As the Cabrillo National Monument Foundation celebrates 60 years in the park, they invite the public to a Park After Dark experience under a full moon.
On Monday, June 20, after regular visiting hours have ended, the Cabrillo National Monument will be open to both foundation members and non-members for an educational and fun moonwalk.
Telescopes will be provided by the San Diego Astronomy Club for stargazing. According to the executive director of the Cabrillo National Monument Foundation Gerrie Trussell, Saturn, Venus and Jupiter were spotted last year with the help of the San Diego Astronomy Club.
There will also be tours that will take groups through and around the trails.
“We’re especially excited for the upcoming moonwalk because we will have guided tours of the lighthouse at night,” Trussell said. “I don’t know what is in the sky for us this year but we will get a 360-degree sunset and full moon.”
The animals and insects that inhabit the Cabrillo National Monument at night and their habitats will also be explored.
“Hopefully we will see the resident snakes, scorpions, bats and other creepy crawlers if we’re lucky,” Trussell said.
All animals collected will be tagged and made available for observation the next day with talks led by Cabrillo Ranger and biological science technician Stephanie Root.
Flashlights are recommended for the hour-long hike down the Bayside Trail to the lower Bunker that is planned. The trail involves a downhill walk and an uphill return and is described as moderately difficult.
This event is free to The Cabrillo National Monument Foundation members and their guests and is $25 for non-members. Tickets may be purchased at CNMF.org.