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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
New to the Desert? Want to learn more about the desert environment? Want to go for a splendid hike? If the answer is yes, then this hike is perfect for you! Bring plenty of water and wear closed-toe shoes. We will be hiking in total about 3.5 miles. Bathrooms are available near the parking lot. [...]
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. This time of year is peak spring songbird migration, so high species diversity and rarities might be found! Along the way we will discuss how to identify [...]
Join Ranger Eric for a guided hike to look for reptiles of the Sonoran Desert and riparian habitats along the Preserve’s trails! Along the way, we will discuss identification tips, their ecological roles, and safety around venomous animals. We will hike about 1 mile, with some sandy or uneven surfaces. Please wear protective clothing or [...]
Lake Pleasant is creating a Monday clean-up crew. If you are available on any Monday, please join us as we pick up litter along the shoreline. Date- Every Monday from 4/10/23-10/30/23 Time – April 7:00am-9:00am May-Oct 6:00am-8:00am Location – Park at Castle Hot Springs dirt lot near the entry station. Meet with Park Assistant Doug [...]
Fishing Utah's Green River - Scott Barrus is the owner/operator of Spinner Fall Guide Service on Utah’s Green River. Scott became sole owner in 2010 and has built his company with a focus on teaching and an emphasis on dry fly fishing. When he’s not rowing the river, you can find Scott hiking, camping, snowboarding, [...]
Join Ranger Kevin for an approximately 2.6-mile hike along the Gila, Baseline, Toothaker and Horseshoe Trails. We’ll be pausing to admire and sing the praises of the saguaros, chollas, barrels (and more!) that grow in this part of the Sonoran Desert on this, National Cactus Day. We’ll also talk about some of the amazing adaptations [...]
Join docent Coni for a 2-3 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 maybe taste some wolfberries….and yes – all with wonderful views! Wear sturdy shoes and hat and bring [...]
This Homeschool Happenings event will focus on many different kinds of cactus that live in the Sonoran Desert. Come along on this learning adventure as we explore the things that make cactus special and how they help the other desert plants and animals survive. Then we’ll head outside on a cactus safari and see how [...]
About the Event Our popular series of educator webinars focused on hard-to-love wildlife species continues. They are sometimes called the unlovables. A variety of animals that people find incredibly difficult to love and appreciate. Maybe it is the way they look or how they behave. Maybe it is just misconceptions. Whatever the reason, many people [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
We will be hiking two miles out and two miles back on the Go John trail on the search for unique native plant species as well as other wildlife. The trail can be rocky, steep, and uneven in places, so it is recommended you wear close-toed shoes with good ankle support. Please dress for the [...]
Join Ranger Nikki on a 5.5-mile easy to moderate hike at sunrise to see and hear the sounds of the morning desert. We will watch for birds, mammals and reptiles as the sun rises and the day warms up. The route follows San Tan and Hedgehog Trails. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring a hat, sunscreen [...]
Learn about birds of Sonoran Desert and migrant birds on this walk with Ranger Eric. We will meet at the Beardsley Trailhead off of Beardsley CSR Rd., accessed on the north side of Hwy. 74 immediately east of the highway bridge over the Agua Fria River (see map: https://www.maricopacountyparks.net/assets/1/6/lake-pleasant-8x111.pdf). We will hike on the Beardsley Trail [...]
Join park volunteer Chris Reed on this easy 2 mile hike up the Waterfall Trail and step back in time to see the hidden treasures along this partially barrier-free interpretive trail. See ancient Hohokam petroglyphs and perhaps even some wildlife! Please wear a hat and/or sunscreen and sturdy footwear. Please bring plenty of water and [...]
Join Ranger Eric for a guided, hike along the Cottonwood Trail 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 2.4 miles roundtrip on mostly easy terrain, but with occasionally rocky or uneven surfaces. Restrooms are available [...]
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