The Insomniac Night Trail Run Series consists of six night runs throughout the Maricopa County Regional Parks from April through September. It's our way of escaping the summer heat while continuing to race and experience both familiar and unfamiliar trails in a different light. Distances range from 5 kilometers to 75 kilometers. Save 20-25% on registration when [...]
Bird Programs with Joe Ford in the Estrella Park Nature Center following the Bird Hikes. Program will start approximately 8:45 AM after the Bird Hike. Bird Program talk and Power Point Presentation with Joe Ford in the Estrella Park Nature Center following the Bird Hikes. Topics cover bird images, habits, maps, details and bird life. Program [...]
Join Ranger Kevin for a roughly 2-mile hike along the Plant Research Trail and the south bank of the Gila River. We’ll explore the riparian habitat for interesting plants and animals while we discuss the importance of rivers like the Gila to the health and diversity of desert life. The trail is mostly easy, but [...]
Learn about a variety of cacti in the park: saguaros, barrels, cholla, prickly pear and more. Join Ranger Nikki as you follow the longer Black Rock Loop for just over one mile on easy to moderate terrain. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water. Restrooms and water are available at [...]
Join Ranger Eric for a guided bird walk to look and listen for resident and migrant species within the diverse desert riparian habitat of the Hassayampa River Preserve. Along the way, we will discuss eBird and citizen science, how to identify birds by sight and sound, and about the behavioral and ecological traits that make them [...]
Learn about desert mammals with Ranger Nikki during this informal drop-in session. See pelts and skulls that hint at adaptations that allow these animals to survive and thrive in our extreme desert environment. Stop by any time between 9:30 and 10:30am. Be sure to bring your water with you. Restrooms and water are available at [...]
Come learn about cacti of the Sonoran Desert and Phoenix area! Ranger Eric will host this discovery station table at the Visitor Center. Nearby there are live examples of a variety of cacti to see on the trail next to the center. MEETING LOCATION: Visitor Center No registration required. Just drop in anytime between 10am [...]
This Homeschool Happenings event will focus on many kinds of animals like snakes, tarantulas, bats and Kangaroo rats that live in the Sonoran Desert. Come along on this learning adventure as we explore the reasons they spend their summer days sleeping, and their summer nights working (or is it lurking?). MEETING LOCATION: Classroom inside the [...]
Stop by the lobby of the Cave Creek Nature Center from 12pm-2pm to chat with Ranger Steve about the venomous animals that inhabit the Sonoran Desert! Come with your curiosity and questions and learn some of the popular myths and misinformation that are often associated with animals like rattlesnakes and Gila Monsters. You might even [...]
We will hike Wind Cave Trail with 800ft of elevation and at a distance of 3 miles, it is rated as difficult. The trail is steep and rocky so you are encouraged bring proper footwear and trekking poles are great to have. Please bring plenty of water and a flashlight with fresh batteries. MEETING LOCATION: [...]
Join Ranger Steve for an exciting ~2.5-mile easy night hike on the Slate Trail to look for nocturnal Sonoran Desert wildlife! Species seen on previous hikes include snakes, lizards, packrats, coyotes, bobcats, owls, spiders, and more! Please wear sturdy closed-toe shoes or boots. Make sure to bring plenty of water, as summer heat does continue [...]
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