Events

***This program has been canceled due to excessive heat!***Join Ranger Shaun and the crew from Scorpion Bay Marina on a boat cruise to enjoy the scenic views and history of Lake Pleasant. Click program title for more details.

Birds of Estrella Mountain Regional Park, Bird Walk, Second Saturday of each month, 8AM (Dec-Feb), 7:30 (Mar/April), 7AM (May). Meet at Park Nature Center. Explore birds/bird life with special guest Joe Ford. The Park has a wide range of habitats. You will encounter some of the best birding in the valley! Beginner birders and longtime enthusiasts will enjoy this opportunity to spot and identify many species. Bring close toed shoes, water and a snack. An indoor Presentation follows the 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 Nikki on an easy/moderate hike to enjoy the full moonrise and the desert aglow. 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 by and visit Ranger Kevin to learn about (and even meet!) some of the venomous animals native to the Sonoran Desert. Click program title for more details.

Interested in learning the basics of kayaking? This introductory class will give you the knowledge you need to get started with confidence. Class includes time practicing on the water at Lake Pleasant. Click for more information.

Join Ranger Jacque for a hike and mine tour which features a fascinating glimpse into
Arizona’s past. 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 program title for more details.

Join Ranger Shaun for a morning walk! Click program title for more details.

See live examples of aquatic life up-close with Ranger Eric. Click on program title for more details.

Join Ranger Jacque as we uncover nature’s oddities and bizarre relationships between
Sonoran Desert’s famous (and infamous) characters!

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 a relaxing evening stroll through the Sonoran Desert. Click program title for more details.

Before you head out on the water, stop by Ranger Derik's Boater Safety table to learn
about the lake, safe boating practices, and get a loaner life jacket. Click program title for more details.

Stop by the Nature Center after your morning hike to see what Ranger Derik carries in his pack to stay safe in the desert heat. Click program title for more details.

Ever wanted to explore the wilderness and get out there but not sure how to start? Bring along your lunch or snack to this indoor/outdoor presentation and learn how to navigate with Ranger Derik. Click program title for more details.

Join Ranger Jacque on this guided hike to explore three fascinating rock art sites
and one ancient Hohokam ruins site, all nestled along a scenic trail less than 2 miles long.

Variable rainfall during our monsoon greatly affects the insect life in the desert. Join Ranger Shaun to see what this season has done so far! Click program title for more details.

Learn all about saguaros and meet the rare and remarkable “Michelin Man” and “Three
Amigos” cacti during this guided hike with Ranger Jacque. Click on program title for more details.

Discover the fascinating world of the saguaro cactus at this presentation-style program with Ranger Jacque!

See moths and other insects, and scorpions up close with entomologist Margarethe Brummermann with U of A and our rangers. Click on program title for more details!

Join Ranger Olivia on a night hike to search for all things creepy and crawly. Click program title for more details.

Spend the morning outside to learn all about plants of the Sonoran Desert during this guided hike with Ranger Olivia. Click program title for more details.

Come by and visit Ranger Kevin to learn about some of the animals native to the Sonoran Desert. Click program title for more details.

Join Ranger Jacque for a relaxed 2-mile hike through the stunning Sonoran
Desert — discover its unique beauty and amazing wildlife. Click the program title for all the details!

Come hang out with Ranger Jacque on a nighttime scorpion hunt! We’ll shine black lights on the trail to spot these glowing critters and dig into what makes them so unique.

Join Ranger Nikki for an easy stroll to experience a beautiful sunset and enjoy desert views. Click on program title for more details.

Come meet Ranger Olivia and learn more about how and why our desert tortoises love the
desert so much! Click program title for more details.

Never visited Spur Cross Ranch before? Come see an intro! Ranger Shaun’s going to be doing several short “demo hikes” and nature watching stops this morning! Click program title for more details.

Spend the morning hiking through a canyon with Ranger Derik while you learn about the many animals and plants that call the desert home. Click 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. Click program title for more details.

Ranger Shaun is back to continue his wildlife watching adventures. Is the park more exciting in the dark? Click program title for more details.

Join Ranger Shaun for a morning hike! If we’re quick, maybe we can beat the heat! Click
program title for more details.

Join Ranger Olivia to talk about venomous creatures such as rattlesnakes, gila monsters,
scorpions, or any other desert dwellers you may encounter. Click program title for more details.

Meet Ranger Jacque and our animal ambassadors at feeding time!

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

Join Ranger Nikki on an easy 2-mile stroll to search for scorpions and other nocturnal critters. Click program title for more details.

Get your heart pumping before the sun really heats up on a fast-paced hike below the beautiful White Tank Mountains with Ranger Derik. Click program title for more details.

Join Ranger Nikki to meet the Park’s resident tortoises, watch them eat their leafy green breakfast and enjoy some tort-riffic kid-friendly indoor activities. Click program title for more details.