Enjoy a moderate to extremely difficult hike up ~3.3 miles of Ford Canyon Trail to the old dam site 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. We will meet at [...]
Join our expert archaeologist as we explore the challenges of the Archaic hunter and gatherer to survive and thrive in the Sonoran Desert of 2,000 years ago. See important desert flora and fauna, hunting sites and their importance to the survival of an Archaic band. Skill level: Moderate Distance: ~3 miles Time: ~2.5 hours Pets [...]
Hike the scenic riparian forest of the Hassayampa River Preserve before scaling Lyke’s Lookout for a stunning view! This is a 1.15-mile, moderate difficulty hike featuring a steep 90-foot ascent at the end. Please dress appropriately with closed toed shoes and layers as temperatures can fluctuate near the river and in the sun at the mountain [...]
Participants will hike for 3 miles through rolling hills and sandy washes on the North Loop trail. The trail is rated as easy and only has a few spots that could be described as rocky. Ranger Derik will talk about the native edible plants as well as medicinal plants that are found along the trail. [...]
Join Ranger Eric for a guided hike to learn about the animals, plants, and ecology of the Sonoran Desert. Wildflowers may be out, depending on how much precipitation we get this winter. We will hike a 7.4-mile loop of the Coldwater, Butterfield, Gadsden, and Flycatcher trails. The trails are easy-moderate with occasional inclines, and rocky [...]
Ranger Derik will lead you on moderate to difficult fitness hike on the 5.8 mile Go John Trail loop. The trail varies from even surfaces to those that are uneven and rocky. There is a 411-foot elevation difference from the lowest to the highest parts of the trail. Along the way we will talk about [...]
This hike will take you into the High Desert Trail area with a stop at Cathedral Rock. Experienced hikers suggested. Location: Brown’s Ranch Trailhead – 30301 N. Alma School Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85262 Skill level: Difficult Distance: ~7.4 miles Time: ~4 hours Pets are not permitted at our activities due to safety concerns. If you would [...]
Join Ranger Eric for a 3.7-mile hike along a loop of Littleleaf, Gold Mine, San Tan, and Moonlight trails while we learn about the plants, animals, and ecology of the Sonoran Desert. Early spring wildflowers may be in bloom, depending on how much winter precipitation the area gets. Please dress in layers, wear sturdy footwear [...]
Come hike the Wild Burro trail and learn about the desert, we might even see a burro! This is a roughly 2-mile hike along a medium difficulty trail. Please bring water and wear layers as the trail may changes temperature rapidly. No pets please. Restrooms and water are available at the meeting point. MEETING LOCATION: [...]
Are you looking to do a long hike, but can’t find anyone to go with you? Join Ranger Kevin for a 8.4-mile hike on the scenic Pemberton, Granite, Bluff, and Tonto Tank trails. We’ll keep an eye out for wildlife and springtime wildflowers as we go. Trail conditions are rated easy-moderate, so expect some stretches [...]
Join us and hike on one of the classic paths in the Preserve and a side trip to Balanced Rock. Experienced hikers suggested. Skill level: Difficult Distance: ~6.8 miles Time: ~3.5 hours Pets are not permitted at our activities due to safety concerns. If you would like to request an accommodation for your service animal, please [...]
Join Ranger Derik for an after-hours 1-1.5 miles trail walk to look for and learn about the nocturnal critters of the Preserve! Wildlife seen on past walks have included bats, ringtails, foxes, skunks, javelinas, deer, owls, scorpions, insects, and other cool creepy crawlies! Please bring your own flashlights and blacklights if you have them, but [...]
Join us as we take in the sights from the summit of Lone Mountain. This property is privately owned and protected by a conservation easement. It is not open to the public, so this is a unique opportunity to visit this beautiful preserve! This 2 mile hike is moderately difficult with several hundred feet of [...]
We will hike the 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 it is encouraged you bring proper footwear and if balance is an issue trekking poles are great to have. Please bring plenty of water and [...]
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 [...]
Come along with Ranger Shaun for an introduction to the Sonoran Desert’s unique ecosystem. We’ll talk about some of our native plants and animals, as well as some exotics and invasives, and how they’ve adapted to live (or invade) in the desert. Please bring plenty of water. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and closed toed shoes. [...]
It’s back! Join Rangers Kevin and Derik for a day of hiking from Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area to Cave Creek Regional Park. Trail is approximately 11 miles in length, and utilizes the Spur Cross, Maricopa, and Go John trails. Trail conditions are rated moderate to difficult, so expect a considerable amount of loose rock, [...]
It’s back! Join Rangers Derik and Kevin for a day of hiking from Cave Creek Regional Park to Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area. Trail is approximately 11 miles in length, and utilizes the Go John, Maricopa, and Spur Cross trails. Trail conditions are rated moderate to difficult, so expect a considerable amount of loose rock, [...]
If you think Waterfall trail is nice in the daylight, you should see the white rocks in the full moon! Feel free to hike with Ranger Shaun on this 1.8-mile easy rated hike. Water and restrooms are available at the trailhead. Flashlights recommended for obvious reasons. Blacklights and dressing in layers encouraged as February nights [...]
Join docent Coni for a 2 to 3 mile hike through the conservation area. We will hike in riparian areas with seasonal water in Cave Creek. Learn about cochineal, agave, mesquite, prickly pear, and we may see wildlife, petroglyphs, wildflowers….and all with wonderful views! Wear sturdy shoes and hat and bring at least 2 liters of water, a [...]
Come hike some of the original trails in the Preserve with great views of Scottsdale and the desert. Experienced hikers suggested. Location: Lost Dog Wash Trailhead – 12601 N 124th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85259 Skill level: Difficult Distance: ~5.5 miles Time: ~3 hours Pets are not permitted at our activities due to safety concerns. If you [...]
Challenge yourself on this approximately 8.3-mile hike on the magnificent Mesquite, Ford Canyon, and Willow Canyon trails. We’ll keep an eye out for morning critters as we go. Trail conditions are rated moderate to difficult, so expect a considerable amount of loose rock, uneven terrain, and elevation change. This is not a hike for inexperienced [...]
Join us as we explore the stunning Jewel of the Creek Preserve. This desert oasis, filled with towering cottonwood and willow trees along Cave Creek, holds one of the last remaining perennial streams in Maricopa County. The unusual year-round presence of water supports a myriad of unique plant and animal species. Our hike will take [...]
Bring a lunch and an open mind and learn from ranger Derik how to start hiking in our desert parks. Topics covered in the program will include how to choose a trail, how to prepare for a hike, how much water to bring, desert safety, what gear to bring, what clothing to wear, and much [...]
We will hike 4 miles on sections of the San Tan, Moonlight, and Gold Mine trails together the route is rated as moderate. The trails are rocky, sandy, and uneven make sure to wear proper footwear and bling plenty of water. Bathrooms and a water fountain are available at the nature center. MEETING LOCATION: Moonlight [...]
Join Ranger Kevin for a 3-mile hike on the Yavapai trail. Trail is rated moderate, with some stretches of loose rock, uneven terrain and elevation change. Our goal is to watch the sun rise over the lake from the trail, and then head up to the peak for one of the best views of the [...]
Hike 5 miles along sections of the Rainbow valley, Dysart and Toothaker trails through rolling hills and sandy washes. This trail is rated as moderate and can be steep and rocky in some sections. We will be out for several hours so make sure you have plenty of water, sunscreen, and a snack. It is [...]
Join Ranger Kevin for a 2.8-mile hike along the Gila, Baseline and Horseshoe trails as we set off in search of wildflowers, blooming trees, shrubs and cacti as well as the butterflies that visit them. You will learn about the Parks Department butterfly monitoring initiative and receive an identification handout to help with your own [...]
Join Ranger Kevin for an exciting evening hike along the Black Rock Loop trail. We’ll be on the lookout for all kinds of evening-active critters, from skunks to scorpions, spiders, snakes, fox, coyote, deer, owls and more! The trail is rated easy with little loose rock, uneven surfaces or elevation change. Please bring water and [...]
Join Ranger Eric for a guided hike to learn about the animals, plants, and ecology of the Sonoran Desert. We will hike 3.5 miles roundtrip on a loop of Slate, Jasper, Go John, Quartz Trails. It will be on moderate grade, with frequently rocky or uneven ground. Please dress in layers, wear protective clothing and/or [...]
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