Ranger Nikki will lead you on an easy to moderate terrain hike to learn about common desert plants such as cacti, legume trees and shrubs and search for signs of seasonal wildflower growth along the trails and creek. The route uses Spur Cross, Fairy Duster, Metate and Dragonfly Trails for approximately 5 miles. The trails [...]
Log your final miles of the 100 Miles in 100 Days Challenge with Ranger Nikki on a trek to explore San Tan’s trails and scenic views. You are welcome to join even if you are not participating in the yearly County Parks challenge and simply want to enjoy some time outdoor and learn about desert [...]
Enjoy a 1.8-mile one-way hike up the Yavapai Point Trail where we will be able to take in stunning views of the Sonoran Desert and Lake Pleasant, as well as talk about the local flora and fauna with Ranger Eric. The hike is rated as moderate, with some rocky and uneven surfaces. Please dress in [...]
Ranger Nikki will lead you on a moderate to difficult hike to explore our beautiful desert and get in a great workout. The route is an out-and-back trek on a portion of Goat Camp Trail, out approximately two miles and turning back to make 4 miles total. The terrain is mostly uneven with rocky surfaces [...]
Come explore one of Arizona’s riparian corridors! These narrow riverside ecosystems are an interesting break from the surrounding desert and often a haven for wildlife like birds and insects. Ranger Shaun loves to talk about bugs! Let’s go bird watching and chat! This is a 3.2-mile, medium difficulty hike. There will be port-a-johns available near [...]
The walk with cover a 2-mile section of the Dragonfly Trail with Ranger Derik. Some of the topics covered during the hike will be native plants and animals found in the park as well as the history of the native peoples that called the park home. The trail is rocky and uneven in spots and [...]
Bring a lunch and get ready to learn all about backpacking! Ranger Derik will have a PowerPoint on the basics of backpacking and camping covering topics of gear, clothing, trip planning, picking a route, best food for trips, training, tips and tricks. After the presentation a full gear list of a single overnight trip will [...]
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 [...]
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