Enjoy the Preserve trails to learn about the unique plants and animals of this lush desert riparian ecosystem, and cultural history of the Hassayampa River! We will walk on mostly flat, but occasionally uneven or sandy trails for 1-2 miles total, as we check out Palm Lake and one of the trails along the river. [...]
Come along and hike Pipeline Canyon North to check the water level and see how many more weeks of winter we have left! Ranger Shaun’s going to be talking about the local ecosystem and seeing what’s moving around in the early February weather. Pipeline Canyon North is a roughly 2-mile round trip on a moderate [...]
Join Ranger Steve at the Nature Center for an interactive display of venomous animals and a discussion of their vital role in our ecosystem, “busting” myths about their behaviors, and have all your questions answered! Get hands on and hold items like snake skins, rattles, and even skeletons! MEETING LOCATION: Nature Center No registration required, [...]
Enjoy a desert sunset while trying to capture its beauty with your camera. Ranger Steve will answer all your photography questions and even offer tips on how to best use your camera. We will be running a series of exciting photography workshops in 2024, so keep an eye out for future events! Any camera counts, [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Ranger Nikki will lead you on an easy to moderate terrain hike to learn about common desert plants such as cacti, legume trees and shrubs and search for signs of seasonal wildflower growth along the trails and creek. The route uses Spur Cross, Fairy Duster, Metate and Dragonfly Trails for approximately 5 miles. The trails [...]
MTB Fundamental Skills and Trail Session: From new riders just starting out to podium winners and everyone in between, our mission is to LEVEL UP your skills and confidence on the bike. Our ICP Certified Instructors will help you tackle more trail obstacles, walk less, and have more fun! Meet us at the SE corner [...]
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
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 [...]
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. [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 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 [...]
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 [...]
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).
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 [...]
Join Ranger Eric for a guided hike to learn about the resident and migratory birds of the Sonoran Desert. Along the way, we will talk about how to identify birds by sight and sound, as well as talk about their biogeography and ecological roles. We will hike 2.1 miles roundtrip on a loop of the [...]
Join us for San Tan Mountain Regional Park’s Open House! Stop by anytime between 10:00am – 2:00pm at our Main Trailhead where staff, volunteers and local affiliates will be available. Some of our affiliates include MD Ranch, San Tan Shredders, San Tan Runners, Master Gardner’s and Rural Metro Fire Department. In addition, Ranger Nikki will [...]
The walk with cover a 2-mile section of the Dragonfly Trail with Ranger Derik. Some of the topics covered during the hike will be native plants and animals found in the park as well as the history of the native peoples that called the park home. The trail is rocky and uneven in spots and [...]
Bring a lunch and get ready to learn all about backpacking! Ranger Derik will have a PowerPoint on the basics of backpacking and camping covering topics of gear, clothing, trip planning, picking a route, best food for trips, training, tips and tricks. After the presentation a full gear list of a single overnight trip will [...]
Enjoy a moderate to extremely difficult hike up ~3.3 miles of Ford Canyon Trail to the old dam site while learning about the Sonoran Desert ecosystem and the White Tank Mountains. We may see early wildflowers in places, depending on how much winter precipitation falls and how cold it is then. We will meet at [...]
Hike the scenic riparian forest of the Hassayampa River Preserve before scaling Lyke’s Lookout for a stunning view! This is a 1.15-mile, moderate difficulty hike featuring a steep 90-foot ascent at the end. Please dress appropriately with closed toed shoes and layers as temperatures can fluctuate near the river and in the sun at the mountain [...]
Join Ranger Eric to look for and learn about resident and migratory birds of the Sonoran Desert on this easy 1-1.5 mile walk (roundtrip). Along the way, we will learn how to identify birds by sight and sound. We will also discuss citizen science, including the eBird app. Today is also part of the Great Backyard Bird Count [...]
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