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 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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

Stop by the Nature Center to see a display of desert cacti specimens and learn about efforts to catalog plant species in the County Parks using the iNaturalist citizen science app. Meeting Location: Nature Center. No registration required, just drop on in!

Join Ranger Steve on the Discovery Center lower patio to learn about the venomous animals that inhabit the Lake Pleasant area. 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 bring [...]

Come to the Trailhead Staging Area and meet Ranger Kevin from 5:00pm to 6:30pm. 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: Trailhead Staging Area.

Starting from the nature center we will head up the Overton Trail for 3.1 miles. This trail is considered moderately challenging and will gain 500 ft of elevation. The trail will take you past towering saguaro cacti and offers sweeping views of the Phoenix Valley and the neighboring Tonto National Forest. The trails can be [...]

Join Ranger Kevin for a 3.1-mile hike on the Blevins Trail. Trail is rated easy, with only minimal elevation change. We’ll enjoy the beauty of a quiet outdoor evening, walking through a desert landscape silvered by the moon and stars (weather permitting, of course). We won’t be setting any speed records here; this hike is [...]

We will be working on prison camp for our May work day.   When/Where: Meet at Molino Basin at 7 am.   What to bring: -Long work pants or jeans (no shorts or yoga pants please) -Closed toe shoes/work boots -Long sleeve shirts (recommended but not required) -Eye protection -Hat -Pack with at least 100oz [...]

Join Ranger Nikki for a 3-mile hike on the easy terrain of North Trail to learn about a variety of plant life, including brittlebush and bursage shrubs, cacti and legume trees. Restrooms are available the nearby picnic area and water is available at the Nature Center. MEETING LOCATION: North Trail Trailhead (approximately 4 miles from [...]

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. Today is eBird Global Big Day, a 24-hour citizen science event dedicated to getting birders into the field across the world to count birds of all species! [...]

What makes a cactus a cactus? How can plants survive scorching temperatures? Can you eat Cactus? Get the answers to these questions on Ranger Evan’s Crazy for Cacti walk. We will be hiking approximately 3 miles, with some significant elevation changes. Please bring plenty of water and wear closed-toe shoes, no pets please. Restrooms will [...]

Maricopa County Parks-Desert Defenders-Native Seed Harvest 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 [...]

This race is NOT included in the MBAA series registration. Important Info: Please view the PARKING MAP. NO DOGS or alcohol allowed per camp restrictions. No RVs or camping at the venue. Camping available at the Alto Pit Campground and Yavapai Campground nearby. Cabins available to rent at Emmanuel Pines, please call (928) 445-1509. Feeding/hand ups are allowed in the finish [...]

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 of the beneficial things it provides in between. This program will take place inside the Nature Center and venture outdoors to a covered ramada and the start of a nearby [...]

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, burros, deer, owls, scorpions, insects, and other cool creepy crawlies! Please bring your own flashlights and blacklights if you have them. [...]