The outdoor program at Campus Recreation is kicking off Hispanic Heritage Month with an exciting trip to the San Luis Valley in Southern Colorado. Aileen Palma, the trip coordinator and a student at CSU, envisioned this excursion as an opportunity for students with Hispanic/Latino/Latina/Latinx backgrounds and a shared passion for the outdoors to connect and celebrate with one another.

The camping trip is taking place over the 16th and 17th of September, and will consist of star gazing in a designated “dark sky forest”, a visit to the great sand dunes, and hiking through the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range.

“I want this to be a good opportunity for any level of outdoor enthusiast. It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or an expert, this is a great chance to meet people from the same background and connect deeper through the outdoors,” states Palma. 

San Luis Valley was selected as the destination of choice due to its large amount of Hispanic culture. Founded in 1851 by Hispanic settlers, it rings in as Colorado’s oldest town. The heritage of this place dates back much further, which is seen through the art, food, celebrations, and music. On this trip students will address their own background similarly, looking at the ways their ancestors found an appreciation for nature. Aileen and Jovan, (co-facilitators), are looking forward to exploring the San Luis Valley, and also to bringing new connections and experiences back to their Fort Collins home.

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