Events calendar

Self-Guided Mission Tours

Tumacácori National Historical Park

Aug 29 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.

Fort Open to Plaza Access

Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site

Aug 29 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...

WNPA Bookstore Temporarily Closed

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument

Aug 29 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

WNPA bookstore is temporarily closed.

Cultural Demonstration by Donovan Candelaria

Bandelier National Monument

Aug 29 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...

Aug 29 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 29 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 29 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 29 2:30 pm – 3:15 pm

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

Ranger Walk in Washington Square

San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park

Aug 29 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm

Join a park ranger on a walking tour around Washington Square in North Beach, San Francisco. Discover hidden the stories and surprising connecitons surrounding the historic monuments in Washington Square. Meets in Washington Square every Friday at 2...

Ranger Walk in Washington Square

San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park

Aug 29 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm

Join a park ranger on a walking tour around Washington Square in North Beach, San Francisco. Discover hidden the stories and surprising connecitons surrounding the historic monuments in Washington Square. Meets in Washington Square every Friday at 2...

Ranger's Choice Talk

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Aug 29 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...

Art in the Park Workshop

White Sands National Park

Aug 29 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Join us for a hands-on relief printmaking workshop set right in the heart of the world’s largest gypsum dune field. You’ll learn the basics of this timeless art form and craft your own one-of-a-kind masterpiece, inspired by the flora and fauna of the...

Culturally Modified Tree Hike

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

Aug 29 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Join park rangers on a hike to a culturally modified tree and learn about these fascinating living artifacts and their importance to the indigenous people of our park. Participants must be able to hike 2 miles, including rugged off-trail terrain...

Campground Program

Chaco Culture National Historical Park

Aug 29 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Join a park ranger at the campground amphitheater to hear a 30-45 minute ranger program about Chaco Culture National Historical Park. Specific topics, locations, and length of program time are dependent on the ranger giving the program; please...

Black Bear Country and You

Curecanti National Recreation Area

Aug 29 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

Drop in anytime between 6:30-8:00pm to learn how to safely explore bear country.

Evening Program

Bandelier National Monument

Aug 29 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!

Firefly Viewing Night

Tumacácori National Historical Park

Aug 29 7:00 pm – 10:30 pm

Registration is Full Our eagerly awaited firefly programs are back! Join us for an evening in the heritage orchard and along the Anza Trail to witness the rare and beautiful display of Southwest Synchronous Fireflies (Photinus knulli). Attendees may...

Evening with a Ranger

Great Basin National Park

Aug 29 7:30 pm – 8:00 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

Aug 29 8:00 pm – 10:00 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...

Balancing Recreation and Conservation

Curecanti National Recreation Area

Aug 29 8:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Join a ranger to explore how Curecanti protects this landscape of recreation.

Under the Stars at Sandstone Bluffs

El Malpais National Monument

Aug 29 8:30 pm – 10:00 pm

Stargaze with rangers, look through a telescope, and learn about dark skies. Sandstone Bluffs Overlook is located 19 miles south of Grants on Highway 117. Once at the parking area, look for the red lights. Wear warm layers and close-toed shoes. Bring...

Astronomy Program

Curecanti National Recreation Area

Aug 29 9:00 pm – 10:30 pm

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

Bighorn Canyon Bus Tour

Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Aug 30

Join Ranger Christy and the Lovell-Kane Area Museum for a historic place and people of Bighorn Canyon bus tour. Tickets can be purchased thorugh the Lovell-Kane Area Museum.

Sunrise Yoga

Padre Island National Seashore

Aug 30 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...

Bird Walk

Coronado National Memorial

Aug 30 8:00 am – 9:30 am

Join us for Fall Bird Walks at Coronado National Memorial, where the beauty of nature comes alive! On August 30, and every second and fourth Saturday in September and October, we invite bird enthusiasts of all ages to embark on an exploration of our...

Parachute Shield Tour

Great Basin National Park

Aug 30 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 30 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 30 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 30 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...

Labor Day Weekend at Fort Larned

Fort Larned National Historic Site

Aug 30 9:00 am – 4:30 pm

Planned Programs for Saturday (8/30): 10:00AM – Strike the Iron: Blacksmithing Demonstration – Making a spiral wall hook with monkey tail 11:00AM – Steadfast Springfields: Small Arms Firing Demonstration 1:00PM – Teatime at the Fort: Entertainment...

Lehman Caves Visitor Center Porch Talk

Great Basin National Park

Aug 30 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.

Gila Bird Walk

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument

Aug 30 9:00 am – 10:00 am

Grab your binoculars (if you have them) and join us on a walk through the wild Gila on a search for birds. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring water. We will be walking around on trails and sometimes on pavement.

Railroaders Festival

Golden Spike National Historical Park

Aug 30 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

As summer draws to a close, Golden Spike National Historical Park comes to life in celebration of the railroad's legacy and frontier culture. Join us on August 30 th for a day of excitement featuring frontier games, handcar rides, living history...

Fort Open to Plaza Access

Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site

Aug 30 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...

Geology Talk

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Aug 30 9:00 am – 9:30 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 the South Rim Visitor Center at 9:00 am. 20-30 minutes. Location subject to change. May be cancelled due to...

Labors of the Fort

Fort Scott National Historic Site

Aug 30 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Saturday, August 30th, Fort Scott National Historic Site will take you on an exploration of the labors and leisure on an 1840s frontier post.

WNPA Bookstore Temporarily Closed

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument

Aug 30 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

WNPA bookstore is temporarily closed.

Patio Chat (West District)

Saguaro National Park

Aug 30 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 30 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.

Atsinna Pueblo Hike

El Morro National Monument

Aug 30 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...

Canoe Trip (FULL)

Big Thicket National Preserve

Aug 30 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

*This trip is fully reserved. Additional reservations will be added to the wait list. 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...

Guided Hikes on the Islands

Channel Islands National Park

Aug 30 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 30 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 30 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 30 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 30 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...

Cultural Demonstration by Donovan Candelaria

Bandelier National Monument

Aug 30 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...

Gothic Palace Lantern Tour

Great Basin National Park

Aug 30 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 30 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...

Aug 30 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Cool off and join us in the Kiva room for a free, special family-friendly, nature-themed jam with a live musical performance by the Desert Museum Family Band!

Pueblo Loop Trail Program

Bandelier National Monument

Aug 30 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.

Ranger Program

Chaco Culture National Historical Park

Aug 30 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...

Aug 30 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

How does a stone or shell become jewelry, tools, or more? Join Harvey Abeyta and Priscilla Nieto of Santo Domingo (Kewa) Pueblo on Saturday, August 30 or Sunday, August 31 to learn more about their work as artisans. Stop by the visitor center either...

White Sands 101

White Sands National Park

Aug 30 10:00 am – 10:15 am

Join a ranger for a 15-20 minute introduction to some of the fascinating history and science of the world's largest gypsum dunefield.

Junior Ranger Program with Utah's Hogle Zoo

Timpanogos Cave National Monument

Aug 30 10:30 am – 11:15 am

Utah's Hogle Zoo will be the guest for a Junior Ranger program this Saturday, August 30th 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.

Ranger's Choice Talk

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Aug 30 10:30 am – 11:00 am

Join a park ranger to explore one of the fascinating stories of Black Canyon, from human history to plants to wildlife. Meet at the South Rim Visitor Center at 10:30 am. 20-30 minutes. Location subject to change. May be cancelled due to staffing...

Acoma-Zuni Trail Guided Hike

El Malpais National Monument

Aug 30 10:30 am – 12:30 pm

Explore the cultural and natural history of El Malpais along the Acoma-Zuni Trail with a ranger. The east Acoma-Zuni Trailhead is located 23 miles south of Grants on Highway 117. (Please note the Acoma-Zuni Trail has a second trailhead located on...

Gran Quivira Ranger-Led Hikes

Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument

Aug 30 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 30 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 30 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 30 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...

Bristlecone Chat

Great Basin National Park

Aug 30 11:00 am – 12:30 pm

Come join a park ranger at the Wheeler Peak Bristlecone Grove and learn about these astonishing and ancient trees. Drop in anytime from 11am-12:30pm.

Guided Walk of Dwellings

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument

Aug 30 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...

Guided Tour of the Reconstructed Fort

Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site

Aug 30 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...

Guided Tour

Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site

Aug 30 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...

Cultural Adornment Workshop with Venaya Yazzie

Chaco Culture National Historical Park

Aug 30 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Join us Saturday, August 30, for a free lecture and workshop titled "Adornment in the Southwest Via Turquoise and Earth: Indigenous Perspectives on Cultural Landscape" presented and led by Venaya Yazzie. This free workshop will begin at 12:00pm in...

Aug 30 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.

Aug 30 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 30 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 30 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 30 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 30 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 30 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...