Participants will hike for 3 miles through rolling hills and sandy washes on the North Loop trail. The trail is rated as easy and only has a few spots that could be described as rocky. Ranger Derik will talk about the native edible plants as well as medicinal plants that are found along the trail. [...]
Join Ranger Eric for a guided hike to learn about the animals, plants, and ecology of the Sonoran Desert. Wildflowers may be out, depending on how much precipitation we get this winter. We will hike a 7.4-mile loop of the Coldwater, Butterfield, Gadsden, and Flycatcher trails. The trails are easy-moderate with occasional inclines, and rocky [...]
Come chat about the creatures of desert that might make you uncomfortable. Spiders, scorpions, and snakes OH MY! No need to worry, Ranger Shaun has some specimens under glass, a few animal ambassadors who’d love to meet you, and a whole collection of animal artifacts to discuss. Come learn about these animals and see if [...]
Come join us for a quiet walk along our easy to moderate scenic trails in search of local and migratory birds. "Bird Weirdness II" program will follow inside the Nature Center. Meet for the bird walk on the back patio of the Cave Creek Regional Park Nature Center at 8am. No dogs allowed.
Join Ranger Eric for a 1.8-mile roundtrip hike in Rock Peak Wash at the south end of the park to look for resident and wintering birds. Along the way, we will learn identification tips and about their ecology in the Sonoran Desert. We will also discuss citizen science, including the eBird app. Today is also part [...]
Ranger Derik will lead you on moderate to difficult fitness hike on the 5.8 mile Go John Trail loop. The trail varies from even surfaces to those that are uneven and rocky. There is a 411-foot elevation difference from the lowest to the highest parts of the trail. Along the way we will talk about [...]
Saturday MTB “Shift into Saturday”: Shift your gears into Saturday with a good spin around the park. Grab your mountain or gravel bike and helmet then join SanTan Shredders for this No Drop pedal fest. Bring water, snacks, and an extra tube. Arrive 10-min early for check in. See you soon! http://santanshredders.com
Join Ranger Eric for a 3.7-mile hike along a loop of Littleleaf, Gold Mine, San Tan, and Moonlight trails while we learn about the plants, animals, and ecology of the Sonoran Desert. Early spring wildflowers may be in bloom, depending on how much winter precipitation the area gets. Please dress in layers, wear sturdy footwear [...]
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 [...]
Would you like to learn more about birdwatching and community science? Join Ranger Eric for a "Big Sit" style bird count in the garden in front of the Visitor Center as we learn about birds and learn about community science, using eBird. Today is also part of the Great Backyard Bird Count sponsored by Cornell, [...]
Come hike the Wild Burro trail and learn about the desert, we might even see a burro! This is a roughly 2-mile hike along a medium difficulty trail. Please bring water and wear layers as the trail may changes temperature rapidly. No pets please. Restrooms and water are available at the meeting point. MEETING LOCATION: [...]
Are you looking to do a long hike, but can’t find anyone to go with you? Join Ranger Kevin for a 8.4-mile hike on the scenic Pemberton, Granite, Bluff, and Tonto Tank trails. We’ll keep an eye out for wildlife and springtime wildflowers as we go. Trail conditions are rated easy-moderate, so expect some stretches [...]
Come to the Nature Center and meet Ranger Kevin from 2:00pm to 3:30pm. Bring your burning desert questions! Try to stump the Ranger! Impress your friends and enemies alike with your new-found knowledge! We’ll also have a table full of interesting objects like bones, feathers, snake sheds, cactus boots and much more for you to [...]
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 Derik for an after-hours 1-1.5 miles 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 [...]
“Over the Hump” Mountain Bike Ride: Interrupt your work week with a good ole fashioned trail ride. Trails are flowy with some moderate climbs and downhill descents, a few technical areas: advanced-beginner to Intermediate skill level. First trail spin at night? Our rides are No Drop. Bring mountain or gravel bike, helmet, lights (at least [...]
Enjoy a 2.6-mile hike on the Cottonwood Trail with Ranger Kevin as we look for all kinds of wildlife along the way. Some animals we may see include mule deer, javelina, squirrels, rabbits, birds and perhaps a reptile or two. Trail is rated easy, with very little loose rock, uneven terrain and elevation change. Please [...]
Join Ranger Kevin as we learn how to make - or strengthen - our connection with nature through the practice of Silent Walking and Sit Spots. This is a beginner’s level class, so anyone who is interested in cultivating the skills needed to appreciate the natural world in greater depth is welcome. We will learn [...]
Stop by the Nature Center and chat about venomous animals. What does venomous mean? What is it? Where does it come from? What does it do? Can I have some? Answer these questions and more with Ranger Shaun! MEETING LOCATION: Nature Center No registration required.
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 [...]
We will hike the Wind Cave Trail with 800ft of elevation and at a distance of 3 miles it is rated as difficult. The trail is steep and rocky, so it is encouraged you bring proper footwear and if balance is an issue trekking poles are great to have. Please bring plenty of water and [...]
A discovery table will be set up in the Nature Center and will have several snake species on display for you to see and if you are brave to hold. Also on display will be many natural artifacts including snake skins, snake sheds, rattles, and a gila monster skeleton. MEETING LOCATION: Nature Center No registration [...]
Come along with Ranger Shaun for an introduction to the Sonoran Desert’s unique ecosystem. We’ll talk about some of our native plants and animals, as well as some exotics and invasives, and how they’ve adapted to live (or invade) in the desert. Please bring plenty of water. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and closed toed shoes. [...]
Join experienced birder Joe Ford for a morning bird walk followed by a special presentation! Please leave pets at home. MEETING LOCATION: South Patio of the Nature Center Program to follow in the Nature Center “Most Dangerous Birds in the World”. If you would like to attend the Lecture only, please let the Nature Center [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
It’s back! Join Rangers Kevin and Derik for a day of hiking from Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area to Cave Creek Regional Park. Trail is approximately 11 miles in length, and utilizes the Spur Cross, Maricopa, and Go John trails. Trail conditions are rated moderate to difficult, so expect a considerable amount of loose rock, [...]
It’s back! Join Rangers Derik and Kevin for a day of hiking from Cave Creek Regional Park to Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area. Trail is approximately 11 miles in length, and utilizes the Go John, Maricopa, and Spur Cross trails. Trail conditions are rated moderate to difficult, so expect a considerable amount of loose rock, [...]
Nature lovers, rejoice! Families and nature lovers are encouraged to enjoy the great outdoors at a new and exciting location - Estrella Mountain Regional Park. This festival showcases the plants, animals, sustainability, and ecological relationships of our local nature area. Between guided bird tours, beautiful eco-crafts, and endless discoveries to be made about Southwest wildlife, there is something for everyone to enjoy [...]
If you think Waterfall trail is nice in the daylight, you should see the white rocks in the full moon! Feel free to hike with Ranger Shaun on this 1.8-mile easy rated hike. Water and restrooms are available at the trailhead. Flashlights recommended for obvious reasons. Blacklights and dressing in layers encouraged as February nights [...]
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