GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — The Colorado Environmental Coalition is inviting the public to camp with them Friday near Gateway to celebrate the Northern Dolores River Basin. Star-gazing, historical interpretation of old ruins, and a guided hike are on the agenda.

The “NoDo” (Northern Dolores) Night Out is to be the first of what the organization hopes to be an annual event.

“Ultimately, we want to bring attention to a larger group of folks the beauty, and historic value of the area,” said Kate Graham, Western Slope Public Lands Organizer.

Western Colorado Astronomy Club member Ricky Smith will lead star-gazing Friday night.

Following a pancake breakfast Saturday morning, Zebulon Miracle, curator of the Museum of Western Colorado, will lead a hike up to Calamity Mesa where he'll deliver an interpretive talk about the old Calamity mining camp where entire families lived for a decade or more. Miracle will also discuss the museum's restoration project and partnership with the Bureau of Land Management and the Gateway Canyons Resort.

“It should be a really great event,” Graham said.

In the afternoon, campers will hike three miles down the historic Pickett Trail located in the Maverick Canyon Citizens' Wilderness Proposal.

Shuttles provided by the museum and Gateway Canyons Resort will take campers to the hiking areas.

The CEC is a member of the Dolores River Coalition that seeks long-term protection for the Dolores River Basin area in and around Gateway.

For more information or to RSVP, contact Graham at 243-0002.

Reach Sharon Sullivan at ssullivan@gjfreepress.com.

Go & Do What: “NoDo” (Northern Dolores) Night Out with the Colorado Environmental Coalition When: Oct. 2-3 Where: Camp out in Gateway Cost: Free Info: 243-0002; www.ourcolorado.org/get-involved/calendar