Natural History Walks and Talks
Summer 2026 Schedule of Tours
We will continue to update the schedule for our 2026 season here through May.
Come visit one of the crown jewels of the University of California Natural Reserve System, normally closed to the public. Our walks and talks are docent-led, interpretive hikes and they move at a naturalists’ pace. You will learn about flora, fauna, geology, history, and more as you immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of this beautiful landscape of Valentine Reserve. Tours are offered throughout the summer, and we ask you to register in advance as each tour is limited to 10 people. Our experienced docent guides can accommodate a diversity of abilities. Interested in bringing kids? Ask us about family tours!
Proceeds from our walks and talks support our outdoor science education programs for local school children of Inyo and Mono County.
Please Contact Carole Lester @ (760) 914-3722 with any questions
Wildflowers of Valentine Reserve I | Valentine Camp
Friday, June 26, 2026
9:30 AM-12:00 PM
Sherryl Taylor & Sherry Taylor
Valentine Reserve changes color throughout the wildflower season. This hike will allow you to see what is blooming early in the season. Depending on the year, you can expect to see arrays of forget-me-nots, Mariposa lilies, and violets which will be in seed later in the summer. The hike is moderately strenuous, with a 500’ elevation gain. Bring water, hat and sunscreen. experience a renewed sense of nature and self connectedness.
Animals of Valentine Reserve I | Valentine Camp
Friday, July 3, 2026
9:30 AM-12:00 PM
Jo Bacon
Discover the wild side of Valentine Reserve on this guided tour exploring the animals that call this landscape home. Keep an eye out for the elusive coyote, listen for signs of black bear activity, and spot graceful mule deer moving through the meadows and forest edges. We’ll also introduce you to one of the Reserve’s most unique residents—the aplodontia (or mountain beaver), a rarely seen, burrowing mammal with ancient roots. Along the way, you’ll learn how these species survive, interact, and shape the ecosystem around them, gaining a deeper appreciation for the rich and often hidden wildlife of Valentine.
Black Bears of the Valentine Reserve I | Valentine Camp
Thursday, July 9, 2026
Carole Lester
9:30 AM-12:00 PM
While walking through Black Bear forest habitat you will see bear scratched trees, a bear den and occasionally bear tracks. Learn how bears survive in the forest, and how Mammoth Lakes is managing their bear population. Children welcome.
Sundays at Valentine Reserve I | Valentine Camp
Sunday, July 12, 2026
9:30am to 12:00pm
Carole Lester
Have you ever wondered about the mysterious Valentine Reserve. Where is it? What is it? Come with us on the general tour of the Reserve and learn a little bit about the history, flora, fauna and what makes the Reserve so special. This tour will be relaxed introduction to the best kept secret in Mammoth! The hike is moderately strenuous, with a 500’ elevation gain. Bring water, hat and sunscreen
contact Carole Lester with any questions at (760)914-3722
Wildflowers of Valentine Reserve II | Valentine Camp
Tuesday, July 14, 2026
9:30 AM-12:00 PM
Sherryl Taylor & Sherry Taylor
Valentine Reserve changes color throughout the wildflower season. This hike will allow you to see what is blooming early in the season. Depending on the year, you can expect to see arrays of forget-me-nots, Mariposa lilies, and violets which will be in seed later in the summer. The hike is moderately strenuous, with a 500’ elevation gain. Bring water, hat and sunscreen.
Animals of Valentine Reserve II | Valentine Camp
Friday, July 17, 2026
9:30 AM-12:00 PM
Jo Bacon
Discover the wild side of Valentine Reserve on this guided tour exploring the animals that call this landscape home. Keep an eye out for the elusive coyote, listen for signs of black bear activity, and spot graceful mule deer moving through the meadows and forest edges. We’ll also introduce you to one of the Reserve’s most unique residents—the aplodontia (or mountain beaver), a rarely seen, burrowing mammal with ancient roots. Along the way, you’ll learn how these species survive, interact, and shape the ecosystem around them, gaining a deeper appreciation for the rich and often hidden wildlife of Valentine. The hike is moderately strenuous, with a 500’ elevation gain. Bring water, hat and sunscreen.
Sunset Tour of Valentine Reserve I | Valentine Camp
Saturday, July 18, 2026
6:30-8:30 PM
Carole Lester
Come out to Valentine and watch the sunset from the sage brush knoll in the center of Valentine. We will walk out to the grandmother tree and watch the sunset while learning about the special place called Valentine camp. The hike is easy but does go up hill to the knoll. Bring water, headlamp.
contact Carole Lester with any questions at (760)914-3722
Geology of the Valentine Reserve I | Valentine Camp
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
9:30 AM-12:00 PM
Tony Taylor
The geography of Valentine Reserve was shaped over the millennia by the geologic forces of time. Mammoth Mountain volcano, the glaciers of the Tioga glacial epic and the explosions of the Inyo Craters have all left their mark at Valentine. During this moderately strenuous hike, you will learn how the rocks of Valentine arrived at their destination. Bring water, hat and sunscreen.
Black Bears of the Valentine Reserve II | Valentine Camp
Thursday, July 23, 2026
Carole Lester
9:30 AM-12:00 PM
While walking through Black Bear forest habitat you will see bear scratched trees, a bear den and occasionally bear tracks. Learn how bears survive in the forest, and how Mammoth Lakes is managing their bear population. Children welcome.
Sundays at Valentine Reserve II | Valentine Camp
Sunday, July 26, 2026
9:30am to 12:00pm
Carole Lester
Have you ever wondered about the mysterious Valentine Reserve. Where is it? What is it? Come with us on the general tour of the Reserve and learn a little bit about the history, flora, fauna and what makes the Reserve so special. This tour will be relaxed introduction to the best kept secret in Mammoth! The hike is moderately strenuous, with a 500’ elevation gain. Bring water, hat and sunscreenuring this moderately strenuous hike, you will learn how the rocks of Valentine arrived at their destination. Bring water, hat and sunscreen.
Geology of the Valentine Reserve II | Valentine Camp
Tuesday, July 28, 2026
9:30 AM-12:00 PM
Tony Taylor
The geography of Valentine Reserve was shaped over the millennia by the geologic forces of time. Mammoth Mountain volcano, the glaciers of the Tioga glacial epic and the explosions of the Inyo Craters have all left their mark at Valentine. During this moderately strenuous hike, you will learn how the rocks of Valentine arrived at their destination. Bring water, hat and sunscreen.
Sunset Tour of Valentine Reserve II | Valentine Camp
Saturday, August 1, 2026
6:30-8:30 PM
Carole Lester
Come out to Valentine and watch the sunset from the sage brush knoll in the center of Valentine. We will walk out to the grandmother tree and watch the sunset while learning about the special place called Valentine camp. The hike is easy but does go up hill to the knoll. Bring water, headlamp.
Fire in Our Landscape | Valentine Camp
9:30 AM-12:00 PM
Whitebark Institute, Instructor TBA
Do you know how fire plays a key role in our landscape? Develop your curiosity and connection with nature while walking the trails of Valentine Reserve and learn about the effects and benefits of fire in our landscape and ways you can prevent human caused wildfires through responsible recreation practices. Bring water, hat, and sunscreen.
contact Carole Lester with any questions at (760)914-3722