The Insomniac Night Trail Run Series consists of six night runs throughout the Maricopa County Regional Parks from April through September. It's our way of escaping the summer heat while continuing to race and experience both familiar and unfamiliar trails in a different light. Distances range from 5 kilometers to 75 kilometers. Save 20-25% on registration when [...]
To celebrate the second year of Aravaipa's iconic 250-mile trail race, the Cocodona 250, we're bringing a slice of Arizona to you! Inspired by the week-long in-person event, the Cocodona Virtual Experience is your chance to rack up 250+ miles on your local trails or treadmill, starting the same day the in-person racers hit the [...]
Learn about birds of Sonoran Desert riparian areas during this guided hike with Ranger Eric. Click on program title for more details. Join Ranger Eric for a guided hike along the Dragonfly Trail at Spur Cross and adjacent Jewel of the Creek Preserve to look for birds of the Sonoran Desert and riparian habitats. Along [...]
Join Ranger Eric for a guided hike along the Dragonfly Trail at Spur Cross and adjacent Jewel of the Creek Preserve to look for reptiles of the Sonoran Desert and riparian habitats. Along the way, we will discuss identification tips, as well as their ecological roles and safety around venomous animals. We will hike about [...]
Join Ranger Nikki for a 3-mile hike on the easy to moderate terrain to learn about a variety of plant life, including brittlebush and bursage shrubs, cacti and legume trees. The route follows Butterfield, Dysart and Coldwater Trails. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water. Restrooms are available at the trailhead [...]
Maricopa County Parks is hosting several native seed harvest events in April and May at several of our parks. The native seed harvested will be planted in habitat enhancement projects, invasive species removal areas, and parks impacted by wildfires. Collecting and planting local seed genotypes will help maintain the park's biodiversity and sustainability through climate [...]
What makes a cactus a cactus? How can plants survive scorching temperatures? Can you eat Cactus? Get the answers to these questions on Ranger Evan’s Crazy for Cacti walk. This loop begins at the Blevins Trailhead located at the Trail Staging Area (east side of the park). We will be hiking approximately 3 miles, with [...]
The hike will follow sections of the Spur Cross and Metate Trails for 3 miles as the path moves from desert landscape down into riparian habitat. Hikers will be rewarded with impressive Saguaro Cacti and a variety of cholla species. The trail is rated as easy, but it can be sandy and rocky at times [...]
Join Ranger Nikki to learn all about desert tortoises and watch Tierra the Tortoise enjoy her breakfast. Learn all about desert tortoises during an indoor class and activity session with Ranger Nikki. You can also watch as Estrella’s resident tortoise ambassador, Tierra, enjoys her leafy green breakfast. Meeting Location: Nature Center Classroom Limit 25 participants. [...]
Want to watch the sunset with a great view? Want to learn more about the desert environment? Want to go for a splendid evening hike? If the answer is yes, then this hike is perfect for you! Join Ranger Evan as we hike along the Tortoise and Hilltop trails. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring water. [...]
A permitted mountain bike racing event will be occurring in the park. The event will be staged out of the Four Peaks Lot, parking will take place in Four Peaks and use the following trails: Small portion of Pemberton, Scenic, Cinch, Shallmo Wash, & Escondido The inbound lane on the main park road will be closed for [...]
Would you like to learn more about birdwatching and community science? Join Ranger Eric for a "Big Sit" style bird count in the front garden at the Visitor Center as we learn about birds and learn about community science, using eBird. We will discuss basic bird identification tips and counting methods. Bird feeders are located [...]
Maricopa County Parks-Desert Defenders-Native Seed Harvest Maricopa County Parks is hosting several native seed harvest events in April and May at several of our parks. The native seed harvested will be planted in habitat enhancement projects, invasive species removal areas, and parks impacted by wildfires. Collecting and planting local seed genotypes will help maintain the [...]
Maricopa County Parks-Desert Defenders-Native Seed Harvest Maricopa County Parks is hosting several native seed harvest events in April and May at several of our parks. The native seed harvested will be planted in habitat enhancement projects, invasive species removal areas, and parks impacted by wildfires. Collecting and planting local seed genotypes will help maintain the [...]
Join Ranger Eric to look for and learn about aquatic life in the Hassayampa River and Palm Lake with a guided walk and then classroom microscope activities to get close-up views of animals and plants. This is geared towards homeschoolers ages 6-12, but all ages welcome. Minors must be accompanied by an adult guardian. Please [...]
Come to the Nature Center and meet Ranger Kevin from 5:00pm to 6:30pm. The theme is Sonoran Desert Artifacts, so bring your curiosity and your questions! A table full of interesting objects will be on hand for you to inspect. No registration required, just drop on in! MEETING LOCATION: Back patio of Nature Center.
Join Ranger Nikki on a 2.5-mile hike on easy to moderate terrain to watch the full moon rise. The route will follow the park’s service road and loop back to return via Moonlight Trail. Restrooms and a drinking fountain are available at the park entrance. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring plenty of water. No pets, [...]
Join Ranger Kevin for a 1.8-mile hike on the Overton, Clay Mine and Go John Trails. Trail segments are rated easy, with just a few sections of loose rock and/or elevation change. We’ll enjoy the beauty of a quiet outdoor evening, walking through a desert landscape silvered by the moon and stars (weather permitting, of [...]
Join Ranger Eric for an after-hours 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 some will [...]
Join Ranger Eric to look for and learn about the resident and migratory birds of the Sonoran Desert on this easy to moderate 3.4-mile roundtrip hike. Along the way, we will also discuss ecology of the desert and how birds are adapted to this arid environment. Spring songbird migration will be at peak and the [...]
Join Ranger Kevin for a 3.7-mile hike along the Go John, Quartz, Slate and Jasper Trails. We’ll be pausing to look at what’s blooming in the desert (shrubs, cactus, trees, and maybe even some wildflowers) as well as butterflies and other animals along the way. The trail is rated moderate with some sections of loose [...]
GENERAL INFORMATION: The XC series finale. Riders will be at altitude and can expect pine trees plus some descending that will keep you grinning ear to ear! DIRECTIONS/CAMPING: Camping/parking is limited at this venue. Camping is permitted on National Forest Land near Fort Valley trailhead if you take the 164B road north. There is also [...]
Did you know that over 300 species of birds have been found at the Hassayampa River Preserve? Enjoy an easy-paced walk with seasoned birder and bird bander Anne Leight to spot and identify the many resident and migratory birds of the Preserve. Some binoculars are available to borrow. MEETING LOCATION: Visitor Center. Limit 10 participants. To register, please call [...]
Interpretive walk led by docents of the Friends of the San Pedro River. The San Pedro House, a 1930’s-era converted ranch house operating as a gift and bookstore, leads guided interpretive walks/hikes along the river and throughout the adjacent area, presents educational programs to schools and community groups, and assists the BLM in a variety [...]
About the Event For families that have little to no experience camping. Learn the basics of AZ's State Parks, and about hiking, archery, geocaching, fishing, local wildlife, campfire stories, bike clinic, service projects, and more. Fee required. Hosted by: Arizona State Parks
Stop by the Nature Center anytime between 10 and 11am to visit with Ranger Nikki and learn about San Tan’s permitted animal ambassadors. Meet Wally the Chuckwalla, Cleo the Kingsnake, Cherry the Tarantula and more. Informational handouts and coloring sheets will be available to take home.
Join Ranger Eric for a guided, hike along the Black Rock and Waterfall Trails to look for reptiles of the Sonoran Desert. Along the way, we will discuss identification tips, their ecological roles, and safety around venomous animals. We will hike 2 miles roundtrip on easy to moderate terrain, meaning occasionally rocky or uneven surfaces. [...]
Join Ranger Steve in the Discovery Center for a live display of invertebrate wildlife such as scorpions, spiders, centipedes, and more! Bring your questions and curiosity! MEETING LOCATION: Discovery Center Lobby
Join Ranger Kevin for a roughly 1.8-mile round-trip hike to the Clay Mine, site of a fortune made not of gold, but of snake oil. Program features a tour of the mine itself. Please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and bring water. Restrooms are available at the Nature Center. NO pets, please. MEETING LOCATION: Area near [...]
Join Ranger Steve for an evening walk on the Roadrunner Trail to look for and learn about the nocturnal critters of Lake Pleasant! Wildlife seen on past walks have included snakes, bats, ringtails, foxes, skunks, javelinas, burros, deer, owls, scorpions, insects, and other cool creepy crawlies! Please bring your own flashlights and blacklights if you [...]
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