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 [...]
Join Ranger Nikki on a 6-mile hike to learn about San Tan Park and local history, including prehistoric residents, mining and “Mountain Man” Mansel Carter. The route follows the Goldmine to Dynamite loop starting at the Nature Center. The ascent and descent of Goldmine Mountain are rated difficult and the remainder of the trails are [...]
Drop by to meet Ranger Steve in the White Tank Nature Center to learn about the venomous animals that inhabit the Park. We’ll discuss the differences between venom and poison, common myths about snakes and other venomous animals, and how they are beneficial to the ecosystem. We’ll also have some ambassador animals on hand, so [...]
Join Ranger Steve for an evening trail walk to look for and learn about the nocturnal critters of the Sonoran Desert! Wildlife seen on past walks have included snakes, 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. Please [...]
Join Ranger Nikki on a 3.5-mile hike on easy terrain to explore our fascinating Sonoran Desert in search of flowering saguaros and other cactus blooms such as cholla and barrels. The route includes Lost Sheep, Moon Rock and Chain Fruit Trails. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring water, a hat and sunscreen. Water and restrooms are [...]
Come join us for a quiet walk along our easy to moderate scenic trails in search of local and migratory birds. "Vultures" program will follow inside the Nature Center. Meet for the bird walk on the back patio of the Cave Creek Regional Park Nature Center at 7:00am. No dogs allowed. Registration is required for this program. Attendance is [...]
May 20 Saturday, 7 am Cave Creek Regional Park, Program to Follow, “Vultures” or “Flowers that fire the imagination “
Come on a strenuous 4.5-mile hike through the White Tank Mountains on the search for great views and the unique elephant trees that dot the hillsides. The trail is considered difficult and during our hike will gain 900ft of elevation. The hike will take several hours, so please bring plenty of water (at least 3 [...]
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 [...]
Wild & Edible Plants and Mushrooms of the White Mountains Join a former Arizona Parks Ranger on a short walk to Big Springs and back, and have a chance to taste some wild treats directly from nature! Suggested donation $10 for adults Kids and Members FREE
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 [...]
About the Event This is a classroom-based course that covers a variety of topics including boating terminology, things to know before getting on the water, how to operate your boat safely, legal requirements, and what to do in emergencies. We will be working out of a booklet so bring reading glasses if needed. You may [...]
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
Escape the desert heat in the White Tank Nature Center and learn about and touch native Sonoran Desert snake species. The table will also have snake skins, sheds, photos and coloring pages for the kids. No registration required, just drop on in! MEETING LOCATION: Nature Center by the library
Experience the beauty of McDowell Mountain Regional Park on an array of fun and fast courses at the Adrenaline Night Runs. Our 6K distance is perfect for first time night trail runners and the challenging 10K will push those ready for a new challenge. This race is part of the 2023 Insomniac Night Trail Run Series with [...]
Join Ranger Steve for an evening trail walk to look for and learn about the nocturnal critters of the Sonoran Desert! Wildlife seen on past walks have included snakes, 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. Please [...]
Come join Ranger Kevin as we hike the 3 miles along Yavapai Point Trail. We'll be stopping to look at various plants and animals as we make our way to the top, where a spectacular view of Lake Pleasant awaits us. This trail is rated moderate, with some sections of loose, rocky terrain and substantial [...]
Join Ranger Derik on the 2.6-mile Baseline Trail. We will be meeting at the Nature Center and heading out as a group from there. The trail is rocky and uneven so it is encouraged that everyone wear sturdy close toed shoes and appropriate clothing for the weather. The nature center has bathrooms and well as [...]
A discover station with real samples of cacti, as well as pictures of fruits and flowers, will be on display for several hours in the Nature Center. A ranger will be present to answer any of your Sonoran Desert questions. Coloring pages will also be available for kids to take home. No registration required, just [...]
Come to the Discovery Center and meet Ranger Kevin from 12 pm to 2 pm. 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: Main lobby of Discovery [...]
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 [...]
This hike will be a long, but very rewarding hike with elevation change and rocky terrain. Please bring lots of water, hiking shoes/boots, and sun protection. MEETING LOCATION: Pass Mountain Trailhead at trailhead staging area. Limit 15 participants. To register, please call the Nature Center at (602) 506-2930 ext. 4 with your name, phone number [...]
Join Ranger Kevin on one of the toughest trails in the park and learn about the desert along the way. We will meet at the Go John Trailhead to start this hike. The Go John Trail is nearly 5.8 miles, so make sure you bring plenty of water and pack a snack for this one. [...]
Join Ranger Nikki on a 3.5-mile hike to learn about desert plants, shrubs and legume trees. The loop route includes South, Mule Deer and Bajada Trails. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring water, a hat and sunscreen. Restrooms are available at the trailhead and water is available at the Nature Center. MEETING LOCATION: Area 1 at [...]
Ranger Nikki will lead a talk on coyotes that live in our desert and sometimes visit our neighborhoods. Learn about their life cycle, diet, habitat and more. This talk takes place in the Nature Center classroom. Water and restrooms are available at the Nature Center. MEETING LOCATION: Nature Center No registration required.
Come to the Nature Center and meet Ranger Kevin from 1 pm to 2:30 pm. 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: Nature Center main lobby.
Have you ever wondered what is crawling under your feet when you’re out on the trail or what might be calling your backyard home? Head to the critter room in the back of the Nature Center and stop by a discover table featuring living and preserved insect and arachnid species that can be found throughout [...]
Join Ranger Derik on the 3-mile loop North Trail in the heart of McDowell Regional Park. The trail is a mix of small rolling hills and washes on sandy and rocky trail. It is encouraged that you wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water with you. Limit 20 participants. To register, please call the [...]
Join Ranger Steve for an after hours trail walk to look for and learn about the nocturnal critters of the Sonoran Desert! Wildlife seen on past walks have included snakes, 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. [...]
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