Maricopa County Parks

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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. Whether 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.

🧡🌵 Put Your HEART Into Your PARK!We love our regional parks, and we know you do, too! Now's your chance to help shape th...
10/22/2026

🧡🌵 Put Your HEART Into Your PARK!

We love our regional parks, and we know you do, too! Now's your chance to help shape their future!

Maricopa County Parks and Recreation is updating master plans for three regional parks, and we want to hear from YOU! Your feedback will help guide future improvements, recreational opportunities, and park amenities.

📅 Join an upcoming virtual public meeting:
🌵 San Tan Mountain Regional Park: Nov. 10
🥾 Buckeye Hills Regional Park: Nov. 18
🌄 Estrella Mountain Regional Park: Dec. 2

⏰ All meetings: 5–6:30 p.m.

Can't attend? You can still share your ideas through our online surveys and interactive park maps!

👉 Find meeting details at maricopa.gov/parks on the home page banner or under Programs & Events – Volunteer Events.

💚 Your parks. Your voice. Your future!

🏈🌵 TOUCHDOWNS FOR TRAILS!Football fans, here's your chance to cheer on the Arizona Cardinals AND support a great cause!T...
10/22/2026

🏈🌵 TOUCHDOWNS FOR TRAILS!

Football fans, here's your chance to cheer on the Arizona Cardinals AND support a great cause!

The Arizona Cardinals and Maricopa Trail + Park Foundation are teaming up for a special fundraiser benefiting Maricopa County's parks and trails!

🏈 Cardinals vs. Washington Commanders
📅 Sunday, November 29 | 2:25 p.m.
📍 State Farm Stadium

🎟️ Here's the game plan: For every ticket purchased through this special offer, $10 will be donated to the Foundation to support volunteer efforts that help maintain and protect our regional trails, open spaces, and parks.

🙌 Visit https://www.gofevo.com/event/Maricopatrail26 to purchase your tickets and help support the trails we all love!

🏈🌵 One game. One great cause. Endless miles of impact!

🌵🥾 Ready, Set, Go! The 100 Miles in 100 Days Challenge Returns!🗓 November 1, 2026 – February 8, 2027 🗓Cooler weather, ...
10/21/2026

🌵🥾 Ready, Set, Go! The 100 Miles in 100 Days Challenge Returns!

🗓 November 1, 2026 – February 8, 2027 🗓

Cooler weather, scenic trails, and 100 days to explore! Whether you're hiking, running, mountain biking, or horseback riding, adventure awaits in Maricopa County's regional parks!

🎯 Your Challenge:
🥾 Hike or run 100 miles
🐎 Horseback ride or mountain bike 200 miles

Explore at least three parks (or two parks plus the Maricopa Trail/Sun Circle Trail) as you work toward your goal!

👉 Details and registration: https://www.maricopacountyparks.net/things-to-do/activity/100-miles-in-100-days-challenge/
Press release: https://www.maricopacountyparks.net/news/

💚 One trail at a time. One mile at a time. You've got this!

10/15/2026

We recently interviewed Gail, one of our regular visitors at Cave Creek Regional Park! 🌵

We always love hearing which trails our visitors enjoy most, and she shared her favorite.

Now that the weather is cooling down, it's the perfect time to explore Maricopa County Parks trails! 🥾☀️

10/12/2026

🌤️ Mother Nature sure knows how to put on a show at Lake Pleasant Regional Park!

One minute it's sunshine and blue skies; the next, dramatic clouds roll across the lake! ⛅🌬️

Weather conditions can change quickly, especially on the water. Before your next adventure, check the forecast, watch for changing skies, and pay attention to wind warning stations along the shoreline. Flashing lights mean it's time to take precautions!

💙 Enjoy the views, respect the weather, wear your life jacket, and stay safe out there!

🐸 Meet the Sonoran Desert Toad: The Desert's Underground Hide-and-Seek Champion!These fascinating amphibians spend most ...
10/08/2026

🐸 Meet the Sonoran Desert Toad: The Desert's Underground Hide-and-Seek Champion!

These fascinating amphibians spend most of the year tucked away in underground burrows, waiting for summer monsoon rains to make their grand entrance! 🌧️

But don't let their cute, bumpy appearance fool you! Sonoran Desert Toads secrete powerful toxins that can be dangerous to pets, especially curious dogs that decide to give one a sniff, lick, or nibble. 🐶⚠️

🌵 Fun Fact: These toads have quite the appetite! Photographer Steve DaCosta witnessed this one enjoying a pocket mouse for dinner shortly before snapping this photo. Talk about being in the right place at the right time!

💚 Remember: Admire wildlife from a distance, keep pets close, and let our desert neighbors do their thing!

📸 Photo courtesy of Steve DaCosta

Hey there👋According to CDC, 4,500 lives are lost to drowning each year, and most of the victims were not wearing a life ...
10/05/2026

Hey there👋

According to CDC, 4,500 lives are lost to drowning each year, and most of the victims were not wearing a life jacket.

Even though winter’s approaching, water safety never takes a season off!

Whether you are jet skiing, kayaking, or taking a fun boat trip with your family and friends, we have two life jacket loaner stations nearby.

The life jacket loaner stations are located at Lake Pleasant Regional Park’s 10 and 4 lane boat ramps. Grab it, wear it, enjoy the water, and return it. 🔁


🕷️ Home sweet burrow! 🏡🌵For female desert blonde tarantulas, there really is no place like home. Heck, they can spend mo...
10/01/2026

🕷️ Home sweet burrow! 🏡🌵

For female desert blonde tarantulas, there really is no place like home. Heck, they can spend more than 25 years in the same burrow!

And while they may look fuzzy and harmless, they have a pretty clever defense when threatened. Check out this month’s Eco-Blitz Fun Fact to learn more.

Have you ever spotted one of these fuzzy desert residents in a Maricopa County park? 👀

Let us know! 👇

Link: https://www.maricopacountyparks.net/about-us/eco-blitz/

09/28/2026

Nothing gets everyone talking like a new neighbor. 😂🫏🐢

These curious burros recently came across a desert tortoise on a park road and, naturally, had to investigate.

Just another day in the parks! 🌵

Remember to slow down and watch for wildlife on park roads. You never know who might be crossing...or stopping to investigate. 😉

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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