County park trails close at sunset, so night hikes are not allowed unless led by a ranger. Wilderness areas are open, though. No matter where you participate in your nighttime desert activity, bring adequate water and sturdy, comfortable shoes.

Children will be challenged to use their brains, their brawn and the skills they learn from a park ranger to make it through a trail booby trapped with surprises at every bend.

One thing I love about living in the East Valley? We’re surrounded by scenic country that makes getting outdoors easy.

The Arizona Diamondbacks on Wednesday announced the promotions of Sandy Johnson to vice president/senior assistant general manager and Bob Miller to assistant general manager.

You want to kick off your weekend by climbing a mountain but you don’t have a lot of time and don’t want to get too tired to function. Pinnacle Peak is your answer.

There’s a reason why rangers look so fit — they hike all day. “I’ve been a ranger for six years, and I can remember back when I first started, a five-mile hike was a long hike to me,” says Amy Roberts.

There’s a reason why rangers look so fit — they hike all day. “I’ve been a ranger for six years, and I can remember back when I first started, a five-mile hike was a long hike to me,” says Amy Roberts.

Homeowners can help save their houses — and the desert, too — by clearing nonnative plants that have invaded the Sonoran Desert.

Rules, regulations and improvement plans for the 2,150-acre Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area in Cave Creek are set to be finalized three years after the town, Maricopa County and the state spent $21.3 million to purchase the land once planned for development.

The last time Johnathan Blyer led a full-moon hike, participants were treated to a kit fox and black-tailed rabbit sighting.

Usery Mountain Regional Park celebrates the best the Sonoran Desert offers, but face it: Even the most ardent nature lover can have trouble embracing the outdoors in Arizona's brutal summers.

Social for newcomers

Maricopa County’s parks in the East Valley display lush landscapes, but too often the desert becomes a dumping ground for people too lazy to take their junk to the dump, park officials say.

FLAGSTAFF • No road leads up to or over Rainbow Bridge, and no hands built it.

Vladimir Guerrero smiled when asked if he hopes to prove he is still a productive player.

December 6, 2004

Just days after Pat Tillman died from friendly fire on a desolate ridge in southeastern Afghanistan, the U.S. Army Special Operations Command released a brief account of his last moments.

Johnathan Blyler is often asked why moonlight hikes aren’t offered more frequently at Usery Mountain Regional Park. To which he replies: "Because I cannot control the moonlight. And if I could, I’m fairly certain I wouldn’t be an interpretive ranger."

Johnathan Blyler is often asked why moonlight hikes aren’t offered more frequently at Usery Mountain Regional Park. To which he replies: "Because I cannot control the moonlight. And if I could, I’m fairly certain I wouldn’t be an interpretive ranger."

Sedona is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the Southwest. Known for its magnificent views and glowing rock towers, it draws those seeking relaxation or adventure, wellness or the arts.

If you’ve ever wanted to throw the atlatl or the bola — or you’d just like to know what they are — the Prehistoric Life Festival on Saturday at San Tan Mountain Regional Park can help.

Coyotes community night for Gilbert

California isn’t the only state with Spanish missions to explore.

 A group of hikers pauses on a scrubby bajada unfurling from the base of a craggy peak. Someone holds up her hand, signaling the others to listen.