Learn about the adaptations and life cycles of plants and animals of our Sonoran Desert on an easy hike with Ranger Nikki. The approximate 2-mile route includes Lost Sheep, Chainfruit and Desert Hawk Trails along with the nature trail path and driveway inside the nearby Buckhorn campground. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring a hat, sunscreen [...]
Join Ranger Evan for an exciting evening hike along the Spur Cross and Metate Trails. 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-moderate with some rocky, uneven surfaces and some elevation change. Please bring water [...]
Join Ranger Evan for an exciting evening hike along the park trails. We’ll be hoping to see all sorts of critters of the night! The trail is rated easy-moderate with some rocky, uneven surfaces and some elevation change. Please bring water and wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes. Bring flashlights and black lights if you have them; [...]
The hike will cover 2.9 miles on the North Loop Trail. This hike is rated as easy, plan to walk on rocky and sandy trail. It is encouraged that you water supportive shoes and if inclines or declines are an issue for you take along some trekking poles. Bathrooms and water fountains will be available [...]
We will be hiking on sand level ground for roughly 2 miles along the Palm Lake and Mesquite Meander trails. As the trail can be uneven and sandy at times make sure to wear supportive shoes and if you have trouble with walking long distances trekking poles are very helpful. Water and bathrooms are available [...]
We will meet at the Gold Mine Trailhead to start the hike; there is a porta potty, but no water so please bring plenty of water with you. We will be hiking on sandy and rocky terrain and up and over hills for 3.5 miles so make sure to have sturdy shoes and if balance [...]
Join Ranger Nikki on an easy to moderate terrain 2.2-mile hike to learn about and look for flowers and fruit of various cacti including saguaros, barrels, prickly pears, cholla and hedgehogs. Bring plenty of water and wear closed toe shoes, a hat and sunscreen. Restrooms and water are available at the Nature Center, near our [...]
Join Ranger Eric to look for and learn about the nocturnal animals on this guided hike. Wildlife we may see includes scorpions, spiders, insects, owls, nightjars, reptiles, and mammals! We will hike 1-2 miles roundtrip depending on heat and participant interest on the Rock Peak Wash Trail. The hike will be on easy, but sandy [...]
Come join Ranger Kevin as we hike approximately 2 miles on the Beardsley Trail, starting in a riparian area before rising into a more typical Sonoran Desert landscape. Trail is rated easy, with few sections of loose, rocky terrain, and little elevation change. We'll be stopping to look at various plants and animals, including birds, [...]
Want to get a good work out and learn a lot? If the answer is yes, then this program is perfect for you. Join Ranger Evan for a splendid 3.0-mile hike through the desert on Wind Cave Trail! On this difficult level hike, we will be discussing the unique ecology of the Sonoran Desert, adaptations [...]
Join Ranger Kevin for an approximately 1.5-mile night hike on the Quail Trail. We will be looking for all three species of scorpion native to our neck of the Sonoran Desert: Striped-tail, Bark, and, of course, the Giant Desert Hairy. Who knows what else we may see? Trail is rated easy, with some loose rock/uneven [...]
Join Ranger Steve for an exciting evening hike along the park trails. We’ll be hoping to see all sorts of critters of the night! The trail is rated easy-moderate with some rocky, uneven surfaces and some elevation change. Please bring water and wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes. Bring flashlights and black lights if you have them. [...]
Join Ranger Kevin for an easy 2-mile night hike on the Tortoise and Hilltop trails. We will be looking for all three species of scorpion native to our neck of the Sonoran Desert: Striped-tail, Bark, and, of course, the Giant Desert Hairy. Who knows what else we may see? Trails are rated easy, with minimal [...]
Join Ranger Steve for a roughly 2.5 mile sunset/twilight hike on the easy terrain of the Spur Cross and Metate Trails. We’ll be searching for nocturnal Sonoran Desert wildlife such as snakes, scorpions, spiders, and more! Please wear hard-soled shoes or boots, bring plenty of water, and don’t forget a flashlight or UV light if [...]
Did you know that over 50 species of dragonflies and damselflies can be found at the Preserve? Join Ranger Eric for a guided walk along the river and lake trails to explore the fascinating world of dragonflies and damselflies. We’ll also see other aquatic and riparian wildlife along the way! Please bring ample water and [...]
Join Ranger Nikki on an easy to moderate hike to look for critters such as birds perched in cacti and lizards and small mammals darting among the trees and shrubs. The route will be 2.5 miles and follow Blevins east and loop around Cat Peaks Pass. Blevins Trail is mostly flat and Cat Peak Pass [...]
Join Ranger Kevin for an approximately 1.8-mile loop on the Black Rock Trail. We will be looking for all three species of scorpion native to our neck of the Sonoran Desert: Striped-tail, Bark, and, of course, the Giant Desert Hairy. Who knows what else we may see? Trail is rated easy, with very little loose [...]
Join Ranger Nikki on a 5.5-mile easy to moderate terrain hike at sunrise to observe various plants of the desert and watch for birds, mammals and reptiles starting their day. The route follows San Tan and Hedgehog Trails. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water. Restrooms and water are available [...]
Join Ranger Derik on a moderate 2.5-mile hike to learn about creatures that come out after dark in the desert. Bring plenty of water and wear closed toe shoes, a hat and sunscreen and of course a flashlight. Restrooms are available in the park and water is available at the Nature Center, where we start [...]
Join Ranger Nikki on a 2-mile easy to moderate hike to learn about our fascinating Sonoran Desert and how plants and animals survive, particularly during the summer. The route is an out-and-back on Tortoise and Hilltop Trails. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring water, a hat and sunscreen. Restrooms and water are available at the Nature [...]
On this hike you will get to see a variety of cactus species and learn about their many adaptations to survive in the harsh Sonoran Desert climate. We will hike the 3.3-mile Tortuga Trail starting from the covered picnic table just past the contact station. The trail is rocky, steep and uneven in many places [...]
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 Nikki for an easy evening walk to enjoy the sunset and watch nocturnal animals become active along Merkle Trail. We may see coyotes, owls, snakes, tarantulas, scorpions and more! The route uses Merkle Trail, which is rated as barrier-free and is a wide, mostly level pathway. The Merkle loop is one mile and [...]
The Mogollon Monster 100 is a rugged, challenging trail race taking place about 90 minutes northeast of Phoenix, Arizona just outside the small town of Pine, Arizona. The Mogollon Monster includes the advanced degree endurance race of 100 miles, with the addition a 42 Kilometer race on Sunday. The races navigate up, down, around and [...]
Are you interested in learning more about properly monitoring, maintaining and constructing trails? Are you a steward of the Arizona Trail or are you interested in helping out with trail projects? Do you like to get your hands dirty while learning valuable skills at the same time? If you answered “yes” to any of these [...]
Now celebrating 11 years, the Cave Creek Thriller hosts four different distances and acts as the third race of the Fall Desert Runner Trail Series. What began as a looped course within the Cave Creek Regional Park years ago, 50K runners will have the unique opportunity to connect two regional parks in one day! Starting [...]
Are you interested in learning more about properly monitoring, maintaining and constructing trails? Are you a steward of the Arizona Trail or are you interested in helping out with trail projects? Do you like to get your hands dirty while learning valuable skills at the same time? If you answered “yes” to any of these [...]
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 Nov. 3 - 6 on passage 23, segment 23a of the Mazatzal Divide Trail.
Unplug and join us for a day of digital detox, fresh air, fun and adventure! Desert Foothills Land Trust presents the 10th annual Desert Discovery Day. A fun-filled day of adventure and educational activities in a natural desert setting. Discover the Sonoran Desert, learn about all its dwellers, past and present, and interact with native [...]
Shred the day away. Cooler nights on the trails will remind you how good it is to shed your schedules and responsibilities. You'll spend an evening with less conversation and more grinning with your friends. First time joining us? WELCOME! No rider is left behind. Riders must have some trail experience. Moderate fitness. Trails are [...]
The Desert looks different in the dark. Come along with Ranger Shaun and see how much. Click program title for more details. Ranger Shaun is returning to this morning’s trail for another hike. Come join him, or even better RE-join him! See how different the desert can be in the dark as we look along [...]
The Desert looks different in the dark. Come along with Ranger Shaun and see how much. Click program title for more details. Ranger Shaun is returning to this morning’s trail for another hike. Come join him, or even better RE-join him! See how different the desert can be in the dark as we look along [...]
The Desert looks different in the dark. Come along with Ranger Shaun and see how much. Click program title for more details. Ranger Shaun is returning to this morning’s trail for another hike. Come join him, or even better RE-join him! See how different the desert can be in the dark as we look along [...]
Hike along sections of the Chainfruit and Lost Sheep Trails for 2 miles with Ranger Shaun. Along the way you will learn about the many plants and animals that call the Sonoran Desert home. It’s winter in the desert so make sure you have proper clothing and shoes. We won’t be going far, but you [...]
This introduction to the Sonoran Desert is perfect for residents and visitors alike. Join Ranger Kevin for a 3.5-mile hike on the Overton and Go John trails. Trails are rated moderate, so expect stretches of loose rock, uneven terrain and elevation change. We’ll be talking about what makes our desert quite possibly the most biodiverse [...]
Ranger Nikki will lead you on an easy walk along the park’s Service Road to enjoy the sunset and watch silhouettes of cacti and trees appear along the way. This is an out-and-back walk that covers approximately two miles roundtrip on flat to rocky terrain. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring plenty of water. Restrooms and [...]
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: [...]
Enjoy a 2.6-mile hike on the Cottonwood Trail with Ranger Kevin as we look for all kinds of wildlife along the way. Some animals we may see include mule deer, javelina, squirrels, rabbits, birds and perhaps a reptile or two. Trail is rated easy, with very little loose rock, uneven terrain and elevation change. Please [...]
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: Granite Mountain Trailhead – 31402 N 136th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85262 Bathrooms are available at the trailhead. Bring water for [...]
Join Ranger Kevin for a trail walk along the Hassayampa River that includes an introduction to birding. We’ll cover birding basics, from tools and equipment to bird identification tips and strategies. Trails are rated easy, although some thick sand is possible in some stretches. Don’t worry if you don’t have binoculars; the Ranger will have [...]
Got questions about the Sonoran Desert or the things that live there? Ask Ranger Kevin! Click program title for more details. Come to the Nature Center and meet Ranger Kevin from 2:00pm to 4:00pm. Bring your burning desert questions! Try to stump the Ranger! Impress your friends and enemies alike with your new-found knowledge! We’ll also [...]
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 [...]
“Over the Hump” Mountain Bike Ride: Interrupt your work week with a good ole fashioned trail ride. Trails are flowy with some moderate climbs and downhill descents, a few technical areas: advanced-beginner to Intermediate skill level. First trail spin at night? Our rides are No Drop. Bring mountain or gravel bike, helmet, lights (at least [...]
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 [...]
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