A reprieve the the warm spring temperatures this week, I hope you get a chance to take advantage and hit the trail.

In this week’s edition:

Thank you for being here, see you on the trails! 🙏

A hiker on Lookout Mountain in north Phoenix was attacked by a swarm of bees, suffering dozens of stings in a frightening reminder of how quickly desert conditions can turn dangerous. Fire crews responded to the scene and urged hikers to stay alert, especially during warmer months when bee activity spikes. It’s another reason to be aware of your surroundings and have an exit plan on the trail. (link)

It’s been a busy and concerning stretch for Valley rescue crews, with four separate mountain rescues happening in a single day, followed by another incident where both a hiker and a mountain biker needed help on the same day. The spike highlights just how quickly things can go wrong on the trails, especially as temperatures climb. It’s a strong reminder to start early, bring more water than you think you’ll need, and know your limits before heading out.

With more than 30,000 acres of protected desert and over 200 miles of trails, the McDowell Sonoran Preserve is one of the largest urban preserves in the country. From Tom’s Thumb to Gateway Loop, it offers a kind of wide open Sonoran Desert experience that feels untouched.

This is a series articles about the history of our trails here in the Phoenix area. Learn more about McDowell Sonoran Perserve in the fifth article of this series.

It’s easy to focus on heat, snakes, and dehydration when hiking in the Phoenix area. But there’s another danger that can escalate fast and without much warning: bee swarms.

A recent incident involving a local hiker who was stung more than 100 times is a reminder that these encounters, while not everyday occurrences, are very real in the Sonoran Desert. Africanized honey bees are well established across Arizona, and when disturbed, they can react aggressively and in large numbers.

Knowing how to respond in those first few seconds can make all the difference.

See the full article here.

Imagine a vacation that’s not only transformative for you but helps open doors for the local women you meet along the way. That’s what Intrepid’s new Women’s Expeditions in Peru, Cambodia and Bhutan are all about.

Designed specifically for women travellers, these trips offer immersive local experiences that support women-run and owned businesses in each destination. With an expert local leader out front, you could trek the lesser-known Chinchero to Urquillos route in the Peruvian Andes alongside an all-female crew, dive into Cambodia’s street food scene on a women-run tuk tuk tour, or unwind with a traditional herbal hot stone bath at a women-owned farmhouse in Bhutan.

First launched in 2018, Intrepid’s Women’s Expedition range is designed to break down barriers, foster discussion and create meaningful connections for travellers and locals alike.

Find your next adventure

Join the Red Rock State Park on Saturday, April 18th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for their annual Earth Day Celebration in Sedona's red rocks!

FREE admission from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.! This event features live wildlife presentations, nature hikes, booths, games, prizes, kids crafts, and much more! Learn from our community partners how we can all take action to protect our planet, and come to experience the plants, animals, and beautiful landscapes we can all work to protect. (link)

The City Nature Challenge returns to the Greater Phoenix area from April 24–27, 2026, inviting residents to document local plants and wildlife using the iNaturalist app. Whether you’re hiking a desert trail or exploring your neighborhood, it’s an easy way to contribute to real scientific data while connecting with nature right here in the Valley.

Learn how you can get involved here.

The Arizona State Parks host a variety of different events at its many parks. If you’re looking for something to do, check out their website for upcoming events.

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