Maricopa County Parks and Recreation: Creatures of the Night

Explore the desert in the dark with Ranger Shaun! The Sonoran Desert is different in the dark. Come find out! We’ll journey up Yavapai Point and see the types of creatures that emerge in the dark to call the park home. Generally encountered are plenty of bugs and scorpions, mice, birds, lizards, and birds. Sometimes snakes, burros, and more will volunteer for an appearance. The lake is popular place! This is a roughly 3-mile round trip hike. Restrooms are available at the trailhead. Please wear closed toed shoes and bring water. Flashlights are recommended, blacklights are encouraged. No pets please. MEETING LOCATION: Cottonwood Day use area Limit 10 participants. To register, please email Ranger Shaun at shaun.barnett@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 email back ASAP so those on the waiting list may be contacted. Registration for this program will close on 9/17/2024. 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.     Free with Park Fee