Celebrate two and a half centuries of the American spirit (America 250) under the glow of the Blue Flower Moon. This 2-mile hike is rated easy and features an elevation gain of under 200 feet. We start with a nature walk on the Tortoise trail, stopping to learn about the Sonoran Desert along the way. Then, we climb the short Hilltop trail (approximately 0.5 miles) for a spectacular view of the moon rising over the Mazatzal Mountains. Please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes, bring plenty of water, and a handheld flashlight (please refrain from using headlamps). This program is weather-dependent. Please allow 15 minutes upon park arrival to use the self-pay station and reach the trailhead, which is a few miles past the park entry.
MEETING LOCATION: Trailhead Staging Area by the restroom building
Precise Meeting Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XWzDLPnBLGGQDh9z6
Limit 25 participants. To register, please call the McDowell Nature Center at (602) 506-2930 ext. 3 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 05/29/26. Outdoor summer 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.