MANCOS – Perched above Mancos at about 7,700 feet, Mancos State Park affords visitors up-close views of all the good stuff.
There’s the La Plata Mountains, the Mancos Valley, the San Juan Skyway.
And the sky, period.
With the sprawling park, and nothing to get in the way of the view, it sets up more than nicely for star-gazers. And the park is taking advantage of that factor.
A “Star Party” is scheduled at the park Saturday, July 18. According to a Colorado Parks and Wildlife release, “Local amateur astronomers will set up telescopes and talk about Colorado’s night skies.”
The event is just one of many activities scheduled Fridays through Sundays at the park this summer. The events, announced by Colorado Parks and Wildlife in that release earlier this week, are free and open to campers at the park and to the public.
The summer lineup:
Fridays: At 5:30 p.m., park naturalist Carol Bylsma leads bird walks. She’ll talk about the habits of birds and explain how to identify them by their calls and colors. Bring your binoculars and meet at the Vista Trailhead behind the entrance gate. At 7:30, trivia bowl and an “Instant melodrama” in the amphitheater.
Saturdays: At 1 p.m., catching and identifying butterflies. Bylsma will share her extensive knowledge of these graceful insects. Open to all ages. Butterfly nets provided. Meet at the Quarry trailhead. At 4 p.m., children will learn about wildlife and wildlife habitats during “Wild Games.” Children must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at the amphitheater. At 7 p.m., learn about Colorado’s predators – mountain lions, bears and coyotes. There will be displays of skulls, furs and hides. You’ll also learn how humans can co-exist with these critters. Meet at the amphitheater.
Sundays: At 10 a.m., go on a nature walk with Bylsma around Jackson Gulch Reservoir to learn about birds, wild flowers and the Rocky Mountains during summer.
A day pass to the park is $7 per car; an annual pass is $70. For more information about Mancos State Park, call 970-533-7065 or 970-882-2213.
To make camping reservations at the park, call 800-678-2267, or see the campground reservation section of the Colorado Parks and Reservation website at coloradostateparks.reserveamerica.com.
For more information about Colorado’s state parks, go to cpw.state.co.us.
bpeterson@durangoherald.com
If you go
WHAT: Mancos State Park
WHERE: 42545 Road North, Mancos
GETTING THERE: From Durango, take U.S. Highway 160 West to Mancos. Turn right on State Highway 184 and go about a half mile to Country Road 42. Turn right and follow for about four miles to County Road 41.9. Turn left to the park entrance.
INFORMATION: 970-533-7065 or 970-882-2213.
WEBSITE: cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/Mancos
