Buckley Space Force at Dinosaur National Monument 

On June 13th, 2025, National Park Trust partnered with Buckley Space Force Base to host a weekend adventure for active-duty service members and their families at Dinosaur National Monument. This outing combined education, outdoor recreation, and meaningful connection to our nation’s public lands through a weekend of camping, rafting, and learning in one of the West’s most geologically and culturally rich parks.

The weekend began with a warm welcome from a National Park Service ranger, who led the group on a private visitor center tour. There, participants learned about the region’s history, including the incredible fossil beds that made the park famous. They viewed dinosaur fossils still embedded in the rock walls and observed petroglyphs carved into stone by the Indigenous peoples who once called this area home.

After exploring the park’s historic and natural wonders, the group geared up for an exciting rafting trip through the remote canyons of Dinosaur National Monument. Strapping on life jackets and boarding rafts, participants floated down the river, surrounded by towering canyon walls and stunning rock formations.

Following the day’s adventures on the water, the group returned to camp to pitch their tents, share stories around the campfire, and enjoy a classic evening of hot dogs, stargazing, and soaking in the peaceful Utah wilderness.

This unforgettable weekend was about more than just outdoor fun. It was an opportunity to support the mental health and well-being of military families by connecting them to nature and each other. The National Park Trust is proud to partner with organizations like Buckley Space Force Base to provide these enriching experiences. By encouraging exploration of public lands, we hope to foster a lifelong appreciation for the natural and cultural treasures our service members work so hard to protect.