Glow in the Dark - Scorpion Scout

Thursday, September 29, 2022

7:30 PM to 8:30 PM

Location -

Adero Canyon Trailhead

Course

Leader - 

Ranger Amy
Janice Holden

Scorpions are a lot more fun to find when you spot them glowing under a blacklight, outside—not in your house! Learn all about these venomous creatures as we search for them, scavenger-hunt style, on the trail. Kids of all ages love looking for scorpions! Bring a blacklight if you have one, a flashlight, water, wear sturdy shoes and hiking poles if needed. No pets please!

Stargazing Hike and Sky Viewing

Saturday, October 01, 2022

7:00 PM to 8:30 PM

Location -

Adero Canyon Trailhead

Course

Leader - 

Vicky Derksen
Janice Holden

Ever look at the night sky and wonder what you were seeing? Vicky Derksen and the Star Dudes will team up with the Sonoran Conservancy of Fountain Hills to lead a hike during the first quarter moon in the McDowell Mountain Preserve - an amazing place to be at night when the Preserve is closed. Meet at Adero Canyon Trailhead for a hike where you might catch a glimpse of a planet, identify constellations and stars, while Vicky recounts some myths and stories held by ancient cultures about our sky. At the end of the hike the Star Dudes will point their telescopes at the moon, star clusters, and other deep space objects. Wear comfortable clothes, closed toed shoes, bring hiking poles if needed, water and bring only a red-lighted flashlight to protect everyone’s night vision. Bring children 8 years and older but no pets please. Vicky Derksen is the host of the Night Sky Tourist podcast. She is also the President of the Fountain Hills Dark Sky Association and serves on the board of the International Dark Sky Discovery Center. You can find her online at NightSkyTourist.com. This hike is dependent on good weather and clear skies. We will contact you by email two hours prior to the hike time if the sky is cloudy and the event is cancelled.

Chat with Critters

Saturday, October 15, 2022

8:00 AM to 9:00 AM

Location -

Adero Canyon Trailhead

Course

Leader - 

Ranger Amy
Janice Holden

Ranger Amy and the Sonoran Conservancy of Fountain Hills offer the opportunity to get up close and personal with some of Ranger Amy’s favorite reptiles (and housemates!).  A snake, desert tortoise, and scorpions are some of the critters you’ll get to meet and learn more about.  Kid & Family friendly and fully accessible.  Outside but under cover (the Ramada) at Adero Canyon Trailhead.  Water and hat always advisable. No Pets please.

Stargazing Hike and Sky Viewing

Tuesday, November 01, 2022

6:30 PM to 8:00 PM

Location -

Adero Canyon Trailhead

Course

Leader - 

Vicky Derksen
Janice Holden

Ever look at the night sky and wonder what you were seeing? Vicky Derksen and the Star Dudes will team up with the Sonoran Conservancy of Fountain Hills to lead a hike during the first quarter moon in the McDowell Mountain Preserve - an amazing place to be at night when the Preserve is closed. Meet at Adero Canyon Trailhead for a hike where you might catch a glimpse of a planet, identify constellations and stars, while Vicky recounts some myths and stories held by ancient cultures about our sky. At the end of the hike the Star Dudes will point their telescopes at the moon, star clusters, and other deep space objects. Wear comfortable clothes, closed toed shoes, bring hiking poles if needed, water and bring only a red-lighted flashlight to protect everyone’s night vision. Bring children 8 years and older but no pets please. Vicky Derksen is the host of the Night Sky Tourist podcast. She is also the President of the Fountain Hills Dark Sky Association and serves on the board of the International Dark Sky Discovery Center. You can find her online at NightSkyTourist.com. This hike is dependent on good weather and clear skies. We will contact you by email two hours prior to the hike time if the sky is cloudy and the event is cancelled.

Fountain Hills Hiking Challenge-2022 - Long

Tuesday, November 01, 2022

Any time during November

Location -

Various

Course

Leader - 

No Leader

For the third year, the Sonoran Conservancy of Fountain Hills is partnering with Fountain Hills Parks & Recreation to offer a Hiking Challenge to be completed during the month of November. This year the challenge includes 6 longer and moderately challenging hikes totalling 28.5 to 33.5 miles. A list of the hikes to be completed is on the Town website. This is a great way to get back in condition for our fabulous hiking season and become familar with the hiking trails accessed from the Town of Fountain Hills. All participants registering with the Town receive a T-shirt and then can also register for challenge hikes guided by the Sonoran Conservancy. There is a registration fee of $15. If you share your pictures on social media, you could win a $50 gift card to Just Roughin' It and Fountain Hills Swag.

Fountain Hills Hiking Challenge-2022 - Short

Tuesday, November 01, 2022

Any time during November

Location -

Various

Course

Leader - 

No Leader

For the third year, the Sonoran Conservancy of Fountain Hills is partnering with Fountain Hills Parks & Recreation to offer a Hiking Challenge to be completed during the month of November. This year we are offering a short and easy challenge with 5 hikes totaling 7 miles. This is perfect for those new to hiking. It's also a great way to begin exploring our local trails if you are new to Fountain Hills or want to share a short and easy hike with friends or visitors. A list of the hikes is on the Town website. All participants registering with the Town receive a T-shirt and can also register for challenge hikes guided by the Sonoran Conservancy. There is a registration fee of $15. If you share your pictures on social media, you could win a $50 gift card to Just Roughin' It and Fountain Hills Swag.

Sonoran Loop Hike -
Fountain Hills Hiking Challenge

Wednesday, November 02, 2022

8:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Location -

Adero Canyon Trailhead

Course

Leader - 

Sonoran Conservancy
Stewards

Are you interested in completing the Fountain Hills Hiking Challenge but prefer to hike with a group of like-minded people rather than hike alone? This is your opportunity! Stewards with the Sonoran Conservancy of Fountain Hills will lead each of the hikes. The Sonoran Loop is a 5.5 mile round trip moderate to moderately difficult hike starting from the Adero Canyon Trailhead. The loop consists of both the Sonoran Trail and the Lower Sonoran Trail reached at the end of the Promenade Trail. The loop can be shortened by taking one or more marked crossover trails. Bring 2-3 liters of water and snacks or lunch, wear sturdy boots, hiking poles recommended. No dogs please! All participants must also be registered for the Hiking Challenge-2022 Activity Number 1392.

Western Loop Hike -
Fountain Hills Hiking Challenge

Wednesday, November 09, 2022

8:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Location -

Adero Canyon Trailhead

Course

Leader - 

Sonoran Conservancy
Stewards

Are you interested in completing the Fountain Hills Hiking Challenge but prefer to hike with a group of like-minded people rather than hike alone? This is your opportunity! Stewards with the Sonoran Conservancy of Fountain Hills will lead each of the hikes. The Western Loop is a 3.5 mile round trip difficult hike starting from the Adero Canyon Trailhead. We will follow the Western Bike Trail and then climb up the Western Loop to a scenic view. After a break, we will descend steeply to the Promenade Trail and return to the trailhead. Bring 2 liters of water and snacks. Wear sturdy boots. Hiking poles are recommended due to steep climb and descent. No dogs please! All participants must also be registered for the Hiking Challenge-2022 Activity Number 1392.

Dixie Mine Hike
Fountain Hills Hiking Challenge

Friday, November 11, 2022

8:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Location -

Golden Eagle Trailhead

Course

Leader - 

Sonoran Conservancy
Stewards

Are you interested in completing the Fountain Hills Hiking Challenge but prefer to hike with a group of like-minded people rather than hike alone? This is your opportunity! Stewards with the Sonoran Conservancy of Fountain Hills will lead each of the hikes.. The Dixie Mine Hike is a long time favorite starting from the Golden Eagle Trailhead. It is a 5.4 mile round trip moderate hike to a historic mine in the McDowell Mountain Regional Park. A $2.00 park fee is required. Bring 2-3 liters of water and snacks. Wear sturdy boots. Hiking poles are recommended. No dogs please! All participants must also be registered for the Hiking Challenge-2022 Activity Number 1392.

Andrews Kinsey to the Hitching Post
Fountain Hills Hiking Challenge

Wednesday, November 16, 2022

8:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Location -

Adero Canyon Trailhead

Course

Leader - 

Sonoran Conservancy
Stewards

Are you interested in completing the Fountain Hills Hiking Challenge but prefer to hike with a group of like-minded people rather than hike alone? This is your opportunity! Stewards with the Sonoran Conservancy of Fountain Hills will lead each of the hikes. This is a 6 mile out and back moderately difficult hike starting from the Adero Canyon Trailhead. The trail climbs as it winds through the Adero Canyon to the Sunrise Trail with its hitching post. Those that want an extra challenge may opt to climb to the top of Sunrise Peak. Bring 2-3 liters of water and snacks. Wear sturdy boots. Hiking poles are recommended. No dogs please! All participants must also be registered for the Hiking Challenge-2022 Activity Number 1392.

Dixie Mine to Adero Canyon Walk off the Turkey
Fountain Hills Hiking Challenge

Friday, November 25, 2022

8:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Location -

Golden Eagle Trailhead

Course

Leader - 

Sonoran Conservancy
Stewards

Are you interested in completing the Fountain Hills Hiking Challenge but prefer to hike with a group of like-minded people rather than hike alone? This is your opportunity! Stewards with the Sonoran Conservancy of Fountain Hills will lead each of the hikes. Let’s walk off the Turkey with this challenging 10 mile round trip hike from the Golden Eagle Trailhead to the Adero Canyon Trailhead AND RETURN. Those that wish for a bit less of a challenge can arrange for a ride home from the Adero Canyon Trailhead and shorten this hike to 5 miles. As we will be hiking in the McDowell Mountain Regional Park, a $2.00 park fee is required. Please bring 3 liters of water and plenty of salty snacks and lunch for the longer hike. Wear sturdy boots. Hiking poles are recommended. No dogs please! All participants must also be registered for the Hiking Challenge-2022 Activity Number 1392.

Ridgeline Trail Loop Hike
Fountain Hills Hiking Challenge

Wednesday, November 30, 2022

8:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Location -

Adero Canyon Trailhead

Course

Leader - 

Sonoran Conservancy
Stewards

Are you interested in completing the Fountain Hills Hiking Challenge but prefer to hike with a group of like-minded people rather than hike alone? This is your opportunity! Stewards with the Sonoran Conservancy of Fountain Hills will lead each of the hikes. This hike begins at the Adero Canyon Trailhead. The Ridgeline Trail is our newest trail that is rated difficult. The Lower Ridgeline Trail has recently been completed so you can now do this hike as a 4 mile round trip loop! There is also a short spur leading to a scenic overlook. Please bring 2-3 liters of water and snacks. Wear sturdy boots. HikingHiking poles are recommended for some steep sections. No dogs please! All participants must also be registered for the Hiking Challenge-2022 Activity Number 1392.

Stargazing Hike and Sky Viewing

Friday, December 02, 2022

6:30 PM to 8:00 PM

Location -

Adero Canyon Trailhead

Course

Leader - 

Vicky Derksen
Janice Holden

Ever look at the night sky and wonder what you were seeing? Vicky Derksen and the Star Dudes will team up with the Sonoran Conservancy of Fountain Hills to lead a hike during the first quarter moon in the McDowell Mountain Preserve - an amazing place to be at night when the Preserve is closed. Meet at Adero Canyon Trailhead for a hike where you might catch a glimpse of a planet, identify constellations and stars, while Vicky recounts some myths and stories held by ancient cultures about our sky. At the end of the hike the Star Dudes will point their telescopes at the moon, star clusters, and other deep space objects. Wear comfortable clothes, closed toed shoes, bring hiking poles if needed, water and bring only a red-lighted flashlight to protect everyone’s night vision. Bring children 8 years and older but no pets please. Vicky Derksen is the host of the Night Sky Tourist podcast. She is also the President of the Fountain Hills Dark Sky Association and serves on the board of the International Dark Sky Discovery Center. You can find her online at NightSkyTourist.com. This hike is dependent on good weather and clear skies. We will contact you by email two hours prior to the hike time if the sky is cloudy and the event is cancelled.

Stargazing Hike and Sky Viewing
New Year’s Eve in the Preserve!

Saturday, December 31, 2022

6:30 PM to 8:00 PM

Location -

Adero Canyon Trailhead

Course

Leader - 

Vicky Derksen
Janice Holden

Ever look at the night sky and wonder what you were seeing? Vicky Derksen and the Star Dudes will team up with the Sonoran Conservancy of Fountain Hills to lead a hike during the first quarter moon in the McDowell Mountain Preserve - an amazing place to be at night when the Preserve is closed. Meet at Adero Canyon Trailhead for a hike where you might catch a glimpse of a planet, identify constellations and stars, while Vicky recounts some myths and stories held by ancient cultures about our sky. At the end of the hike the Star Dudes will point their telescopes at the moon, star clusters, and other deep space objects. Wear comfortable clothes, closed toed shoes, bring hiking poles if needed, water and bring only a red-lighted flashlight to protect everyone’s night vision. Bring children 8 years and older but no pets please. Vicky Derksen is the host of the Night Sky Tourist podcast. She is also the President of the Fountain Hills Dark Sky Association and serves on the board of the International Dark Sky Discovery Center. You can find her online at NightSkyTourist.com. This hike is dependent on good weather and clear skies. We will contact you by email two hours prior to the hike time if the sky is cloudy and the event is cancelled.