Explore with Us: Request a Program

Join OSMP staff and volunteers for adventures in nature discovery. Programs are free and open to all.

Discover the natural world with OSMP staff and volunteer naturalists. Deepen your sense of place and get to know new people. Contact us to schedule educational programs, recreational excursions, accessible bike rides, contemplative experiences and more. Programs are free and open to all.

We accept requests throughout the year and all requests must be submitted prior to that season's request window deadline. Each group may request one program per year.

Please reach out to Maggie Vest Engelman at engelmanm@bouldercolorado.gov if you have questions.

Program Request Windows

Program DateRequest Window
Deadline
Spring Season (April 1 - May 31)Jan. 5, 2026
Summer Season (June 1 - Aug. 31)May 1, 2026
Fall Season (Sept. 1 - Nov. 30)May 29, 2026
Winter Season (Dec. 1 - March 31)Nov. 2, 2026

How to Request a Program

Request in Advance

We accept requests throughout the year using the Program Request Form, and all requests must be submitted prior to that season's request window deadline - shown above.

Choose Location

OSMP naturalists lead hikes and other programs year round on open space and in classrooms. Choose your location.

Provide Details

Please use the boxes on the form to tell us more about your group’s needs. The more detail you can give us, the better we can provide you with the program you want.

If you are requesting a program for a school or youth group, please review the Schools and Youth Groups page and use the request form found there. We offer school programs Tuesdays through Fridays.

One Activity per Request

Please request only one activity per form.

Please email Maggie Vest Engelman at engelmanm@bouldercolorado.gov if you have questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nothing! OSMP offers these programs free of charge as a community service, supported by City of Boulder sales tax. To pay for your program, shop in Boulder.

Submit your request using the Program Request Form on GivePulse during one of the request windows. Requests must be submitted prior to the season’s specified deadline windows. Each group may request one program per year.

You are welcome to sign up for one program per group each year.

We offer programs throughout the week except for Mondays. The best time to schedule a program is between April 1 and November 30. We will try to accommodate your group on other days when possible.

Yes! Be sure and specify this option when you register.

Yes! People experiencing disabilities or having special needs are welcome! Participants must be accompanied by a trained aide or a teacher familiar with any special requirements.

Yes! OSMP can provide an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter to accompany naturalist-led hikes and programs, and some community events. Please let us know with as much advanced notice as possible. For more information, please contact Maggie Vest Engelman at engelmanm@bouldercolorado.gov.

We offer public hikes on the White Rocks property from August through October. Two hikes per year are available to be reserved by organizations, the rest are open registration. To apply for a reserved group hike, submit a request to Juanita Echeverri at echeverrij@bouldercolorado.gov. If more than two requests come in per year, the recipients will be randomly chosen (assuming none of the groups have already had a dedicated hike within the last 5 years). Questions - please email Juanita Echeverri at echeverrij@bouldercolorado.gov.

If you are bringing a group of 25 or more people without an OSMP guide, or charging a fee to bring any group size, you may need a permit.

No. Scout groups, home schools, adult classes, church groups, community clubs and organizations are all welcome and will not be charged for programs.

We offer a wide variety of options. View themes.

Group size can be from 7 to a max of 60 people based on naturalist availability.

Age limits are pre-school and up.

If you are bringing a group of 25 or more people without an OSMP guide, you may need a permit.

If you are interested in other program options, check out the free public programs. Sign up for the Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks newsletter.

Program Themes

Choose a program theme from the list below. Most of these programs can also be given in Spanish for groups of all ages. If your desired theme or topic is not on this list, let us know; we may be able to accommodate your request.

  • Boulder’s History and It’s Public Lands
    New to OSMP or hoping to reconnect with the landscapes around you? This program offers an overview of City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks and explores how nature has shaped our community and how it continues to connect us all.
  • Outdoor Safety
    Curious about how to explore responsibly? This program covers Leave No Trace ethics and the basics of outdoor and hiking safety to help everyone enjoy open spaces with confidence and respect.
  • Nature Connection
    Wonder how to experience the natural world in a way that feels more personal? This program blends hands‑on ecological exploration with activates that deepen connection to Boulder’s Open Spaces. Participants learn how local ecosystems function while engaging in activities that build awareness, reflection, and a sense of belonging in place.
  • Wildlife
    Interested in the animals that share our open spaces? This program looks at how different species live, adapt, and communicate in these spaces.
  • Plants
    Curious about the plant life that surrounds us? This program explores how plants shape our landscapes, support ecosystems, and respond to environmental change, helping participants build a deeper connection to the natural world in Boulder’s open spaces.
  • Arts and wellness
    Looking for a creative way to connect with nature? This program invites participants to slow down, observe their surroundings, and explore open spaces through creative expression and mindful practices that deepen their sense of place.

Leading Your Own Nature Hike

Information about Permits

  • Outside organizations that are charging a fee, receiving money for a service or require a donation, and operate on OSMP lands, are required to get a Commercial Use Permit.
  • Groups not requiring a commercial use permit with more than 25 participants are required to obtain a Special Use Permit, and must notify OSMP at least two weeks before the trip. OSMP will check if the field trip site can accommodate your group, and send low impact guidelines for you to follow.

Please direct your questions to osmppermits@bouldercolorado.gov or 303-441-3440.

Learn Rules and Regulations

Familiarize your group with park rules and regulations before your trip.

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