Events calendar

Sep 18 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...

Sep 18 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...

Explore the Night (East District)

Saguaro National Park

Sep 18 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...

Eugene O'Neill Festival

Eugene O'Neill National Historic Site

Sep 18 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm

The Annual Eugene O'Neill Festival The Eugene O'Neill Festival is an annual event held each September that brings the works of America's only Nobel Prize-winning playwright to life in the historic setting of his home at the Eugene O'Neill National...

Sunrise Yoga

Padre Island National Seashore

Sep 19 6:45 am – 7:45 am

Awaken your senses and embrace the tranquility of the morning with our sunrise yoga class on the rooftop deck of the Malaquite Visitor Center, overlooking the sparkling waters of the gulf. You'll witness the sun rising over the horizon as you...

Lantern Cave Tours

Timpanogos Cave National Monument

Sep 19 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...

Daily Cave Tours

Timpanogos Cave National Monument

Sep 19 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 19 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 19 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 19 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 19 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 19 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 19 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 19 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 19 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 19 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.

Guided Hike: Rinconada Canyon

Petroglyph National Monument

Sep 19 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...

Big Fill Trail Guided Hike – Rails to Promontory

Golden Spike National Historical Park

Sep 19 9:00 am – 11:00 am

Join a park ranger for a guided hike through the landscape where railroad workers helped create one of America’s greatest engineering achievements Allow approximately 2 hours round trip. This 1.5-mile hike follows the historic railroad grade of the...

California Coastal Cleanup Day

Channel Islands National Park

Sep 19 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Show your love for marine life by joining us for a beach cleanup. Individuals, families, and groups are welcome. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Park near Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center...

Southern Nevada Pedal Fest

Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument

Sep 19 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Join the community to explore the mountain bike and gravel trails in the park on your bicycle. Enjoy group rides, demonstration bikes, pump track, a vendor expo, beer garden and food trucks. Participate in the Gravel Criterium Race! The event takes...

Chiricahua Trail Tales

Chiricahua National Monument

Sep 19 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.

Drop in Ranger Talk

White Sands National Park

Sep 19 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 19 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.

Guided Hikes on the Islands

Channel Islands National Park

Sep 19 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 19 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 19 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

Sep 19 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 19 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 19 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 19 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 19 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...

Junior Ranger Program

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

Sep 19 10:00 am – 11:00 am

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

Monroe School Architectural Tour

Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park

Sep 19 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...

Lockhart Ranch Tour

Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Sep 19 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Join VIP Mike and Steve for a tour of the Lockhart Ranch. Mike and Steve will be at the Lockhart Ranch and offering tours from 10:00am to 2:00pm, weather dependent. Take a step back in time and learn about the characters that defined the local...

Ranger Guided Hike - Pueblo Loop Trail

Bandelier National Monument

Sep 19 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 19 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...

Silent Sentinels

Fort Union National Monument

Sep 19 10:00 am – 11:00 am

Starting at the visitor center, this staff-led program goes ½ mile to both the second and third forts. 45 to 60-minutes. All programs are subject to change or cancellation due to weather or limited staffing.

Tours of President Johnson's Boyhood Home

Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park

Sep 19 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 19 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.

Ranger Guided Tour of Mission San José

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

Sep 19 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 19 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 19 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 19 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...

Ethnobotany Nature Walk at Quarai!

Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument

Sep 19 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Join us for this guided walk as we explore native plants found along the Quarai landscape and the important roles they have played throughout history. Led by the Salinas Pueblo Missions Tribal Communities Engagement Intern, participants will learn...

Sep 19 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 3, Atlantic Ocean, follow fish...

Dwellings Tour

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument

Sep 19 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...

Accessible Gothic Palace Tour

Great Basin National Park

Sep 19 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 19 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 19 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 19 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...

Wellness Walk

John Muir National Historic Site

Sep 19 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

Come join a ranger for a mindful walk through the orchards. Details: Distance: 300 yards, one hill but mostly flat. Pets: Dogs are welcome. Facilities: Located inside the visitor center. Meeting Location: Meet at the visitor center back patio (4202...

Sep 19 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Join us for an engaging conversation with Tucson-based writer Caroline Tracey as she discusses her acclaimed book Salt Lakes: An Unnatural History with journalist Rachel Glickhouse. Connect with the author and get a book signed after the talk. An...

Ranger's Choice

Pinnacles National Park

Sep 19 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm

Learn about Pinnacles' amazing resources with a ranger as they discuss topics varying from wildlife to geology, to history.

Sep 19 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 19 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...

PM Visitor Center Ranger Talk

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

Sep 19 1:45 pm – 2:15 pm

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

Visit the Junction School with a Ranger

Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park

Sep 19 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Meet a park ranger at the Junction School to talk about what learning was like for four-year-old Lyndon when he started his education in 1912. On April 11, 1965, President Lyndon Johnson returned to his first school to sign the Elementary and...

Lehman Caves Visitor Center Porch Talk

Great Basin National Park

Sep 19 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 19 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...

Life in the Gila

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument

Sep 19 2:00 pm – 2:45 pm

Join a ranger and discover how water, geology, plants, and people shaped this remarkable landscape. Explore the story of the Mogollon and the canyon they called home.

Great Basin Visitor Center Porch Talk

Great Basin National Park

Sep 19 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 19 3:00 pm – 3:45 pm

Join our free, daily looming demonstration at Mission Espada.