Get Out & Hike
Compiled By Caitlin Coulter
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.
Cave Creek Regional Park
37019 N. Lava Lane, Cave Creek
602-506-2930, www.maricopacountyparks.net
$7/Vehicle
Friday, Aug. 7
America 250 Mine Tour
5–7 p.m.
Join the park ranger for a special hike including a tour of the mine within the park.
Friday, Aug. 7
Starry Nights & Striped Scorpions
7:30–9 p.m.
Hunt for glowing scorpions by black light along the park trails.
Saturday, Aug. 8
Scorpion Safari
7–9 p.m.
Meet some creepy crawlers out on the trails with some summer insect improv with the park ranger.
Wednesday, Aug. 12
Saguaros in Sunset
7–8:30 p.m.
See the stunning saguaros by sunset on a guided hike.
Friday, Aug. 14
Creatures of the Night
7:30–9 p.m.
Join a night hike quest to find all things creepy crawly.
Saturday, Aug. 22
Desert 101 Hike
7–8:30 a.m.
Learn about the plants and animals of the Sonoran Desert on a ranger led hike.
Saturday, Aug. 22
Creatures of the Night
5–7 p.m.
Learn how scorpions have been a constant survivor of the American Southwest on an educational hike.
Friday, Aug. 28
Caminata de Luna Llena Full Moon Hike
7–9 p.m.
Explore the desert by night with a bilingual park ranger.
Saturday, Aug. 29
America 250: Striking it Rich
6–8 p.m.
Join the park ranger for a fascinating glimpse into Arizona’s past on a guided tour of the park.
Lake Pleasant Regional Park
41835 N. Castle Hot Springs Road, Morristown
602-506-2930, www.maricopacountyparks.net
$7/Vehicle
Sunday, Aug. 2
Scorpion Hike
7–9 p.m.
Take on a moderate hike to a summit and search for scorpions and nocturnal wildlife on the way back down.
Wednesday, Aug. 19
Night Hike
6:30–9 p.m.
Overlook the lake with a view of the stars after hiking up a summit with the park ranger.
Thursday, Aug. 20
Saguaros in Sunset
6–7:30 p.m.
Join the park ranger for a special view of the desert by sunset.
Friday, Aug. 28
Sunset and Full Moonrise Walk
6:30–7:45 p.m.
Stroll through the desert to see the colors of the sunset and the glow of the moon against the landscape.
Sunday, Aug. 30
Scorpion Hike
7–9 p.m.
Hunt through the park with the ranger to find nocturnal creatures that call the park home.
Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area
44000 N. Spur Cross Road, Cave Creek
602-506-2930, www.maricopacountyparks.net
$5/Person park entrance fee
Saturday, Aug. 1
Saguaros at Sunset
7–9 p.m.
Hike through the lush riparian habitat to view the cacti of the park in the evening.
Thursday, Aug. 6
Scorpion Safari
7–9 p.m.
Meet some scorpions and other creepy crawlers with the help of the park ranger.
Friday, Aug. 7
Saguaros in Sunset
7–8:30 p.m.
Join the park ranger for a special view of the saguaros by sunset.
Saturday, Aug. 15
Creatures of the Night
7:30–9 p.m.
Test out bravery by meeting the desert’s wildlife after dark with the help of the park ranger.
Saturday, Aug. 22
Creatures of the Night
6:30–9 p.m.
The park ranger hosts an evening adventure in search of desert wildlife.
Thursday, Aug. 27
Hohokam: Masters of the Desert Hike
7–9 p.m.
Hike through the past as the ranger explains how people thrived in the Sonoran Desert throughout time.
Friday, Aug. 28
Scorpion Hike
7–9 p.m.
Relax on a hike through the riparian habitat of the park while the ranger points out wildlife.
