Maricopa County Parks and Recreation: Creatures of the Night Hike

Join Ranger Eric to look for and learn about scorpions, snakes, tarantulas, spiders, owls, nightjars, mammals, and other nocturnal wildlife while hiking the Cottonwood Trail. We will likely see or hear wild burros (donkeys), or at least signs of them. The hike will be 1-2 miles roundtrip on easy to moderate grade, with frequently rocky and uneven surfaces. The ranger will have a headlamp and blacklight, but please bring flashlights and blacklights if you have them. We will be hiking the night before the full moon, so we should have a bright moonlit landscape to navigate on, as well. Please wear sturdy footwear and dress in layers in case it is still getting chilly at night, and bring ample water for yourself. Restrooms are available at the trailhead.

MEETING LOCATION: Cottonwood Day Use Area accessed via the North Entry Station of Lake Pleasant Regional Park.

Exact location (Google Maps): https://maps.app.goo.gl/9FiByE5Uqp7PBEa67

Park map: https://www.maricopacountyparks.net/assets/1/6/lake-pleasant-8×111.pdf

Limit 20 participants. To register, please email Ranger Eric at eric.hough@maricopa.gov and provide your name, phone number, and total number of people in your party. If you find you cannot attend a program after you have registered, please email back ASAP so those on the waiting list may be contacted. Registration for this program will close on 4/28.

PLEASE NOTE: Outdoor programs may be canceled or shortened 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.