| Mountain To Fountain 15k Road Race- Staging Area closed in AM- McDowell |
| McDowell Mountain Regional Park |
| On Saturday, March 11, the Trailhead Staging Area parking area will be closed to the public until late afternoon for a running race along the Park road. In addition, traffic will be limited within the park between 6am and 10am. Expect delays.
Entrants must park in town and ride shuttle buses to the race entrance within the park.
The Mountain to Fountain is a 15k Elite Road Race that will begin at McDowell Mountain Regional Park, and end at the Fountain in Fountain Hills.
The course has changed slightly from what was originally posted. Instead of running on Fountain Hills Blvd. beyond Palisades the course now turns left on Saguaro and finishes on Saguaro just past Avenue of the Fountains. To make up distance the starting line was moved closer to the Pemberton Trailhead parking lot. The change doesn't have any effect on the course's difficulty.
The first 5K is run in McDowell Mountain Regional Park and is extremely downhill and fast. The next 5K is rolling with a significant climb right after the 10K mark. The final 5K starts with some gentle uphill but the final stretch of the race is downhill toward the lake. The course is challenging but has the potential for fast times if run wisely.
USATF certified: (AZ11006TLB)
For more information, please click on the link below. |
| Date: 3/11/2012 |
| Time: 6:00 AM - 10:00 AM |
| Registration Required: Yes |
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| More Info: http://www.bandidos15k.com/general_info.php |
| Location: McDowell Mountain Regional Park |
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Address:
19700 N. McDowell Mountain Road
Fountain Hills, AZ 85255 |
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| Sonoran (Snorin') Sunrise Hike-Estrella |
| Estrella Mountain Park |
| Join us on a fun, relaxing hike in our beautiful desert. The 2.5 mile Baseline loop trail has it all-slight elevation for health, great views to enjoy, historical small mines and a special green bioregion. This is one of our favorite trails lead by Sandy Kehs, supervolunteer. Meet at the Gila/Baseline Trailhead south of the picnic area. |
| Date: 3/11/2012 |
| Time: 6:30 AM - 8:00 AM Duration: 1.5 hours |
| Speaker: Sandy Kehs |
| Registration Required: No |
| Fee: $6.00 per vehicle park entrance fee |
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| More Info: http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/estrella |
| Contact: Mark Paulat 623/932-3811 |
| Location: Estrella Mountain Regional Park |
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Address:
14805 W. Vineyard Avenue
Goodyear, AZ 85338 |
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| Aravaipa Mesquite Canyon Trail Run |
| White Tank Mountains Regional Park |
| Part of the Desert Runner Trail Series which offers organized trail runs across Maricopa County. Participants may chosse to run 50 kilometers, 30 kilometers, half marathon, or 8 kilometers. First race starts at 7am. See http://www.aravaiparunning.com/avr/mesquite-canyon for more informaiton. |
| Date: 3/11/2012 |
| Time: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Registration Required: Yes |
| Fee: $6.00 per vehicle |
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| More Info: http://www.aravaiparunning.com/avr/mesquite-canyon/ |
| Location: Group Campground |
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Waddell, AZ 85355 |
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| Archery 101 - Cave Creek Regional Park |
| Cave Creek Regional Park |
| Interested in archery? Curious as to how it feels to shoot a compound or recurve bow? Sign up for this fun “Archery 101" program. Participants experience a fun and safe basic introduction to recreational and international-style target archery. Equipment is provided. This archery program is open to anyone ages 8 and older. Please bring water and wear closed-toe shoes. ******Advanced registration is required. Limited to 20 participants. Please contact Ranger Sarah at 623-465-0431x202 to register. Ranger will return call to confirm. ***** Meet at the Group Campground. |
| Date: 3/11/2012 |
| Time: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Duration: 2 hours |
| Registration Required: Yes |
| Fee: $6.00 per vehicle park entry fee |
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| Contact: Ranger Sarah sarahsteele@mail.maricopa.gov |
| Location: Meet at the Group Campground |
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Address:
37019 N. Lava Lane85331 |
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| Desert Washes Walk - Spur Cross |
| Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area |
| March 11 Sunday 9:00 am Desert Washes Walk
(moderate) Come discover the fascinating world of a desert wash. This hike will feature the exploration of Cottonwood Wash which drains into Cave Creek. Along the way we will discuss desert washes and mesas and how the ecosystems differ. Long pants and sturdy shoes are recommended. |
| Date: 3/11/2012 |
| Time: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Duration: 2 hours |
| Speaker: Kevin Smith, park ranger |
| Registration Required: No |
| Fee: $3 per person |
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| Contact: Kevin Smith, Park Ranger at 480-488-6623 or e-mail kevinsmith@mail.maricopa.gov |
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| Dixie Mine Hidden Petroglyph Hike - McDowell |
| McDowell Mountain Regional Park |
| Dixie Mine Hidden Petroglyph Hike - The Dixie Mine area is one of the best kept secrets in the Park. This 5.8 mi roundtrip hike has some steep slopes, but the reward is well worth it. Bring extra water and meet at the Golden Eagle trailhead in Fountain Hills. |
| Date: 3/11/2012 |
| Time: 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM Duration: 3.5 hrs |
| Registration Required: No |
| Fee: $2.00 per person park entry (walk-in fee). |
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| Contact: Amy Ford, Interpretive Ranger 480-471-0173 |
| Location: Dixie Mine Trailhead |
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Address:
Northern end of Golden Eagle Blvd. at end of road
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268 |
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| Find the Ranger - Wind Cave Trail - Usery Park |
| Usery Mountain Regional Park |
| This open-house style program features our ranger hiking along the Wind Cave Trail and stopping to talk to park visitors. Our ranger will show off his “Backpack of Knowledge” and be available to answer questions about the park, discuss park history, identify desert plants, or even explain which animals call Usery Park "home". Carry ample water. |
| Date: 3/11/2012 |
| Time: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM |
| Registration Required: No |
| Fee: $6.00 per car |
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| Tres Rios Nature and Earth Festival - Estrella |
| Estrella Mountain Park |
| The Tres Rios Nature and Earth Festival is more than an opportunity for adults to celebrate the rich heritage of the Gila, Salt and Agua Fria rivers. It is an outdoor wonderland for the kids. A perfect opportunity to get them out of the house and into the outdoors. And how can you miss with such great opportunities on tap during the two-day event set for March 10-11 at Estrella Mountain Regional Park. Think about paddling a canoe, hiking, watching birds, free fishing and a great Kid's Zone where they can take a short nature trail, view wildlife artifacts, make crafts and do other fun stuff. And don't forget about some great food, so bring an appetite, and enjoy some wonderful music. Entertainment/Social Activities . The event will be held in the northeast turf area. For additional information go to http://www.tresriosnaturefestival.com Ranger Mark will lead a 1.5 mile hike along the Baseline Trail at 10:00am on Saturday and Sunday. |
| Date: 3/11/2012 |
| Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Duration: 7 hours |
| Registration Required: No |
| Fee: $3.00 parking |
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| More Info: http://tresriosnaturefestival.com/ |
| Contact: Ranger Mark 623 932-3811 |
| Location: Estrella Mountain Regional Park |
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Address:
14805 W. Vineyard Avenue
Goodyear, AZ 85338 |
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| Sonoran Desert 101 - Usery Park |
| Usery Mountain Regional Park |
| Join us for this introduction to some of the fascinating plants and animals of our Sonoran Desert as we enjoy a scenic stroll along the quarter-mile Desert Hawk Trail. Please bring water. Location: Nature Center |
| Date: 3/11/2012 |
| Time: 1:30 PM |
| Registration Required: No |
| Fee: $6.00 per car |
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