Beat the Heat!

This summer there’s a “cool” chance to experience the wonders of the Sonoran desert while escaping the heat. Cave Creek Regional Park will be offering a variety of programs early in the morning, late in the evening or in the luxury of our air-conditioned Nature Center.

Hikes/programs are canceled if heavy inclement weather is imminent. If possible, canceled hikes will be posted on the Web site. http://www.maricop.gov/parks/cave_creek

Please join in for exciting ranger-guided hikes and family-oriented programs at Cave Creek Regional Park. This complete list of opportunities for Cave Creek Regional Park and other county parks can be found by visiting our website at http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/cave_creek.

What To Bring

Please wear sturdy shoes (closed-toe), dress appropriately for the weather and bring more water than you think you will need. See descriptions below for specifics.

Notes: Fees for guided hikes and programs are included in the park entry fee of $6 per vehicle or with your annual pass. Reservations are not required unless specified in the program description.

June Schedule

• June 1 Friday, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. — Moonlight Hike: Clay Mine : Join us on an amazing and mysterious adventure as we enter our Clay Mine at night! This will be an easy one-mile hike as we have the moon light the way to the mine. Once inside, candles will bring us through the history of this mine and will learn how its contents were used to cure all your ailments. Bring water and a flashlight in case you need it. We will supply the helmets to enter the mine as long as you wear sturdy shoes and bring water. Meet at the Group Campground.

• June 9 Saturday, 10 – 11 a.m. — Desert Survival: Join us for a discussion of basic techniques for staying alive in the desert. We'll discuss safety, hydration, "staying found," orienting, venomous creatures, etc. These are skills that could save your life one day. Meet at the Nature Center.

• June 16 Saturday, 10 – 11 a.m. — Reptile Feeding: Have you ever seen a reptile eat? Join the staff after your morning hike and see how our cold-blooded residents eat their meals for yourself! Frozen rodent entrees will be served to the critters. Come learn about the important roles these creatures play in our dynamic food web. Feeding takes place in the Nature Center.

• Saturday, Noon – 1 p.m. — Venomous Creatures: Join us for a presentation about the venomous creatures you may find around the Valley! Enjoy the beauty of these wonderful and misunderstood animals while learning about fascinating facts and the important roles each creature plays in the desert ecosystem. As Marie Curie, French Physicist and two-time Nobel Prize recipient said, “Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood.” Meet inside the Nature Center.

• Saturday, 7:30- 8:30p.m. — Bug Theater: The Blacklight Chronicles: Join Ranger Sarah and bug expert, James Waters of ASU, as we light up the night and see what creepy crawlies want to come visit us. This is a hit with the kids and you will be surprised how much you will enjoy it too! First we will start with a presentation on different types of insects and spiders that live in the desert and then we will create our own movie screen of bugs! We will see moths, beetles and even a praying mantis or two. Bring flashlights and go easy on the bug spray! Bug guides will be on hand. You are more than welcome to enjoy a picnic dinner beforehand and then meet with us afterwards. Meet at the Nature Center.

• June 23 Saturday, 7:30-9 p.m. — Scorpion Hunt: Did you know that scorpions glow in the dark under a blacklight? Join us on this fun and safe night walk to find these elusive desert dwellers (using our eyes only). You will learn cool facts about these amazing creatures and sharpen your spotting skills! All ages will enjoy this casual one-hour/one-mile night walk. Please wear closed-toe shoes and bring water and a flashlight (blacklights are recommended). No pets, please. Meet at Nature Center.

For more information, visit http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/cave_creek