Learn about the resident and migrant birds of desert riparian areas on this guided walk with Ranger Eric. 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 how to identify [...]
Join Ranger Eric for a 6.2-mile loop of the southern part of San Tan Trail and Moonlight Trail, which gives scenic views of the southern part of the park including the Malpais Hills Cliffs in the distance. Along the way, we will look for spring wildflowers and learn about the flora, fauna, and ecology of [...]
Spend about 2 hours on an easy walk with a City of Scottsdale Natural Resources Coordinator as various desert topics are discussed. The material will depend on what we see in this wonderful environment. Location: Tom’s Thumb Trailhead – 23015 N 128th St, Scottsdale, AZ, 85255 Bathrooms are available at the trailhead. Bring water for [...]
Join Ranger Eric for a moderate to extremely difficult, but scenic 8.3-mile hike while learning about the Sonoran Desert ecosystem and the White Tank Mountains. We may see early wildflowers in places, depending on how much winter precipitation falls and how cold it is then. The hike may take 5-6 hours. Hiking poles are definitely [...]
Join Ranger Eric for a moderate to extremely difficult, but scenic 8.3-mile hike while learning about the Sonoran Desert ecosystem and the White Tank Mountains. We may see early wildflowers in places, depending on how much winter precipitation falls and how cold it is then. The hike may take 5-6 hours. Hiking poles are definitely [...]
If you’ve been looking for a challenging, but satisfying, 4-day backcountry trail maintenance event in the beautiful Mazatzal Wilderness, then please plan to join us March 22-25 on passage 23, segment 23a of the Mazatzal Divide Trail. Basic backpacking skills and fitness are required for this self-supported trip. Tools, PPE, and training will be provided [...]
Explore a 2-to-3-mile section of the Anza Trail during an easy, level interpretive hike. . Learn about the cultural and natural history of the Santa Cruz Valley. Travel on the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail to the area of La Canoa where the expedition to found San Francisco camped after leaving Tubac Presidio [...]
Hike the Pipeline Trail with Ranger Derik to learn about the many plants that can be eaten in the desert and about the native peoples that first harvested them. Click program title for more details. We will hike 2.5 miles out and back of the pipeline canyon trail starting from the cottonwood day use area. [...]
Join Ranger Kevin on an easy-moderate hike to look for wildflowers and other blooming plants, as well as butterflies. Click program title for more details. Join Ranger Kevin for a 2.1-mile hike along the Moonlight, Stargazer and San Tan trails as we set off in search of wildflowers, blooming trees, shrubs and cacti as well [...]
Want to learn how you can connect with nature? Join Ranger Kevin for an introduction to Silent Walking and Sit Spots. Click program title for more details. Join Ranger Kevin as we learn how to make - or strengthen - our connection with nature through the practice of Silent Walking and Sit Spots. This is [...]
Hike with Ranger Derik through pristine Riparian habitat and learn about the many plants and animals that call the Sonoran Desert home. Click on program title for more details. The hike will be roughly 2 miles and include sections of River Ramble and Lykes Lookout Trails taking you from riparian habitat and transitioning you [...]
Join Ranger Kevin on an easy hike to look for wildflowers and other blooming plants, as well as butterflies. Click program title for more details. Join Ranger Kevin for a 2-mile hike along the Waterfall trail as we set off in search of wildflowers, blooming trees, shrubs and cacti as well as the butterflies that [...]
The areas all along Cave Creek Wash are abundant in desert flora and fauna and steeped in history. P.A. Seitts Preserve at Go John Canyon is no exception. The preserve not only holds a sensitive riparian habitat, it is also rich in archaeology, mining, and ranching history. Join us as we explore this preserve in [...]
Join Ranger Kevin for a strenuous morning hike within the beautiful scenery of Estrella Mountain Park. Click program title for more details. Are you looking to do a challenging hike, but don’t want to go alone? Join Ranger Kevin for a 6.5-mile hike on the scenic Rainbow Valley and Toothaker trails. We’ll keep an eye [...]
This is one of the classic paths in the Preserve and a side trip to Balanced Rock. Experienced hikers suggested. Pets are not permitted at our activities due to safety concerns. If you would like to request an accommodation for your service animal, please contact our office at least two weeks before the event you plan [...]
Join local guides for a tour of the Romero site and walk through 1000-years of indigenous Hohokam history in 90-minutes! Learn about the area’s ranching history and how the Hohokam made a living in the desert. Note: This trail has stairs and crosses a seasonal stream; be prepared to walk in ankle-deep water. No restrooms [...]
April 6th is Arizona Public Lands Day! Come join us and the Arizona Trail Association for a community hike in the South Mountain Preserve. Come explore the Pima Wash Trail to West Loop in Phoenix, Arizona, and enjoy the wonderful weather, blooming wildflowers, and practice species identification through INaturalist, a free mobile app that naturalists, [...]
Ready to hit the trail? We're teaming up with our friends over at Arizona Wildlife Federation for an Arizona Public Lands Day hike at South Mountain Preserve on Saturday, April 6! If you like learning about Arizona's native flora and fauna — and you're excited to see some of the wildflowers that are blooming right [...]
Following Science Saturday, Join Willow Bend and NAU’s Public Health Capstone group on a short, quarter mile hike down to Sinclair Wash below Willow Bend Center. Families are invited to experience and learn the importance of blue space through guided mediation and other activities. Participants have the chance to win a prize! All ages welcome, [...]
Join Ranger Nikki on a hike to look for flowering plant life and a variety of pollinators, including butterflies.
This trail marathon, half-marathon and 10K traverses the valley between the Santa Rita and the Rincon Mountains. It offers spectacular, sweeping views and while the marathon has plenty of challenging ups and downs, the half-marathon and 10K courses offer mostly a gentle, winding descent through ocotillo, prickly pear cactus, creosote, and mesquite.
Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area Join Ranger Nikki on a 2-mile moderate hike to look for flowering plant life and a variety of pollinators, including butterflies.
Ranger Shaun’s headed out to the charming 2.1-mile metate loop for April’s gibbous moon. Weather allowing, we’ll see an always enjoyable Arizona sunset light up the sky as we make our way down into the river valley, and then explore walk among the mesquites looking for wildlife using flashlights, blacklights, and the light of the moon. [...]
Join local guides for a tour of the Romero site and walk through 1000-years of indigenous Hohokam history in 90-minutes! Learn about the area’s ranching history and how the Hohokam made a living in the desert. Note: This trail has stairs and crosses a seasonal stream; be prepared to walk in ankle-deep water. No restrooms [...]
Join local guides for a tour of the Romero site and walk through 1000-years of indigenous Hohokam history in 90-minutes! Learn about the area’s ranching history and how the Hohokam made a living in the desert. Note: This trail has stairs and crosses a seasonal stream; be prepared to walk in ankle-deep water. No restrooms [...]
(Hiking pace is 2.5 to 3 mph) Woodland Lake Outer Loop 3.7 miles with elevation gain 232 feet. Moderate difficulty taking an average of 80 minutes. Meet at Woodland Lake Park at the big Ramada #2 at 1:15pm for 1:30pm departure. Trail distances are not always exact, and the difficulty rating is subjective. We care about your [...]
(Hiking pace is 2.5 to 3 mph) Buena Vista Trail #637 9.7 miles; short loop 2.5 miles. Moderate difficulty. The trail is hilly with seven major uphill sections. One of the lower elevation trails of the White Mountain Trail System. Trail distances are not always exact, and the difficulty rating is subjective. We care about your safety [...]
(Hiking pace is 2.5 to 3 mph) Timber Mesa 7.5 mile loop with elevation gain of 300 feet. Moderate difficulty. Easy access to great views as well as sights of historical significance. Trail distances are not always exact, and the difficulty rating is subjective. We care about your safety so please know your limitations; bring extra water, [...]
Every Saturday is a different experience. Each morning will have a different focus from a special hike guide. Remember to wear close-toed shoes, and bring water, a hat, and a walking stick if needed. Dogs on a leash, and kids are OK. Different topics have been and will be: Trail Stewardship Forest Ecology Edible Plants [...]
Join local guides for a tour of the Romero site and walk through 1000-years of indigenous Hohokam history in 90-minutes! Learn about the area’s ranching history and how the Hohokam made a living in the desert. Note: This trail has stairs and crosses a seasonal stream; be prepared to walk in ankle-deep water. No restrooms [...]
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