Nature Detectives: Who Stole the Milky Way? (First Day Hike)
Calling all Nature Detectives! On January 1, 2025, Grand Valley residents reported the Milky Way was missing from the night sky. Can you help our nocturnal wildlife and return it to its rightful place?
Event Info
About the Event
Clues will be located along the Highline Lake Trail (~3.3 mi, gravel) or through the Bookcliff Campground Loop (~0.5 mi, paved). Leashed K9s welcome in the search. Get briefed for the case in the Visitor Center between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Have your case solved before 4pm and you'll be entered in the prize raffle.
This event is aimed at kids but is open to all.
The First Day Hike is a free program but a valid Parks Pass is required to enter the park. Free Parks Passes are available on a first come, first served basis through the Check Out State Parks Program offered through Mesa County Libraries.
Location
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Keep Colorado Wild Pass — The Outdoors are for Everyone
For only $29, get a Keep Colorado Wild Pass with your next vehicle registration and share your love of Colorado’s outdoors. The pass gives you entry to all state parks and helps fund outdoor education opportunities in local communities.
State Parks & Recreation—Your pass helps manage Colorado’s 42 state parks, including keeping them clean and building new trails and facilities.
Backcountry Safety—Your pass supports the volunteer and equipment needs of search and rescue professionals across Colorado and avalanche safety programs through the Colorado Avalanche Information Center.
Wildlife Conservation—Additional money raised not used for state parks and outdoor safety will be used to support the State Wildlife Action Plan, which helps fund wildlife and habitat conservation work for the 960 species that CPW manages.
Local Communities—Your pass supports our natural resources and helps grow outdoor accessibility and educational programs in local communities.