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. [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Get out on trails early in the morning and learn about the many cactus species found on sections of Overton, Go John, and Clay Mine trails. The trails are rated as easy but there are some short inclines on sandy and rocky ground so make sure to wear supportive shoes and or carry trekking poles. [...]
Join Ranger Kevin for a roughly 2-mile hike along the Plant Research Trail and the south bank of the Gila River. We’ll explore the riparian habitat for interesting plants and animals while we discuss the importance of rivers like the Gila to the health and diversity of desert life. The trail is easy with very [...]
On this hike, learn about the many adaptations that cacti use to help survive the harsh desert climate. The Lost Sheep Trail is 2.2 miles long and is rated as easy. The trail winds through cacti and washes so it is encouraged that you wear sturdy close toed shoes. There are bathrooms and water fountains [...]
Join Ranger Nikki on a moderate terrain hike to learn about a variety of cacti in the park: saguaros, barrels, cholla, prickly pear and more. The 4.5-mile route uses San Tan, Hedgehog and Moonlight Trails. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water. Restrooms and water are available at the Nature [...]
The hike will wind through rolling hills, sandy washes and desert canyons while offering spectacular views of the Tonto National Forest. During the hike we will learn about the many cacti species that call the park home and how they have adapted to life in the Sonoran Desert. Spur Cross has few amenities and no [...]
Snakes!! Scorpions!! Black Widows!! Are you scared yet? If you said yes, then this program is perfect for you to come learn the benefits of these critters, and why we should want to learn how to live with them. Please feel free to bring your lunch or just a snack to nibble on while you [...]
Join Ranger Kevin for a 2.7-mile night hike on the North Trail. We will be looking for all three species of scorpion native to our neck of the Sonoran Desert: Striped-tail, Bark, and, of course, the Giant Desert Hairy. Who knows what else we may see? Trail is rated easy, with very little loose rock [...]
Join Ranger Nikki on a 1.3-mile easy hike to learn about our fascinating Sonoran Desert and how plants and animals survive, particularly during the summer. The route follows Black Rock Loop. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring water, a hat and sunscreen. Restrooms are available at the trailhead and water is available at the Nature Center. [...]
This short hike with Rangers Evan, Eric, and Shuan is considered very easy but please come prepared for the summer heat! We will be meeting in the Visitor Center and then making are way around Palm Lake. If you enjoy learning about ecology and biology, then this hike is perfect for you! If you just [...]
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 the beneficial things it provides in between. This program will take place inside the Nature Center and venture outside a short distance for firsthand observations. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring [...]
Learn about the Preserve’s historic stand of California fan palms, how these tropical trees can grow in the desert Southwest, and their importance to both wildlife and native cultures. Did you know that these palms were sourced from a native population in Arizona? Find out more! We will be hosting this table inside the air-conditioned [...]
Join Ranger Kevin for an approximately 1.8-mile, out-and-back hike on the Grey Fox Trail. Trail is rated easy, with little elevation change, and little loose rock/uneven terrain. We’ll be searching for the three species of scorpion that inhabit this part of the Sonoran Desert. Afterwards, we’ll take some time to take in the night sky, [...]
We will hike 2 miles along the Pipeline Canyon Trail and stop periodically to take pictures of the plants, animals and landscapes found in the Sonoran Desert. The trail is rated as moderate with gradual elevation gain in sometimes rocky trail. We will be starting early in the morning, but it is encouraged that you [...]
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 [...]
Join Ranger Eric for a guided hike along the Rock Peak Wash 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 2-3 miles roundtrip on easy, but sandy terrain of a desert wash. Please wear protective [...]
Join Ranger Nikki on an easy hike to learn about a variety of cacti: saguaros, barrels, cholla, prickly pear and more. The route is approximately 2 miles long and follows Rainbow Valley, Baseline, Toothaker, and a portion of Butterfield to make a loop using the Arena parking lot. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring a hat, [...]
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 the beneficial things it provides in between. This program will take place inside the Nature Center and venture outside a short distance for firsthand observations. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring [...]
Come learn about cacti of the Sonoran Desert and Phoenix area! Ranger Evan will host this discovery station table at the Usery Nature Center. Nearby there are live examples of a variety of cacti to see on the trail next to the center. No registration required. MEETING LOCATION: Nature Center No registration required. Just drop [...]
Join Ranger Nikki on a 5.5-mile easy to moderate hike at to look and listen 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 and plenty of water. Restrooms and water are available at [...]
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 eBird and citizen science, how to identify birds by sight and sound, and about the behavioral and ecological traits that make them [...]
Join Ranger Nikki on a 2-mile walk on easy terrain to being among saguaros and other cacti during a beautiful desert sunset. The route is an out-and-back walk on the park’s maintained Service Road. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring water. Restrooms and water are available at the Nature Center. Please bring $7 exact cash for the [...]
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