Desert Discovery Ride
A no-drop group ride (about 3 hours) with several rest stops and some moderate climbs, for advanced beginner to intermediate riders; no high technical skill needed. Free; RSVP on the event page.
A no-drop group ride (about 3 hours) with several rest stops and some moderate climbs, for advanced beginner to intermediate riders; no high technical skill needed. Free; RSVP on the event page.
McDowell Sonoran Conservancy's Sonoran Sundays series at the Gateway Trailhead: Sonoran Soaring: Desert Birds of Prey, presented by Wild at Heart. Free; RSVP on the event page.
A very difficult 9.3-mile hike (about 5 hours, 1,500+ ft elevation change) climbing to Tom's Thumb and East End, then returning through McDowell Mountain Regional Park. Free; RSVP on the event page.
The Gilbert Riparian Preserve is one of the Valley's most important urban wildlife habitats. This guided walk with park rangers from the preserve explores wetlands, birds, and the critical role riparian areas play in desert ecosystems. Part of the Arizona Wildlife Federation's monthly All Afield Hikes series. Registration was not yet open as of this [...]
A walk on how desert wildlife communicates through sight, sound, scent, movement and vibration. Free; RSVP on the event page.
A search for signs of nocturnal desert animals, such as middens, burrows and holes, along the Camino Campana. Free; RSVP on the event page.
A difficult 7.5-mile hike (about 3.5 hours, 280 ft gain) past several of the Preserve's iconic granite formations, best for experienced hikers. Free; RSVP on the event page.
An easy, roughly 3-mile hike on the connections between desert plants, animals and the holidays. Free; RSVP on the event page.
A moderate 4.5-mile holiday hike on the Gateway Loop (about 2.5 hours, 700 ft gain) with the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy. Free; RSVP on the event page.
A look at how plants have been used for wellbeing, including medicinal plants found in the Preserve. Free; RSVP on the event page.
Enjoy the fresh air, get some exercise, and test your navigation skills at this weeklong competition in Southeast Arizona. This event serves as the International Orienteering Federation (IOF) North American Orienteering Championships (NAOC), North American Junior Orienteering Championships (NAJOC), and North American Youth Orienteering Championships (NAYOC). There are three Event Venues, spread roughly 100 miles [...]
A very difficult 9.7-mile hike (about 4.5 hours, 322 ft gain) with views and granite formations, for experienced hikers. Free; RSVP on the event page.
A guided walk giving a geological and ecological overview of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve's plants and animals. Free; RSVP on the event page.
Multiple Small Group Mentored Quail / Upland Bird Hunts throughout the Sesaon (Oct. 16 - Feb. 7, 2027) for new or beginning hunters. Date, time and location by arrangement. Topics include firearm shooting, safety and target shooting practice at a safe shooting range prior to going out hunting. Then in the field, your group will [...]
Multiple Small Group Mentored Predator Hunts are available throughout the year for new or beginning hunters. Schedule a date, time and location that works for you. Topics include firearm shooting, safety and target shooting practice at a safe shooting range prior to going out hunting. Then in the field, your group will learn the ins [...]
Multiple Small Group Mentored Rabbit (cottontail & jackrabbit) Hunts throughout the year for new or beginning hunters. Date, time and location by arrangement. Offerings include firearm shooting, safety and target shooting practice at a safe shooting range prior to going out hunting. Then in the field, we will walk you through all the ins and [...]
Multiple Small Group Mentored Late Season Dove Hunts Nov. 20 - Jan. 3, 2027, for new or beginning hunters. Date, time and location by arrangement. Offerings include firearm shooting, safety and target shooting practice at a safe shooting range prior to going out hunting. Then in the field, we will walk you through all the [...]
Come on out to this beginners duck camp where no experience is preferred. Learn to identify, hunt and clean waterfowl. Learn skills to use in the duck blinds. Open to ages 12-17 accompanied by an adult. Space is limited, registration required. Fee may be required. Information and Registration contact: AZGFD Kingman, 928-692-7700 Important: Registration is required [...]
An easy two-hour walk with birding experts to spot year-round residents and possibly migrating birds. Free; RSVP on the event page.
Multiple Small Group Mentored Late Season Dove Hunts Nov. 20 - Jan. 3, 2027 for beginning hunters. Date, time and location by arrangement. Offerings include firearm shooting, safety and target shooting practice at a safe shooting range prior to going out hunting. Then in the field, we will walk you through all the ins and [...]
Join us to learn about Arizona's hummingbirds and the role they play in the desert ecosystem with Hilary Morejon of the International Hummingbird Society.. This talk covers their biology, behavior, and adaptations, along with how people can support them from home. Whether you keep a feeder in your yard or just enjoy watching them fly [...]
A volunteer herbalist leads a guided walk through the Michael Moore Medicinal Garden at Mission Garden. Learn about the medicinal value of the plants, their traditional uses, and the knowledge surrounding them. Advance registration is required; see the Mission Garden event page for the sign-up link and price.
A guided walk giving a geological and ecological overview of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve's plants and animals and how they survive. Free; RSVP on the event page.
Get ready to explore the night sky! Kevin Legore of Focus Astronomy will explore what practical tips for getting started with astronomy at home, from choosing gear to knowing when and where to look. Afterwards, join their team to explore the night sky with professional-grade telescopes. Whether you're new to stargazing or already know your [...]
A resident bird expert leads a walk through Mission Garden to observe the birds that live in or visit the garden. Take your time, explore the grounds, and learn about local birds. Everyone is welcome, whether you are an experienced birder or just curious. Bring binoculars and comfortable walking shoes. Meet at the front entrance. [...]
Come camping and learn to hunt jackrabbits, predators, quail, and javelina (tag req’d). Mentors will be available. Learn hunting how-to’s, safety, ethics, campfire. Enjoy Q&A with Wildlife Managers, trivia games and more! *All meals provided* Contact: Kara, Kara.Jensen.Az@gmail.com, 602-309-2517, www.arizonapredatorcallers.com Important: Registration is required for each person in the party attending the event due to capacity and [...]
Take advantage of this great opportunity for youth javelina hunter tag holders and their families wanting to learn about javelina hunting, including glassing, habitat, tracking, field care, rules and regs, and more. Register for this mentored hunting camp that will provide breakfasts and dinners. Contact: info@intothewildoutdoors.org, 520-507-0871, www.intothewildoutdoors.org Important: Registration is required for each person in the [...]
Enjoy a camping experience where mentors will help with locating, tracking and field dressing. Hunters must have hunter ed, Youth Javelina Hunt Permit tag, and / or OTC archery deer tag, sleeping/camping gear, hunting gear and firearm. Meals will be provided. Drawings will be held for those in the main camp. All must register with [...]
Come on out to this youth camp and receive assistance with javelina and small game hunting. Outdoor activities and cooked meals will be provided. Mentoring will be available. Information: www.youthoutdoorsunlimited.com About the Location Directions (from Phoenix): Take I-17 North heading for Flagstaff go to Carefree Highway (AZ 74) go west on Carefree Highway (AZ 74) [...]
Do you want to learn about glassing, safety, ethics, field care and more? Come to this camp for youth javelina tag holders and their families. Mentors will be available and meals will be provided. Dispersed camping only. Location: South of Rye, Barnhardt Rd., West of Highway 87. 11 miles south of Payson. Turn onto Barnhard Trail [...]
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