Join Ranger Shaun for a desert excursion in the dark! Set off just after sunset to (hopefully) dodge the heat and catch the night shift showing up! We’ll walk portions of Moonlight, San Tan, and Stargazer trails by flashlight looking for snakes, scorpions, spiders, lizards, and whatever else we can find! This time of year, many of the desert’s animals shift into a nocturnal or crepuscular activity cycle so this is a great time of day to see them!
Make sure to bring plenty of water, sturdy footwear, and a flashlight. Hiking sticks or poles are recommended but not required. No pets please. Please be aware the dark may be overwhelming to younger audiences.
MEETING LOCATION: San tan trailhead
Precise Meeting Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/26AvA751vs11CMCUA
Limit 10 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 7/16/2026.
PLEASE NOTE: 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 current status. Please check the program listing online before coming to the park.