Maricopa County Parks and Recreation: Creatures of the Night Hike

Feeling brave? Now that the sun’s gone, the critters will be up to the last of their business for the day. The desert tends to get pretty busy in the dark. Wanna see? Join Ranger Shaun for a foray into the desert darkness! While the creeping chill of winter has started to slow things down, the desert hasn’t given up for the year just yet. We’ll take the UV lights and flashlights and slip into the shadows of the Metate, Towhee, and Spur Cross trails as we search for various forms of nocturnal life like scorpions, ants, snakes, tarantula, moths, owls, various bats, birds, skunks, mice, rats, and more. The riparian area near the riverbed provides an amazing habitat for these creatures, even when there isn’t water in the river, surprisingly! But how? Come find out! This program requires closed toe shoes, a water bottle, and a flashlight for safety. A UV or blacklight is useful if you have one but there will likely be a few available for loan. Other hiking or walking equipment such as hiking poles or sticks are not required but are welcome if desired. MEETING LOCATION: Spur Cross Covered Picnic Area Precise Meeting Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/prXvP4nSn3Dnze9B6 Limit 10 participants. To register, please call the Nature Center at (602)506-2930 ext. 8 with your name, phone number, and the number of people attending. If you find you cannot attend a program after you have registered, please call the Nature Center ASAP so we can contact those on the waiting list. Registration for this program will close on 10/23/25.