Join Rangers Eric and Steve to look for and learn about the nocturnal critters of the Sonoran Desert! Hiking will be easy to moderate on sandy or uneven terrain, and will be about 1-2 miles roundtrip, depending on heat and participant interest. 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. *Please note that restrooms at the trailhead will be closed, but there are open ones at the Trailhead Staging Area at the Pemberton Trailhead and just north of the North Trail trailhead (see map link below).
MEETING LOCATION: The restrooms (*closed) and parking lot of the Lousely Hill Trailhead on Lousely Dr. S., just before the Ironwood Campground. Please see park map for details (page 2 of the map shows the restrooms location on the zoomed-in inset map of the northeast part of the park): https://www.maricopacountyparks.net/assets/1/6/mcdowell-8x11.pdf
Limit 15 participants. To register, please call the Visitor Center at 602-506-2930 ext. 3. If you find you cannot attend a program after you have registered, please call the Visitor Center ASAP so we may contact those on the waiting list. Registration for this program will close on Wednesday, 6/14/23.