Maricopa County Parks and Recreation: Scorpion Safari

Join Ranger Nikki on an easy, family-friendly stroll to search for scorpions and other nocturnal critters. Ranger Nikki will lead you on an easy walk to search for bark, striped-tail and giant hairy scorpions. We will also be on the lookout for other nocturnal critters such as bats, owls, tarantulas, kangaroo rats, stink bugs and more, so bring your blacklight and a regular flashlight. Merkle is a one-mile, barrier-free loop trail rated as Easy, with a mostly-level gravel surface and elevation change of 68 feet from highest to lowest point. Appropriate for wide-wheeled strollers. No pets, please. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring plenty of water. Portable restrooms are available at the Trailhead. Regular restrooms and water are available nearby at the Trailhead Staging Area parking lot (approx. 1/3 mile beyond the Meeting Location). Please bring $7 exact cash for the self-pay station or your annual pass to display on your vehicle. Please note: Outdoor summer programs may be canceled on short notice due to severe weather, including extreme heat events. The Maricopa County Parks website (www.maricopa.gov/parks) is the most accurate resource for verifying the program’s current status. Please check the program listing online before coming to the park. MEETING LOCATION: Merkle Trailhead / Area 6 Map of Meeting Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/F2ifSCqsnxzb4sUb6 Map of nearby restrooms at Trailhead Staging area: https://maps.app.goo.gl/nwVmyY82p3kGeYfE7 Limit 20 participants. To register, please call the Usery Nature Center at (602) 506-2930 ext. 4 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 6/11/25.