National Park Service
Park Visitor Information - 2009
(Alabama to California)
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Event Lists by State (select from the state list or from the drop list below)
AL | AK | AS | AZ | AR | CA | CO | CT | DE | DC | FL | GA | GU | HI | ID | IL | IN | IA | KS
KY | LA | ME | MD | MA | MI | MN | MS | MO | MT | NE | NV | NH | NJ | NM | NY | NC
ND | OH | OK | OR | PA | PR | RI | SC | SD | TN | TX | UT | VT | VI | VA | WA | WV | WI
Drop List of Events
Alabama
Horseshoe Bend National Military Park
Each summer, Horseshoe Bend offers a series of Kid’s Culture Camps and Living History Days. Additionally, the 10th Annual Muster on the Tallapoosa is scheduled for late summer. Park staff will be available on park grounds and at the visitor center to help you safely explore Alabama’s first national park. For more information about summer activities, contact the park at (256) 234-7111 or visit the park website at www.nps.gov/hobe/ Best of all, Horseshoe Bend and all its activities are free!
2009 Kid’s Culture Camps
Three camps are scheduled, each lasting 6 hours (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) Each camp is offered on two consecutive days. Reservations must be made at least five days before each camp is scheduled. There are 25 spaces per day. The Camps are for youths ages 6 through 12. Attendees should be dressed to be outdoors all day and bring a lunch and beverage. Each child will be inducted into the Horseshoe Bend Junior Ranger Corps, receive a badge, a patch, and create an original take-home project.
Creek Culture Camp – June 10 and 11, 2009
A Day in the Life of a Soldier in 1814 – June 24 and 25, 2009
The Nature of Horseshoe Bend – July 8 and 9, 2009
Living History Days
The fourth Saturday of the month, April through July, is a special day at Horseshoe Bend. The park’s volunteers, The Horseshoe Bend Tennessee Militia, gather for musket firing drills and cannon firing programs. The group drills from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 25, May 30, June 27, and July 25, 2009.
The Creek War and the War of 1812 in the South Symposium
2009 marks the 50th Anniversary of Horseshoe Bend National Military Park as a unit of the National Park System. In cooperation with the Caroline Draughn Center for Arts and Humanities at Auburn University, the park is hosting a two day symposium that will bring together – for the first time – scholars from all sides of conflicts that play a role in the Battle of Horseshoe Bend (March 27, 1814). More information will be posted as the date gets closer at www.auburn.edu/CreekWar There will be a fee to attend the symposium. May 22 and 23, 2009
10th Annual Muster on the Tallapoosa
Take this opportunity to chat with cultural demonstrators (Creek and Cherokee Indian cultures) or military demonstrators from the War of 1812 era about life at the time of the Battle of Horseshoe Bend (1814). Additionally, a series of lectures are presented in the park auditorium from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Check the park website for topics. The park’s Junior Ranger Station will be open and waiting for visitors between the ages of 6 and 12.
Accessibility: Four of the five Tour Stops are accessible to those using a wheelchair. The park’s film is open captioned on request.
Bookstore: Eastern National, a non-profit education partner of the National Park Service, operates a small bookstore in the lobby of the park visitor center. It is available daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sales from the bookstore contribute to funding the park’s special events.Alaska
Denali National Park
A variety of Ranger led walks and hikes are offered throughout the park during the summer months. Joining a ranger is an excellent way to learn more about Denali National Park. For more information about ranger programs and summer activities, contact the park at (907) 683-2294 or visit the park website at www.nps.gov/dena/.
Ranger Led Walks:
Horseshoe Lake Hike, 2009 start date & times TBA: Spectacular views of Horseshoe Lake and the Nenana River as well as occasional wildlife sightings. Moderate difficulty hike of 3 miles - 2 hours roundtrip.
McKinley Station Hike, (2009 start date & times TBA): Spruce forest; historic pioneer artifacts and remnants of habitation, and views of Hines Creek and Riley Creek as well as views of a railroad trestle spanning Riley Creek, Easy hike of 2.6 miles (2 hours) roundtrip.
Discovery Hikes (2009 start date & times TBA): Discovery Hikes are a great way for the adventurous and well-prepared to explore the heart of Denali. These ranger-led hikes go everywhere, so expect uneven terrain, small stream crossings, close encounters with dense vegetation, and unpredictable weather. To see if a discover hike is right for you please take a look at the description and gear information on the park website. For safety concerns, rangers may turn away unprepared hikers.
Discovery Hikes are offered daily during the summer and are limited to 11 people. These ranger-led adventures range from moderate (elevation gain less than 1000 feet) to strenuous (elevation gain more than 1000 feet). The locations of Discovery Hikes change each day, and schedules are posted weekly at the Visitor Centers and on the web. The Discovery Hike bus leaves and returns from the Wilderness Access Center at Mile 1. Meet the bus at 8:00 a.m. and don’t be late! Plan on hiking for 3-5 hours. Look at the location of the hike to determine, roughly, how long your bus ride will be. Cost: $ 31.45 for bus ticket (2009). Additional Information: You must sign up 1-2 days in advance for Discovery Hikes in person only at the Denali Visitor Center. Then, you will be able to purchase your bus ticket at the Wilderness Access Center.
Campground Programs: Come learn about anything from grizzlies to glaciers during informal 30 to 45 minute programs. Topics are listed on bulletin boards throughout the park. These evening programs are presented at the following campgrounds. 2009 start dates and times, as well as frequency, are TBA.
Sled Dog Demonstrations: Rangers and dogs work together to demonstrate a traditional Alaskan mode of travel. These unique 30-minute programs include an opportunity to tour the park kennels and visit Denali's Alaskan Huskies.
Free buses leave the Denali Visitor Center for the kennels approximately forty (40) minutes before each demonstration. No parking is available near the kennels, so please plan on using the buses or walking the 1.5 miles from the Denali Visitor Center to the sled dog kennels. No reservations, for the buses or demonstration, are required.
Demonstrations are given three times daily in peak season.
Lodging: Lodging inside Denali National Park & Preserve is limited to four remote wilderness lodges in the Kantishna area (mile 91 on the Denali Park Road).
Visitor Transportation System: Shuttle buses travel to various destinations along the Denali Park Road. The shuttle bus system is designed to provide access to visitors wishing to see remote areas of the park, access a campground, or go for a hike. If you choose to disembark from your original bus, reboarding other shuttle buses is possible on a space available basis.
Trips on the shuttle bus are informal. The drivers will assist you in spotting wildlife along the road and are able to answer visitor questions about the park and its resources. Rest stops along the road are spaced at approximately one-hour intervals. It is important to remember to bring along beverages and food, as none will be available once your trip begins.
Wheelchair-accessible buses are available to each destination. Please review the schedule for these buses, and advise staff when making reservations.
Children under 4 years and/or 40 pounds are required to be in a child safety device (car seat) to ride on buses. Please make arrangements to bring your own.
Bookstore: As the principal nonprofit education partner of Denali National Park and Preserve, the Alaska Geographic Association operates bookstores with an extensive collection of educational materials on the natural and cultural heritage of Denali. Your purchase supports park interpretive programs and helps produce educational materials.
Alaska Geographic Association partners with more than 30 public land agencies across Alaska to operate informational bookstores and connect people to Alaska's rich natural and cultural heritage. Members receive discounts on purchases, both at bookstores and through the Alaska Geographic Association web site.
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
During the summer months the park offers a variety of ranger led hikes and walking tours. For more information about these programs and other activities, contact the park at (907) 983-2921 or visit the park website at www.nps.gov/klgo/.
Historic District Walking Tours: 45 minute Ranger-led walking tours of the Skagway Historic District. Programs are held from early May to late September Daily at 9 am, 10 am, 11am, 2 pm and 3 pm. - Free tickets are available at the Visitor Center, 2nd Avenue and Broadway and are limited to 30 participants.
Dyea Town Site Walking Tour: Held from early June through mid August, Monday - Thursday at 2 pm & Friday, Saturday, Sunday at10 am & 2 pm - Meet the Ranger at the Dyea Town Site Parking Area. (See Dyea Map on map page of the website). Bring appropriate footwear for the weather, insect repellent, rain gear, fluids to drink, an imaginative mind.
Transportation: Provide your own - the Dyea road is unpaved and is not recommended for vehicles longer than 30 feet. Ask at the Visitor Center in Skagway about commercial transportation options.
Arizona
Chiricahua National Monument/Fort Bowie National Historic Site/Coronado National Memorial
Scheduled Interpretive Programs: There are a variety of interpretive and special programs offered by all three parks during the summer months. Ranger programs are offered on selected days throughout the year. For more information about the programs, contact the parks at Chiricahua: (520) 824-3560 or www.nps.gov/chir; Fort Bowie (520) 847-2500 or www.nps.gov/fobo; Coronado (520) 366-5515 or www.nps.gov/coro
Jr. Ranger Program: The Junior Ranger Program is available at all three parks at no charge! Earn a junior ranger patch or badge while learning about volcanos, the Apache Wars, and Spanish conquistadors!
Bookstore: The bookstores at the visitor centers have an extensive selection of books on nature, science, history, photography, and geography. In addition, visitors will find a variety of maps, posters, t-shirts, postcards, notecards, and more. The bookstores are operated by Western National Parks Association, a nonprofit organization authorized by Congress to assist the National Park Service in providing educational materials to park visitors. Your purchases directly support educational and scientific research programs at all three parks and throughout the National Park Service.
Grand Canyon National Park
Ranger Guided Programs: South Rim: Ranger led day hikes and walks take place along the Rim Trail year round. During the summer months an additional 3-mile round trip day hike into the canyon is also offered. Check out the Ranger Program pages in The Guide (park newspaper handed out at the entrance station) for schedules.
North Rim: Ranger led nature walks take place between mid-May and mid-October. Check out the Ranger Program pages in The Guide (park newspaper handed out at the entrance station) for schedules. For more information about ranger programs and other tours, contact the park at (928) 638-7888 or visit the park website at www.nps.gov/grca/.
Grand Canyon's 19th annual Star Party: June 13-20, 2009 - Explore the wonders of the night sky at Yavapai Point on the South Rim with the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association and at Grand Canyon Lodge on the North Rim with the Saguaro Astronomy Club of Phoenix.
Amateur astronomers from across the country will volunteer their expertise. Free star programs will be offered, and numerous telescopes will be set up to view planets, star clusters, galaxies, and nebulae at night and to view the sun by day. Grand Canyon is one of the best night sky observing sites in the United States. Weather permitting; expect spectacular views of the universe
Mule Trips - North and South Rim: One-day and two-day mule trips into the canyon are offered from both North and South Rims.
South Rim Bus Tours: Tours within the park to Desert View, as well as sunrise and sunset tours, are available daily. Wheelchair accessible coaches are available by prior arrangement.
Bookstore: The Grand Canyon Association has Celebrated 75 Years: A Nonprofit Park Partner Since 1932. When you shop at Grand Canyon Association (GCA) bookstores your purchase supports Grand Canyon National Park. GCA is a nonprofit organization created in 1932 to cultivate knowledge, discovery, and stewardship for the benefit of Grand Canyon National Park and its visitors. Since then, GCA has provided over $23 million in financial support. Shop online: http://www.grandcanyon.org or call toll free (800) 858-2808, ext 7030. When you visit our bookstores, ask about becoming a Grand Canyon Association member to receive a 15% discount at GCA stores and how to receive reciprocal discounts at stores in other national parks.
COMMERCIAL SERVICES
Montezuma Castle National Monument/Tuzigoot National Monument
For more information about park summer programs and events, contact the park at Montezuma Castle: 928-567-3322 or visit the park website at http://www.nps.gov/moca/. Tuzigoot National Monument: 928-634-5564 or visit the park website at http://www.nps.gov/tuzi/
Junior Ranger Program: The Junior Ranger Program is available at all three monument units for free. Learn about the Sinaguan people who lived and flourished in the Verde Valley for 300 years and the importance of their natural setting.
June 5, 2009: Screening of the Hopi documentary Paatuwagatsi: Join monument staff for a special evening event. Photographer and videomaker Victor Masayesva Jr. will introduce and show his documentary Paatuwagatsi from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Montezuma Castle National Monument. The monument will open its gate from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The screening of the Hopi documentary is part of The Festival of Native American Culture, an event designed to encourage a greater understanding of our land’s indigenous people, and their many contributions. The Festival is a Verde Valley wide event held from June 5 through June 13, 2009.
June 12, 2009: Dark Skies over Tuzigoot: For the first time in 50 years Tuzigoot National Monument will be open for a special, free evening astronomy program! Explore the night skies of the Verde Valley as the ancient Sinagua did and enjoy a traditional native flute performance from local musician David Wolfs Robe. The monument gate will open at 7 p.m., with the astronomy program beginning at 7:30 p.m.
June 27, 2009: “A Celebration of Pai Culture”: Montezuma Castle National Monument will host “A Celebration of Pai Culture” from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The day of cultural demonstrations features artists from the PaiPai tribe of northern Baja California, connected by language, family and cultural traditions to today’s Yavapai people of central Arizona. Paipai artists will demonstrate traditional crafts such as basketry, sandals and cordage from yucca fiber and ceramics made in the fashion of their ancestors and interpreters will be available for questions answers. This event is funded through support through the Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe and the Yavapai-Apache nation and is focused on the importance of sharing indigenous traditions through language and art.
Navajo National Monument
The park offers a variety of hikes and programs during the summer months. For more information about these programs, contact the park at (928) 672-2700 or visit the park website at www.nps.gov/nava/.
Summer Season: Hikes leave at 8:15 am and 10 am. The park observes Mountain Daylight Savings Time--the same as Utah and New Mexico and Colorado: check the time.
Betatakin Tours: These tours are free! Groups leave daily in the summer season with a ranger. It is a strenuous 5-mile round-trip hike takes 3 to 5 hours. Begins at 7,300 ft. elevation; loses and regains 700 feet. Wear sturdy shoes and bring 2 liters of water. If you have hip, knee, heart, respiratory problems or recent surgery; do not attempt this hike.
There is a hazard from falling rock in the Betatakin alcove. We cannot predict if, when, or where a rock may fall. Sandstone flakes off, which is how the alcove is created. You may enter the alcove on the tour, but it will be at your own risk. You may choose to take the tour just to the opening of the alcove. This is still a good tour and view, but you will not get next to the structures within the alcove.
Pipe Spring National Monument
Pipe Spring National Monument is open from 7 am – 5 pm May through September, and 8 am – 5 pm October – April. Arizona is on Mountain Standard Time all year.
Ranger Programs: Park rangers provide tours of an historic fort, called Winsor Castle, every half hour throughout the year (with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years days). During the summer, rangers also offer walks, talks and “living history” demonstrations, bringing historic pioneer and American Indian traditions to life. For more information about summer walks, talks, and demonstrations, contact the monument at 928-643-7105 or visit the website at www.nps.gov/pisp.
Self guided tours: Visitors are welcome to tour the orchard and garden, historic out-buildings, and a scenic half-mile ridge trail at their own pace. Wayside markers provide information about the natural and cultural history of the area.
Museum: A visitor center and museum shared by the National Park Service and the Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians offers an extensive array of high quality exhibits on Southern Paiute and pioneer culture and history. Pipe Spring also lies on the recently designated Old Spanish National Historic Trail. More information on the Monument is available by calling 928-643-7105, or on the internet at www.nps.gov/pisp.
Junior Ranger Program: YOU can become a Junior Ranger during your visitor to Pipe Spring National Monument. Becoming a Junior Ranger is a great way to explore your national parks while learning how to help take care of these special places for the future. Come to the Visitor Center and ask for a Junior Ranger booklet, and earn a junior ranger badge as you visit the monument and complete the activities for your age group.
Winsor Castle By Night provides a once a year opportunity for the public to visit the historic fort at night, decorated for the holidays and lighted with oil lanterns. On the first Tuesday in December the monument will be open from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Every 15 minutes volunteers will provide a short orientation at the visitor center and then lead visitors to the fort. You will be able to visit several rooms in Winsor Castle at your leisure and chat with the costumed rangers and volunteers about holidays past. Sing a carol or two and stop at the chuckwagon for a cup of hot cider and warm up by the fire.
Bookstore: The bookstore at the visitor center has an extensive selection of books on cultural and natural history of the southwest. In addition, visitors will find maps, posters, t-shirts, postcards, as well as hand-made jewelry and objects made by American Indians from associated tribes. The bookstore is operated by Zion Natural History Association, a nonprofit organization authorized by Congress to assist the National Park Service in providing educational materials to park visitors. Your purchases directly support educational and scientific research programs at Pipe Spring National Monument.
Tonto National Monument
During the hot summer season, June through September, formal tours are not available. But visitors can wander through the lower cliff dwelling at their own pace during hours of operation, 8 am to 5 pm. Staff is available on site to answer visitors’ questions. Trail closes to uphill travel at 4 pm. For more information about ranger programs scheduled from October through May, contact the park at (928) 467-2241 or visit the park website at www.nps.gov/tont.
Junior Ranger Program: Become a Junior Ranger and have fun while learning about Tonto National Monument. Becoming a Junior Ranger is a great way to explore your national parks while learning how to help take care of these special places for the future. Come to the Visitor Center and ask for a Junior Ranger booklet, for ages 6 to 12, and earn a junior ranger badge as you visit the park and complete the activities for your age group.
Bookstore: The bookstore at the Visitor Center has an extensive selection of natural and local history books, children’s nature books, as well as a variety of maps, posters, games, t-shirts, postcards, notecards, and more. The bookstore is operated by Western National Parks Association, a nonprofit organization authorized by Congress to assist the National Park Service in providing educational materials to park visitors. Your purchase directly supports educational and scientific research programs at Tonto National Monument and throughout much of the National Park Service.
Arkansas
Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site
Film Festival: Picture This...Framing the "Reel" Civil Rights Movement
June 6, 2009: Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin (1997; 84 min.) This award winning film goes inside the life of an unsung hero of the Civil Rights Movement. Credited with molding the public image of a young Martin Luther King, Jr., and organizing the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, Rustin remains a largely unknown figure of the Movement, in part because he was an openly gay man in a fiercely homophobic era.
July 4, 2009: Blue Eyed (1996; 90 min.) Blue Eyed is a full-length workshop with diversity trainer Jane Elliott. Join a group of 40 teachers, social workers, police, and school administrators and watch as the blue eyed members are subjected to blatant discrimination.
August 1, 2009: Hip Hop: Beyond Beats & Rhymes (2006; 61 min.) An award-winning documentary produced, in part, by PBS, Hip Hop: Beyond Beats & Rhymes takes a serious look into the hip-hop community and how it oppresses many people with its sexism and degradation of women.
Bookstore: The bookstore is operated by Jefferson National Parks Association, a cooperating association. To visit the bookstore website go to http://shop.jnpa.com/Content/105.htm.
California
Alcatraz Island
Guided Tours: The award winning Alcatraz Cellhouse Audio Tour is available in English, German, Italian, Spanish, French and Japanese. It can be paid for when you purchase your ferry ticket, or can be rented once on the island. The audio tour covers the inside of the cellhouse (at the top of the island) during the penitentiary era (1934 - 1963). Additional exhibits and videos available on the island (at no additional charge) cover other aspects of Alcatraz's unique history.
Daily information regarding special programs, guest authors, and other opportunities to learn about the history of Alcatraz is covered in an orientation you will receive on arriving on the island, and on program boards at the dock and in the cellhouse.
Plan your visit at http://www.nps.gov/alca/planyourvisit/things2know.htm.
Bookstore: The Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy operates several shops on Alcatraz. In addition they have an online store featuring books, videos, and many other items related to the island.
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Ranger-Led Programs: A wide variety of interpretive activities are offered during the summer months including junior ranger, pioneer living history, wildlife, geology, and evening programs. Most take place from late June through August. When you arrive at the park, check at the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center, the Loomis Museum, or bulletin boards for program dates, details, and schedule changes. Be sure to get a copy of the current park newspaper. For more information about activities and facilities, visit the park website at www.nps.gov/lavo or call the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center at (530) 595-4480.
COMMERCIAL SERVICES
Visitor Centers
Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center: Exhibits, theater, information desk, and 24-hour vestibule. Located at the southwest entrance, elevation 6700’ (2042 m). Open year-round.
Loomis Museum: Historic museum and seismograph station, and information desk. Located one-half mile from the northwest entrance at Manzanita Lake, 5900’ (1798 m). Open late May through October.
Bookstores: Books and maps can be purchased at the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center, the Loomis Museum, or online at www.lassenassociation.org.
Redwood National and State Parks
Come join Redwood National and State Parks staff this summer in activities that are both fun and educational for the whole family. For schedules, times, topics, and locations of all programs check at visitor centers or on campground bulletin boards. For more information about these programs and other activities you can also visit the park website at www.nps.gov/redw/ or contact us by phone at (707) 464-7335.
Campfire Programs: Here is your chance! Learn more about a redwood-related topic. Varied activities may include narrated programs, music, games, or storytelling. People of all ages can come and enjoy these activities at:
- Jedediah Smith Redwoods campground
- Mill Creek campground in Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park
- Elk Prairie campground in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Nature Walks and Talks: Be part of a forest, sea, or prairieland. Join a ranger and learn more about the natural communities in one of the most diverse areas of the world. Offered at locations and times throughout the parks.
California State Park Junior Ranger Programs: Children ages 7 to 12 are encouraged to participate in a fun and educational activity. Topics focus on the people, plants, animals, and life systems of the redwood region. Offered at Jedediah Smith, Prairie Creek, and Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Parks.
Redwood National and State Parks Junior Ranger Programs: Come to one of the five visitor centers to pick up a Redwood Junior Ranger activity newspaper. Children of all ages complete activities to earn stickers and patches.
Tidepool Walks: Discover the wonders of the sea. All tidepool walks meet at the Enderts Beach parking area near Crescent City. This walk takes about 2-1/2 hours, tides permitting. For your safety, bring shoes that have non-slip sloes and can get wet.
Bookstores: As a non-profit partner, the Redwood Park Association operates park bookstores and has been supporting the parks’ interpretive and educational program for more than twenty-five years. Before or after you visit you can shop online at: http://www.redwoodparkassociation.org/. Our other bookstore partner, North Coast Redwood Interpretive Association, operates outlets in our redwood state parks. They offer a variety of additional information on the nature and culture of the redwood ecosystem. They can be reached online at: http://www.ncria.org/.
COMMERCIAL SERVICES
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
A variety of park ranger-led programs and demonstrations are offered through the summer months. Programs change daily. Guided tours of the historic ships Balclutha, Eureka and Hercules are available. Sail raising demonstrations are offered on the weekends. It is best to call the visitor center on the day of your visit to find out what programs are scheduled. The Visitor Center is open everyday from 9:30am to 5:00pm, 415-447-5000. Visit the park website at www.nps.gov/safr/.
Guided Tour of the Aquatic Park Bathhouse Building: Every Thursday Weekly & Every Saturday Weekly from 11:00 am to 11:45 am at theAquatic Park Bathhouse building entrance: 900 Beach Street, SF, CA - This Art Deco-style building, completed in 1939, was closed on July 10, 2006 for restoration. Join a Park Ranger for a guided tour of the first floor of this newly renovated building. Learn about the unique architecture, stunning murals and artwork, and recently completed renovation work.
Adventures at Sea: Life Aboard a 19th Century Sailing Ship: Everyday from 2:15 pm to 3:00 pm on the BALCLUTHA - Join in on a guided tour of the historic ship Balclutha. Discover the hardships and rewards of the sailors who fought for survival during the treacherous Cape Horn passage.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Ranger Programs: The Park offers a large variety of interpretive ranger programs during the summer months. Most take place from late June through August. Check the park website at www.nps.gov/seki/ for this year's offerings. When you arrive, check visitor centers and bulletin boards in each area for more program details or schedule changes. When you arrive at the parks, be sure to get a copy of the park newspaper which has the latest information on facilities and activities. Depending on how much time you have, the website and newspaper provide a few activity suggestions. For additional ways to safely experience these gigantic landscapes, check with the most recent edition of the park newspaper. During the summer ride the new park shuttle! For more information contact the park at 1-559-565-3341
Public Transportation: Ride the New Shuttle! Sightsee while you ride, park once and forget moving your car again and again, and reduce air pollution! Three routes run May 21 through September 1.
Bookstore: Visitors to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks can find books, maps, and other park resources at any of the Sequoia Natural History Association bookstore. Visit one of the book stores operated by the Sequoia Natural History Association: Ash Mountain Visitor Center; Giant Forest Museum; Lodgepole Visitor Center; Kings Canyon National Park Visitor Center in Grant Grove; Cedar Grove Visitor Center; Road's End Wilderness Permit Station; Mineral King Ranger Station. You can visit the bookstore website at http://www.sequoiahistory.org/books/bookindex.htm.
COMMERCIAL SERVICES
Whiskeytown National Recreational Area
Ranger guided activities are offered during the summer months at Whiskeytown. All Ranger Guided activity schedules and programs are subject to change. For current information and updates about activities please contact the Visitor Center at (530) 246-1225 or visit the park website at www.nps.gov/whis/.
Ranger Guided Activities:
Kayak Tours: Hop on a kayak built for two and explore the quiet coves around Whiskeytown Lake while you learn more about the natural and cultural values of the park. Children must be at least six years old. All participants must know how to swim. Daily tours available. Times vary from morning tours to evening tours. Reservations are required. During the summer months register in advance by calling (530) 242-3462, Monday through Saturday, 9 am to noon. The reservation line is staffed by volunteers and is often busy, please be patient and continue to call.
Junior Ranger: Kids ages 7 to 12 years old can become Whiskeytown Junior Rangers by learning about the special wonders of Whiskeytown. Visit our website to Download a Junior Ranger card before you come to Whiskeytown or stop by the visitor center to pick one up and ask how you can become a Whiskeytown Junior Ranger. During the summer, Rangers conduct special Junior Ranger programs at the Oak Bottom Amphitheater.
Junior Firefighter: Discover the role that wildfire plays in our National Parks. Learn how firefighters manage fire to protect property, lives and ensure forest health. Participants meet at the Oak Bottom Amphitheater.
Camden House Tours: Tour the 1852 home of pioneer/prospector Charles Camden and learn how he and his partner Levi Tower reshaped the landscape during the California Gold Rush. Discover how the area became a regional center of transportation and the efforts by the National Park Service to revitalize the historic orchard started by Levi Tower. Visitors meet across the footbridge at the Tower House Historic District.
Gold Panning: Discover the myths and realities of the Gold Rush Days, then try your luck at finding your own gold the old fashioned way. Pans and shovels are provided. Meet across the footbridge at the Tower House Historic District.
COMMERCIAL SERVICES
Y osemite National Park
Join the Habitat Protectors of Yosemite (HaPY) at our weekly drop-in program. HaPY meets in front of the Valley Visitor Center every Friday between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Work sessions are 9 am – noon. Volunteers help protect and restore plant and wildlife habitat while working in the most scenic areas in the park. Get involved and meet new people. Take an active role in managing your national park. Individuals and groups welcome. Volunteer hours count toward earning the America the Beautiful Volunteer Pass see details at: http://www.volunteer.gov/gov/VT