ALERTS
EMERGENCY ALERT
Desert Tortoise Campground - Scute Loop - Temporary Water Outage /Site Closures
ANNUAL FIRE BAN: MAY 1 - SEPT 30
PARADISE VALLEY GOLF COURSE Temporary Closing
WHITE TANK: Trailhead Staging Closed 4/13/26 - 9/30/26
MARICOPA TRAIL: Temporary Closure - Segment 12 - Oct 8, 2025 - Sept 2026
 
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During extreme heat, use extreme caution! Stay hydrated. Stay cool. Stay safe. Click to on graphic to learn more.
Please make sure all small children and individuals who can't swim wear life-jackets when recreating in the water. Stay safe. Click to on graphic to learn more water safety tips.
Parks is updating the Park Master Plans for Cave Creek Regional Park, McDowell Mountain Regional Park, and the Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area. Join our planning efforts by clicking the graphic.
Connecting people with nature.

Places to Go

Park Events View All

Aug 7

Desert 101 Hike

Explore the north area of the park with Ranger Nikki and learn about the plants and animals of our Sonoran Desert. Click program title for more details. ...More details
Aug 7

Discovery Station Desert Mammals 

Get up close and personal with skulls and pelts from some common mammals found in our County Parks during this drop-by learning opportunity with Ranger Nikki. Click program title for more details. ...More details
Aug 7

America 250 Mine Tour- Striking it Rich! (Registration required, limit 12)

***Program cancelled due to extreme heat warning issued by NWS***
Join Ranger Jacque for a special hike and mine tour to celebrate our nation's 250th anniversary year while uncovering a fascinating story of the pursuit of the American Dream in the Arizona desert. Click program title for more details. ...More details
Aug 7

Saguaros in Sunset (Registration Required, Limit 25 Participants)

***This program has been cancelled due to an extreme heat warning issued by the NWS***
Join Ranger Olivia for a hike to see and learn about the stunning saguaros during sunset. Click program title for more details.  ...More details
Aug 7

America 250: Starry Nights and Striped Scorpions (Registration Required, Limit 25 Participants)

Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary year under the desert stars with Ranger Jacque! Hunt for glowing scorpions (included the stripe-tailed species!) along the trails and discover why these resilient survivors have been a constant in the American Southwest for eons. ...More details
Aug 8

Bird Walk with Tom Locascio (Registration Required, Limit 12)

Join Park Volunteer Tom Locascio for a morning walk followed by an informational program in the Nature Center about the birds of Estrella Mountain Regional Park. ...More details
Aug 8

Cactus Hike (Registration Required, Limit 15 Participants)

Spend the morning outside to learn all about the different cacti of the Sonoran Desert during this guided hike with Ranger Olivia. Click program title for more details. ...More details
Aug 8

Discovery Station

Join Ranger Olivia to Meet the Critters at this Discovery Station with some of the animal ambassadors that reside at the McDowell Nature Center! Click on program title for more details. ...More details
Aug 8

Nature Story Hour (Registration required. Limit 30 Participants) 

Join Ranger Kevin for a story and an introduction to some of the desert’s most amazing animals. Click program title for more details. ...More details
Aug 8

Discovery Station

BUGS!
Ready for Bug Theater? No? Come for a refresher! Ranger Shaun will be in the Nature Center showing off some bugs and answering questions about creepy crawlies to get everyone pumped up for tonight! Click program title for more details. ...More details

Things to Do

NOTICE: Accessibility & Accommodations
The County is committed to providing equal access to its programs, services, and activities.

To request a reasonable accommodation, auxiliary aid, service, or information in an alternative format, please contact the ADA Compliance Program at maricopacountyparks@maricopa.gov or 602.506.9500.

Requests related to public meetings should be made at least three (3) business days in advance when possible to allow time for coordination. 

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