Be Outdoors Arizona

Arizona Navigation Competition #2 - Rim Country Navigation Games
2026-07-18 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Phoenix) | TBD
Are you up for a challenge? Come on out either solo or with your team and compete in the games!

Adventure Race

6/12-hour run/bike/paddle
Navigation by foot and optionally by mountain bike and packraft
Teams of 1 to 4 Individuals (Solos allowed)
Inflatable and portable watercraft only

Rograine

3/6/13-hour rograine
Navigation on foot
Solos and teams welcome

Update 27 Jun: Start and finish somewhere in the Lake Mary area

Details to be determined
Lodging Suggestions: Motels in Flagstaff, dispersed camping near Marshall Lake
Exact start/finish announced ~1 week before the event date.
Registration is limited

Regular Registration Until: Sunday, Jul 5 at 11:59 PM
Late Registration Begins: Monday, Jul 6 at 00:00 AM
Late Registration Closes: Sunday, Jul 12 at 11:59 PM

Morning Hike with Lynn
2026-07-18 08:30 - 09:30 | White Mountain Nature Center, 20304 W White Tank Mountain Rd, Waddell, AZ, 85355, United States
Join our TRACKS hike leader Lynn as she takes a short hike over to Big Springs. Meet in the parking lot at White Mountain Nature Center.

Wild Neighbors: Prairie Dog Edition
2026-07-18 09:00 - 11:00 | Campbell Mesa Trailhead, Forest Service Rd 790, Flagstaff, 86004
Flagstaff is home to Gunnison’s prairie dogs, a species native to grasslands in the Four Corners region. See prairie dogs (and maybe their pups!) in the wild and learn about these beneficial critters from Habitat Harmony. Free event held at Campbell Mesa; park at the trailhead and meet across the street at the old memorial park.

Nature Story Time
2026-07-18 12:00 - 13:00 | White Mountain Nature Center, 20304 W White Tank Mountain Rd, Waddell, AZ, 85355, United States
Nature-themed story time for kids, hosted with Tammy from the library. Part of White Mountain Nature Center’s regular programming.

Lakeside Park Map Run
2026-07-19 07:30 - 09:30 | Lakeside Park Ramada
Come down to the lakeshore to beat the heat and test your mettle at the Lakeside Park MapRun, or head over at your convenience later in the day, or later in the summer.
Location, Directions, and Parking: Let’s meet at the ramada in the center of Lakeside Park near Pantano Road and Stella Road. There’s plenty of parking if you use the entrances off Stella Road.
Courses: One speedy, 2.8km MapRun course is offered.
MapRun Phone App: We will use the MapRun app for timing and punch verification, instead of control flags and epunches. Please download the app to your iOS or Android phone before the event, but if you forget, we can show you how on-site. Here is a short video explaining MapRun. There will be a volunteer at the event who will show you how to use MapRun if you’ve never done it before.
Maps: 1:4,000-scale maps will be provided to all participants at the event site on July 19th. Participants choosing the later option will be sent a PDF of the map to print at home.
Schedule:

7:30 am – Check-in, first chance to start

7:45 am – Free beginners’ clinic starts. Please arrive 15 minutes early if you wish to attend.

9:30 am – Facilitator is heading to breakfast; folks still running are responsible for getting themselves home.

Registration: Pre-registration is required in order to keep an eye on crowd size and prepare the right number of maps. Everyone must register as an individual even if you plan on going as a team. See who has already signed up. Registration closes at 3:00 pm, Saturday, July 18th.

Late Starts Available: If you cannot attend the event on July 19th, you can do the course on your own anytime between July 20th and August 8th. When registering, select “Until Aug 8” and you will be sent a link for downloading a PDF map, which you can print yourself. Your results will appear on the MapRun website and app.
What to Bring:

Phone with updated MapRun app

Safety whistle is required (whistles can be purchased on site for $1)

Compass (compass can be rented on site for $1)

Water (and snacks if desired)

Youth Participants: All participants under 18 must provide a waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian. For details, see our Instructions for Minors. These instructions are for anyone who will be bringing a minor child under 18 to an event.
Volunteer to Help at Event: We can always use volunteer help at the event. Don’t worry if you haven’t volunteered before; we can show you. You can volunteer when registering online. Or you can volunteer here, and your message will be forwarded to the meet director.
Safety Information: To ensure that all are safe, everyone, whether finished with the course or not, must check in formally at Start/Finish before courses close and before leaving the event site.

All Afield Hike with AWF at Madera Canyon
2026-07-19 08:00 - 10:30 | Madera Canyon, Santa Rita Mountains, Arizona, US, AZ, United States
Explore the gateway to Arizona’s remarkable Sky Island region on the Proctor Road Nature Trail, an easy hike that winds through oak woodland, desert grassland, and lush riparian habitat beneath the Santa Rita Mountains. Along the way, enjoy outstanding opportunities to spot hummingbirds and other wildlife while discovering why Madera Canyon is considered one of the nation’s premier destinations for birding and biodiversity. Part of the Arizona Wildlife Federation’s monthly All Afield Hikes series.

Join Bird Walk at Higley Ponds
2026-07-20 06:00 - 07:30 | Higley Pond
This June, join the bird walk along Higley Ponds. These four ponds along Higley Road are renowned for bird watching.

Stay Informed of Events About Rio Salado Audubon
2026-07-21 11:00 - 12:00 | Online Virtual Format
Stay informed about upcoming events at Rio Salado Audubon by joining the the Audubon Chapter Mobilize User Group. Listen and ask questions to leaders and converse with fellow members.

Geology Rocks! in Downtown Flagstaff
2026-07-23 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-07-28 10:00 - 11:00 | Coconino County Courthouse Lawn, 200 North San Francisco Street, Flagstaff, 86001
Take advantage of this unique opportunity to explore downtown like never before. Join Willow Bend Environmental Education Center for a 45 minute- 1 hour guided walking Downtown Geology Tour inspired by local Flagstaff author, Marie Jackson’s book, Stone Landmarks.
This exclusive experience offers a fresh perspective on downtown Flagstaff, blending natural history, architecture, and local heritage. The meeting location will be sent upon registration.
Learn about the ancient stones used to build Flagstaff’s iconic structures, including Moenkopi Sandstone, Pumiceous Dacite, Kaibab Limestone, and Malapais Basalt. Discover how architectural styles evolved, how preferences for rock types changed over time, and how geology intersects with local history.
Highlights include:

Searching for fossils on the Ice House walls

Identifying the stone known as “Arizona Red”

Visiting a mini “Grand Canyon” at Heritage Square

Viewing intricate stone etchings—and more!

This tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and suitable for all ages. Registration is required.
Cancellation Policy:
If you need to cancel your registration, please email info@willowbendcenter.org with at least 72 hours notice to receive a full refund, or to be rebooked on a future tour.
This event may be cancelled in the event of low attendance or inclement weather. If cancelled, tour participants will be given the option to either receive a refund or be rebooked on a future tour.

Birds and Brew Coffee Break
2026-07-24 06:00 - 09:30 | Gilbert Riparian Reserve, 2757 E Guadalupe Rd,, Gilbert, AZ, 85234, United States
Join us for our monthly birding and social event at the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch.
Desert Rivers launched the Birds & Brew Coffee Break to help you make new friends while learning about our wide variety of birds.
First we visit Gilbert Riparian Preserve about an hour after sunrise.
We meet at the entrance to the preserve near the parking lot, then a leader guides the group around the ponds where more than 200 birds have been seen over the years. About an hour later we travel to Coffee Rush at 53 N Val Vista Dr in Gilbert, for coffee, conversation and a short presentation .
This event is on the fourth Tuesday of every month. No registration necessary.

Wildflower Walk
2026-07-24 09:30 - 10:30 | The Arboretum at Flagstaff, 4001 S. Woody Mountain Road, Flagstaff, 86005, United States
Join the Arboretum’s knowledgeable staff for a morning walk through the gardens, spotting summer wildflowers in bloom. Registration required.

Green Mountain 1C - Volunteer Event
2026-07-25 07:30 - 15:00 | Passage 11E, near the Santa Catalinas, Tucson
Please join the Arizona Trail Association (ATA) on Passage 11E, in the Santa Catalina Mountain Region near Tucson, for a trail work event. This will continue the work that was done on the 7/11 event, brushing the trail and improving the tread. The project area is about 2 miles from the trailhead, so anticipate hiking between 4 and 5 miles for the day with our tools. This project is rated moderate.
The project will focus on brushing [removing vegetation from the trail corridor to keep the trail open to users] and treadwork [repairing or improving the trail surface]. This means working with hand saws, loppers, pick mattocks, and Mcleods, but other kinds of tasks may be needed once we are on site.
All tools and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be provided. No prior trail work experience is required – we’ll provide necessary instruction and guidance for new volunteers.
Please wear long sleeves, long pants, and sturdy shoes. Bring sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, headcovering, etc.), 2L of drinking water/electrolytes, and your own snacks. Lunch will be provided.
The meeting location is easily accessible by passenger car, and there will be a carpooling option. Details for meeting location and final instructions will be provided to registered volunteers about 3-4 days in advance of the event.
If you have any questions or would like more information about the event, please contact the event host, Tasha.
Space is limited – reserve your spot today!
Ancestral lands of the Tohono O’odham; Ndee/Nnee (Western Apache)

Digging (in) the Oaks - Volunteer Project
2026-07-25 08:00 - 17:00 | Flagstaff, Mormon Lake
Please join the Arizona Trail Association to work on Passage 29 of the Arizona Trail near Mormon Lake. The project will focus on drains & brushing.
You’ll be using tools such as McLeods, pick mattocks, rogue hoes, pulaskis, rakes, and shovels—but no experience is required! Crew leaders will provide all the training and guidance you need to make a difference.
Lunches & snacks will be provided both days, dinner Saturday night + breakfast on Sunday. All tools and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be provided. Final details, including camp spot, meeting times and packing suggestions, will be sent to registered volunteers a few days before the event. If you have questions, please email Heidi Larson at Heidi@aztrail.org.
This project is rated moderate. For more information or to register for the event, visit our volunteer portal.

Payson Flycasters club meeting
2026-07-25 09:00 - 23:00 | TBD
Come visit us! We learn from guest presenters various facets of Fly Fishing and Conservation. Past presenters have included the AZ Fish & Game Commissioner, Hatchery Managers, and Fly fishing entrepreneurs. We also plan and report on fishing trips that we take individually and as an organization. Additionally each Tuesday we meet at Tiny’s for our “Lie and Tie” where we have lunch and learn and tie a new bug. Interspersed with “awe inspiring” tales of members latest fishing adventure in Rim Country

Reptiles and Amphibians of the Colorado Plateau
2026-07-25 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-07-26 10:00 - 11:00 | The Arboretum at Flagstaff, 4001 S. Woody Mountain Road, Flagstaff, 86005, United States
Come hang out with some new scaly and slithery friends at the Ramada — an up-close look at the reptiles and amphibians of the Colorado Plateau.

Outdoor Mindset Local Meetup
2026-07-26 09:00 - 11:00 | Miller Canyon, Hereford, 85615
What: Join us for our inaugural meetup in this area!

This is a gentle 2.8-mile out-and-back hike with lots of shaded areas that takes about 1-1.5 hours round trip.

If the group wants, we can continue on from there onto the Upper Miller Trail up to the Palmerlee ruins, or we can turn around and call it a day.

How to find us: We will meet at the Lower Miller parking area and take the Lower Miller Canyon Trail #172 to the upper parking area.

We will determine the day before if the event needs to be canceled or postponed due to weather. If we have to cancel, please check your email and/or text!

Where: Miller Canyon Lower Parking

What to Bring: Bring water (none on site), sunscreen, snacks, and a lunch if you want to enjoy a picnic after we hike or at the ruins. Dogs are welcome on the trails, but must remain on leash. There are vault toilets at the parking area.

Raptor Education
2026-07-26 10:30 - 12:30 | The Arboretum at Flagstaff, 4001 S. Woody Mountain Road, Flagstaff, 86005, United States
Join Michelle from the International Raptor & Falconry Center to learn about the conservation of raptor species worldwide and their place in the ecosystem. IRFC is a non-profit organization; donations are welcome.

Lecture: Keeping Arizona Wild — The People, Partnerships, and Purpose Behind Conservation
2026-07-28 18:30 - 20:00 | Mustang Library, 10101 N 90th Street, Scottsdale, AZ, 85258, United States
A lecture exploring the people, partnerships, and purpose behind conservation efforts protecting the McDowell Sonoran Preserve and the broader Arizona landscape. Part of the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy’s lecture series.

Midweek Meander up the Mesa - Volunteer Event
2026-07-29 09:00 - 15:00 | Passage 31, Walnut Canyon, Flagstaff, United States
Join the Arizona Trail Association (ATA) to work on Passage 31, near Walnut Canyon, just South of Flagstaff.
The focus will be on brushing, tread repair & building drains. The tools used will include McLeods, pick mattocks, rogue hoes, pulaskis, rakes, and shovels—but no experience is required! Crew leaders will provide all the training and guidance you need to make a difference.
All tools, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and lunches will be provided. Final details, including meeting times and packing suggestions, will be sent to registered volunteers a few days before the event.

Hunting Skills Camp
2026-07-30 17:00 - 2026-08-02 11:00 | Upper Wolf Creek Group Campground, Prescott, Prescott, AZ, 86303, United States
Learn the ins and outs of hunting in Arizona at the Arizona Mule Deer Organization’s Hunting Skills Clinic. Scheduled classes include:

Hunter ethics
Glassing
Tracking
Field dressing
GPS
Map reading
Camping
Meat processing
Wild game cooking
Shotgun shooting
Rifle shooting

28 of 35 seats remaining.
Information: Austin, 928-308-3793, krhalliburton22@gmail.com

Mushrooms and Fungi 101: Adult Workshop
2026-07-30 17:30 - 19:30 | Flagstaff Downtown Library Community Room, 300 West Aspen Avenue, Flagstaff, 86001
Delve into the cryptic kingdom of mushrooms and fungi with Mike Dechter of the Arizona Mushroom Society. This indoor presentation will be for those with incidental knowledge and curiosity about fungi. Mike explains what fungi are and why they are important. He will also discuss basic mushroom anatomy and identification of wild mushrooms. For the last part of the presentation, Mike will focus on the Arizona Fab Four Fungi: four easy-to-identify, edible wild mushrooms that grow here in Northern Arizona.
This workshop is offered free of charge thanks to the support of the City of Flagstaff Sustainability Office.
Registration is required to help us manage space. Registration opens one week before the event. on July 22, 9 am.

Mentored Predator Hunts
2026-07-31 17:00 - 18:00 | AZ
Learn more about mentored predator hunts for beginners offered by the Christian Hunters of America.

Important: Registration is required for each person in the party attending the event due to capacity and resources. Only 1 spot remaining.
For information, contact: David M., text / call 602-309-3430, info@christianhuntersofamerica.org.

Mentored Rabbit Hunts in July
2026-07-31 17:00 - 18:00 | Arizona Game and Fish Department Headquarters, 5000 W Carefree Hwy, Phoenix, AZ 85086, USA, United States
Multiple Small Group Mentored Rabbit (cottontail & jackrabbit) Hunts throughout the year for new or beginning hunters. Date, time and location by arrangement.
We offer 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 outs of safe, legal, ethical hunting and how to enjoy your harvest. We will tailor the mentoring / training to your skill / experience level so you get the most out of the experience. To arrange a meetup and consultation, contact: David M., text / call 602-309-3430, info@christianhuntersofamerica.org of the hunt.

Butterfly Metamorphosis 5E - Trail Work Volunteering
2026-08-01 07:30 - 15:00 | Passage 11E, near the Santa Catalinas, Tucson
Please join the ATA August 1 on Passage 11E, in the Santa Catalina Mountains Region near Tucson, for a trail work event. Work on the final year of the Butterfly Trail Metamorphosis. The project area is 2+ miles from the trailhead, so anticipate hiking between 5 and 6 miles for the day with tools. This project is rated moderate – accessible to first time volunteers, although the hike in may be strenuous.
The project will focus on brushing [removing vegetation from the trail corridor to keep the trail open to users] and treadwork [repairing or improving the trail surface]. This means working with hand saws, loppers, pick mattocks and Mcleods, but other kinds of tasks may be needed.
All tools and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be provided. No prior trail work experience is required – the necessary instruction and guidance for new volunteers will be provided.
Please wear long sleeves, long pants, and sturdy shoes. Bring sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, headcovering, etc.), 2L of drinking water/electrolytes, and your own snacks. Lunch will be provided.
Catalina Highway is passenger-car accessible. Carpooling will be available. Details for meeting location and final instructions will be provided to registered volunteers about 3-4 days in advance of the event.
If you have any questions or would like more information about the event, please contact the event host, Tasha.
This event is full. Use the link to join the waitlist!
Ancestral lands of the Tohono O’odham; Ndee/Nnee (Western Apache)

Morning Hike with Rick
2026-08-01 08:30 - 09:30 | White Mountain Nature Center, 20304 W White Tank Mountain Rd, Waddell, AZ, 85355, United States
Join our edibles expert on a morning hike, meeting in the parking lot at White Mountain Nature Center.

Sandy Seep Saturday - Trail Work Volunteering
2026-08-01 08:30 - 14:30 | Elden Mountain – Passage 32
Enjoy a day in the pines and make a difference. Join the Arizona Trail Association in Flagstaff for a day of hiking, tread work, building drains & camaraderie.
You’ll be using tools such as McLeod’s, pick mattocks, rogue hoes, pulaskis, rakes, and shovels—but no experience is required! Crew leaders will provide all the training and guidance you need to make a difference.
Snacks, tools, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be provided. Final details, including meeting times and packing suggestions, will be sent to registered volunteers a few days before the event. Free sniffs of Ponderosa Pine trees will be available.

Elk Hunting Clinic
2026-08-01 09:00 - 16:00 | El Zaribah Shrine Auditorium 552 N. 40th St., Phoenix, 552 N. 40th St, Phoenix, AZ, 85008, United States
A day full of great information at this all-day clinic on hunting and locating elk in early and late seasons by Dan Adler, Diamond Outfitters. Topics include: effectively calling, meat care, cape preparation, optics and more.
Great for first-time and seasoned hunters.
LEARN TO HUNT SERIES Subjects include:

Early and Late season bull and cow rifle hunting tactics
Early and Late season bull and cow archery hunting tactics
Elk calling, how, when and where
Meat care, skinning and taxidermy preparation
Elk scoring
Tree stand and blind setups
Trail camera use
Tracking wounded game for recovery
Information from Arizona Game & Fish Department Wildlife Managers (so bring your maps)
ATV rules and regulations from the U.S. Forest Service & AZGFD
Using and buying optics

Information: www.arizonaelksociety.org or call 623-444-4147
Important: Registration is required for each person in the party attending the event due to capacity and resources.

Rocks Rock! Science Saturday
2026-08-01 09:30 - 11:30 | Willow Bend Environmental Education Center, 703 E Sawmill Rd., Flagstaff, AZ, 86001, United States
Unearth the secrets of how rocks shape the world around us at August’s Science Saturday!
Explore rock samples, piece together the story of geologic history, and more with hands-on experiences and activities for all ages.
No registration required—just come ready to learn, create, and have fun!
Science Saturday is an event held on the first Saturday of every month from 9:30 am-11:30 am. Each month is focused on a different theme, and each event offers fun and educational hands-on activities. Artists, scientists, and experts join us on occasion to provide extra special opportunities to learn and explore. There is no need to RSVP, and the events are in a drop-in format.
Thanks to generous funding from Flagstaff365, Creative Flagstaff, APS, and the City of Flagstaff BBB Revenues, this event is free and open to the public.
