Get “Out and About” with the experts and experience one-of-a-kind outings designed for those who seek more than just fresh air and exercise outdoors. You will be treated to inspiring locations, fascinating information, and exceptional service. Whether you are a casual walker or experienced hiker, you will find an experience that suits your individual tastes and abilities, and most importantly, the desire to exercise both body and mind.
Cynthia Donald, birding expert and Program Chair of the Maricopa Audubon Society leads this fun, interactive, and in-depth program specially designed for beginning bird watchers. This class includes 7 classroom sessions at the Garden and 4 outside field trips. The 4 field trips will be scheduled at the convenience and availability of the students during the first classroom session. Classroom format will consist of short PowerPoint presentations, discussion, group activities, and question and answer sessions. Field trips will vary in length and location. The purpose of the field trips is to introduce students to a variety of resident and migrant bird species, explore a diversity of birding habitats, teach field identification techniques, and highlight some of the Valley’s local birding destinations. You will leave this class with an enhanced knowledge of birding, as well as the resources to continue developing your knowledge and skills. Limit 20.
Workshop is full. Please click here to be added to wait list.
Do we know what those carefully crafted markings on the rocks mean? What are they intended to convey? Experience the magical place known as Hieroglyphic Springs, where we will find the most concentrated array of petroglyphs known to exist in the Superstition Mountains. This guided hike up the bajada (of course you will learn what bajada means) of the Superstitions will feature expert interpretation on the plants, animals, and relationships that humans have shared with nature for centuries. This moderate, 4-mile hike will be led by naturalist Eric Garton, of the Garden's Education staff and knowledgable volunteers. Handouts, healthy snacks, and bottled water are provided–you will even have the opportunity to taste some native foods. Limit 15.
Workshop is full. Please click here to be added to wait list.
Experience a very special stretch of streamside habitat being protected and restored at The Nature Conservancy's Hassayampa River Preserve near Wickenburg. The Hassayampa River flows nearly 100 miles through the desert–but nearly the entire length runs underground–except at this site, where the water flows crystal clear above ground yearround, creating spectacular habitat for a myriad of plant and animal species, including over 280 species of birds throughout the year. This trip will feature interpretation on the bird life we encounter, important plant life, as well as riparian ecology and the chance to learn about one of the rarest forest types in North America found at this site, a cottonwood-willow forest. Participants will experience a true mesquite bosque, as well as an oasis in the desert, Palm Lake. This easy walking tour is 1.5 miles long on sandy, level trails, and concludes with a picnic lunch near the preserve's historic visitor center. Lunch, bottled water, informational handouts, bird lists, and snacks are provided. Limit 20.
Click here to register on-line for May 9, 2008 hike.
Click here to register on-line for May 9, 2008 hike with transportation.
Geologist Richard Allen leads this fantastic hike on First Water Trail to Hackberry Springs in the Superstition Mountains to discover the geologic history and wonder of this Arizona mountain range. Learn about volcanic formations, rock types, and the geologic forces that sculpted this very unique region. This 4-mile, moderate hike will also include plant, wildlife, and ecology interpretation by naturalist Eric Garton from the Garden's education department. Informational handouts, bottled water and snacks are provided. Limit 12.
Click here to register on-line.
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Workshop is full. Please click here to be added to wait list.
Escape to the high country with geologist Richard Allen and naturalist Eric Garton for this volcanic-themed weekend featuring 3 exciting nature hikes around Flagstaff. You will experience 3 distinct types of volcanic features: a lava dome, cinder cone, and stratovolcano–each volcanically unique and amazing when experienced up close and personal with expert interpretation from your guides. Learn about the forces that created – and will continue to shape – this 1,800 square mile area known as the San Francisco Volcanic Field. You will also learn about the local environment, plants, animals, and ecological relationships that we encounter along our excursions. Each hike detailed below will include informational handouts, snacks, and bottled water. Upon registration for the weekend of hikes, you will also receive additional ideas for lodging, food, local highlights and activities. No transportation provided. Limit 12.
Hike 1: Mount Elden – Hike Fatman’s Loop Trail
Saturday / May 31 / 8-11 a.m.
We will start our excursions with this easy 2-mile roundtrip interpretive hike along the base of one of Flagstaff’s adjacent volcanic landmarks, Mount Elden, a steep-sided lava dome on the eastern edge of town. In addition to great discussions on geology and interesting rock formations, the trail provides scenic overlooks and a diverse community of plants which plays host to a variety of wildlife species.
Hike 2: SP Crater – Ascend a Cinder Cone
Saturday / May 31 / 1-4 p.m.
After our morning hike and lunch, drive north of Flagstaff to SP Crater, a cinder cone that erupted 70,000 years ago and is notable for its nearly-perfect symmetry and distinct lava flow spewed over four miles to the north. We will hike slowly up the cone from its base to the rim, a moderately strenuous climb with 800 feet elevation gain. We will stop often to catch our breath and interpret the surroundings. The rewarding views from the rim are spectacular – a 400-foot-deep crater, extruded lava flow, and neighboring volcanoes in the distance provide perspective on our place in the universe, as well as fantastic photographic opportunities.
Hike 3: San Francisco Mountain – Experience the Inner Basin Trail
Sunday / June 1 / 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
Hike into the heart of an ancient volcano on our final hike of the weekend. Commonly referred to as the San Francisco Peaks, these peaks, including the highest point in Arizona, are actually the eroded remnants of San Francisco Mountain, the only stratovolcano in the San Francisco Volcanic Field. The inner basin trail will lead us deep into the ancient caldera of this massive volcano. This is truly one of Arizona's most beautiful locations, teeming with wildlife, old-growth conifers, and stands of quaking aspen trees. This 4-mile roundtrip hike will feature expert interpretation on the geology, flora and fauna and the relationships they share with this unique high elevation landscape. This hike is rated difficult, with 1,400 feet of elevation gain (8,600 to 10,000 feet).
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In addition to being the world's largest city park at over 16,000 acres, South Mountain stands out as one of the world's unique geologic features. Join geologist Richard Allen to learn why as he leads this adventurous hike within the park. This four-mile roundtrip hike includes not only interpretation of the unique geology, but also of South Mountain’s fascinating plants, animals and ecology with naturalist Eric Garton from the Garden's education department. Do not miss this opportunity to find out what makes South Mountain Park such a special and beautiful place–right in our own backyard! The trail has approximately 500 feet elevation change, some boulder-scrambling, and areas of loose footing and high stepping. Highlights include a natural tunnel and Fat Man's Pass. Informational handouts, bottled water and snacks are provided. Limit 12.
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Do not miss this rare opportunity to participate in a traditional Tohono O’odham saguaro fruit harvest and meal preparation led by a Native Tohono O’odham harvester. This excursion will begin in Tucson as we will travel by van to the fruit harvest camp within the saguaro forest. Learn about Native traditions, tools, and the anthropology associated with this special event as you harvest saguaro fruit as it has been done for centuries. This trip also features ethnobotanist Martha Burgess interpreting the ecology and natural history of this iconic cactus. Afterward, we will process the fruit and prepare a traditional feast with the fruits of our harvest. This is an unforgettable experience you will remember for a lifetime. Limit 15.
Click here to register on-line for June 18 workshop.
Explore the geology of the upper Sonoran Desert north of Phoenix, along Cave Creek Regional Park's popular Go John Trail. Join geologist Richard Allen, naturalist Eric Garton of the Garden's education department, and the park's Interpretive Ranger for this morning five-mile- loop hike featuring geology interpretation and information about the plants and animals of this diverse area. This hike is of moderate difficulty, with a few ups and downs on rocky trails. Informational handouts, bottled water and snacks are provided. Please note there is a nominal park fee for vehicles. Limit 15.
Click here to register on-line.
What formed the Papago Buttes? Why are they so unique? Do not miss this exclusive opportunity to learn the answers and much more from an expert in the field. Get an up-close-and-personal geologic tour of the rock features that give Papago Park its distinctive look from geologist Richard Allen and Garden staff. This fun event begins at the Garden with a delicious catered dinner, followed by an exciting evening excursion within Papago Park to unlock the secrets of these iconic rock formations. This is an easy walking tour that will also include interpretation of the summer plants and animals that make the desert come alive at night. Limit 20.
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Experience a very unique location in the north Valley with geologist Richard Allen and naturalist Eric Garton of the Garden's education department. This early morning hike to Cathedral Rocks at Brown's Ranch in the beautiful Sonoran Desert uplands features a striking rock formation and archeological site that may have been a native peoples’ gathering place and grain-processing site. This diverse habitat also supports a tremendous variety of plant and animal species. The six-mile roundtrip trail has mild inclines only. Informational handouts, bottled water and snacks are provided. Limit 15.
Click here to register on-line.
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As the Valley heats up, take advantage of Arizona’s higher–and certainly cooler–elevations to escape the heat and experience the beautiful summer seasons of Flagstaff, Payson and Sedona areas. These hikes are intended to show you a different side of Arizona beyond our lower Sonoran Desert home and raise awareness for the unique plant and animal adaptations and ecological relationships just a short drive away. Create your own weekend getaways around these fun hikes that will feature fantastic summer wildflowers, cool forests and breathtaking sights. Interpretation and hands-on demonstrations will be provided by naturalist Eric Garton of the Garden’s education department and guest experts. Group sizes are limited to 10 hikers to ensure a personalized experience. Hikes vary in length and difficulty. Keep in mind hikes with the Garden are intended for enjoyment and education throughout, which means many stops along the way to learn about the world around you (and to catch your breath!).
All times listed indicate roundtrip time from the trailheads. Price includes water, snacks and educational handouts for the hike. You will receive detailed directions and specific information following registration.
Length: 4.5 miles total out and back
Trail Rating: Moderate
Elevation: 8,600-10,000 feet
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Length: 5 miles total out and back
Trail Rating: Easy
Elevation: 9,200-8,500 feet
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Length: 6 miles total out and back
Trail Rating: ModerateElevation: 5,400-6,600 feet
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Length: 3 miles total out and back
Trail Rating: Easy
Elevation: 6,200-7,000 feet
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Length: 6miles total out and back
Trail Rating: Moderate
Elevation: 5,000 feet (little change during hike)
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Length: 3.5 miles total out and back
Trail Rating: Easy
Elevation: 5,000 feet (little change during hike)
Click here to register on-line.
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