Invasive species are among the biggest threats to our park’s ecosystem health. They outcompete native plants, decrease biodiversity, and increase wildfire occurrences and magnitude. Desert Defenders is a citizen science program focused on removing invasive species in parks. The Invasive plant species have severely impacted our park’s natural ecosystems and contributed to our most recent [...]

Arizona is home to four different species of wildcats including the third largest felid in the world. Wildcats of all species are capable of taking prey much larger than themselves and seemingly impossible feats of athleticism. Feared, loathed and worshiped, wildcats have had a varied relationship with humans from the beginnings of time. From Jaguars [...]

Bird walk at the San Pedro House led by docents from the Friends of the San Pedro River and other local organizations.

Stop by the Nature Center anytime between 2:00pm and 3:00pm to visit with Ranger Nikki and learn about San Tan’s permitted animal ambassadors. Meet Wally the Chuckwalla, Cleo the Kingsnake, Cherry the Tarantula and more. Informational handouts and coloring sheets will be available to take home. Restrooms and water are available at the Nature Center. [...]

The City Of Yuma is located at the confluence of 2 rivers in the southwestern portion of Arizona. The water here is one of if not the most important thing when it comes to survival here. With water comes aquatic life that sustains an entire ecosystem of creatures and plant life that are integral to [...]

Ranger Nikki will lead you on an easy walk along the park’s Service Road to enjoy the sunset and watch silhouettes of cacti and trees appear along the way. This is an out-and-back walk that covers approximately two miles roundtrip on flat to rocky terrain. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring plenty of water. Restrooms and [...]

Come with us as we explore the streamside habitat of New River. This preserve is home to a lush riparian habitat that contains many tree species unique to the desert including cottonwoods, sycamore, walnuts, and more! We'll search for the many bird species that call this place home. This hike is approximately 1 mile in [...]

Log your final miles of the 100 Miles in 100 Days Challenge with Ranger Nikki on a trek to explore San Tan’s trails and scenic views. You are welcome to join even if you are not participating in the yearly County Parks challenge and simply want to enjoy some time outdoor and learn about desert [...]

Ranger Nikki will lead you on a moderate to difficult hike to explore our beautiful desert and get in a great workout. The route is an out-and-back trek on a portion of Goat Camp Trail, out approximately two miles and turning back to make 4 miles total. The terrain is mostly uneven with rocky surfaces [...]

Invasive species are among the biggest threats to our park’s ecosystem health. They outcompete native plants, decrease biodiversity, and increase wildfire occurrences and magnitude. Desert Defenders is a citizen science program focused on removing invasive species in parks. The Invasive plant species have severely impacted our park’s natural ecosystems and contributed to our most recent [...]

Enjoy a 1.8-mile one-way hike up the Yavapai Point Trail where we will be able to take in stunning views of the Sonoran Desert and Lake Pleasant, as well as talk about the local flora and fauna with Ranger Eric. The hike is rated as moderate, with some rocky and uneven surfaces. Please dress in [...]

Come explore one of Arizona’s riparian corridors! These narrow riverside ecosystems are an interesting break from the surrounding desert and often a haven for wildlife like birds and insects. Ranger Shaun loves to talk about bugs! Let’s go bird watching and chat! This is a 3.2-mile, medium difficulty hike. There will be port-a-johns available near [...]

Invasive species are among the biggest threats to our park’s ecosystem health. They outcompete native plants, decrease biodiversity, and increase wildfire occurrences and magnitude. Desert Defenders is a citizen science program focused on removing invasive species in parks. The Invasive plant species have severely impacted our park’s natural ecosystems and contributed to our most recent [...]

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 how to identify birds by sight and sound, and about the behavioral and ecological traits that make them unique. Some binoculars [...]

Explore the Birds of Estrella Mountain Regional Park on a bird walk. Meet at the park Nature Center.  Explore the birds/bird life at Estrella Park with special guest Joe Ford.  With the park's wide range of habitats, you will encounter some of the best birding in the valley!  Beginner birders and long-time enthusiasts will enjoy [...]

Join one of our local bird enthusiasts for a guided bird walk through the Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area! These walks are for everyone: experts, novices, and people who have never gone birding in their entire life. Bring water, and wear sunscreen and shoes for walking. Loaner binoculars and field guides are available for those [...]

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 [...]

LEARN TO KAYAK!!! With a new fleet of kayaks on the way to start new programming we have an opportunity to get creative with our programming with the resources we currently possess. Participants will learn the basic of water safety and how to operate a kayak on the water.

Bird Program talk and Power Point Presentation with Joe Ford in the Estrella Park Nature Center Classroom following the Bird Hikes. Topics cover bird images, habits, maps, details and bird life. Program will start approximately 10:00 AM  (after the bird hike).

Take a tour of Millville, an historic silver mill, and an adjacent Indian rock art site. The tour will focus on the history of mining and this mill, which was active during the Tombstone silver boom. This is about a 2 mile walk on an uneven dirt and gravel trail that crosses through a deep [...]

Come one, come all to the Usery Mountain Regional Park Open House! If you have questions about the trails, campgrounds, archery range, park history, or maybe even park programs, then this event is for you. Stop by anytime between 10:30am - 2:30pm to visit with our staff and volunteers who will be happy to answer [...]