Join Ranger Eric for a 1.8-mile roundtrip hike in Rock Peak Wash at the south end of the park to look for resident and wintering birds. Along the way, we will learn identification tips and about their ecology in the Sonoran Desert. We will also discuss citizen science, including the eBird app. Today is also part [...]
There have been over 200 bird species seen at this water recharge facility, making this site one of the best birding spots in the east valley. This site has many rare birds. These free walks are sponsored by Desert Rivers Audubon, The Riparian Preserve of Gilbert, and Liberty Wildlife. We provide loaner binoculars, and expert [...]
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 [...]
Saturday MTB “Shift into Saturday”: Shift your gears into Saturday with a good spin around the park. Grab your mountain or gravel bike and helmet then join SanTan Shredders for this No Drop pedal fest. Bring water, snacks, and an extra tube. Arrive 10-min early for check in. See you soon! http://santanshredders.com
When, how and why did all those different rocks get into the Preserve? How about our own earthquake fault? This is an intermediate skills and moderate cardio ride and will take us through the various geological formations of the area. Get the big picture on a bike. Location: Brown’s Ranch Trailhead – 30301 N. Alma [...]
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 docents from the Friends of the San Pedro River for a tour of the Murray Springs mammoth kill site. Vance Haynes led an expedition here in the 1970s that found the remains of megafauna that had been hunted, killed, butchered, and consumed by the Clovis Paleo-Indians 13,000 years ago. This is an easy walk [...]
Join Wickenburg Conservation Foundation to learn about the desert's wildlife, plants, geology, and hydrology as well as desert safety and Leave No Trace. This class is co-hosted by Wickenburg Parks and Recreation.
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 [...]
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 birds by sight and sound, and about the behavioral and ecological traits that make them unique. Some binoculars [...]
Would you like to learn more about birdwatching and community science? Join Ranger Eric for a "Big Sit" style bird count in the garden in front of the Visitor Center as we learn about birds and learn about community science, using eBird. Today is also part of the Great Backyard Bird Count sponsored by Cornell, [...]
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: [...]
Skill level: Easy Time: ~2 hours Everything in the desert is connected and always changing. We’ll explore how the environment – the mountains, the rocks, the climate, the washes, and more – affects the plants and animals that live here, how living things in turn change the environment, and how climate change and increasing development [...]
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 [...]
Come to the Nature Center and meet Ranger Kevin from 2:00pm to 3:30pm. Bring your burning desert questions! Try to stump the Ranger! Impress your friends and enemies alike with your new-found knowledge! We’ll also have a table full of interesting objects like bones, feathers, snake sheds, cactus boots and much more for you to [...]
Invasive species are among the biggest threats to our park’s ecosystem health. They outcompete native plants, decrease biodiversity, and increase wildfire occurrences and magnitude. Desert Defenders is a citizen science program focused on removing invasive species in parks. The Invasive plant species have severely impacted our park’s natural ecosystems and contributed to our most recent [...]
Bird walk at the San Pedro House led by docents from the Friends of the San Pedro River and other local organizations.
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 [...]
“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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 a beginner’s level class, so anyone who is interested in cultivating the skills needed to appreciate the natural world in greater depth is welcome. We will learn [...]
Stop by the Nature Center and chat about venomous animals. What does venomous mean? What is it? Where does it come from? What does it do? Can I have some? Answer these questions and more with Ranger Shaun! MEETING LOCATION: Nature Center No registration required.
Welcome to the sport of Flying! If you have ever wanted to learn how to get into one of the most challenging, yet rewarding methods of fishing, then this class is for you! Participant will learn the basics of equipment, rigging lines and flys, and the most challenging part... casting your fly! All equipment will [...]
Invasive species are among the biggest threats to our park’s ecosystem health. They outcompete native plants, decrease biodiversity, and increase wildfire occurrences and magnitude. Desert Defenders is a citizen science program focused on removing invasive species in parks. The Invasive plant species have severely impacted our park’s natural ecosystems and contributed to our most recent [...]
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 [...]
A discovery table will be set up in the Nature Center and will have several snake species on display for you to see and if you are brave to hold. Also on display will be many natural artifacts including snake skins, snake sheds, rattles, and a gila monster skeleton. MEETING LOCATION: Nature Center No registration [...]
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. [...]
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