Events calendar

Great Basin Astronomy Festival

Great Basin National Park

Sep 11 8:00 am – 11:00 pm

The 2026 Great Basin Astronomy Festival welcomes visitors to gaze into the universe and experience some of the darkest night skies in America.

Daily Cave Tours

Timpanogos Cave National Monument

Sep 11 8:15 am – 3:30 pm

Round trip, with hike time this tour is 3.5 hours. You are in the cave system for for 55-minutes and it walks through Hansen, Middle, and Timpanogos Caves. The caves are connected by two man made tunnels. This tour has Please make sure to read all of...

Fort Open to Plaza Access

Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site

Sep 11 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

The public is invited inside the reconstruction of Bent’s Old Fort, entering through the zaguan gate and into the plaza. Park Rangers will be present to explain the features of the fort and its 20 th century reconstruction. Entry into the...

Sep 11 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

As we look ahead to the 75th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court's Brown v. Board of Education decisions in 2029, this exhibit reflects on how these annual milestones have been commemorated over time, and asks: Where Next? Featuring items from past...

Alpine Ranger Rove

Great Basin National Park

Sep 11 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Exploring the Alpine Lakes Loop or Bristlecone trails? From 9am to 3pm, keep your eye out for a friendly ranger ready to chat about Great Basin's spectacular high country. Occurs daily, staff and weather permitting.

Introduction to Caving Tour

Timpanogos Cave National Monument

Sep 11 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

The ranger-led tour spends 1.5 hours in the cave and introduces visitors to low-impact caving skills, safety and etiquette. With a helmet and headlamp you are ready to experience Hansen Cave in its natural state. You will scramble over boulders and...

Sep 11 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm

The exhibit commemorates the 250th anniversary of the Anza expedition by exploring both the expedition itself and the environment the settlers found when they arrived in Monterey. Panels discuss the founding of Monterey, early buildings and...

Monroe School Architectural Tour

Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park

Sep 11 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

Learn about Topeka’s historic Monroe School through a free, one-hour guided tour at Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park! Tours highlight the building’s architecture, architect Thomas W. Williamson, and history, and include a visit to...

Sep 11 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...

Lehman Caves Visitor Center Porch Talk

Great Basin National Park

Sep 11 1:30 pm – 2:00 pm

Join a park ranger on the Lehman Caves Visitor Center porch for a fun and interactive program on a wide variety of Great Basin topics - wildfire, wildlife, wild caves, and more. Check the information board or at the visitor center information desk...

Visit the Show Barn and meet a Hereford

Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park

Sep 11 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Meet a park ranger at the Show Barn and get up close and personal with members of the historic Hereford cattle herd. Learn about Lyndon Johnson's ranching history and enjoy the view from the highest point on the LBJ Ranch driving tour route.

Lehman Caves Visitor Center Porch Talk

Great Basin National Park

Sep 11 2:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Join a ranger for a 30-minute program outside the Lehman Caves Visitor Center. Topics vary by ranger. Program occurs as staffing permits.

Ranger's Choice Talk

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Sep 11 2:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Join a park ranger to explore one of the fascinating stories of Black Canyon, from human history to plants to wildlife. Meet at Pulpit Rock Overlook at 2:00 pm. 20-30 minutes. Location subject to change. May be cancelled due to staffing shortages or...

Why Save These Cliffs?

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument

Sep 11 2:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Why were the Gila Cliff Dwellings protected as a national monument in 1907? Explore the history of preservation, the threats these structures once faced, and how stewardship continues to protect this irreplaceable cultural landscape today.

Great Basin Visitor Center Porch Talk

Great Basin National Park

Sep 11 2:30 pm – 3:00 pm

Join a ranger outside the Great Basin Visitor Center for a 30-minute ranger chat. Chats are scheduled at 9:30 am and 2:30 pm as staffing permits. Topics will vary by ranger.

Mission Espada Looming Demonstration Program

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

Sep 11 3:00 pm – 3:45 pm

Join our free, daily looming demonstration at Mission Espada.

Explore the Night (East District)

Saguaro National Park

Sep 11 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Half of the park is after dark! Join a ranger in the evening hours as night-prowling creatures begin to emerge. This program meets at the Rincon Mountain Visitor Center. After a short ranger presentation, you'll hop into your car and follow the...

Dark Skies, Bright Stars!

Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument

Sep 11 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm

Join Park rangers and volunteers for a spectacular Dark Sky Event! As an International Dark Sky Park, Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument is proud to welcome you to the Abó Unit to experience the awe and wonder of the park’s pristine night...

Chiricahua's Night Flight!

Chiricahua National Monument

Sep 11 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Join Ranger Kim to explore the amazing lives of bats, and learn about the species that call Chiricahua home! Parking is not available at the amphitheater. Campers should park at their site and walk to the theater. Visitors not spending the night can...

Astrophotography Workshop

Great Basin National Park

Sep 11 7:00 pm – 10:30 pm

Come join astrophotographer Don Riddle at the Baker Archaeological Site outside the park to learn how to take photos of the night sky and the Milky Way. Advance registration for this program is required through the Great Basin National Park...

Astronomy Festival

Capulin Volcano National Monument

Sep 11 7:30 pm – 11:00 pm

Ranger Program begins at 7:00. Night sky viewing starts at 7:30pm. Follow the red lights from the Visitor Center to the observing area. Wear warm clothing.Join us for an exceptional Dark Sky experience. Capulin was named a Gold Tier Dark Sky Park by...

Star Party

Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument

Sep 11 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm

Come join park rangers and members of the Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition for a night of stargazing and telescope viewing at the Lava Flow Trail amphitheater. Event Schedule:7:30pm - 8:00pm - How can you help protect dark skies where you live? (ranger...

What's Buried in Pete's Lake?

Curecanti National Recreation Area

Sep 11 7:30 pm – 8:00 pm

Join local geologist Harvey DuChene for an exploration of the fascinating history hidden beneath Pete's Lake in Lake City, Colorado. Discover how glaciers shaped the Lake Fork Valley during the last Ice Age, learn why Pete's Lake exists today, and...

Star Viewing

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Sep 11 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Event will happen after the Bat Flight Program. Visitors should be mindful of their headlights. Turn them off after parking. Park facing toward the visitor center. Use red lens flashlights or headlamps if you have them.

Lantern Cave Tours

Timpanogos Cave National Monument

Sep 12 7:00 am – 10:45 am

Step back in time and experience Timpanogos Cave lit only by the flicker of lanterns on this ranger-guided tour to celebrate 100 years as a national monument! Discover what early explorers experienced as they traveled through the dark passages of the...

Great Basin Astronomy Festival

Great Basin National Park

Sep 12 8:00 am – 11:00 pm

The 2026 Great Basin Astronomy Festival welcomes visitors to gaze into the universe and experience some of the darkest night skies in America.

Daily Cave Tours

Timpanogos Cave National Monument

Sep 12 8:15 am – 3:30 pm

Round trip, with hike time this tour is 3.5 hours. You are in the cave system for for 55-minutes and it walks through Hansen, Middle, and Timpanogos Caves. The caves are connected by two man made tunnels. This tour has Please make sure to read all of...

Garden Walk (East District)

Saguaro National Park

Sep 12 8:15 am – 8:45 am

Join us for a casual walk and talk through our ethnobotanical garden to learn some sharp facts about the Sonoran Desert! From the mighty saguaro cactus to the smallest flower, come let your curiosity blossom. This is an accessible program.

Garden Walk (West District)

Saguaro National Park

Sep 12 8:15 am – 8:45 am

Join us for a guided walk through the Cactus Garden where you’ll explore the fascinating natural history of the Sonoran Desert! Wheelchair accessible.

Grand Palace Tour

Great Basin National Park

Sep 12 8:30 am – 10:00 am

The Grand Palace Tour allows visitors to experience the entire developed area of Lehman Caves on a 90-minute ranger-guided adventure through more than half a mile of lighted cave paths.

Fort Open to Plaza Access

Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site

Sep 12 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

The public is invited inside the reconstruction of Bent’s Old Fort, entering through the zaguan gate and into the plaza. Park Rangers will be present to explain the features of the fort and its 20 th century reconstruction. Entry into the...

Sep 12 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

As we look ahead to the 75th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court's Brown v. Board of Education decisions in 2029, this exhibit reflects on how these annual milestones have been commemorated over time, and asks: Where Next? Featuring items from past...

Cave Sim

Great Basin National Park

Sep 12 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Have you ever wanted to explore a wild cave but don’t know where to start? Or to understand the environment cave scientists work in? Then Great Basin National Park’s CaveSim might be for you! Come crawl and climb through CaveSim and get hands-on...

Junior Cave Ranger Experience

Great Basin National Park

Sep 12 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

The Great Basin Junior Cave Ranger Experience engages children and their families with the park's incredible underground landscape through hands-on activities. The half-day program meets at Great Basin Visitor Center at 9:00 am every Saturday morning...

CaveSim

Great Basin National Park

Sep 12 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

CaveSim is a fun, immersive experience for visitors ages 5 & up that makes caving accessible to a wide audience. Containing 140 feet of simulated cave passages, CaveSim was custom-built for Great Basin National Park and inspired by Lehman Caves...

Alpine Ranger Rove

Great Basin National Park

Sep 12 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Exploring the Alpine Lakes Loop or Bristlecone trails? From 9am to 3pm, keep your eye out for a friendly ranger ready to chat about Great Basin's spectacular high country. Occurs daily, staff and weather permitting.

Camel Corps Commemoration

El Morro National Monument

Sep 12 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Camels first appeared at El Morro in 1857 as part of a U.S. military experiment to cross the desert between Texas and California. This special commemorative event is a fun and educational opportunity to learn about camels and their journey across the...

Guided Hike: Rinconada Canyon

Petroglyph National Monument

Sep 12 9:00 am – 10:30 am

These weekly hikes will focus on the history, geology, and petroglyphs along the 2.2 mile loop trail at Rinconada Canyon. Binoculars are encouraged but not necessary. Bring plenty of water and good hiking shoes. Hikes will be led by park volunteer...

Chiricahua Trail Tales

Chiricahua National Monument

Sep 12 9:00 am – 9:30 am

Enjoy a fun, easy stroll with Ranger Michelle along the Bonita Creek Loop Trail. This accessible .2‑mile loop offers gentle creekside scenery, lively ranger insights, and a light, relaxing walk perfect for all visitors.

Poetry of Migration Workshop

Walnut Canyon National Monument

Sep 12 9:30 am – 12:00 pm

The Poetry of Migration Workshop Drawing inspiration from the migration of birds in Walnut Canyon National Monument, this workshop offers participants an opportunity to learn about birding from national park ranger Ryan Carpenter, then write about...

Tehuan Band Heritage in Partnership Tour for World Heritage Festival

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

Sep 12 9:30 am – 10:30 am

Heritage in Partnership Tour with the Tehuan Band - World Heritage Festival Saturday, September 12, 2026 9:30 am–10:30 am Mission San Jose - Visitor Center At 9:30 am - the program will begin with a presentation inside the theatre followed by an...

Drop in Ranger Talk

White Sands National Park

Sep 12 9:30 am – 10:30 am

Stop by any time between 9:30-10:30 to dig deeper into the natural and cultural history of White Sands National Park. Topics can include ancient footprints, ancient megafauna, modern animals, human history, or a quick art project for children and...

Lodge Room Tour

Great Basin National Park

Sep 12 9:30 am – 10:30 am

The Lodge Room Tour is a 60-minute ranger-guided adventure through the Gothic Palace, Rose Trellis Room, Music Room, and Lodge Room of Lehman Caves.

Beach Walk

Padre Island National Seashore

Sep 12 9:30 am – 10:30 am

Stroll along the sandy Gulf shoreline and uncover the hidden wonders of the seashore. Guided by a park ranger or volunteer, this leisurely walk introduces you to the area’s fascinating natural and cultural history while exploring what the tides have...

Girl Scouts Love State Parks at Ice Age Fossils State Park

Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument

Sep 12 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

The Girls Scouts are celebrating State Parks, and you’re invited! Join us for a Girl Scouts Love State Parks event in partnership with the Protectors of Tule Springs and Girls Scouts of the USA. The event will include activities with many local...

Guided Hikes on the Islands

Channel Islands National Park

Sep 12 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...

Ranger Talk

Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site

Sep 12 10:00 am – 11:00 am

The Sand Creek ranger talk explores the events of the mid 1800's and describes some of the social, economic, and political factors that contributed to the Sand Creek Massacre. Please not that this program is a stationary talk, not a walking tour.

Ancestral Sites Trail Guided Walk

Pecos National Historical Park

Sep 12 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...

Sep 12 10:00 am – 11:00 am

“Stories from the Borderlands” are featured programs offered monthly. Each will be held at the reconstructed fort and the Woodruff Memorial Library in La Junta and last 45 minutes, exploring a different facet of the Fort’s story.As always, visitors...

Ranger Guided Tour of Mission San José

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

Sep 12 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...

Ranger Guided Tour of Mission Concepción

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

Sep 12 10:00 am – 10:45 am

Join our free, daily park ranger tours at Mission Concepción.

Ranger Program at Mission San Juan

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

Sep 12 10:00 am – 10:45 am

Join our free, daily park ranger tours at Mission San Juan.

Introduction to Caving Tour

Timpanogos Cave National Monument

Sep 12 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

The ranger-led tour spends 1.5 hours in the cave and introduces visitors to low-impact caving skills, safety and etiquette. With a helmet and headlamp you are ready to experience Hansen Cave in its natural state. You will scramble over boulders and...

Geology Talk

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Sep 12 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 dizzying chasm. Meet at Pulpit Rock Overlook at 10:00 am. 20-30 minutes. Location subject to change. May be cancelled due to...

Indigenous Cultural Arts Festival

Aztec Ruins National Monument

Sep 12 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

On Saturday, September 12, Aztec Ruins National Monument will host the 2026 Indigenous Cultural Arts Festival starting at 10am. This free, family-friendly event will feature diverse artists from various Southwest nations. Artists will be...

Junior Ranger Program

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

Sep 12 10:00 am – 11:00 am

Hey Kids! Learn more about Great Sand Dunes with a park ranger.

Living History Program

Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park

Sep 12 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Enjoy a unique learning experience. Chat with living historians and listen to stories about the Battle of Palo Alto and the U.S.-Mexican War. Programs feature weapons demonstrations (dependent upon weather).

Monroe School Architectural Tour

Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park

Sep 12 10:00 am – 11:00 am

Learn about Topeka’s historic Monroe School through a free, one-hour guided tour at Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park! Tours highlight the building’s architecture, architect Thomas W. Williamson, and history, and include a visit to...

Ranger Guided Hike - Pueblo Loop Trail

Bandelier National Monument

Sep 12 10:00 am – 11:00 am

Join a ranger for a 45-minute introductory program on the first 0.25 miles of the Pueblo Loop Trail! The walk will begin on the back porch of the visitor center and finishes at Tyuonyi Pueblo , the largest structure built by the Pueblo people in...

Geology Talk

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Sep 12 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 dizzying chasm. Meet at Pulpit Rock Overlook at 10:00 am. 20-30 minutes. Location subject to change. May be cancelled due to...

Parks For Pollinators Bioblitz

Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument

Sep 12 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Join the city of Las Vegas for the Fourth Annual Parks for Pollinators: BioBlitz, to be held Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Floyd Lamb Park at Tule Springs, 9200 Tule Springs Road. Free park entry for this event! We are having a...

Tours of President Johnson's Boyhood Home

Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park

Sep 12 10:30 am – 11:30 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.

Prewett Point Guided Hike

Pinnacles National Park

Sep 12 10:30 am – 12:00 pm

Join a ranger on a hike and learn some of Pinnacles' fascinating resources that are protected in the park.

Reading Ranger

Petroglyph National Monument

Sep 12 10:30 am – 11:30 am

Join a Park Ranger for storytime and craft activities as a fun way to learn about Petroglyph National Monument. Children who participate in the activity will recieve a Reading Ranger badge. For ages 0-13. Event starts at 10:30 AM at the Taylor Ranch...

Ranger Guided Tour of Mission San José

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

Sep 12 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...

Guided Tour

Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site

Sep 12 11:00 am – 11:45 am

Take a tour with a Park Ranger to learn more about Bent's Old Fort. Each tour lasts approximately forty-five minutes and begins in the plaza. Tours are limited to fifteen participants and will explore the historic use of the site and the...

Gran Quivira Ranger-Guided Hikes

Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument

Sep 12 11:00 am – 11:45 am

Join our park rangers for a guided hike at Gran Quivira every Saturday at 11:00 a.m. These 45‑minute walks are open to everyone — no reservation needed. Bring plenty of water, pack a snack, wear sturdy shoes, and dress for the weather. Along the way...

Bristlecone Ranger Chat

Great Basin National Park

Sep 12 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Curious about Great Basin's alpine country? Anytime from 11am to noon each day, find a ranger in the Wheeler Peak Bristlecone Grove for an informal chat where you can ask about the trees, the animals, and other aspects of the higher elevations of the...

Pat Galbaldon Art Workshop

Chamizal National Memorial

Sep 12 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Unleash your creativity in a whimsy paint session inspired by the Chihuahuan Desert landscape, led by artist Pat Galbaldon. Join us for a fun, colorul exploration of desert scenery and artistic expression.

Sep 12 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Dive in with the 2024 documentary series Our Oceans , which takes viewers on a breathtaking journey beneath the waves to explore the remarkable wildlife and ecosystems found across all five of Earth’s oceans. In Episode 2, Indian Ocean, discover how...

Dwellings Tour

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument

Sep 12 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...

Architectural Tour of Topeka’s historic Monroe School!

Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park

Sep 12 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Led by Volunteer-in-Parks (VIP) Jake Brillhart, these one-hour tours highlight the building’s architecture and its architect, Thomas W. Williamson, and include a visit to the second floor.

Accessible Gothic Palace Tour

Great Basin National Park

Sep 12 11:00 am – 11:30 am

The 30-minute Accessible Tour of Lehman Caves visits the Gothic Palace, the first highly-decorated room of the cave and can accommodate a wheelchair, with assistance. This tour is intended for persons with limited mobility, unable to negotiate stairs...

AM Visitor Center Ranger Talk

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

Sep 12 11:15 am – 11:45 am

Explore a variety of topics about Great Sand Dunes. Topics posted at visitor center lobby bulletin board. (20 minutes)

Living with Giants (West District)

Saguaro National Park

Sep 12 11:15 am – 12:00 pm

The saguaro celebrates events and faces challenges throughout its life. A biologist explains how it provides shelter and substance for wildlife; when it flowers; its growth patterns; and how it fights for survival against drought, lightning, frost...

Sep 12 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm

The exhibit commemorates the 250th anniversary of the Anza expedition by exploring both the expedition itself and the environment the settlers found when they arrived in Monterey. Panels discuss the founding of Monterey, early buildings and...