Guided hikes are a great opportunity for newcomers to learn about hiking and safety while enjoying the beauty of the Sonoran Desert with a group. Registration is required on all listed hikes, unless otherwise noted. Always wear sturdy shoes, wear sun protection and bring plenty of water.
Compiled by Caitlin Coulter
Cave Creek Regional Park
37019 N. Lava Lane, Cave Creek
602-506-2930
https://www.maricopacountyparks.net/park-locator/cave-creek-regional-park/
$7/Vehicle
Thursday, June 4
America 250 Mine Tour: Striking it Rich!, 5:45–7:45 p.m.
Take a 1.8 mile round–trip hike to the clay mine for a remarkable natural discovery.
Friday, June 5
America 250 Mine Tour: Striking it Rich!, 5:45–7:45 p.m.
Take a 1.8 mile round–trip hike to the clay mine for a remarkable natural discovery.
Thursday, June 11
Plant Hike, 8–9:30 a.m.
Spend the morning out on a guided nature hike to learn about the plants of the Sonoran Desert.
Friday, June 12
America 250: History of Cave Creek Claymine, 6–8 p.m.
Take a 1.8 mile round–trip hike to the clay mine to hear a story of innovation in the pursuit of the American Dream in nature.
Friday, June 19
Saguaro Walk, 7:30–8:30 a.m.
Commemorate America’s 250th with an easy hike to see the “Michelin Man” saguaro of the park.
Saturday, June 27
Scorpion Safari, 7:30–9 p.m.
Join the park ranger on a guided night hike to look for nocturnal creepy crawlies, including scorpions, snakes, geckos, nightjars, owls and mammals.
Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area
44000 N. Spur Cross Road, Cave Creek
602-506-2930, https://www.maricopacountyparks.net/park-locator/spur-cross-ranch-conservation-area/
$5/Person park entrance fee
Friday, June 5
“Welcome to the Sonoran Desert!”, 7–9 a.m.
Join the park ranger for a scenic hike for both residents and visitors to better get to know the local terrain.
Sunday, June 7
Plant Hike, 8–9:30 a.m.
Explore the Spur Cross and Metate trails for information on the desert plants along the way.
Sunday, June 14
Scorpion Safari, 7–9 p.m.
An evening adventure in search of scorpions on a 2–mile hike along the Spur Cross and Metate trails.
Monday, June 15
Life on the Creek Riparian Hike, 7–9 p.m.
Hike through the lush Sonoran Desert to learn about the plants, animals and rich history of the Spur Cross Conservation Area with the park ranger.
Thursday, June 25
Creatures of the Night Hike, 7:30–9 p.m.
Search by flashlight along the Rock Peak Wash trail for scorpions, snakes, tarantulas, spiders, owls, nightjars, mammals and other nocturnal wildlife.
Friday, June 26
America 250: Our Lands Before Time Archaeology Hiking Tour, 5–8 p.m.
Take on the moderate 3.3–mile hike through the Tortuga Loop to discuss the sophisticated culture of the Hohokam who dwelled the land with the park ranger.
Saturday, June 27
America 250: Strawberry Moon Over the Desert, 6–8:30 p.m.
Embark on a nighttime journey through Spur Cross under the glow of the full moon for a glimpse at how the moon alone guided generations of Americans through the desert landscape.
Lake Pleasant Regional Park
41835 N. Castle Hot Springs Road, Morristown
602-506-2930, https://www.maricopacountyparks.net/park-locator/lake-pleasant-regional-park/
$7/Vehicle
Wednesday, June 3
Cactus Hike, 7:30–9 a.m.
Learn how to identify the variety of cacti found in the park, including cholla, barrel, hedgehog, prickly pear and saguaro cacti on an out–and–back hike no more than 2.5 miles total.
Wednesday, June 3
Night Hike, 7:30–9 p.m.
Join the park ranger for a 3–mile summit hike to overlook the lake by stars.
Friday, June 12
Scorpion Safari, 7:30–9 p.m.
Search for scorpions, snakes, spiders, owls and other nocturnal wildlife on the Cottonwood Trail with the ranger.
Saturday, June 20
Creatures of the Night Hike, 7–9 p.m.
Brave the desert at dark for a chance to see nighttime desert dwellers on the Cottonwood Trail.
Thursday, June 25
Scorpion Hike, 6:30–9 p.m.
Hike over 3 miles on one of the only summit hikes in the county park system with a flashlight to seek out scorpions.
