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.
Evening Under the Sonoran Desert Sky: Astronomy Outing in the FoothillsEscape the glow of city lights to the foothills of the Four Peaks Mountains for this special stargazing outing with astronomer Richard Allen and naturalist Eric Garton. This evening under the stars begins with a short Sonoran Desert tour and natural history demonstration, followed by an exciting digital video presentation and stargazing through a powerful telescope to witness the wonders of the clear night sky. A camp-cooked meal, desserts and refreshments provided. Limit 20.
Wednesday / November 18 / 5-8:30 p.m.
Member: $40 / Non-Member: $50
Click here to register on-line for November 18 hike.
Wallace Desert Gardens
Take advantage of this exclusive opportunity to see a private collection of desert plants from around the world without leaving the Valley of the Sun. We will travel to Wallace Desert Gardens in north Scottsdale for a leisurely walking tour, led by Wallace Desert Gardens and Desert Botanical Garden staff. This tour on private trails not open to the general public and features interpretation of the plants, their ecological importance, as well as the relationship they share with their environment. Highlights include a covered 6,000 square foot cactus pavilion uniquely designed for climate control, a boojum tree forest, and world-renowned collection of Ephedra, in addition to beautifully manicured garden spaces. Price includes picnic lunch, snacks, bottled water and contribution to Wallace Desert Gardens. Limit 20.
Friday / November 20 / 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. (Roundtrip from the Garden)
Member: $50 ($70 with Garden transportation) / General Public: $65 ($85 with Garden transportation)
Click here to register on-line for November 20 hike.
Click here to register on-line for November 20 hike with transportation.
Wallace Desert Gardens
Do not miss an exclusive opportunity to view and enjoy a private collection of desert plants from around the world without leaving the Valley of the Sun. Travel to Wallace Desert Gardens in north Scottsdale for a gentle walking tour led by Wallace Desert Gardens and Desert Botanical Garden staff. This tour on private trails not open to the general public features fascinating interpretation of the plants, their ecological importance, as well as the relationships they share with their environment. Highlights include a covered 6,000 square foot cactus pavilion uniquely designed for climate control, a boojum tree forest, and worldrenowned collection of Ephedra, in addition to beautifully manicured garden spaces. Price includes snacks, bottled water and contribution to Wallace Desert Gardens. Limit 20.
Tuesday / December 29 / 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. (Roundtrip from the Garden) OR
Friday / January 22 / 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. (Roundtrip from the Garden)
Member: $30 ($50 with Garden transportation) / General Public: $40 ($60 with Garden transportation)
Click here to register on-line for December 29 hike.
Click here to register on-line for December 29 hike with transportation.
Click here to register on-line for January 22 hike.
Click here to register on-line for January 22 hike with transportation.
Geology Hike on the Go John Trail
Explore the geology of the upper Sonoran Desert north of Phoenix along Cave Creek Regional Park’s popular Go John Trail. Join geologist Richard Allen for this six-mile loop hike, featuring geology interpretation as well as discussion of the plants and animals of this diverse area. This beautiful desert hike is rated moderate to difficult, with some steeper sections and rocky trails. Informational handouts, bottled water and snacks are provided. Please note there is a nominal park fee for vehicles. Limit 15.
Sunday / January 31 / 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. (Roundtrip from the trailhead)
Member: $40 ($60 with Garden transportation) / General Public: $50 ($70 with Garden transportation)
Click here to register on-line for January 31 hike.
Click here to register on-line for January 31 hike with transportation.
Green Roofs Landscape Tour
The green building movement continues to expand throughout the United States and Arizona. One of the more challenging aspects is applying the concept of green roofs to the Sonoran Desert. Do not miss this unique opportunity to tour several local green roof installations, including corporate and residential buildings. At each location, the project landscape architect will provide an explanation about the design, installation and management of the green roof. This tour is being provided in collaboration with the Arizona Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects. Price includes roundtrip transportation, picnic lunch, snacks, bottled water and hand-outs. Limit 12.
Saturday / February 13 / 7:30 a.m. - 1:30 a.m.
(Transportation provided from the Garden)
Member: $60 / General Public: $75
Click here to register on-line for February 13 tour.
Evening Under the Sonoran Desert Sky: An Astronomy Outing in the Foothills
Escape the glow of city lights to the foothills of the Four Peaks Mountains for this special stargazing outing with astronomer Richard Allen. This evening under the stars begins with a short Sonoran Desert tour and natural history demonstration, followed by an exciting digital video presentation and stargazing through a powerful telescope to witness the wonders of the clear night sky. A camp-cooked meal, desserts and refreshments provided. Limit 20.
Sunday / February 21 / 5:30 - 9 p.m.
Please note the cloudy skies backup date is scheduled for Wednesday, February 24
Member: $50 / General Public: $60
Click here to register on-line for February 21 hike.
Rancho de los Caballeros - Experience the Sonoran Desert “Out Wickenburg Way”
Head out Wickenburg way for this popular seasonal outing featuring cowboy naturalist Richard Fredrickson of the famed Rancho de los Caballeros guest ranch in Wickenburg. This tour begins with a walk in the desert, treating nature lovers to a fabulous array of Sonoran Desert upland plant and animal species, local history, storytelling and ecology. The leisurely walk is loaded with nature interpretation and hands-on demonstrations, followed by a delicious lunch at the ranch’s historic cowboy-inspired dining room. This easy loop walk is approximately one and a half miles long with minimal elevation change, but does have some short sections of loose rocks and gravel. Lunch, gratuities, bottled water and snacks are included. Limit 20.
Thursday / February 25 / 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Roundtrip from the Garden)
Member: $50 ($70 with Garden transportation)
General Public: $60 ($80 with Garden transportation)
Click here to register on-line for February 25 hike.
Click here to register on-line for February 25 hike with transportation.
