Summer is arriving early in the Valley, with record high temperatures over the next couple weeks. That kind of heat means desert hiking shifts into early-morning mode, with sunrise starts, extra water, and keeping a close eye on the forecast. It’s also the time of year when rattlesnakes become more active on the trails, so staying alert and giving wildlife plenty of space becomes part of every hike. 🐍🥾🌵

In this week’s edition:

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

Technical difficulties led to a delayed publishing of this newsletter, thanks for your patience!

Hikers hoping to complete the iconic Rim-to-Rim trek across the Grand Canyon may have to wait a while. Wildfire damage on the North Rim and along parts of the North Kaibab Trail means the classic route remains largely closed, and park officials say repairs and stabilization work could take multiple seasons. For now, inner-canyon hikes from the South Rim are still possible, but the full Rim-to-Rim crossing is off the table until major trail work is completed. (link)

Rattlesnake bites are already spiking across Arizona this spring, and health officials say many are happening in “blind spots” like under bushes, around rocks, or in cluttered yards where people can’t clearly see where they’re placing their hands or feet. Experts warn that unseasonably warm weather is bringing snakes out earlier than usual, so hikers and homeowners alike should stay alert and watch where they step. (link)

If you have spent any time at Lake Pleasant, hiking or watersports, you have likely seen members of the herd of wild donkeys that call the lake area home.

Officials have approved a plan to remove dozens of wild burros from the Lake Pleasant area as their growing population begins to strain the desert ecosystem and compete with native wildlife for food and water. The animals will be humanely captured and relocated or made available for adoption through the Bureau of Land Management. The effort aims to better balance wildlife and protect the surrounding desert habitat. (link)

This is a series articles about the history of our trails here in the Phoenix area. Learn more about Piestawa Peak in the third article of this series.

Every spring in the Phoenix area, something else starts waking up on the trails besides wildflowers and early-morning hikers. As temperatures climb into the 80s and 90s, rattlesnakes begin emerging from their winter brumation and spreading out across the desert. With the warm stretch of weather we have been seeing around Phoenix lately, snake activity is ramping up earlier than many hikers expect.

That does not mean you should avoid the trails. It just means it is time to get snake ready before your next hike. See the full article here.

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How to find your way, find where you are and find the way to help in an emergency! You will learn and understand all the basics of map & compass use for backcountry navigation.

This class is being held on Saturday, April 4, 2026 at their store in Phoenix and is just $50. (link)

Learn about the amazing and diverse wildlife of the Sonoran Desert on this guided hike with Arizona State Park volunteers Lisa and Abi. This will be an easy, 1-mile, out-and-back hike with little elevation gain and some loose, steep terrain in parts. The hike will be about an hour at a social pace, as we stop to observe interpretive signs and discuss interesting facts about wildlife.

This event is part of Outdoors250, a celebration of America’s 250th anniversary and Arizona’s natural heritage. By participating in this event, you can enter to win Outdoors250 prizes by signing up at AZStateParks.com/Outdoors250.

March 17th & 31st, at 9am

Learn how to distinguish between birds and seek out hawks to hummingbirds all throughout the trail!

The program is free with paid park entry. Hike will be limited to the first 12 participants on a first come, first serve basis. (link)

See all of the events available at Lost Dutchman State Park, including many guided hikes.

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.

Looking for a way to give back to Arizona’s trails and waterways? Volunteers are invited to the Day After Easter Lower Salt River Land & Water Cleanup, where participants will help remove trash along the riverbanks and from the water while enjoying one of the Valley’s most scenic outdoor areas. It’s a great chance to protect the Salt River while spending a morning outdoors with fellow hikers and paddlers.

Join us the day after Easter, Monday, April 6th, for a Lower Salt River Land & Water Cleanup! Recreation sites along the river get trashed over the Easter Holiday Weekend & we want to remove the trash as quickly as possible so that it doesn't end up in the river or hurting wildlife. Make an immediate, visible impact with us! Everyone is welcome!

Spend the morning with us exploring the riverbanks & trails along the Lower Salt River, removing scattered trash along the way, or bring your paddle board or kayak to help us pick up trash volunteers on foot cannot reach. We'll be picking up plastic Easter eggs & Easter basket grass, picnic trash, beer bottles, clothing, towels, shoes, & other debris left behind.

See all the details here

Come celebrate spring in the desert and experience the Preserve dressed in its most beautiful colors. Join our knowledgeable stewards on this 2 hour walk to discover the incredible variety of flowers in this area of the preserve. (link)

Thursday, March 19th, 9-11am at the Brown’s Ranch Trailhead. Learn more about the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy.

Find us on Instagram! We’d love to see what you’re up to!

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