Join Ranger Eric to look for and learn about the nocturnal critters of the Sonoran Desert! Hiking will be on moderate grade with occasionally rocky or uneven terrain and will be about 1-2 miles roundtrip the Dragonfly Trail at Jewel of the Creek Preserve and Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area. Wildlife may include scorpions, spiders, insects, owls, nightjars, reptiles, and mammals. Please bring your own ample water and electrolytes, flashlight or headlamp, and wear sturdy footwear. A blacklight is recommended, but the ranger will have one to point out scorpions with. Porta-potties are located a quarter mile beyond the Spur Cross parking lot nearby. No water available, so bring your own.
Please note: Summer programs may be canceled on short notice due to severe weather, including extreme heat events. The MC Parks website is the best resource for verifying the program’s current status, so please check the program listing prior to departing for your scheduled program.
MEETING LOCATION: Dragonfly Trailhead at the Jewel of the Creek Preserve parking lot (small lot on the left side of the road before you get to the Spur Cross lot at the end of the road). See park map here: https://www.maricopacountyparks.net/assets/1/6/spur-cross-8x11.pdf
Please note: Entry to Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area is $3 per person. Annual Pass or CASH are accepted, and exact change is much appreciated.
Limit 10 participants. To register, please call the Cave Creek Nature Center at 602-506-2930 ext. 8 with your name, phone number, and number of people attending. If you find you cannot attend a program after you have registered, please call back ASAP so those on the waiting list may be contacted. Registration for this program will close on Wednesday, 8/14.