Events

Come with Ranger Shaun for a casual paced walk and talk through the Preserve. Click program title for more details.

Interested in learning more about cacti? Learn and ask your cactus questions to Ranger Eric at this Cactus Curiosity Discovery Station. Click on program title for more details!

Join Ranger Olivia for a hike to see and learn about the stunning saguaros during
sunset. Click program title for more details.

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.

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 meet Ranger Olivia and learn more about how and why our desert tortoises love the
desert so much at this Tortoise Talk Discovery Station! Click program title for more details.

Learn about the resident and migrant birds of desert riparian areas on this guided walk with Ranger Eric. Click on program title for more details.

Join Ranger Olivia at this Butterfly Monitoring Discovery Station and learn more about how and why Maricopa County Parks monitor and support butterfly populations. Click program title for more details.

A no drop night ride through the trails.

Look for scorpions and other nocturnal critters on this hike with Ranger Derik! Click on program title for more details.

Learn about the resident and migrant birds of desert riparian areas on this guided walk with Ranger Eric. Click on program title for more details.

Homeschool families – “Buzz” on over and join our Arizona pollinator learning adventure led by Rangers Jacque, Nikki and Olivia in ongoing 30-minute workshop sessions throughout the morning. Get a bugs-eye view of what it’s like being a pollinator, learn to recognize desert invader plants that can threaten our pollinators’ favorite foods and get your hands a little dirty by planting a native seed pot that you can take home. Click program title for more details.

Think you’re brave? The Desert would like a word. After dark. Ranger Derik is here to show you to your appointment. Click program title for more details.

Have you ever wanted to learn more about butterflies? Well, here is your chance! Put your skills to the test at one of our upcoming butterfly monitoring programs, while documenting species for science.

Have you ever wanted to learn more about butterflies? Well, here is your chance! Put your skills to the test at one of our upcoming butterfly monitoring programs, while documenting species for science.

Have you ever wanted to learn more about butterflies? Well, here is your chance! Put your skills to the test at one of our upcoming butterfly monitoring programs, while documenting species for science.

Join Ranger Jacque to become a desert sleuth! Learn to identify tracks and signs at a brief lesson before heading out on a guided night hike to spot the creatures of the Sonoran night. Click program title for more details.

Celebrate America's 250th anniversary year with Ranger Jacque by discovering the fascinating world of the iconic saguaro cactus, a living symbol of the American Southwest that has stood as a silent witness to our nation's history for centuries! Click program title for more details.

Curious about the plants that poke in the desert? Then come out for a morning hike with Ranger Derik. Click program title for more details.

Stop by the nature center and discover what creatures call the park home at this Desert Mammals Discovery Station. Click program title for more details.

Look for scorpions and other nocturnal critters on this hike with Ranger Eric! Click on program title for more details.

Look for desert and migratory birds around the lake with Ranger Eric! Click on program title for details.

Come by and visit Ranger Derik to learn about some of the animals native to the Sonoran Desert during this Desert Critters Discovery Station. Click program title for more details.

Join Ranger Olivia on a hike to look for scorpions and other nocturnal creatures that call
Usery home. Click program title for more details.

Join Ranger Kevin for a fun and informative hike about the history and significance of this
desert river. Click program title for more details.

See hundreds of vultures and thousands of bats at this unique and free, family-friendly event in Wickenburg! Click on program title for more details.

Join Ranger Derik on a hike through the park is search of scorpions and
other critters Click program title for more details.

Get a look at beautiful Scenic Trail as the sun and temperature climb for the day. Click program title for more details.

Stop by the nature center with your little ones and learn about the Sonoran Desert through a children’s book! Click program title for more details.

Look for scorpions and other nocturnal critters on this hike with Ranger Eric! Click on program title for more details.

Join Ranger Olivia and Park staff to “Give Your Land a Hand” during the nation’s largest, single-day volunteer event. Click program title for more details. 

Hang up that suit and tie and lace on some boots for an early weeknight hike in search of nocturnal creatures with Ranger Derik! Click program title for more details.

Join Ranger Derik on a summit hike to overlook the lake and take in the saguaros and stars! Click program title for more details.

Would you like to meet some scorpions and other “creepy-crawly” critters? Join Ranger Kevin for an evening of insect improv! Click program title for more details.