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.

Friday, November 27th

"Pinnacles Revealed"
7:00 pm
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, November 28th

“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.

“Creatures of the Night”
7:00 pm
Have you ever wondered what animals are lurking about in the darkness?  Join a park ranger for this evening program to discover the animals at Pinnacles that become active when the sun goes down. 
Meet at the Campground Amphitheater


Sunday, November 29th


“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