Maricopa County Parks and Recreation: Desert 101 Hike

Enjoy the sights and sounds of the desert on this informative morning hike, revealing a side of desert life you may be surprised to learn. This is a moderately-rated hike at round trip 2.3 miles on gravelly terrain with some dips and rises. The route makes a loop starting from the Nature Center to Quail Trail, connecting to Rainbow Valley, Baseline, and Saddle Trails. Restrooms are available at the Nature Center, where we will meet. Please bring water, sun protection, hiking shoes, flashlight (no headlamps please), and cash for the self-pay station or your Maricopa County Parks Annual Pass.

MEETING LOCATION: Nature Center

Limit 15 participants. To register, please call the Nature Center at 602-506-2930 ext. 6 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 9/7/24.

Please note: Summer programs may be canceled on short notice due to severe weather, including extreme heat events. The MC Parks website is the best resource for verifying the program’s current status, so please check the program listing prior to departing for your scheduled program.