6 moonlit hikes for you night owls
Taking desert hikes gets tricky when the Sonoran is more oven than playground. Fortunately, accommodating rangers and this weekend’s full moon give us after-hours access to the trails in a number of Valley parks. Most of the usual safety precautions apply — like bringing water and wearing closed-toes shoes — but depending on when your hike starts, you might skip the sunscreen.
McDowell Mountain full moon hike
Escape the heat island and enjoy a beautiful hike along the North Trail under the glow of the full moon. The hike along the 3-mile loop will take approximately two hours. Wear comfortable shoes, bring plenty of water and a flashlight in case it is overcast. Space is limited, so RSVP.
Details: 7 p.m. Thursday, July 30. McDowell Mountain Regional Park, 16300 N. McDowell Mountain Park Drive, Fountain Hills. $6 per vehicle park entry fee. 480-471-0173, maricopa.gov/parks/mcdowell.
— Michael Senft
Full Blue Moon Hike
The second full moon of the month is called the blue moon, and you can enjoy a scenic view of the blue waters of Lake Pleasant under its warm glow. This moderate hike affords one of the best views of the lake. Wear comfortable shoes, bring a flashlight and plenty of water and meet at the Yavapai Point Trailhead for this 3-mile hike.
Details: 7-9:30 p.m. Thursday, July 30. Lake Pleasant Regional Park, 41835 N. Castle Hot Springs Road, Morristown. 928-501-1710, maricopa.gov/parks/lake_pleasant.
— Michael Senft
Family Moonlight Hike
The whole family can enjoy this easy moonlit hike. Well, the whole family, minus the dog. But your kids will have fun hiking the 2-mile Mule Deer Trail and watching the moon rise over the Valley. And be sure and bring a black light along to hunt for scorpions. Just remember to bring plenty of water and wear closed-toed shoes in case you get too close to those scorpions.
Details: 7-8:30 p.m. Friday, July 31. White Tank Mountain Regional Park, 20304 W. White Tank Mountain Road, Waddell. $6 per vehicle park entrance fee. 623-935-2505, maricopa.gov/parks/white_tank/.
— Michael Senft
‘Full Buck Moon’ hike
July is traditionally when male deer’s antlers begin to grow, so the full moon is known as a full buck moon. Whether you’ll see any deer on this 2-mile interpretive hike we can’t guarantee, though. Wear closed-toed shoes and bring plenty of water, but leave your dogs at home.
Details: 8 p.m. Friday, July 31. Usery Mountain Regional Park, 3939 N. Usery Pass Road, Mesa. $6 per car park entry fee. 480-984-0032, maricopa.gov/parks/usery.
— Michael Senft
‘Hiking With the Stars’
Take a stroll along Stargazer Trail on this interpretive, stargazing hike. Enjoy a beautiful view of the night sky (weather permitting) and the full moon along this 2.2-mile hike as rangers point out constellations and other celestial bodies and share stories and myths about them. As always, dress comfortably, bring plenty of water and wear closed-toed shoes.
Details: 8-9 p.m. Friday, July 31. San Tan Mountain Regional Park, 6533 W. Phillips Road, Queen Creek. $6 per vehicle park entrance fee. 480-655-5554, maricopa.gov/parks/santan.
— Michael Senft
Red Rocks Full Moon Hike
Once in a blue moon, we feel like going out in the middle of the night for a hike. Fortunately, a blue moon will illuminate beautiful Red Rock State Park in Sedona during this guided hike of about 2 miles. There even will be a chance to view the blue cheese through a telescope.
Details: 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 31. Red Rock State Park, 4050 Red Rock Loop Road, Sedona. $5, plus $5 park fee; $3 children 7-13. Reservation required by phone. Please arrive 30 minutes early. 928-282-6907, azstateparks.com.
— Bob Young