Roving Rangers

the National Park Service Arrowhead and U.S. Forest Service Shield logos

Roving Rangers programs are presented through a partnership between the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service. Rangers and volunteers from the Flagstaff Area National Monuments and the Coconino National Forest provide programs in the monuments, on trails, and in campgrounds surrounding Flagstaff, Arizona. These talks, hikes, and campfire programs are a fun and entertaining way to experience and learn about the great outdoors with family, friends, and your neighborly park ranger. Come exploring with us today!

 
a concrete seating area situated among volcanic cinders at the base of a cinder cone volcano

Special Programs

Roving Ranger programs are held weekly from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend within the Flagstaff Area National Monuments and the Coconino National Forest. Join us for one of the programs listed below to learn more about the natural and cultural history of Northern Arizona.

Pine Grove Campground evening programs on Fridays at 7:30 PM - join a ranger on Friday evenings at 7:30 for an evening program on a topic focusing on the natural or cultural history of Northern Arizona.

Bonito Campground programs on Saturday mornings - join a ranger on Saturday mornings for a program on a topic focusing on the natural or cultural history of Northern Arizona. Times for these programs vary. Call the Sunset Crater Volcano visitor center for more information (928) 526-0502.

Saturday, June 17 - The How and Why of Volcanic Eruptions - from 9:00 - 9:30 a.m. at the amphitheater parking area. Bring a chair.


You can learn more about the Roving Rangers program itself at the bottom of this page.
 
Yellow flowers and native grasses catch the fading rays of the setting sun at the edge of a forest meadow
Event Location
Events take place throughout Flagstaff, AZ. Directions to events can be obtained by calling (928) 526-0502 for further information.

What to Know Before You Go
Temperatures can vary; wear clothing that is appropriate for the weather; all events will be held outside. Visitors should also plan on bringing sun protection, comfortable walking shoes, water and snacks, and a camera. On the account of inclement/dangerous weather events may be cancelled.

For additional information on events or directions look up Roving Ranger happenings through one of the following sources:
www.nps.gov/sucr
www.fs.usda.gov/coconino
(928) 526-0502
 
Park rangers and volunteers stand talking in a volcanic landscape surrounded by lava and pine trees
Park rangers and Roving Rangers volunteers train throughout the season to share special places in the parks. These rangers take visitors on special excursions into backcountry Adventure Zones.

NPS / K. Ackerman

About the Roving Rangers


The Roving Rangers is a partnership team comprised of both rangers and volunteers from the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service. The group's mission is to provide free ranger programs in and around the Flagstaff area to provide visitors with fun, outdoor learning experiences. Roving Rangers try to bring understanding and inspiration to all ages, provoking citizens of the world to cherish nature and preserve natural and cultural resources.

The Roving Rangers Partnership was created in 1991 by U.S. Forest Service Ranger John Nelson and National Park Service Ranger Kim Watson. It is now in its 24th season and has delivered a multitude of guided walks and talks for visitors and residents of the Flagstaff area.

Where we Work

From Memorial Day through early September, the Roving Rangers lead programs each weekend local campgrounds. The partnership also provides an interpretive ranger at the top of the Arizona Snowbowl Scenic Skyride to answer questions and describe the natural history and panoramic views amid the spectacular San Francisco Peaks. Some of the most beloved programs include beautiful, exciting guided walks in Flagstaff's three, local national monuments and throughout hidden trails of the Coconino National Forest.

The Partnership

Roving Rangers is an example of a working, successful, public-private partnership. The National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service (USFS) partner with Arizona Snowbowl and Recreation Resource Management (RRM). RRM is contracted by the U.S. Forest Service to run campgrounds in the Coconino National Forest and to provide quality interpretation at USFS campgrounds. The partnership helps RRM fulfill their program requirements and enables NPS and USFS rangers to provide visitors with quality experiences.

Last updated: June 8, 2023

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

6400 U.S. 89
Flagstaff, AZ 86004

Phone:

928-526-0502 x0

Contact Us