Events

Join Ranger Derik on fitness hike up to Wind Cave to see scenic views of the Tonto National Forest and the
Phoenix Valley. Click on this program title for more details.

Join Ranger Shaun for an after dark safari! Click program title for more details.

Stop by the Nature Center to learn about San Tan’s animal ambassadors with Ranger Nikki during this drop-in session. Click program title for more details.

Come get a close-up look at bugs and other “creepy crawlies” with Ranger Shaun.
Click program title for more details

Join Ranger Nikki on an evening stroll to search for scorpions and other nocturnal critters. Click program title for more details.

Learn about the resident and migrant birds of desert riparian areas on this guided walk with Anne Leight. Click on program title for more details.

Got a burning question about the Sonoran Desert? Looking for your next trail recommendation? Want to know more about our amazing park system? Ask Ranger Kevin! Click program title for more details.

Join Ranger Kevin for an evening of summer stargazing! Click program title for more details.

Hike through pristine Sonoran Desert and riparian habitat with Ranger Derik and
learn about the many edible and medicinal plants that can be found along the trail. Click on program title for
more details.

Learn about the Junior Ranger program and earn your badge by taking the pledge with Ranger Olivia! Click program title for more details.

Hang out with Ranger Shaun and the Arthro-Ambassadors from today’s class! Click
program title for more details.

Designed to start before sunset and end after dark, this hike with Ranger Jacque is the best of both worlds, encompassing the golden hour and into the night. Click program title for more details.

Join Ranger Eric for an after-hours prowl of the Preserve trails to look for nocturnal animals and scorpions! Click on this program title for more details.

Interested in learning more about cacti? Learn and ask your cactus questions to Ranger Eric. Click on program title for more details.

Join Ranger Eric on a hike to look for nocturnal wildlife, including scorpions! Click on this
program title for more details.

Estrella Park Bird Walk, Second Sat. of Each Month. Discover area birds, ID and habits in the Sonoran Desert with volunteer Joe Ford. Explore the Birds of Estrella Mountain Regional Park on a bird walk. The event(s) will take place on the following dates and times:​​
May - Aug, Second Saturdays, 6:30 AM - 8:30 AM. Indoor bird program to follow.
Meet at the park Nature Center. Explore the birds/bird life at Estrella Park with special guest Joe Ford, through the park's wide range of habits.

Bird Programs with volunteer Joe Ford in the Estrella Park Nature Center Classroom following the Bird Hike. May - Aug approximately 9:00 AM (after the bird hike).

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!

Join Ranger Eric on a hike to look for nocturnal wildlife, including scorpions! Click on this program title for more details.

Enjoy an early morning walk to watch for birds, lizards, snakes, and small animals with Ranger Olivia. Click on program title for more details.

Learn about the Junior Ranger program and earn your badge by taking the pledge with Ranger Olivia! Click program title for more details.

This is a classroom-based course that covers a variety of topics including boating terminology, things to know before getting on the water, how to operate your boat safely, legal requirements, and what to do in emergencies.

Look for and learn about reptiles of the Sonoran Desert during this guided hike with Ranger Eric. Click on program title for more details.

Learn about birds of Sonoran Desert riparian areas during this guided hike with
Ranger Eric. Click on program title for more details.

Learn about reptiles of Sonoran Desert during this guided walk with Ranger Eric. Click on program title for more details.

Beat the summer heat and explore the park after dark with Ranger Derik as you
hunt for scorpions and other nocturnal creatures that call the park home. Click on this program title for more
details

Start off Saturday morning with a fun casual hike through the desert with Ranger Derik as you learn about the
many plants and animals that call the Sonoran Desert home. Click on this program title for more details.

Skulls, bones, furs, scales – what do clues left behind by desert creatures tell us about their ways of life? Ranger Jacque will have displays and open Q and A to discuss curious adaptations of common desert dwellers.

Join Ranger Eric on a hike to look for nocturnal wildlife, including scorpions! Click on this program title for more details.

Join Ranger Nikki on a slow-paced walk to enjoy the full moon and search for scorpions and other nocturnal animals. Click program title for more details.

Join Ranger Kevin for a family-friendly evening of fun and adventure as we set off in search of desert wildlife. Click program title for more details.

Stop by the Nature Center to learn about San Tan’s animal ambassadors with Ranger Nikki during this drop-in session. Click program title for more details.

Join Ranger Nikki for an easy stroll to experience a beautiful desert sunset and watch for signs of nocturnal wildlife. Click on program title for more details.

Join Ranger Nikki on an invigorating climb up Lousley Hill and enjoy panoramic mountain views. Click program title for more details.

Stop by this drop-in session with Ranger Nikki to learn about common desert mammals such as coyotes, foxes, and bobcats. Click program title for more details.

: Start the weekend with a brisk hike through the Sonoran Desert with Ranger Derik
as the sun sets and take in the sweeping views of Cave Creek’s many mountains and the city of Phoenix. Click on program title for more details.

Join Ranger Kevin for an evening of adventure as we set off in search of scorpions. Click program title for more details.

Join Ranger Derik on a hike through pristine Sonoran Desert and riparian habitat as
you learn about the native edible plants and the native peoples that once called the park home.

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!

Join Ranger Eric on a hike to look for nocturnal wildlife, including scorpions! Click on this program title for more details.

Explore the entire park with Ranger Derik as we work our way through riparian and
upland desert habitat to learn about the many plant and animal species that call the Sonoran Desert home.
Click on program title for more details.