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.
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While hot summer temperatures still grasp the Valley of the Sun, escape to the cool high country and experience three beautiful hikes in the Flagstaff area, led by naturalist Eric Garton of the Garden's education department. These three easy hikes will show you a different side of Arizona beyond our lower Sonoran Desert home and raise awareness of the unique landscapes, plant and animal adaptations, and ecological relationships just a short drive to the north.
Individual Hike Prices: Member: $25 / Non-Member: $32
All times listed indicate roundtrip time from the trailheads. Price includes water, snacks, and educational handouts. You will receive detailed directions and specific information following registration.
Length: three miles total out and back. Trail rating: Easy
Click here to register on-line.
Length: one and a half miles total out and back. Trail rating: Easy
Click here to register on-line.
A special hike exploring the area where C. Hart Merriam and his team of explorers camped in 1889, leading to the announcement of his Life Zone concept still in use today.
Length: two miles total out and back. Trail rating: Easy
Click here to register on-line.
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In addition to being the world's largest city park at more than 16,000 acres, South Mountain stands out as one the world's unique geologic features. Join geologist Richard Allen to learn why as he leads this four-mile, adventurous hike within the park, as well as the fascinating plants, animals and ecology from naturalist Eric Garton. The moderately difficult trail has approximately 500 feet elevation change–some boulder-scrambling required–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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Take advantage of this unique opportunity to see an exclusive private collection of desert plants from around the world without leaving the Valley of the Sun. We will travel to Wallace Desert Garden in north Scottsdale for a leisurely walking tour, led by knowledgeable Wallace Desert Garden and Desert Botanical Garden staff members. This tour features beautifully manicured collections of desert plants of the world on private trails not open to the general public. Highlights include the 6,000 square foot Cactus Pavilion, a boojum tree forest, and world-renowned collection of Ephedra. Includes roundtrip transportation, snacks, bottled water and a tasty picnic lunch. Limit 20.
Click here to register for September 27 workshop.
Click here to register for September 27 workshop with transportation.
Click here to register for November 6 workshop.
Click here to register for November 6 workshop with transportation.
Cienega Creek is an exquisite riparian area southeast of Tucson, just minutes from Interstate 10. Join one of the Southwest’s premier naturalists, Pinau Merlin, on this morning nature walk to discover this jewel in the desert, with its year-round water, gallery forest, rich habitat and wildlife diversity. We will see native fish in the creek, southwestern willow-flycatchers, and other critters and wildlife signs expertly interpreted by Pinau. This completely undeveloped area is a well-kept secret around the Tucson area and receives few visitors. The walk is of moderate difficulty as there are few developed trails, but the pace is leisurely, with plenty of nature to encounter along the way. Bring a sack lunch to enjoy by the creek. Water and snacks are included. Limit 15.
Click here to register on-line.
“Hike Through Time” takes on special meaning on this diverse hike featuring geologist Richard Allen and naturalist Eric Garton. This hike features geology, natural history and archaeological interpretation along the Garden Valley Loop Trail in the Superstition Mountains. In the shadow of Black Mesa, Garden Valley is an expansive area of cholla cactus forest, mesquite trees and prehistoric ruin. This five-mile loop hike is rated as moderate difficulty, with elevation changes of 500 feet. Features discussions of geologic history, volcanic formations and rock types, local ecology, and historic and prehistoric inhabitants of the area. Informational handouts, bottled water and snacks are provided. Limit 12.
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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 almost 100 miles through the desert, but nearly the entire length runs underground. However, at this site, the water flows crystal clear above ground year-round, creating spectacular habitat for a myriad of plant and animal species, including more than 280 species of birds throughout the year. This trip will feature interpretation of the birds and plants we encounter, and of riparian ecology. Participants also will learn about one of the rarest forest types in North America, the cottonwood-willow forest, found at this site. Also on the walk are a true mesquite bosque and Palm Lake, an oasis in the desert. This easy walking tour is 1.5 miles long on sandy, level trails and concludes with a delicious picnic lunch near the preserve's historic visitor center, built in the 1860s. Lunch, bottled water, informational handouts, bird lists and snacks are provided. Limit 20.
Click here to register for October 9 workshop.
Click here to register for October 9 workshop with transportation.
Click here to register for November 12 workshop.
Click here to register for November 12 workshop with transportation.
Head out Wickenburg way for this popular seasonal outing featuring “Cowboy Naturalist” Richard Fredrickson and Eric Garton of the Garden's education department. This easy hike will treat nature lovers to a fabulous array of Sonoran Desert upland plant and animal species, local history and fascinating ecology. We will travel to beautiful Rancho de los Caballeros in Wickenburg for a day loaded with nature interpretation and hands-on demonstrations. The hike will be followed by a delicious lunch at the ranch’s historic cowboy-inspired dining room. This leisurely loop hike is approximately 1.5 miles long with minimal elevation but does have some short, steep sections and areas of loose rocks and gravel. Lunch, gratuities, bottled water and snacks are included. Limit 20.
Click here to register on-line for the October 16 workshop.
Click here to register on-line for the October 16 workshop with transpotation.
Click here to register on-line for the November 20 workshop.
Click here to register on-line for the November 20 workshop with transportation.
Enjoy the wonders of the White Tank Mountains, which form the Valley's western border, on this special hike featuring both the geology and rock art of this area. Geologist Richard Allen and naturalist Eric Garton will lead this easy three-mile hike through a beautiful and diverse portion of the White Tank Mountain Regional Park. Learn about the geology of this rugged area, as well as petroglyphs, and local plants and wildlife. This hike has minimal elevation, but some portions of trail have high steps or loose footing. Snacks and bottled water are provided. Bring a sack lunch to enjoy at the end of the hike. Please note there is a nominal park fee for vehicles. Limit 15.
Click here to register on-line.
Join geologist Richard Allen and Garden staff for this great hike nestled in the heart of metropolitan Phoenix at Shaw Butte. See why hikers consider this trail one of the best all-around hikes in the Phoenix Mountains Preserve. The hike features amazing landscape views overlooking north and central Phoenix, intriguing interpretation and presentations on geology, hands-on natural history demonstrations, and a whole lot of fun. The trail is approximately four miles roundtrip and includes a challenging ascent to the top of the butte. The hike is rated moderate to difficult, with elevations ranging from 1,390 to 2,044 feet. Informational handouts, bottled water and snacks are provided. No transportation provided. Limit 15.
Click here to register on-line.
Do we know what those carefully crafted rock markings mean? What are they intended to convey? Spend Veterans Day holiday hiking and learning the answers with the Desert Botanical Garden. Experience a magical place known as Hieroglyphic Springs, 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 of the plants, animals and relationships that humans have shared with nature for centuries. This moderate, four-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 get a chance to taste some native foods. Limit 15.
Click here to register on-line.
A healthy guided hike, a tai chi session in a unique desert location, and a beautiful Arizona sunset - - what could be healthier for mind and body? This new experience led by tai chi instructor Ray Sol and naturalist Eric Garton will showcase a very unique location in the north Valley - - a striking rock formation and archeological site - - nestled in the beautiful Sonoran desert uplands. This afternoon excursion will feature nature interpretation and a special tai chi session, including Qigong breathing and relaxation techniques at our turnaround point. The 5-mile roundtrip trail has mild inclines only. Informational handouts, bottled water and healthy snacks are provided. Limit 10.
Click here to register on-line.
