Maricopa County Parks

Maricopa County Parks Come hike, mountain bike, and explore the natural beauty of Maricopa County Parks.

Maricopa County is home to one of the largest regional parks systems in the nation with over 120,000 acres of open space parks that include hundreds of miles of trails, campgrounds, nature centers and the Desert Outdoor Environmental Learning Center at Lake Pleasant. Currently, there are 10 regional parks in the system which we're happy to report were visited by over 2.1 million people In 2013. Wh

ether you're planning on hiking along a barrier-free trail, enjoying the scenic Sonoran Desert views on horseback, or peddling rigorously up a trail on a mountain bike, the parks offer a variety of opportunities for all types of users, ages and comfort levels. Best of all, Maricopa County's regional parks are all within a 45-minute drive from downtown Phoenix! Our pristine Sonoran Desert park system includes the following parks:

•Adobe Dam Regional Park
•Buckeye Hills Regional Park
•Cave Creek Regional Park
•Desert Outdoor Center
•Estrella Mountain Regional Park
•Lake Pleasant Regional Park
•McDowell Mountain Regional Park
•San Tan Mountain Regional Park
•Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area
•Usery Mountain Regional Park
•White Tank Mountain Regional Park

The department is staffed by a team that is passionate about what they do and dedicated to our mission and vision which are:

Vision: Our vision is to connect people with nature through regional parks, trails and programs, inspire an appreciation for the Sonoran desert beauty and natural open spaces, and create life-long positive memories. Mission: Our mission, through responsible stewardship, is to provide the quality parks, trails, programs, services and experiences that energize visitors and create life-long users and advocates.

Join us for the Hassayampa River Preserve's 'Kids Summer Day Camp' on July 8-10 from 7:30-11:00am each day! Registration...
06/18/2026

Join us for the Hassayampa River Preserve's 'Kids Summer Day Camp' on July 8-10 from 7:30-11:00am each day! Registration is limited to 25 kids and this program is aimed at grades 2-6 (~ages 6-12), with registrants signing up to do all 3 mornings. Led by our Interpretive Rangers and sponsored by Friends of Hassayampa, each day will have a different subject theme, with an early morning hike before it gets too hot, followed by indoor interactive activities, arts and crafts, and snacks. All kids must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. No additional fees for this program beyond park entry, which is free for children under age 13 and $5 per adult (Maricopa County Parks annual passes also accepted). For more information and registration details, please click on the link below:
https://www.maricopacountyparks.net/events/summer-day-camp-with-rangers-registration-required-limit-25-students/0708-0710261/

Why did the desert critters cross the road?Because the other side had better shade, water, food, or shelter—and they had...
06/14/2026

Why did the desert critters cross the road?

Because the other side had better shade, water, food, or shelter—and they had no idea there was traffic.

As temperatures rise, more desert wildlife can be found crossing park roads while traveling between habitats, especially around sunrise and sunset. Please slow down and stay alert for wildlife of all sizes.

If you encounter wildlife on the roadway, do not attempt to move or handle it. Give the animal space and allow it to continue on its own. If it appears injured or unable to move safely, contact the park and trained staff will assist.

A little extra care on park roads can help keep the critters that call the desert home safe.

All photos were taken at a safe distance or are zoomed in.

🕊️ ECO-BLITZ FUN FACT 🕊️Did you know the oldest recorded White-winged Dove lived to be more than 21 years old? This rema...
06/01/2026

🕊️ ECO-BLITZ FUN FACT 🕊️

Did you know the oldest recorded White-winged Dove lived to be more than 21 years old? This remarkable bird was banded in Arizona in 1958 and later recovered in Mexico in 1980!

These desert birds are an important part of the Sonoran Desert ecosystem and can often be spotted throughout Maricopa County’s regional parks.

📍 Have you seen a White-winged Dove in one of our parks lately? Share your favorite bird sightings in the comments!

- Eco-Blitz program: https://www.maricopacountyparks.net/about-us/eco-blitz/
- iNaturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/maricopa-county-parks-eco-blitz
- June park programs: https://www.maricopacountyparks.net/events/?F_m=6

Looking for something unique (and air conditioned) to do with the kids this summer? Come up to the Desert Outdoor Center...
05/26/2026

Looking for something unique (and air conditioned) to do with the kids this summer? Come up to the Desert Outdoor Center at Lake Pleasant on Friday, June 19th, from 1-4pm for Maricopa County's first ever "STEAM Into Summer" event! We'll have staff on hand from Parks & Recreation, Flood Control, Vector Control, Storm Water, Air Quality, and other County departments with one major goal in mind: fun and interactive science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics themed activities that demonstrate how our County agencies serve you!

This event is family friendly and free! The Desert Outdoor Center is located at 41402 N 87th Ave. Peoria, AZ, 85383

05/25/2026

This holiday weekend, please pack out everything you've brought for your visit. Dispose of trash properly and help protect wildlife, shorelines, and recreation areas for everyone to enjoy in the future.

A clean park starts with all of us. Thank you for doing your part! 🌵🗑️

05/25/2026

☀️ Arizona heat reminder: Your ice melts faster than you think.

Bring extra water, stay hydrated throughout the day, and take breaks in the shade — especially during holiday weekends and high temperatures.

Heat exhaustion can happen quickly on the lake and shoreline. Plan ahead and stay safe.

This Memorial Day, we pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country...
05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

We also want to extend our deepest gratitude to all who have served and to those who continue to serve today. Your sacrifice, dedication, and commitment to protecting others are deeply appreciated, not just today, but every day.

Wishing everyone a meaningful and reflective Memorial Day.

Lake Pleasant Regional Park is currently experiencing high-volume traffic.Please expect delays if you are trying to ente...
05/24/2026

Lake Pleasant Regional Park is currently experiencing high-volume traffic.

Please expect delays if you are trying to enter the park off of Castle Hot Springs Road.

Posted: Sunday, May 24 at 12:20 pm

05/24/2026

Water safety starts with supervision 👀🌊

Please keep children within arm’s reach near shorelines, docks, and launch ramps at Lake Pleasant Regional Park. Drowning can happen quickly and silently.

🦺 Wear life jackets
💧 Stay hydrated
☀️ Take breaks from the heat

Let’s keep the holiday weekend safe for everyone.

05/24/2026

Before heading out on the water, run through the safety checklist ✔️🌊

🦺 Life jacket
💧 Water
☀️ Sunscreen
👀 Buddy system
🌬️ Check weather and wind conditions

A few minutes of preparation can make all the difference. Stay safe and enjoy the holiday weekend!

Address

Phoenix, AZ

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm

Telephone

+16025062930

Website

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