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.

Hieroglyphic Trail - Superstitions

Wednesday, December 07, 2022

8:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Location -

Library to Carpool

Course

Leader - 

Pam Cissik

We have about a 1 hour drive to this trailhead where we will hike into the Superstition Mountains. This is a 3.5 mile round trip hike. Don't let the short distance fool you! It is a fairly steep and rocky trail and there will be a bit of scrambling at the end. The hike ends at a pool of water with walls lined with petroglyphs on the west side. Bring 2 liters of water and snacks. Wear sturdy boots. Hiking poles recommended. No dogs please!

How we Build Great Trails

Friday, December 16, 2022

8:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Location -

Adero Canyon Trailhead

Course

Leader - 

Bill Craig

The Trailblazers have hand built and maintained all of the trails in the Preserve and Fountain Hills. Bill Craig has led this effort for many years. On this leisurely paced 3 to 4 mile hike, he will tell you about the Preserve trails and explain how trails are designed, what work is involved (brush and rock clearing, grading, steps, tools are used). You may wish to volunteer to help out! Bring 2 liters of water and snacks. Wear sturdy boots. Hiking poles recommended. No dogs please.

Easy Pace Hikes at Sunrise - Ridgeline Trail

Wednesday, December 21, 2022

7:00 AM to 10:00 AM

Location -

Adero Canyon Trailhead

Course

Leader - 

Cathy Pepperd

Are you an early bird looking for an early morning hike that isn't too far, too fast, or too hard? Then this series of hikes is for you and perfect to introduce new hikers to the Preserve. Each month Cathy Pepperd will lead a nearby hike starting at sunrise. This hike will follow the Ridgeline Trail to the Scenic View for a 3.3 mile out and back hike. Bring 2 liters of water and snacks. Wear sturdy boots. Hiking poles recommended. No dogs please.

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.