phone: 970-858-3617 ext 363
4. Pre and Post-Visit Activities
Pre and Post-visit activities are available for 3rd, 4th and 6th grade ranger-guided programs. Field journals suitable for 4th grade programs are also available. These materials are downloadable along with the field trip descriptions in Curriculum Materials.
5. Plan for Success
Download the Plan for Success. This is a two page, downloadable document that has behavioral expectations and a final checklist for teachers.
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