Hike the treasured landscapes of the Sonoran Desert surrounding the East Valley. Each trip you'll discover iconic cacti, canyons peppering the landscapes, and rugged trails. Trips are local and start out with easy terrain and progress to more difficult hikes later in the season. Transportation and entrance fees included. Come prepared with hiking attire, water,...
Meet in the Saguaro day use area to learn how to distinguish between birds and seek out hawks to hummingbirds all throughout the trail! Be prepared for a 1 mile, slow-paced bird walk on moderate, rocky terrain with mild 150-ft. elevation gain. Program is about 1.5 hours. Please wear close-toed shoes, and don't forget water,...
We encourage our guests to visit the Children’s Garden every Tuesday and Thursday morning to water the garden, and enjoy the flowers, insects, veggies, herbs, and more! Free with Museum Admission
Join a ranger at the Kris Eggle Visitor Center at our back patio to learn about the wildlife found at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. Topics may include javalina, gila monsters, cougars, and more! Free with Park Fee
Learn about Grand Canyon's natural world on a 1 hour guided walk on a paved pathway along the canyon rim. Topics vary and may include: animals and plants adapting to changing seasons, man's impact on nature, how nature inspires writers and poets, rare and endangered species, or American Indian use of plants and animals. Program...
Every morning, a volunteer naturalist leads a guided nature walk informing visitors about the different life zones of Red Rock State Park. The subjects discussed on this walk may include geology, wildlife, history, archeology, and plant life. The naturalists welcome questions during the walk, enhancing the learning experience. Hikes are included with park entrance fees...
Let your interest reach new heights and join us for a hike through the heart of the cactus forest, getting to know the giant cactus. Hike will up to 2 miles round trip on a flat trail. Bring sun protection and water. Hiking boots are recommended. Free with Park Fee
Experience Tohono Chul while learning some of the basics of the ecology of the Sonoran Desert. Join us for a Walk in the Gardens and get an intimate look at the plants and animals that call Tohono Chul home. During this guided tour, you’ll hear about desert wildlife and learn how to identify some of...
Join a ranger for a 15 minute talk at the Coronado National Memorial Visitor Center and learn about a variety of park topics including the Coronado Expedition, wildlife, and more! Ask a ranger at the visitor center desk for the topic of the day. Free with Park Fee
Being a “brand new” birder can be a little intimidating, but it shouldn’t be that way at all! Join Luke Safford for the third session of the “Brand New Birding” series which will encourage you as a beginning birder, give you tips for getting started, include next step activities, and continue to ignite your passion...
Explore the tide zones of the Gulf of California and witness how the desert changes as you travel inland Eco-Stations at the Overlook These touch carts, staffed by Docents, feature hands-on Sonoran Desert learning opportunities for visitors of all ages. Stocked with everything from binoculars and hand lenses to mounted specimens and scientific models,...
Join us for a surprise program. Topics change daily. Come curious, leave inspired! Program may include a walk to Mather Point or along the Canyon Rim Trail. Program duration: 30 minutes. Presented daily. We all have our favorites - favorite restaurants, favorite music, favorite parks. Join a ranger, or a park volunteer, for a program...
Interact with some of our special animals, which for many people is a once in a lifetime experience. Guests will get to learn about endangered species, how we contribute to conservation of those animals, some of the considerations we must take into consideration when having these reptiles in Arizona, which reptiles are good pets for children or adults, adaptations...
Come join us for a stroll through our ethnobotanical garden where we will discuss some of the fascinating plants found in the Sonoran Desert! From the mighty saguaro cactus to the smallest wildflower, come let your curiosity blossom! Accessible program. Free with Park Fee
Join a ranger on the back patio of the Kris Eggle Visitor Center to discover more about Organ Pipe Cactus' fascinating cultural or geological history, ecology, wildlife or other fun topics! Free with Park Fee
Enhance your afternoon with quick insights into the geologic story of Grand Canyon at our "Geo Glimpse" ranger program - presented daily at 2 pm. Meet in front of Yavapai Geology Museum. Learn how this immense canyon formed and the science behind the landscape. The program is 30 minutes long and is accessible. Grand Canyon is one-mile deep, up to...
Climb a half-mile up the Tanque Verde Ridge to enjoy a desert sunset with a ranger guide. Expect rocky terrain and beautiful views. Free with Park Fee
Join a ranger at the Twin Peaks Campground Amphitheater to discover more about the amazing Sonoran Desert! Topics may including cultural history, wildlife, cacti, restoration projects, and more! Free with Park Fee
Boasting awe-inspiring landscapes and the richest hummingbird diversity in the nation, it’s easy to see why Arizona is a mecca for both songbirds and birders alike. Explore Phoenix’s vast habitats alongside a birding professional to discover 13 hypnotic species. You’ll learn to how this avian family lives and tips to identify area species.