Strap on your hiking boots, Maricopa County adventurers—National Take a Hike Day is upon us, and in the spirit of outdoor celebration, park entry fees are being tossed aside for the day. On November 17, the usual $7 per vehicle day-use fee at all regional parks will be waived, an announcement made by Maricopa County's Parks and Recreation Department, aiming to encourage the community to explore the expansive network of over 615 miles of trails that sprawl across the region. According to the Maricopa County, for those already knee-deep in the "100 Miles in 100 Days Challenge," there's no better time to log some terrain while soaking in the mild autumn ambiance.
According to Maricopa County's website, Thomas Galvin, Chairman of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, District 2, expressed his enthusiasm for the day, noting that "Hiking gives us the chance to step away from the rush of everyday life, breathe in the fresh desert air, and appreciate the incredible beauty of our Sonoran landscape." He cites locations spanning from the expanse of the Hassayampa River Preserve to the rolling hills of McDowell Mountain Regional Park within his district as perfect settings for some much-needed recreation and introspection so, whether you're an avid hiker, a casual nature lover, or someone just looking to trade the whir of civilization for the whisper of the wind in the creosote bush—November 17 is calling your name.
Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Director, Jennifer Waller, has announced that rangers will be conducting special programs on this day, intentionally set to draw nature enthusiasts into the fold of nocturnal mystery and ecological wonder "from nighttime scorpion hunts and searches for nocturnal critters to learning about life along the Gila River and exploring our park ecosystems," Waller stated on the Maricopa County website, ensuring both day hikers and night voyagers have their interests piqued and, with the ideal temperatures now in play, it's all systems go for a day on the trails.
