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 periodically 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.

Saturday, November 21st

“Pinnacles Abridged”
1:00 pm
Why do the Pinnacles look like they do? Join a park 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

“Condor Views” 
3:00 to 4:30 pm
Join a ranger at the spotting scopes in the campground to scan the skies for these giant birds.

“California Condors - Wild and Free”
7:00 pm
Join a park ranger to learn about the California condor - the largest North American bird and one of the most endangered species on the planet. 
Meet at the Campground Amphitheater


Sunday, November 22nd


“Ranger at the Reservoir”
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Join  a park 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.

“The Reservoir: An Oasis of Life”
11:00 am
Join a ranger to learn the history behind the reservoir and what animals currently call it home.
Meet at Bear Gulch Reservoir. (Allow enough time to hike to the reservoir to arrive by 11:00 am)

“Pinnacles Abridged”
2:00 pm
Why do the Pinnacles look like they do? Join a a park 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

“What a Nutty Bird: The Acorn Woodpecker”
3:00 pm
You may have seen acorn woodpeckers flying around the Bear Gulch parking lot.  Come find out more about this easily seen and quite unusual woodpecker.
Bear Gulch Nature Center