Events calendar

Sea Turtle Hatchling Release

Padre Island National Seashore

Jul 12 6:45 am – 7:45 am

A sea turtle hatchling release is scheduled at 6:45am on Malaquite Beach. Here are a few things to consider! Call the Hatchling Hotline at (361) 949-7163 before you drive out to the seashore to make sure the release is happening. The hotline is a...

Parachute Shield Tour

Great Basin National Park

Jul 12 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...

Jul 12 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

Jul 12 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

Jul 12 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

Jul 12 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.

Patio Chat (West District)

Saguaro National Park

Jul 12 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

Jul 12 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.

Learn to Surf FIsh

Padre Island National Seashore

Jul 12 9:30 am – 11:30 am

Join a Park Ranger and volunteer Fishing Ambassadors to Learn to Surf Fish! This family friendly program is designed for the absolute beginner to learn all about fishing. From basic tackle, knot tying, casting, to stewardship and conservation, park...

Canoe Trip

Big Thicket National Preserve

Jul 12 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Join park rangers for a guided canoe trip on the waters of the preserve. The program targets the casual and novice paddler. Canoes, life jackets, and paddles are provided. Visitors are asked to bring water, snacks, and water shoes. Canoe trips start...

Guided Hikes on the Islands

Channel Islands National Park

Jul 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...

Tours of President Johnson's Boyhood Home

Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park

Jul 12 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

Jul 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...

Ranger Guided Tour of Mission San José

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

Jul 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...

Geology Talk

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Jul 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 deep, steep, and narrow canyon. Meet at Pulpit Rock Overlook at 10:00 am. 20-30 minutes. May be cancelled due to staffing changes...

Fort Fashions & Pastimes

Fort Union National Monument

Jul 12 10:00 am – 10:45 am

Discover 1800s clothing styles and leisure activities and how they related to economics and social structure. 45-minute program.

Gothic Palace Lantern Tour

Great Basin National Park

Jul 12 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

Jul 12 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 - Ranger Cabin

Walnut Canyon National Monument

Jul 12 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

In response to rampant looting, and the destruction of Walnut Canyon's cliff dwellings, a United States Forest (USFS) ranger was assigned to Walnut Canyon to preserve the park's resources. Beginning in 1904, the assigned ranger lived in what is today...

Pueblo Loop Trail Program

Bandelier National Monument

Jul 12 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.

Sullivan's Knob Guided Walk

Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Jul 12 10:00 am – 11:00 am

Join MSU Intern, Emily, for a guided walk at Sullivan's Knob Trail. The walk will start in the parking lot at 10:00am. Learn more about the wildlife, plants, and birds along the trail.

Living History

San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park

Jul 12 10:30 am – 3:00 pm

Travel back in time to the 1930's at the Maritime Museum with our Living History program.

Junior Ranger Program with Utah's Hogle Zoo

Timpanogos Cave National Monument

Jul 12 10:30 am – 11:15 am

Utah's Hogle Zoo will be the guest for a Junior Ranger program this Saturday, July 12th from 10:30AM to 11:15AM at the Swinging Bridge Picnic Area. Come learn more about Utah's native wildlife! There is no cost to attend and all are welcome.

Bristlecone Talks

Great Basin National Park

Jul 12 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

Jul 12 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

Jul 12 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

Jul 12 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

Jul 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...

Jul 12 11:00 am – 11:30 am

Join National Park Service Rangers Annie and McKenna for a virtual geologic cave tour of the Timpanogos Cave system in Utah. Made possible by several volunteer artists providing detailed 3D scans, amazing video footage, and photos never before seen...

Living with Giants (West District)

Saguaro National Park

Jul 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...

Jul 12 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.

Jul 12 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.

Jul 12 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm

Join National Park Service Rangers Annie and McKenna for a virtual geologic cave tour of the Timpanogos Cave system in Utah. Made possible by several volunteer artists providing detailed 3D scans, amazing video footage, and photos never before seen...

Summer Saturday - Mindful Walk

John Muir National Historic Site

Jul 12 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Do you hear that bird? Do you smell that flower? Ranger Ives will lead a mindful walk through the orchards at the home site. This walk is wheelchair accessible.

Jul 12 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

Jul 12 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

Jul 12 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

Jul 12 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

Jul 12 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

Jul 12 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

Jul 12 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 and taking part in maritime historical culture. Whether you're a fresh landlubber or a seasoned seafarer, all are welcome to join. Sea Chanteys are usually...

Sunset Stroll

White Sands National Park

Jul 12 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

Jul 12 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 Flight Program

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Jul 12 7:15 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...

Bat Outflight Guided Hike

El Malpais National Monument

Jul 12 7:30 pm – 9:30 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...

Evening with a Ranger

Great Basin National Park

Jul 12 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...

Nocturnal Spotlight (West District)

Saguaro National Park

Jul 12 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm

It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... a MOTH?! Join us on Saturday, July 12th from 8:00-9:30pm at the Red Hills Visitor Center (2700 N Kinney Road) to observe the Sonoran Desert's nighttime pollinators in our Nocturnal Spotlight program! The Nocturnal...

Astronomy Program

Great Basin National Park

Jul 12 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

Jul 12 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.

Astronomy Program

Curecanti National Recreation Area

Jul 12 9:00 pm – 10:30 pm

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