NPS Photo by Brant Porter

Join a Park Ranger to learn more about Pinnacles National Monument. Topics include geology, animals, plants, and human history. Programs include daytime talks, guided hikes, night hikes, and campground programs. Check the weekly schedules posted below, or at visitor centers and bulletin boards throughout the park for times, places, and subjects.

Night programs are offered occasionally on Fridays or Saturdays in spring, summer, and fall. These programs include full moon and dark sky hikes, bat viewings, and astronomy programs. Reservations are required for many of our night programs and space is limited. To allow more groups the opportunity to participate in night programs, any group is limited to six spots per program. To sign up, please call (831) 389-4486 ext. 243.

Ranger Programs 

Friday, May 8th

 8:00 pm
“Pinnacles Revealed”
Get oriented to your park. Join a park ranger for this informational program that will cover things you’ll see, hikes you can take, and ways to make the most of your weekend. Come get the inside scoop!
Meet at the Campground Amphitheater

Saturday, May 9th

7:00 am
“Migratory Bird Day Walk”
Join Wildlife Biologist Jim Petterson for a guided bird walk along Sandy Creek, the Bench Trail, and Chalone Creek for approximately 4 hours looking for birds, including raptors, in riparian and oak woodland habitats. Feel free to spend as long as you wish along the hike.
Meet at Pinnacles Visitor Center

1:30 pm
"Pinnacles Abridged"
Why do the Pinnacles look like they do?  Join a ranger to discover the story of Pinnacles' fiery past, slow-moving present, and what this means for the future of these rocks.
Bear Gulch Nature Center

3:30 - 5:00 pm
"Condor Views" 
Join a ranger at the spotting scopes in the campground to scan the skies for these giants birds.

8:00 pm
"Condors 101" - Night Program
Campground Amphitheater

Sunday, May 10th

10:00 - 12:00
"Ranger at the Reservoir"
Join a ranger at the Bear Gulch Reservoir for informal discussions about all things Pinnacles.  Please carry and drink plenty of water for the hike up to the reservoir. 

2:00 pm
"The Reservoir: An Oasis of Life"
Join a ranger to learn the history behind the reservoir and what animals currently call it home. 
Meet at the Bear Gulch Reservoir at 2:00 pm

4:00pm
"What a Nutty Bird - The Acorn Woodpecker"
You may have seen acorn woodpeckers flying around the Bear Gulch parking lot.  Come find out about this easily seen and quite unusual woodpecker.
Meet at Bear Gulch Nature Center