Join Ranger Eric for a hike around the scenic southern end of the San Tan Mountain Regional Park around the Malpais Hills cliffs and Rock Peak, as we participate in this weekend’s Greater Phoenix City Nature Challenge (see information below)! For those only wanting to do a shorter hike, you could consider joining us for the 0.9-mile hike on the Rock Peak Wash Trail before turning back (which is easy to find your way back to the parking lot on), which will take place between 7:00-8:00am roughly. The ranger and those that want to go farther will continue over to the Malpais Trail and parts of San Tan Trail, and back via Rock Peak Wash Trail, making a 7.8-mile loop. The hike usually takes 5 hours to do, although since we will be stopping more frequently to photograph plants, animals, and more along the way, it may take us closer to 6 hours. The hike may be shortened depending on how hot the weather forecast ends up being for this day.
Along the way Ranger Eric will talk about the plants, animals, and ecology of the Sonoran Desert, and how to use iNaturalist and other community science apps. The hike is considered moderate to difficult, mostly for the distance and due to long stretches of walking in sandy washes, with some rocky and uneven surfaces are involved, as well. This hike does not involve much in the way of steep inclines though, so it is more hiking through washes and over hills rather than more rough mountain terrain.
Please wear sturdy footwear and sun protection, and carry ample water and snacks for yourself. At least 3 liters of water is recommended for this hike. Pre-hydrating the night before this hike is a good idea, as is consuming electrolytes before and during the hike.
The City Nature Challenge is a bioblitz-style competition that challenges local communities to make the most observations of biodiversity in their area during this 4-day period using the free community science app, iNaturalist. You can use the app to identify and document any living organism on the planet, learn about the biodiversity around you, and help scientists better understand where different forms of life occur around the globe! The Greater Phoenix City Nature Challenge will focus on the Phoenix Metro area, including all of our Maricopa County Parks (including San Tan, even though it is in Pinal County). For more information, check out the following link: https://greaterphoenixcnc.com/
*If you would like to learn how to document nature observations via iNaturalist, please download the free app at home and register an account prior to arrival, as cell service can be spotty in the park.
MEETING LOCATION: Rock Peak Wash Trailhead at the south end of the park.
Exact location (Google Maps): https://maps.app.goo.gl/mtS6LZgFL5rDGtsP9
Parks map: https://www.maricopacountyparks.net/assets/1/6/san-tan-8x11.pdf
*Restrooms are NOT available at the trailhead, but are available at the Nature Center. Self-pay envelopes are available at the trailhead ($10 per vehicle); please bring cash! Alternatively, you can pay at the Nature Center and then drive over to the Rock Peak Wash Trailhead. Maricopa County Parks annual passes also accepted (place hangtag on rearview mirror).
Limit 20 participants. To register, please call the Nature Center at (602) 506-2930 ext. 7 with your name, phone number, and number of people attending. If you find you cannot attend a program after you have registered, please call the Nature Center ASAP so we may contact those on the waiting list. Registration for this program will close on 4/23.
April is Citizen Science Month! Citizen Science Month 2026 is an official partner of America 250, the campaign to celebrate the United States of America’s semi-quincentennial anniversary. Help us reach 2.50 Million Acts of Science by reporting your iNaturalist observations to SciStarter! Create an account on SciStarter.org, an ASU research affiliate, and add your iNat username to settings (under "Affiliation Integration")—do this once, and all your observations count! Why join SciStarter? Earn credit, explore more projects, and help measure impact! Questions? Reach out! greaterphxcnc@googlegroups.com
PLEASE NOTE: Outdoor programs may be canceled on short notice due to severe weather, including extreme heat events. The Maricopa County Parks website (www.maricopa.gov/parks) is the most accurate resource for verifying the program’s status. Please check the program listing online before coming to the park.