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 [...]
The fourth Annual AZTU-GCC Fish Camp for three one-week sessions starting June 4, 2023. The camp is limited to 12 campers per session, ages 13-18, and is open to both boys and girls. Although the camp is run in conjunction with GCC’s scout camp, the program is open to all. This limited size camp allows [...]
On this hike, learn about the many adaptations that cacti use to help survive the harsh desert climate. The Lost Sheep Trail is 2.2 miles long and is rated as easy. The trail winds through cacti and washes so it is encouraged that you wear sturdy close toed shoes. There are bathrooms and water fountains [...]
Join Ranger Nikki on a moderate terrain hike to learn about a variety of cacti in the park: saguaros, barrels, cholla, prickly pear and more. The 4.5-mile route uses San Tan, Hedgehog and Moonlight Trails. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water. Restrooms and water are available at the Nature [...]
The hike will wind through rolling hills, sandy washes and desert canyons while offering spectacular views of the Tonto National Forest. During the hike we will learn about the many cacti species that call the park home and how they have adapted to life in the Sonoran Desert. Spur Cross has few amenities and no [...]
Snakes!! Scorpions!! Black Widows!! Are you scared yet? If you said yes, then this program is perfect for you to come learn the benefits of these critters, and why we should want to learn how to live with them. Please feel free to bring your lunch or just a snack to nibble on while you [...]
Join Ranger Kevin for a 2.7-mile night hike on the North 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 rock [...]
Join Ranger Nikki on a 1.3-mile easy hike to learn about our fascinating Sonoran Desert and how plants and animals survive, particularly during the summer. The route follows Black Rock Loop. 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. [...]
This short hike with Rangers Evan, Eric, and Shuan is considered very easy but please come prepared for the summer heat! We will be meeting in the Visitor Center and then making are way around Palm Lake. If you enjoy learning about ecology and biology, then this hike is perfect for you! If you just [...]
About the Event There will be scheduled classes covering: Hunter Ethics, Glassing, Tracking, Field Dressing, Shooting Skills, GPS, Map Reading, Camping, Meat Processing, Wild Game Cooking, Quail Forever Shotgun Shooting, BOWTA Shooting Skills
Join Ranger Nikki for a talk about our desert’s majestic saguaro cacti. Learn about their life cycle from tiny seed to fallen skeleton and all the beneficial things it provides in between. This program will take place inside the Nature Center and venture outside a short distance for firsthand observations. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring [...]
Learn about the Preserve’s historic stand of California fan palms, how these tropical trees can grow in the desert Southwest, and their importance to both wildlife and native cultures. Did you know that these palms were sourced from a native population in Arizona? Find out more! We will be hosting this table inside the air-conditioned [...]
Join us in the pines of Flagstaff for our only night race in Northern Arizona at the Blackout Night Runs. This race takes place on the eve of the annual camping extravaganza at the Big Pine Trail Runs. Do both and earn a "double down" medal! This race is part of the 2023 Insomniac Night Trail [...]
Join Ranger Kevin for an approximately 1.8-mile, out-and-back hike on the Grey Fox Trail. Trail is rated easy, with little elevation change, and little loose rock/uneven terrain. We’ll be searching for the three species of scorpion that inhabit this part of the Sonoran Desert. Afterwards, we’ll take some time to take in the night sky, [...]
We will hike 2 miles along the Pipeline Canyon Trail and stop periodically to take pictures of the plants, animals and landscapes found in the Sonoran Desert. The trail is rated as moderate with gradual elevation gain in sometimes rocky trail. We will be starting early in the morning, but it is encouraged that you [...]
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 Eric for a guided hike along the Rock Peak Wash 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 2-3 miles roundtrip on easy, but sandy terrain of a desert wash. Please wear protective [...]
Join Ranger Nikki on an easy hike to learn about a variety of cacti: saguaros, barrels, cholla, prickly pear and more. The route is approximately 2 miles long and follows Rainbow Valley, Baseline, Toothaker, and a portion of Butterfield to make a loop using the Arena parking lot. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring a hat, [...]
Healthy ecosystems are important to maintain. Enjoy a hike with a Forest Service employee, Christopher Hansen, and learn how the Lakeside District is working to improve forest and aquatic health while protecting our homes from wildfire. Suggested donation for adults of $10 Kids and Members FREE
Join Ranger Nikki for a talk about our desert’s majestic saguaro cacti. Learn about their life cycle from tiny seed to fallen skeleton and all the beneficial things it provides in between. This program will take place inside the Nature Center and venture outside a short distance for firsthand observations. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring [...]
Come learn about cacti of the Sonoran Desert and Phoenix area! Ranger Evan will host this discovery station table at the Usery Nature Center. Nearby there are live examples of a variety of cacti to see on the trail next to the center. No registration required. MEETING LOCATION: Nature Center No registration required. Just drop [...]
Join us for this in person hike with pack goats from Lazy Ranch Pack Goats as part of the nation wide DU Dash! Event Info Balancing Rock Trail (5.7 miles) in the Granite Mountain Wilderness 10:30am - Meet at the Cayuse Equestrian Trailhead & Picnic Area 11am - Start Hike 12pm - Stop halfway for [...]
Author Wynne Brown will take attendees on a visual journey of the life and work of Sara Plummer Lemmon, for whom Arizona’s Mount Lemmon is named. Wynne Brown is a freelance writer/editor/graphic designer based in Tucson on the Arizona lands of the Tohono O’odham Nation and the Pascua Yaqui Tribe. In 2022 her book, The [...]
The fourth Annual AZTU-GCC Fish Camp for three one-week sessions starting June 4, 2023. The camp is limited to 12 campers per session, ages 13-18, and is open to both boys and girls. Although the camp is run in conjunction with GCC’s scout camp, the program is open to all. This limited size camp allows [...]
Join Ranger Nikki on a 5.5-mile easy to moderate hike at to look and listen 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 and plenty of water. Restrooms and water are available at [...]
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 eBird and citizen science, how to identify birds by sight and sound, and about the behavioral and ecological traits that make them [...]
Basic SAFETY, handling, familiarization; breathing, aiming, posture & trigger squeeze technique, getting you on point to face threats. 1 hour of classroom time and safety briefing, followed by 1 hour of Range time; for only $150! Extra time is optional for $50 for the 3rd hour and only $25 for a 4th! If you're on [...]
Join Ranger Nikki on a 2-mile walk on easy terrain to being among saguaros and other cacti during a beautiful desert sunset. The route is an out-and-back walk on the park’s maintained Service Road. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring water. Restrooms and water are available at the Nature Center. Please bring $7 exact cash for the [...]
Join Ranger Evan for a fun and informative live display of venomous animals! Bring your questions and curiosity as you learn things such as the difference between venom and poison, common myths about venomous animals, and even meet a few of our animal ambassadors! MEETING LOCATION: Nature Center No registration required. Just drop in anytime [...]
Join Ranger Steve for an easy-moderate after-dark trail walk on the North Pipeline Trail to search for nocturnal wildlife! There’s no predetermined distance we’ll travel; due to the heat, we will take it slow and focus on finding wildlife. A good plan would be to assume a 1–2-mile hike with the potential for less. On [...]
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