GOLDEN, Colo. – School may be back in soon, but the summer is still going strong at Golden Gate Canyon State Park. Camping, hiking, biking, and weekends packed with exciting educational programs.  Friday night through Sunday afternoon, we’ve got lots to do and learn. Highlights include:

Saturday, Aug. 6 at 2 p.m. Snakes Alive! Amphitheater, Reverend’s Ridge Campground. Have you ever wondered how a snake moves, eats, or sheds it skin?  Are snakes slimy? Do they really bite their tail and roll down a hill?  Come learn the truth about snakes and explore their amazing world with the Center for Snake Conservation. This is a LIVE hands-on program to discover the fascinating habits and adaptations of snakes in a safe (for the snakes of course) and educational environment.

Friday, Aug. 12 at 7 p.m. Possum the Mountain Man. Amphitheater, Reverend’s Ridge Campground. Enjoy tall tales, mountain lore, and vintage fur trapper equipment demonstrations presented by Possum, Man of the Mountains. Please note that this program will feature a vintage pistol being shot into the air with NO warning!

Saturday, Aug. 13 at 9 a.m. Green Ranch Hike. Visitor Center. Join Volunteer Naturalist John Moyer for a guided hike through Green Ranch, a majestic area of the park that is closed to the public. This guided hike will include encounters with flora, fauna, historical sites, and amazing vistas! Bring water, snacks, sunhat, rain gear, and walking shoes. Easy 2.5 mile hike, we will carpool from the Visitor Center to Green Ranch.

Saturday, Aug. 27 at 10 a.m. Horses on Trails. Aspen Meadows Parking Lot. Join Volunteer Mounted Patrol Officer Paul Tochtrop and his horse Cayenne for a discussion of safety when around horses on trails. This open discussion is intended for family fun with horsey facts thrown in.

Weekend events are free, but all visitors must purchase a parks pass before entering the park. All ages and abilities are welcome. For a complete listing of upcoming programs please see the online Calendar at www.parks.state.co.us or call Golden Gate Canyon State Park Campground at (303) 642-3856.

Colorado State Parks get everyone outdoors! Attracting more than 12 million visitors per year, Colorado’s 42 State Parks are a vital cornerstone of Colorado’s economy and quality of life. Colorado State Parks encompass 224,447 land and water acres, offering some of the best outdoor recreation destinations in the state. Colorado State Parks is a leader in providing opportunities for outdoor recreation, protecting the state’s favorite landscapes, teaching generations about nature and partnering with communities. Colorado State Parks also manage more than 4,300 campsites, and 63 cabins and yurts.  For more information on Colorado State Parks or to purchase an annual pass online, visit www.parks.state.co.us.