Learn about the adaptations and life cycles of plants and animals of our Sonoran Desert on a moderate to easy hike with Ranger Nikki. The route is just over 2 miles and follows Quail, Saddle, Baseline and Gila Trails and part of Casey Abbott Drive (paved) back to the Nature Center. Wear closed-toe shoes and [...]

Join Ranger Nikki for a fun bat chat to bust some popular myths and set the record straight on an important member of our desert ecosystem. Learn where bats live, what they eat, why you shouldn’t be afraid of them and more! Bring water and snacks to this indoor classroom presentation. Restrooms and water are [...]

Join Ranger Eric to look for and learn about the resident and migratory birds of the Sonoran Desert on this easy to moderate 1-2 mile roundtrip hike (distance will depend on heat and participant interest). Along the way, we will also discuss ecology of the desert and how birds are adapted to this arid environment. [...]

8AM Registration, Donuts and Coffee 8:15 - 9:30AM Leace No Trace Ice Breaker Activity (20 min. per group) 8:30 AM - Noon Service Project – Trail Building Demo, Safety talk, Trail Building Activity (need to pre-register volunteers into 15 min. time slots, 10 people per slot) 9:30 AM - Noon Leave No Trace Presentation for [...]

Come learn about cacti of the Sonoran Desert and Phoenix area! Ranger Eric will host this discovery station table at the White Tank Nature Center. Nearby there are live examples of a variety of cacti to see on the trail next to the center. MEETING LOCATION: Nature Center No registration required. Just drop in anytime [...]

Join Ranger Kevin in the main lobby of the Discovery Center for a fun and fact-filled foray into the lives of a variety of desert animals. We’ll even have some of our animal ambassadors available to meet. Bring your curiosity and your questions! This is a drop-in program, so feel free to stop in anytime [...]

The hike will follow the 2-mile Dragonfly Trail in the Jewel of the Creek Preserve. The trail is rated as easy but does have a few small hill climbs so make sure to wear shoes with good ankle support or bring trekking poles if you need a little help. The trails feature large cottonwood trees, [...]

Did you know that over 300 species of birds have been found at the Hassayampa River Preserve? Enjoy an easy-paced walk with seasoned birder and bird bander Anne Leight to spot and identify the many resident and migratory birds of the Preserve. Some binoculars are available to borrow. MEETING LOCATION: Visitor Center. Limit 10 participants. To register, please call [...]

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 [...]

Arizona is home to the largest contiguous stand of Ponderosa pine in the world! Come learn interesting biological and cultural facets of Ponderosa pine ecosystems from a retired Forester. !   Suggested donation for adults $10. Kids and members FREE

Summit Hut is celebrating National Trails Day with a thru-hiker tabling and happy hour event (from a variety of trails!). After, author, Derek Lugo, will talk about his book; 'The Unlikely Thru-Hiker'. Appetizers and beer will be available for purchase.

McDowell Mountain Summer Night Rides are back! In partnership with McDowell Mountain Cycles, we are excited to invite riders of all levels and abilities to come out and experience the trails! Rides are scheduled for the following dates: June 3, June 17, July 8, July 15, Aug 5 & Aug 19. Rides subject to cancel [...]

Join Ranger Nikki on a 2-mile hike on easy terrain to watch the sun set as we start out and see the full moon rise on the way back. The route is an out-and-back on the park’s Service Road. Restrooms and a drinking fountain are available at the park entrance. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring plenty [...]

Join Ranger Kevin for an approximately 1.8-mile loop on the Black Rock Trail. Trail is easy, with little 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 [...]

Join Ranger Eric for an after-hours trail walk to look for and learn about the nocturnal critters of the Preserve! Wildlife seen on past walks have included 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, but some will [...]