SAN TAN MOUNTAIN REGIONAL PARK

January Programs

Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Dept. San Tan Mountain Regional Park 6533 W. Phillips Road Queen Creek, AZ 85142 (480) 655-5554

CONNECTING PEOPLE WITH NATURE PARK HOURS: Sunday – Thursday: 6 am – 8 pm Friday – Saturday: 6 am – 10 pm 365 days a year

NATURE CENTER HOURS: SUMMER (05/07 - 10/08) Monday thru Saturday: 8 am – 3 pm Sunday: Closed WINTER (10/09 – 05/06) Sunday thru Saturday: 8 am – 4 pm

ADMIN. OFFICE HOURS: Monday – Friday: 8 am – 4 pm

PARK FEES: $7 per vehicle day-use entry fee (no additional fees for programs, unless otherwise noted)

DIRECTIONS: From central Phoenix, take I-10 east to US 60 east. Exit Ellsworth Road south to Hunt Highway. Travel east on Hunt Highway to Thompson Road south. Turn west on Phillips Road to the San Tan Mountain Regional Park entrance.

WEBSITE: https://www.maricopacountyparks.net/park-locator/san-tan-mountain-regional-park/

EMAIL ADDRESS: santanpark@mail.maricopa.gov

FACEBOOK PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/SanTanMtnPark/

STAFF: Park Supervisor: Richard Plautz Interpretive Ranger: Nikki Bunnell Office Asst. Blake Spanier Contact Station JoAnn Lezeau Maintenance: Peter Marsala

Night Shredders Mountain Biking Date: 1/2/2019 Time: 6 p.m. Description: Wednesday – Welcome to the San Tan Bikes sponsored "Night Shredders"! If you’re looking for an adventure where your trail riding abilities will be challenged, then look no further than the Night Shredders. When you’re on a bike on the trail at night, every bump, dip and shadow gives an extra pop of adrenaline. Darkness heightens your senses, sharpens your skills and makes you feel more alive. And isn't that why you bike in the first place? Our policy, “No Rider Left Behind,” means we ride together in a group for safety reasons. It is mandatory to wear a helmet and please bring plenty of water, an extra tube and tools to change a flat tire, and 2 sources of light; LED rechargeable lights with at least 650 lumen. Why? The desert gets very dark at night. Riders under 18-years of age must complete a Parental Consent form. Hope to see you on the trail soon. Meet at the flagpole at 5:50 PM. 6-8pm. Core: Health & Fitness

• • • • • Hiking 101 for Kids Date: 1/3/2019 Time: 10 a.m. Description: Thursday – Join the Ranger on a family-style one mile hike that will introduce kids to hiking. Learn the basics of trail safety, preparation and etiquette. We’ll also talk about the principles of “Leave No Trace” and how that protects the plants, animals and other resources in our mountains. Learn

how to read a map, use a compass, what trail signs mean and more! We’ll even do our part to pick up trash along the way. What to bring: Water, closed-toe shoes, hat, sunscreen. Meet at the Main Entrance trailhead map kiosk. 10-11am. Core: Outdoor Skills

• • • • • For Kids: Camouflage Detectives Date: 1/4/2019 Time: 10 a.m. Description: Friday – Join this family-friendly outdoor activity at the Buddy Pond (by the windmill) that explores how animals benefit by blending in with their environment and tests your observation skills with an eye-spy game to locate “critters” hiding among the pond’s bushes and branches. Which ones have desert colors and blend in? Which ones have bright colors and stand out? The Ranger will have this game set up from 10-11am so be sure to stop by the Pond during your visit. Remember water, a hat and sunscreen for your hike. Meet at the Buddy Pond near the windmill. 10-11am. Core: Animals

• • • • • Find the Ranger on Goldmine Trail Date: 1/6/2019 Time: 1 p.m. Description: Sunday - Ranger Nikki will be hiking along Goldmine Trail between 1 and 3pm. Can you find her? Be sure to say hello and be ready for a quiz on plants, animals or park history. What to bring: Closed-toe shoes, water, hat and

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sunscreen. Meet along Goldmine Trail. 1-3pm. Core: Plants

• • • • • Night Shredders Mountain Biking Date: 1/9/2019 Time: 6 p.m. Description: Wednesday – Welcome to the San Tan Bikes sponsored "Night Shredders"! If you’re looking for an adventure where your trail riding abilities will be challenged, then look no further than the Night Shredders. When you’re on a bike on the trail at night, every bump, dip and shadow gives an extra pop of adrenaline. Darkness heightens your senses, sharpens your skills and makes you feel more alive. And isn't that why you bike in the first place? Our policy, “No Rider Left Behind,” means we ride together in a group for safety reasons. It is mandatory to wear a helmet and please bring plenty of water, an extra tube and tools to change a flat tire, and 2 sources of light; LED rechargeable lights with at least 650 lumen. Why? The desert gets very dark at night. Riders under 18-years of age must complete a Parental Consent form. Hope to see you on the trail soon. Meet at the flagpole at 5:50pm. 6-8pm. Core: Health & Fitness

• • • • • Homeschool: Rocks and Minerals Part 1 Date: 1/10/2019 Time: 10 a.m. Description: Thursday – Rocks are all around us here in the valley. They can be huge mountain ranges, big boulders or stones under our feet. How did they get here? What are they made of? Join us to learn about the rock cycle and how minerals and rocks are formed. We’ll also have a hands-on activity to explore how the process happens. Afterwards, we’ll take a short stroll outside to talk about the rock formations that you can see from the trail and identify rocks on the ground. Be ready for fun because this class will “rock” your socks off! Maximum 20 students. Meet inside the Visitor Center. 10-11:30am. Core: Geology

• • • • • Sunset Photography Walk Date: 1/11/2019 Time: 5 p.m. Description: Friday – The Sonoran Desert can provide us with spectacular sunsets that inspire and amaze. We’ll take a walk to explore some great vantage points for capturing the colors, shadows and silhouettes of our beautiful desert. This is generally an out-and-back walk that covers no more than two miles round trip. We go out as a group and meander back at our own pace. You can make it

longer or shorter to suit your artistic eye or your walking feet. Phone, point & shoot and SLR cameras all work great! What to bring: Closed-toe shoes, water, camera. Tripods are welcome. Meet at the Main Trailhead map kiosk. 5-6pm. Core: Entertainment & Social Skills

• • • • • MTB 101 – Beginner Mountain Bike Clinic & Ride Date: 1/12/2019 Time: 8 a.m. Description: Saturday – If you’re looking to learn new skills, increase your confidence on the bike, or simply enjoy the sport like never before, our MTB 101 class is just for you. This is the perfect introduction that teaches all the basic skills needed to ride in the desert & mountain terrain. Get to know your bike and riding equipment, learn how to balance, shift, and control your speed with proper braking, and familiarize yourself with riding protocol and safety. This introductory 30 min class is also followed by a short 3-4 mile ride to practice what you just learned. A helmet is required for safety reasons and please bring plenty of water, and an extra tube and tools to change a flat tire. If you’re a mountain bike beginner and have never ridden on the desert trails, you don’t want to miss this event! Meet at the Main Trailhead. 8-10am. Core: Health & Fitness

• • • • • Stargazing for Everyone Date: 1/12/2019 Time: 7:30 p.m. Description: Saturday - Join professional stargazers as they take you on a journey through the sky! Learn the names of common stars and constellations and see them up close through massive telescopes. If conditions are right you can see the Milky Way, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, the rings of Saturn and the craters of the Moon! This is a fun night out alone, with a friend or take your entire family or group. Please bring lawn chairs, a blanket and a sweater for your comfort. Flashlight recommended for walking through parking lot. Meet at the Main Trailhead. 7:30-9:30pm. Core: Astronomy

• • • • • Night Shredders Mountain Biking Date: 1/16/2019 Time: 6 p.m. Description: Wednesday – Welcome to the San Tan Bikes sponsored "Night Shredders"! If you’re looking for an adventure where your trail riding abilities will be challenged, then look no further than the Night Shredders. When you’re on a bike on the trail at night, every bump, dip and shadow gives an extra pop

of adrenaline. Darkness heightens your senses, sharpens your skills and makes you feel more alive. And isn't that why you bike in the first place? Our policy, “No Rider Left Behind,” means we ride together in a group for safety reasons. It is mandatory to wear a helmet and please bring plenty of water, an extra tube and tools to change a flat tire, and 2 sources of light; LED rechargeable lights with at least 650 lumen. Why? The desert gets very dark at night. Riders under 18-years of age must complete a Parental Consent form. Hope to see you on the trail soon. Meet at the flagpole at 5:50pm. 6-8pm. Core: Health & Fitness

• • • • • Master Gardener Series: Garden Hacks Date: 1/17/2019 Time: 10 a.m. Description: Thursday – Join the San Tan Valley Master Gardeners for an informative class on “garden hacks” that can make your gardening efforts easier and more successful. Learn how to take things that can be found around your house – in the junk drawer, in the recycle bin, in the corner of the garage – and make them into simple, yet helpful, gadgets to assist you with your planting, watering, pest control, harvesting and preservation tasks. This class will be held outdoors in the Visitor Center complex so that the gardeners can get a little messy as they demonstrate how some of these handy devices work. Take home sheets with project ideas will be available, as well. Please bring water and a hat. Meet outside the Visitor Center in the fenced complex area. 10-11:30am. Core: Plants

• • • • • Malpais Trail Challenge Hike** Date: 1/19/2019 Time: 7 a.m. Description: Saturday – **This is an advanced/difficult 9-mile hike (approx. 4 hours). Previous hiking experience is recommended.** Jump into the new year with a tough yet invigorating hike that tackles the Malpais Trail at the south end of our park. We’ll head out on San Tan Trail just before sunrise and connect onto Malpais at the east end, getting the wash half of trail completed first. We’ll get back on solid and higher ground for the second half of Malpais and head back to the visitor center via Hedgehog Trail to complete our 9-mile journey. We will stop for water, snack and rest breaks as the group needs it. Trekking poles are recommended. Bring closed-toe shoes, a hydration pack, hat, and snacks. This is a great way to work toward your 100 Miles Challenge goal! Please contact Ranger

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Nikki with questions about this hike, nikkibunnell@mail.maricopa.gov or 480-655-5554. Meet at the Main Entrance Trailhead. 7-11am. Core: Health & Fitness

• • • • • Beginner Skill Level Mountain Bike Ride Date: 1/19/2019 Time: 8 a.m. Description: Saturday – Join us for an exciting beginner mountain bike ride among the beautiful San Tan Mountains. This 5.5-mile ride is open to all ages and skill levels. Our local experts will be available to help you understand your bike’s features and learn the ins and outs of safe riding. "No Rider Left Behind" is our policy, because we ride together in a group. This is your opportunity to be around others who are passionate about mountain biking as a sport to have fun and get some exercise. Helmets are required. Under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Essentials: water, helmet, extra tube, tools to change a flat tire. Meet at the San Tan Trail sign at the main trailhead. 8-10am. Core: Health & Fitness

• • • • • Trail Etiquette Day: Meet the Mountain Bikers Date: 1/19/2019 Time: 8 a.m. Description: Saturday – Mountain bikers who volunteer with the park will be at the main trailhead for a meet and greet and to share information on biking and trail-use safety. Learn about the trail etiquette hierarchy and proper rules to follow when you encounter a horse and rider or hikers/runners on foot. Be sure to stop by, say hello, learn about new routes to try out and get some valuable safety information. Remember to bring water, closed-toe shoes, hat and sunscreen. Meet at the main entrance trailhead. 8-11am. Core: Outdoor Skills

• • • • • Desert Edibles and Medicinals Walk with Dave Morris Date: 1/20/2019 Time: 10 a.m. Description: Sunday – Join Native American naturalist Dave Morris on an easy trail walk to identify some of the desert plants, shrubs and trees that line the trails at San Tan. Many of these plants have been used the local native people for centuries. Learn some of the uses and traditional stories of how these desert plants have helped sustain native people since prehistoric times. What to bring: Closed-toe shoes, water, hat,

sunscreen. Meet at the flag pole. 10-11am. Core: Plants

• • • • • Night Shredders Mountain Biking Date: 1/23/2019 Time: 6 p.m. Description: Wednesday – Welcome to the San Tan Bikes sponsored "Night Shredders"! If you’re looking for an adventure where your trail riding abilities will be challenged, then look no further than the Night Shredders. When you’re on a bike on the trail at night, every bump, dip and shadow gives an extra pop of adrenaline. Darkness heightens your senses, sharpens your skills and makes you feel more alive. And isn't that why you bike in the first place? Our policy, “No Rider Left Behind,” means we ride together in a group for safety reasons. It is mandatory to wear a helmet and please bring plenty of water, an extra tube and tools to change a flat tire, and 2 sources of light; LED rechargeable lights with at least 650 lumen. Why? The desert gets very dark at night. Riders under 18-years of age must complete a Parental Consent form. Hope to see you on the trail soon. Meet at the flagpole at 5:50pm. 6-8pm. Core: Health & Fitness

• • • • • Homeschool: Rocks and Minerals Part 2 Date: 1/24/2019 Time: 10 a.m. Description: Thursday – This class will expand upon the ideas of rock formation discussed in Part 1 and focus on how we use rocks and minerals in everyday life. Without them there would be no cars, televisions, cell phones or toothpaste! You will be introduced to Mohs hardness scale and learn ways to identify minerals. You’ll also get up close and personal with some cool mineral samples, some that shine and even one that stinks! Afterwards, we’ll take a short walk outside to point out human-made items and discuss the characteristics of the minerals that make them up. Maximum 20 students. Meet inside the Visitor Center. Core: Geology

• • • • • San Tan Geology Date: 1/25/2019 Time: 1 p.m. Description: Friday – Whether you’ve been to San Tan before or have simply seen the mountains in the distance, you may have wondered: How did those mountains get there? This class will go into the basic geologic history of the park, point out notable features that can be found along the trails and explore how erosive forces may shape the park’s

future. After the indoor talk we’ll take a 1-mile geo-hike on Littleleaf and Goldmine Trails and see some of these features firsthand. What to bring: Water, hat, sunscreen. Meet inside the Visitor Center. 1-2:30pm. Core: Geology

• • • • • Sunset Yoga in the Park* Date: 1/26/2019 Time: 4:45 pm Description: Saturday, 4:45pm -Have you ever wanted to try doing yoga outside? Join us at San Tan for a Sunset Yoga class that is appropriate for all levels. Certified instructor Cathy Glaess will guide you through basic poses and breathing techniques as the sun sets over a beautiful desert environment. Be sure to bring a water bottle and a yoga mat. Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move easily. This class is included with your park entry fee. Meet at the main entrance trailhead area. *Please note the start time! 4:45-5:45pm. Core: Health & Fitness

• • • • • Trailwork Volunteer Day Date: 1/26/2019 Time: 8 a.m. Description: Saturday - Trail volunteers provide a much-needed source of labor to assist Park Staff with trail repair and enhancements. This, in turn, helps provide for visitor safety and natural/cultural resource protection. We are looking for a few good volunteers to lend a hand! Potential projects include helping with pruning, erosion control, post installation and trail improvements. By the end of the day, each volunteer will know the basics of trail maintenance and have an insider’s view of the park. Meet in the picnic area near the Nature Center. Please dress appropriately for the weather. Bring water, gloves, hat, sunscreen and any tools you might have (we will provide tools for you to use if you don’t have any). Suitable for ages 12 and up. Please RSVP by contacting Ranger Nikki at: nikkibunnell@mail.maricopa.gov Core: Outdoor Skills

• • • • • Beginner Skill Level Mountain Bike Ride Date: 1/26/2019 Time: 8 a.m. Description: Saturday – Join us for an exciting beginner mountain bike ride among the beautiful San Tan Mountains. This 5.5-mile ride is open to all ages and skill levels. Our local experts will be available to help you understand your bike’s features and learn the ins and outs of safe riding. "No Rider Left Behind" is our policy, because we ride together in a group. This is your opportunity to be

SAN TAN MOUNTAIN REGIONAL PARK JANUARY PROGRAMS 4

around others who are passionate about mountain biking as a sport to have fun and get some exercise. Helmets are required. Under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Essentials: water, helmet, extra tube, tools to change a flat tire. Meet at the San Tan Trail sign at the main trailhead. 8-10am. Core: Health & Fitness

• • • • • Night Shredders Mountain Biking Date: 1/30/2019 Time: 6 p.m. Description: Wednesday – Welcome to the San Tan Bikes sponsored "Night Shredders"! If you’re looking for an adventure where your trail riding abilities will be challenged, then look no further than the Night Shredders. When you’re on a bike on the trail at night, every bump, dip and shadow gives an extra pop of adrenaline. Darkness heightens your senses, sharpens your skills and makes you feel more alive. And isn't that why you bike in the first place? Our policy, “No Rider Left Behind,” means we ride together in a group for safety reasons. It is mandatory to wear a helmet and please bring plenty of water, an extra tube and tools to change a flat tire, and 2 sources of light; LED rechargeable lights with at

least 650 lumen. Why? The desert gets very dark at night. Riders under 18-years of age must complete a Parental Consent form. Hope to see you on the trail soon. Meet at the flagpole at 5:50pm. 6-8pm. Core: Health & Fitness

• • • • • Animals of San Tan Date: 1/31/2019 Time: 1 p.m. Description: Thursday – Do you know what kind of animals you might see during your hike at San Tan? Join the Ranger for an overview of the mammals, reptiles, birds and arthropods that make our park their home. Meet some of the animal ambassadors in our critter room and learn how their relatives survive in our extreme desert environment. After the indoor portion, the class will move outdoors for a 2.2-mile loop hike on Stargazer and Moonlight Trails. Be sure to bring water, a hat and closed-toe shoes. Meet inside the Visitor Center. 1-3pm. Core: Animals

• • • • • PARK NOTES: Please wear sturdy closed-toe shoes, dress appropriately for the weather and bring more water than you think you will need. Stay on designated trails for your own safety and that of our sensitive desert

ecosystem. Did you know that leaving a designated trail or walkway between trailheads is a violation of Park Rule R-118 that could result in a Class 2 Misdemeanor? Know your limits and stay safe! Be sure to follow the principles of Leave No Trace and dispose of litter properly. Please remember universal Trail Etiquette as you enjoy our Park. Bikers yield to horses and hikers. Hikers yield to horses. Yield means that you must slow down or stop to determine if you can safely pass the other party. Call out to horse riders when approaching them, whether from the back or front, to ensure everyone’s safety. We love dogs! They must be on a leash extending no more than 6 feet. Please pick up your dog’s waste and dispose of the bag in a trash can. Programs and hikes are included in your park entry fee or with your annual pass. Reservations are not required unless specified in the program description. Hikes/programs are canceled if heavy inclement weather is imminent. If possible, canceled hikes will be posted on the website or Facebook.