In September, the staff at the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department will host several events to enhance the safety and enjoyment of Lake Pleasant. Learn about birds, rattlesnakes, and the desert ecosystem while enjoying the lake. Plan your adventure today!
Lake location: 41835 N. Castle Hot Springs Rd., Morristown, AZ
Please note: Summer programs may be canceled on short notice due to severe weather, including extreme heat events. The MC Parks website is the best resource for verifying the program’s current status, so please check the program listing before departing for your scheduled program.
1. Discovery Station: Venomous Creatures
Sep 01, 2024 - (Noon – 4 p.m.)
Lake Pleasant Regional Park, Discovery Center
Join Ranger Olivia to talk about venomous creatures such as rattlesnakes, Gila monsters, scorpions, or any other desert dwellers you may encounter. It can seem like everything in the desert is out to sting, bite, or poke you. Ranger Olivia will shed some light on which ones are really out to get you and which ones just need better agents. Drop by for this unstructured, informal come-and-go style ranger table, where you can have a look at some of the venomous creatures behind glass, examine some artifacts, and learn that maybe the desert isn’t nearly as scary as you thought.
No registration required, just drop by between Noon-4 p.m.
2. Guided Bird Hike (Registration Required, Limit 10 Participants)
Sep 12, 2024 - (7 a.m. – 9 a.m.)
Lake Pleasant Regional Park, at the Beardsley Trailhead off of Beardsley CSR Rd., accessed on the north side of Hwy. 74 immediately east of the highway bridge over the Agua Fria River. See map here: https://www.maricopacountyparks.net/assets/1/6/lake-pleasant-8x111.pdf
Look for desert and migratory birds with Ranger Eric! Learn about birds of the Sonoran Desert and migrant birds on this walk with Ranger Eric in a desert riparian area near the confluence of Morgan City Wash and the Agua Fria River. They will hike on the Beardsley Trail for at least 1 mile, which is rated as easy, with slightly rocky or uneven surfaces in places. Please wear sturdy footwear and sun protection, dress in layers, and carry ample water and electrolytes for yourself.
*There is a self-pay station (bring cash) for the park entrance fee, which is $7 per vehicle. Maricopa County Parks annual passes are also accepted.
Limit 10 participants. To register, please email Ranger Eric at eric.hough@maricopa.gov. When reserving, please provide your name, phone number, and total number of participants. If you find you cannot attend a program after you have registered, please email back ASAP so those on the waiting list may be contacted. Registration for this program will close on Tuesday, 9/10.
3. Creatures of the Night (Registration Required, Limit 10 Participants)
Sep 19, 2024 - (6 p.m. – 9 p.m.)
Lake Pleasant Regional Park, Cottonwood Day Use area
Explore the desert in the dark with Ranger Shaun!
The Sonoran Desert is different in the dark. You’ll journey up Yavapai Point and see the types of creatures that emerge in the dark to call the park home. Generally encountered are plenty of bugs and scorpions, mice, birds, lizards, and birds. Sometimes snakes, burros, and more will volunteer for an appearance. This is a roughly 3-mile round-trip hike. Restrooms are available at the trailhead. Please wear closed-toed shoes and bring water. Flashlights are recommended, and blacklights are encouraged. No pets, please. Limit 10 participants.
To register, please email Ranger Shaun at shaun.barnett@maricopa.gov with your name, phone number, and number of people attending. If you find you cannot attend a program after you have registered, please email back ASAP so those on the waiting list may be contacted. Registration for this program will close on 9/17/2024.
4. Desert Ecosystem Hike (Registration Required, Limit 15 Participants)
Sep 19, 2024 – (6 a.m. – 8 a.m.)
Lake Pleasant Regional Park, Cottonwood Day Use area
Come along with Ranger Shaun for a morning hike near the Lake. They will make a 1.5-mile loop out of parts of Yavapai and Pipeline trails to see the desert wake up before the heat becomes unbearable. These will be easy and moderate-rated trail segments. Hopefully, you’ll see birds, lizards, and possibly even snakes and burros! Restrooms are available at the trailhead. Closed-toed shoes and water bottles are required. Sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat are recommended as well as anything else you need to feel comfortable hiking in the desert. No pets, please.
Limit 15 participants. To register, please email Ranger Shaun at shaun.barnett@maricopa.gov with your name, phone number, and number of people attending. If you find you cannot attend a program after you have registered, please email back ASAP so those on the waiting list may be contacted. Registration for this program will close on 9/17/24.
5. Discovery Station: Rattlesnakes
Sep 19, 2024 - (11 a.m. – 2 p.m.)
Lake Pleasant Regional Park, Discovery Center
Snakes are on the move again. Come talk with Ranger Shaun to find out why, and how to
safely see one or avoid it.
We’re closing out Summer, even if the temperatures don’t think so. Snakes are going to be more active again soon. If this makes you excited, uncomfortable, or curious, Ranger Shaun would like to talk with you. Come to the Discovery Center and let’s chat!
No registration required. Just stop by the Visitor Center between 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.!
About Scorpion Bay
Located just 45 minutes from downtown Phoenix in Peoria, Arizona on Lake Pleasant, Scorpion Bay offers convenience and world-class marina services for the entire family. With hundreds of covered and uncovered wet slips, world-class food at Scorpion Bay Grill – as well as boat rentals including pontoons, fishing boats, ski-boats, kayaks, floating cabins and private charter boats – you’re sure to find a full day of entertainment on the water. As part of Lake Pleasant Regional Park, visitors can venture out for hiking, picnicking and wildlife viewing in the area. Parking is easily accessible, and our no cost electric tram will take guests and their gear from the parking lot to the dock in minutes. Scorpion Bay is managed by Desert Troon Companies https://desert-troon.com/
Scorpion Bay is Arizona’s premier floating playground, offering everything from daily pontoon and ski boat rentals to slips for harboring your yacht (or dinghy). Come for the fishing or come for the frolicking—either way, incredible mountain views, fantastic dining and world-class marina services await less than an hour out of Phoenix. https://www.scorpionbayaz.com/
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Scorpion Bay is Arizona’s premier floating playground, offering everything from daily pontoon and ski boat rentals to slips for harboring your yacht (or dinghy). Come for the fishing or come for the frolicking—either way, incredible mountain views, fantastic dining and world-class marina services await less than an hour out of Phoenix. https://www.scorpionbayaz.com/