As we move into beautiful fall temperatures at Lake Pleasant, now is a great time to venture back outside and enjoy the beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a variety of fall and winter hikes and events at Lake Pleasant Regional Park to encourage locals and visitors back out into our great Arizona outdoors. And after your hike, remember to stop by Scorpion Bay Grill, or our General Store to grab a drink or bite to eat!
From birds and burros, to creepy creatures the desert around Lake Pleasant and Scorpion Bay Marina is home to a wide variety of wildlife. Several of the events are designed with those creatures in mind including a hike specifically designed for beginning bird watchers. Other classes include a focus on nocturnal creatures, the difference between venomous and poisonous as well as the many, many bugs living in the area.
Oct. 3: Bird Hike
This hike is offered Tuesday, October 3 from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
Oct. 11: Creatures of the Night Walk
Look for nocturnal wildlife with Ranger Steve for an after-dark adventure. 6-8 p.m.
* Registration limited to first 15 participants
Oct. 13: Discovery Station: Venomous Creatures
What's the difference between poison and venom? Let Ranger Steve teach you at this creepy crawly interactive station.
Oct. 24: Intro to Hiking
For beginners, Maricopa County Parks and Recreation is offering an Introduction to Hiking class from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. The focus of this hike will be how to navigate the desert safely.
Oct. 26: Desert 101 Fitness Hike
For more intermediate or advanced hikers, the Desert 101 fitness hike is a great option. This is limited to 20 participants and is offered from 8 to 11 a.m. This hike will explore a less traveled part of the park where hikers can enjoy sweeping views of desert valleys, mesas and unique rock formations.
* Limited to first 20 participants
“There is so much to explore and learn about the Sonoran Desert and this time of the year is the perfect time to get outside and experience all of it. We host events every month for a variety of interests and skill levels because we really want people to take advantage of this beautiful lake and everything it has to offer,” said Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Director RJ Cardin.
For a complete list of free events within the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation department, click here.
If time on the water is more your style, Scorpion Bay Marina rents boats and kayaks on full-day or half-day basis. Kayaks are available for single or double riders and boats range from 21-foot deluxe sport boats to 24-foot pontoons. You can also charter a 53-foot, two-level boat for special or private events. You can find additional rental information on the Scorpion Bay Marina website.
About Scorpion Bay Marina
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 and other water toys – 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/
Learn more at scoprionbayaz.com call 928-501-3441, or follow us on:
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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/