Events calendar

Entrance Fee Free Days - Independence Day Weekend

Padre Island National Seashore

Jul 3 12:00 am – 11:45 pm

All entrance fees are waived in celebration of Indepence Day weekend, July 3-5.

Daily Cave Tours

Timpanogos Cave National Monument

Jul 3 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

Jul 3 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...

Jul 3 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

Jul 3 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

Jul 3 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...

Lava Falls Geology Guided Hike

El Malpais National Monument

Jul 3 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Come hike with a ranger to discover the story behind a land of stunning lava features, intriguing plants, and hidden water on New Mexico's youngest lava flow. The hike consists of a 1.1-mile loop trail marked by rock cairns. The entire hike is on...

Tours of President Johnson's Boyhood Home

Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park

Jul 3 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.

Ranger Guided Tour of Mission San José

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

Jul 3 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

Jul 3 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...

Quarai Ranger-Guided Hikes

Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument

Jul 3 11:00 am – 11:45 am

Join our park rangers for a guided hike at Quarai every Friday 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, rangers...

Bristlecone Ranger Chat

Great Basin National Park

Jul 3 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Curious about Great Basin's alpine country? Anytime from 11am to noon each day, join a ranger in the Wheeler Peak Bristlecone Grove to explore the trees, the animals, and other aspects of the higher elevations of the park. Get hands-on with some of...

Jul 3 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Enjoy episode one of the award-winning 2022 Netflix documentary series, Our Great National Parks, highlighting national parks in the United States and throughout the world. In episode one, A World of Wonder, the natural world’s untamed beauty comes...

Fort Tour

Fort Davis National Historic Site

Jul 3 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Enjoy a tour led by one of our staff through historic buildings.

Guided Walk of Dwellings

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument

Jul 3 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...

Visitor Center Ranger Talk

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

Jul 3 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

Jul 3 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...

Jul 3 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...

Love and Loss

John Muir National Historic Site

Jul 3 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Join us on a stroll through the historic Muir orchard, exploring the struggle John Muir faced protecting Hetch Hetchy Valley. Details: Distance: 300 yards, one hill but mostly flat. Pets: Dogs are welcome. Facilities: Located inside the visitor...

Jul 3 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...

Visit the Show Barn and meet a Hereford

Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park

Jul 3 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

Jul 3 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 Program

Fort Davis National Historic Site

Jul 3 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Join Fort Davis NHS staff in our park auditorium as we explore the U.S. Army, civilian life, nature, and other fun topics.

Secrets of the Skull

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument

Jul 3 2:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Become a wildlife detective and learn how to read the clues hidden in animal skulls. Discover how eye placement and tooth shape reveal what animals eat, how they survive, and the roles they play in the ecosystem.

Great Basin Visitor Center Porch Talk

Great Basin National Park

Jul 3 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 Ranger Program

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

Jul 3 3:00 pm – 3:45 pm

Join our free, daily ranger program at Mission Espada.

Jul 3 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Join Ranger Doug and get a closer look at some of the things that make Bandelier and New Mexico unique. Please meet in the Visitor Center Theater.

Trickster Coyote

Curecanti National Recreation Area

Jul 3 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

Coyotes have a playlist of 11 different sounds! Stop by anytime between 6:30-8pm to find out more about the "Song Dog".

Night Comes Alive (East District)

Saguaro National Park

Jul 3 7:00 pm – 9:00 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...

Evening with a Ranger

Great Basin National Park

Jul 3 8:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Join a park ranger under the stars 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 check our astronomy program, too.

Astronomy Program

Great Basin National Park

Jul 3 8:30 pm – 10:00 pm

Enjoy a double feature under the stars! Rangers will present 30-minute evening programs exploring the Great Basin and the cosmos, followed by roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes of telescope viewing (weather permitting). Programs will be hosted in the...

A Story Written in the Rocks

Curecanti National Recreation Area

Jul 3 8:30 pm – 9:00 pm

What do the pages of Curecanti’s storybook share with us? Experience the wonders of geology led by a ranger.

Movies at the Lake

Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument

Jul 3 9:00 pm – 11:00 pm

Movies at the Lake – Lake Meredith National Recreation Area Settle in for summer nights under the stars as Lake Meredith hosts Movies at the Lake at the Fritch Fortress Amphitheater. This free community series brings family‑friendly films with a lake...

Movies at the Lake

Lake Meredith National Recreation Area

Jul 3 9:30 pm – 11:30 pm

Movies at the Lake – Lake Meredith National Recreation Area Settle in for summer nights under the stars as Lake Meredith hosts Movies at the Lake at the Fritch Fortress Amphitheater. This free community series brings family‑friendly films with a lake...

Lantern Cave Tours

Timpanogos Cave National Monument

Jul 4 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...

Dunes Discovery Morning Hike

White Sands National Park

Jul 4 7:30 am – 8:30 am

The Dunes Discovery Morning Hike is a one-mile, ranger-guided hike at Dune Life Nature Trail. This is a great way to start your day in the park.

Daily Cave Tours

Timpanogos Cave National Monument

Jul 4 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

Jul 4 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

Jul 4 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.

Gothic Palace Lantern Tour

Great Basin National Park

Jul 4 8:30 am – 9:00 am

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

Independence Day weekend at Fort Larned NHS

Fort Larned National Historic Site

Jul 4 8:30 am – 5:00 pm

10AM – Strike the Iron: Blacksmithing demonstration 11AM – Steadfast Springfields: Rifle firing demonstration 12PM - Saluting the Union: a cannon salute to the flag commemoriating Independence Day 1PM – From Flint to Brass: Comparing the loading and...

Independence Day Celebration

Fort Scott National Historic Site

Jul 4 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Celebrate American independence with immersion in America’s history while honoring the men and women who have defended the United States through the growth of our nation. On Friday, July 4th, we will lead Fort tours, and honor all those who have...

Independence Day Celebration

Fort Scott National Historic Site

Jul 4 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Celebrate American independence with the sounds of cannon fire and immersion in America’s history while honoring the men and women who have defended the United States through the growth of our nation. On July 4 th, we will fire artillery, lead Fort...

Fort Open to Plaza Access

Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site

Jul 4 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...

Jul 4 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

Jul 4 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

Jul 4 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

Jul 4 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...

Junior Cave Ranger Experience

Great Basin National Park

Jul 4 9:00 am – 11:45 am

The Great Basin Junior Cave Ranger Experience engages children and their families with the park's incredible underground landscape through hands-on activities, a trip through a simulated wild cave, and a ranger-guided tour into Lehman Caves. This...

Alpine Ranger Rove

Great Basin National Park

Jul 4 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.

The Narrows Guided Birding Walk

El Malpais National Monument

Jul 4 9:00 am – 11:00 am

Join some bird nerds to look and listen for our feathered friends. We'll learn about bird identification while enjoying a morning outdoors. Please wear sun protection and bring water and snacks. Bring a pair of binoculars, if possible, otherwise...

Life in the Gila

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument

Jul 4 9:00 am – 10:00 am

Join a ranger for a guided walk through Cliff Dweller Canyon and discover how water, geology, plants, and people shaped this remarkable landscape. Explore the story of the Mogollon and the canyon they called home.

Cultural Demonstrator - Jerome & Bea Martinez

Bandelier National Monument

Jul 4 9:30 am – 4:00 pm

Cultural Demonstrators for July 4 & 5 2026 Jerome L. Martinez --Retired NPS Park Ranger from Bandelier National Monument Former Wildland Fire Fighter for 12 years NPS/BIA From San Ildefonso Pueblo, born in Los Alamos, NM Painting for over 47 years...

Guided Hikes on the Islands

Channel Islands National Park

Jul 4 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

Jul 4 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

Jul 4 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 Talk

Montezuma Castle National Monument

Jul 4 10:00 am – 10:30 am

Learn about Montezuma Castle with a Ranger talk.

Ranger Guided Tour of Mission San José

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

Jul 4 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

Jul 4 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

Jul 4 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

Jul 4 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...

BARK in the Park Event!

Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument

Jul 4 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Join Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument and the Friends of Mountainair Animal Shelter (FOMAS) for another BARK in the Park Event! Just like our Junior and Senior Ranger activities, the BARK Ranger program lets your furry friends join the...

Geology Talk

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Jul 4 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...

America 250 Freedom Banner-Making

Chamizal National Memorial

Jul 4 10:00 am – 11:00 am

Bring the family and create a vibrant Freedom Banner to celebrate America 250! All supplies are provided, and the activity is completely free. Don’t forget to pick up your official America 250 stamp while you›re here!

Junior Ranger Program

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

Jul 4 10:00 am – 11:00 am

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

Parade on State Street

Fort Davis National Historic Site

Jul 4 10:00 am – 11:00 am

Celebrate America's 250 th birthday with the town parade in downtown Fort Davis!

Ranger Guided Hike- Pueblo Loop Trail

Bandelier National Monument

Jul 4 10:00 am – 10:45 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 the Tyuonyi Pueblo Archeological Site along the trail. From this point...

Tours of President Johnson's Boyhood Home

Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park

Jul 4 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.

Science Saturday: Geology Exploration (Junior Ranger)

Timpanogos Cave National Monument

Jul 4 10:30 am – 11:15 pm

Join us at the Swinging Bridge Picnic Area to learn how we can use rock layers to teach us about the landforms in Utah. We will also conduct our own geology experiment!

Ranger Guided Tour of Mission San José

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

Jul 4 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

Jul 4 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

Jul 4 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

Jul 4 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Curious about Great Basin's alpine country? Anytime from 11am to noon each day, join a ranger in the Wheeler Peak Bristlecone Grove to explore the trees, the animals, and other aspects of the higher elevations of the park. Get hands-on with some of...

Saturdays with a Student Summer 2026

Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park

Jul 4 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

Step into history—through the voices of those who lived it. Join us at Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park for a powerful summer program featuring former students from Topeka’s segregated elementary schools. Hear firsthand stories...

Guided Walk of Dwellings

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument

Jul 4 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...