Join us during the Centennial Weekend and celebrate one century of Pinnacles National Monument. Ranger programs will highlight the cultural resources of the park, and explore the human element of this stark and often inhospitable geologic wonderland.
Check back as more programs are added and exact locations are finalized.
East Side Ranger Programs
Friday, March 28
8:00 pm
"The Pinnacles Connection"
Join Greg Gnesios as he reflects on a long and distinguished career in the National Park Service, and how it all began at Pinnacles over 30 years ago.
Campground Amphitheater
Saturday, March 29
9:00 am - 11:00 am
"Condors 101"
Join Pinnacles Biologists for informal discussions about the California Condor Recovery Program. Spotting scopes will be set up at the Campground Meadow.
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
"Mountain Men"
Step back in time and experience a primitive 1830's encampment, complete with period tools, gear and equipment.
Pinnacles Visitor Center
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Native American Demonstration:
Amah Mutsun Language, Storytelling and Arts.
Bear Gulch Nature Center
10:30 am - 1:00 pm
Ranger Led Hike to Bear Gulch Nature Center
Whether this is your first visit or you've been coming here for years, there is always something new to discover about this amazing place. Join Ranger Brant Porter for a walk that will explore current park projects that are helping us learn more about the monument.
Meet at Pinnacles Campground Amphitheater.
11:00 am - 11:30 am
Join Tribal Historian Ed Ketchum for a talk on the newly resurrected language of the Amah Mutsun.
Bear Gulch Nature Center
1:00 pm
"Pinnacles Abridged"
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
2:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Join Tribal Historian Ed Ketchum as he explores traditional stories of the Amah Mutsun.
Bear Gulch Nature Center
Sunday, March 30
9:00 am - 11:00 am and
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
"Condors 101"
Join Pinnacles Biologists for informal discussions about the California Condor Recovery Program. Spotting scopes will be set up at the Campground Meadow.
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
"Mountain Men"
Step back in time and experience a primitive 1830's encampment, complete with period tools, gear and equipment.
Pinnacles Visitor Center
10:30 am
"Kids Hike" (5-8 year olds)
Learn how animals camouflage themselves to blend in with their surroundings. The hike will go about 100 yards, and the group will be in sight of the picnic area for the whole walk. Parents are welcome to watch from the Picnic Area. The hike will last 30-35 minutes. Parents should be at the picnic area no later than 11:00 am to greet the returning hikers.
Peaks View Picnic Area
1:00 pm
"The Early History of Pinnacles National Monument"
Join NPS Landscape Historian Timothy Babalis for an engaging talk about the establishment and early development of the monument.
Bear Gulch Nature Center
2:00 pm
"Wildflower Walk"
Join ranger Erika Williams for a walk down the Bear Gulch Trail.
Meet at Bear Gulch Nature Center
3:00 pm
"Pinnacles Abridged"
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
West Side Ranger Programs
Saturday, March 29
10:30 am
Join ranger Will Wright for a walk along the Balconies Trail that will explore the flora of Pinnacles, and the adaptations required to thrive in this landscape.
1:00 pm
"The Forgotten Mines of Pinnacles"
Join NPS Landscape Historian Timothy Babalis for a talk about the mining history of Pinnacles, and how it has shaped the development of the monument.
Chaparral Ranger Station
Sunday, March 30
11:00 am - 11:30 am
Join Tribal Historian Ed Ketchum for a talk on the newly resurrected language of the Amah Mutsun.
Chaparral Ranger Station
11:00 am
"Wildflower Walk"
Join Botanist Brent Johnson for an easy hike that will showcase vibrant wildflowers and examine the relationships of many plant communities found at Pinnacles.
Chaparral Ranger Station
1:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Ohlone Dancers
Join Native people as they demonstrate ceremonial dances indigenous to their local region. Pajaro Valley Ohlone Indian Council
Chaparral Picnic Area
2:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Join Tribal Historian Ed Ketchum as he explores traditional stories of the Amah Mutsun.
Chaparral Ranger Station
Ranger Programs On Trail
Saturday, March 29
10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Join biologist Paul Johnson to learn about the complexities of our unique talus caves, and how they provide an ideal home for our winged mammalian friends.
Bear Gulch Cave Trail
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Join biologist Paul Johnson to learn about the many inhabitants of the reservoir, and what makes it such a great home for a wide array of animals.
Bear Gulch Reservoir
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Join biologist Gavin Emmons as he monitors the breeding and nesting habits of many raptor species found at Pinnacles.
Scout Peak (High Peaks and Juniper Canyon Junction)
Sunday, March 29
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Join biologist Paul Johnson for informal discussions about butterflies, frogs, bats and other critters that enjoy this beautiful spring weather at Pinnacles.
Balconies Cave
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Join biologist Gavin Emmons as he monitors the breeding and nesting habits of many raptor species found at Pinnacles.
Condor Gulch Trail (Between the Overlook and High Peaks Trail Junction)
