Maricopa County Parks and Recreation: New Year’s Eve Scorpion Safari

Ring out 2025 by joining Ranger Eric for a guided night hike this New Year’s Eve to look for nocturnal wildlife including scorpions!

Our likelihood of seeing scorpions depends on the how cold it is, but we still have a chance at seeing them, as well as maybe mammals and owls. We have a decent chance of seeing fireworks from the northwest Valley too! We will hike the 0.8-mile Roadrunner Trail from the Discovery Center to the east side of the 10- Lane Boat Ramp, then back, doing 1.6 miles roundtrip. The trail is rated as easy, but with occasionally rocky or uneven ground. Please dress in layers, wear sturdy footwear, carry ample water, and bring your own flashlights or headlamps. The ranger will have a blacklight to look for scorpions, which glow under the UV light. Restrooms are available at the Discovery Center, east side of the 10-Lane Boat Ramp, and at Bobcat and Ringtail Day Use Areas.

For those of you participating in the 100 Miles in 100 Days Challenge, this is a great way to work towards your goal! The challenge runs from Nov.1-Feb. 8. For more details on the program, please visit this link: https://www.maricopacountyparks.net/things-to-do/activity/100-miles-in-100-days-challenge/

MEETING LOCATION: In front of Lake Pleasant Discovery Center at Roadrunner Trailhead.

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

Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/yUsz5h3kBeGq6R7K8

Limit 20 participants. To register, please email Ranger Eric at eric.hough@maricopa.gov 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 Monday, 12/29/25.