Events calendar

Our Heritage in the Stars

Curecanti National Recreation Area

Aug 1 8:30 pm – 9:00 pm

Explore how the stars and other objects in the night sky connect us to our past.

Astronomy Program

Curecanti National Recreation Area

Aug 1 9:00 pm – 10:30 pm

Peer into a telescope or listen to a constellation talk with a ranger.

Parachute Shield Tour

Great Basin National Park

Aug 2 8:30 am – 9:30 am

Duration: 60 minutes Distance: 0.6 miles / 1.3 kilometers Total Stairs: 0 Difficulty: Moderate. Tour goers will be on their feet for the entire tour. Only the Inscription Room has seating. White Nose Syndrome Screening is mandatory on all cave tours...

Aug 2 8:30 am – 9:00 am

Get out early and beat the summer heat! Join a ranger for a short stroll and chat in our cactus garden. Come learn about a variety of topics including the iconic saguaro cactus and other plants of the Sonoran Desert! Meets in front of the Rincon...

Self-Guided Mission Tours

Tumacácori National Historical Park

Aug 2 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

9:00 am-5:00 pm daily, year-round. Available in multiple formats (audio, digital, or paper) a variety of routes can be explored through the mission grounds.

Guided Tour of the Reconstructed Fort

Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site

Aug 2 9:00 am – 10:15 am

During the summer of 2025, guided tours of the fort will occur at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. on Saturdays. On Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays, guided tours will be available at 11:00 a.m. only. Each tour will last approximately 75 minutes and begi...

Lehman Caves Visitor Center Porch Talk

Great Basin National Park

Aug 2 9:00 am – 9:30 am

Join a ranger on the Lehman Caves Visitor Center porch to explore various topics about Great Basin National Park.

Coffee With A Ranger

Padre Island National Seashore

Aug 2 9:00 am – 10:00 am

Join us for "Coffee With A Ranger," an informal gathering where you can enjoy a warm cup of coffee and engage in conversation with a member of our park management team! This friendly program invites you to ask questions, share stories, and learn more...

Guided Walk at Sullivan's Knob

Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Aug 2 9:00 am – 10:00 am

Join MSU Intern, Emily, on a guided walk on the Sullivan's Knob Trail. Learn about the wildlife, birds, and plants along the trail.

Patio Chat (West District)

Saguaro National Park

Aug 2 9:15 am – 9:45 am

Join a Park Ranger on the outside shaded patio overlooking the magnificent saguaro forest to learn a little about the unique diversity of the Sonoran Desert ecosystem. 30 minutes. Wheelchair accessible.

Great Basin Visitor Center Patio Talk

Great Basin National Park

Aug 2 9:30 am – 10:00 am

Join a park ranger outside the Great Basin Visitor Center for a 30-minute program exploring various aspects of Great Basin National Park. Topics vary.

Beach Walk

Padre Island National Seashore

Aug 2 9:30 am – 10:30 am

Join a park ranger or park volunteer for a 45 to 60-minute beach walk to discover the wonders of the seashore. Walk the sandy beaches along the Gulf while you learn about the natural and cultural history of the area and discover what washed in.

Atsinna Pueblo Hike

El Morro National Monument

Aug 2 9:30 am – 11:00 am

Join a ranger for a guided hike to Atsinna Pueblo, a partially-excavated village site built by ancestral Puebloans in the late 1200s. Gain a glimpse into the everyday lives of the people who lived there centuries ago. The hike is one mile round-trip...

Guided Hikes on the Islands

Channel Islands National Park

Aug 2 10:00 am – 11:00 am

On days that the concessionaire boats run to the islands, guided hikes may be offered by national park rangers, volunteers, or concessionaire naturalists. If they are not available to lead hikes, self-guided interpretive trail booklets are available...

Tours of President Johnson's Boyhood Home

Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park

Aug 2 10:00 am – 10:30 am

Daily tours of the Boyhood Home explore Lyndon Johnson's childhood growing up in the rural, 1920s town of Johnson City, Texas. Tours start at the National Park Visitor Center in Johnson City at 100 Ladybird Lane.

Ancestral Sites Trail Guided Walk

Pecos National Historical Park

Aug 2 10:00 am – 11:00 am

Pecos Pueblo sits at the site of a unique ecological and cultural crossroads. Join a park ranger on this tour to lear n a bout the Ancestral Pueblo , Spanish Colonial history, and the importance of this site to communities today . The tour begins at...

Ranger Guided Tour of Mission San José

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

Aug 2 10:00 am – 11:00 am

Join our guided walks led by a National Park Ranger at Mission San José.Daily 10:00 am and 11:00 am (weather permitting).Each tour is limited to 50 people. First come, first served daily.San José guided walks begin at the Visitor Center at Mission...

Geology Talk

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Aug 2 10:00 am – 10:30 am

How did the Black Canyon form? What kinds of rocks are these? Discover answers to these and other questions about this deep, steep, and narrow canyon. Meet at Pulpit Rock Overlook at 10:00 am. 20-30 minutes. May be cancelled due to staffing changes...

Gothic Palace Lantern Tour

Great Basin National Park

Aug 2 10:00 am – 10:30 am

The Gothic Palace Lantern Tour takes visitors into the beautiful and bizarre first room of Lehman Caves by lanternlight.

Ranger Program

Chaco Culture National Historical Park

Aug 2 10:00 am – 11:00 am

Join a park ranger for a program or guided walk and learn more about a variety of topics about Chaco Culture National Historical Park. Specific topics, locations, and length of program time are dependent on the ranger giving the program; please...

Ranger-led Hike - Ledge Hike

Walnut Canyon National Monument

Aug 2 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Since time immemorial, Native people have called Walnut Canyon home. During traditional times, a thriving community lived within the canyon, building cliff dwellings in natural geologic formations. Participants on this hike will descend into the...

Pueblo Loop Trail Program

Bandelier National Monument

Aug 2 10:00 am – 10:30 am

Learn about the people who called this place home for over 400 years during this 30 minute walking tour. Please bring water and wear comfortable shoes. Meet at the back patio of the visitor center.

Cultural Demonstration by Dave Reano

Bandelier National Monument

Aug 2 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Demonstrations are free and open to the public and take place on the back patio of the Bandelier visitor center. This program is made possible by funding from the Friends of Bandelier National Monument to cover costs like demonstrators' travel and...

World Ranger Day at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument

Aug 2 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Rangers, Powering Transformative Conservation World Ranger Day is a day to celebrate Rangers from around the world. Come learn about some of the special areas that rangers work in Southern Nevada. We will have tabletop activities and Rangers on hand...

Explorer Hike Junior Ranger Program

Timpanogos Cave National Monument

Aug 2 10:30 am – 11:15 am

Come explore the park while taking a short hike guided by a park ranger! This easy 45-minute program is kid-friendly and has no cost to attend; all are welcome to participate. Meet the ranger at the Swinging Bridge Picnic Area at 10:30AM on Saturday...

Bristlecone Talks

Great Basin National Park

Aug 2 10:30 am – 11:00 am

Join a park ranger at the Wheeler Peak Bristlecone Grove to learn about these ancient trees and ask trail questions. The rest of the day, rangers will be out and about on the Wheeler area trails to assist in emergency response, answer questions, and...

Gran Quivira Ranger-Led Hikes

Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument

Aug 2 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Join Park Rangers for a ranger led hike at Gran Quivira every Saturday at 11 am. Hikes are open to the public and no reservation is required. Bring plenty of water and snacks and wear comfortable shoes and proper clothing.

Quarai Guided Hike

Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument

Aug 2 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Join a park ranger at Quarai for a ranger-led hike and program. Hikes are open to the public and no reservation is required. Bring plenty of water and snacks and wear comfortable shoes and proper clothing.

Guided Tour of the Reconstructed Fort

Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site

Aug 2 11:00 am – 12:15 pm

During the summer of 2025, guided tours of the fort will occur at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. on Saturdays. On Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays, guided tours will be available at 11:00 a.m. only. Each tour will last approximately 75 minutes and begin...

Ranger Guided Tour of Mission San José

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

Aug 2 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Join our guided walks led by a National Park Ranger at Mission San José.Daily 10:00 am and 11:00 am (weather permitting).Each tour is limited to 50 people. First come, first served daily.San José guided walks begin at the Visitor Center at Mission...

Lockhart Ranch Tour

Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Aug 2 11:00 am – 3:00 pm

Join VIPs Mike and Steve for tours of the Lockhart Ranch. Tours will start at 11:00am until 3:00pm, weather dependent.

Guided Walk of Dwellings

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument

Aug 2 11:00 am – 11:45 am

Allow at least 30 minutes to hike up to the cliff dwellings. The trail leading to the dwellings is about 1/2 mile over rocky and uneven terrain with 180-foot elevation gain. Join a ranger on a 45-minute guided walk of the cliff dwellings to learn...

Aug 2 12:45 pm – 1:30 pm

Join us in the Red Hills Visitor Center to discover various plant species native to the Sonoran Desert and learn how indigenous peoples traditionally used them for food and medicine. Wheelchair accessible.

Summer Saturday Programs

John Muir National Historic Site

Aug 2 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Join a National Park Ranger for a weekly Saturday program. The program topic is chosen by a different ranger each week. Inquire within for more details.

Aug 2 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm

Join a ranger in our visitor center exhibit area to learn about a rotating selection of topics around the Sonoran Desert and Saguaro National Park. Drop in any time from 1pm-1:30pm. Accessible program.

Aug 2 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm

Wagons and cowboys and Hollywood, oh my! On this ranger-guided tour, learn about the Santa Fe Trail and area ranching, with stops at the Trading Post and historic Forked Lightning Ranch House . This tour requires limited walking , but extended...

Ranger Program

Chaco Culture National Historical Park

Aug 2 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Join a park ranger for a program or guided walk and learn more about a variety of topics about Chaco Culture National Historical Park. Specific topics, locations, and length of program time are dependent on the ranger giving the program; please...

Arizona's Wildcats! (West District)

Saguaro National Park

Aug 2 2:15 pm – 3:00 pm

This is not about the University of Arizona’s teams nor is it about your mom’s house cat! Join an Interpretive Ranger in the theater to learn about the four types of wild cats that roam not only Arizona’s mountains and deserts, but in some cases –...

Ranger Program

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

Aug 2 2:30 pm – 3:15 pm

Visit the Visitor Center at Mission San José to explore a mission topic with a park ranger.

Waterfront Walking Tour

San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park

Aug 2 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm

Join a park ranger for a guided walk around San Francisco's waterfront and learn how maritime history has shaped the city. Meet at the San Francisco Maritime Visitor Center, located on the corner of Jefferson St and Hyde St. Program can last between...

Ranger's Choice Talk

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Aug 2 3:00 pm – 3:30 pm

Join a park ranger to explore one of the fascinating stories of Black Canyon, from human history to plants to wildlife. Stop by the South Rim Visitor Center for daily topics and locations. Program may be cancelled due to staffing changes or bad...

Sea Chantey Sing

San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park

Aug 2 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Now in its 44 th year at the park, the Chantey Sing event is for anyone who enjoys singing or taking part in maritime historical culture. Whether you're a fresh landlubber or a seasoned seafarer, all are welcome to join. Sea Chanteys are held on the...

Owls and Adaptations Live Bird Program

Timpanogos Cave National Monument

Aug 2 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Who is coming to Timpanogos Cave National Monument? WHO? Maybe you! Plus a special feathered friend who says who too! Great Basin Wildlife Rescue is presenting a live bird program about owls and their adaptations this Saturday, August 2nd from 6PM to...

Sunset Stroll

White Sands National Park

Aug 2 7:00 pm – 11:59 pm

The Sunset Stroll is a leisurely, ranger-guided stroll through the gypsum sand dunes. It is a splendid opportunity to experience the dunes first-hand while learning about the uniqueness of our geology, plants, and animals. As an added bonus, the...

Evening Program

Bandelier National Monument

Aug 2 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Join a park ranger at the park's amphitheater as they talk about one of the many interesting topics associated with Bandelier National Monument!

Bat Outflight Guided Hike

El Malpais National Monument

Aug 2 7:15 pm – 9:15 pm

Join us again this summer to see the bats emerge from the Bat Cave! Programs will be offered Friday and Saturday nights. Additional program dates may be added throughout the summer. This easy, 2-mile round trip guided hike starts from the El Calderon...

Bat Flight Program

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Aug 2 7:30 pm – 11:59 pm

Please join us for the free Bat Flight Program (April through October), an evening ranger talk about bats prior to their flight. No reservations are required for this program that occurs every evening from April through October. The program takes...

Evening with a Ranger

Great Basin National Park

Aug 2 8:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Join a park ranger under the stars at the Astronomy Amphitheater for an engaging and enjoyable story about Great Basin National Park. Mountain lions, wildfires, natural sounds, and bats are just a few of the many topics explored. Stick around and...

Moonlight Hike

Capulin Volcano National Monument

Aug 2 8:30 pm – 10:30 pm

Join a Ranger for a moonlight hike of the Volcano rim! Subjects include night time biology, lunar geography, astronomy, and the park after dark. Reservations required. Call 575-278-2201 for information and reservations.

Big Thicket by Lamplight

Big Thicket National Preserve

Aug 2 8:30 pm – 9:30 pm

Have you ever experienced the Big Thicket at night? Bring your flashlight to join a ranger on a hike through the Big Thicket in the dark. This hike will explore some of the stories that make the Big Thicket special and mysterious. If you enjoy...

Astronomy Program

Great Basin National Park

Aug 2 8:30 pm – 10:30 pm

Great Basin National Park offers astronomy programs in the park at the Astronomy Amphitheater each week, Thursday through Sunday, during the summer and fall. Programs consist of a 30 minute Ranger Presentation followed by roughly 1 hour and 30...

Bears! Ute Traditions and Respecting Wildlife

Curecanti National Recreation Area

Aug 2 8:30 pm – 9:00 pm

Join a ranger to learn about the Ute tradition of the Bear Dance and how we can respect bears today.