Phoenix Mountains Preserve Night Glow Hike
Description
On this unique experience, you'll explore the Sonoran Desert in Phoenix under a canopy of darkness. Armed with a UV flashlight, you’ll uncover scorpions—their exoskeletons aglow in mesmerizing blue-green hues—and other cool things that glow at night. City lights twinkle in the distance, while above, a canvas of moon and stars unfolds. It’s a dance between the earthly and the cosmic, leaving you both humbled and exhilarated.
Tour Options
Itinerary
For this fun, nighttime glow hike in the iconic Sonoran Desert of Arizona, I’ll provide everything your group needs for an unforgettable outing. As daylight fades to night, we’ll hike into the desert. When the only light is the glow of stars and distant city lights, everyone’s invited to switch on their special ”black light” flashlights that I’ll provide. You’ll be amazed by the number of bioluminescent things your magic light reveals that are invisible in broad daylight or with a regular flashlight. Be mesmerized by glowing insects, minerals and fossilized algae to name a few of the objects we’ll see. In case that’s not enough, you’ll laugh like a kid as members of your crew light up like glow sticks when you aim your purple beam at them. After spotting cool finds and once-in-a-lifetime photo opps, we'll head back to starting point. Want to take it to the next level? Wear blacklight-friendly clothing for the hike.
First, we’ll take a few minutes to get acquainted just before dusk at a little-known trailhead in North Phoenix. Next, we'll make our way into the desert on a gently sloped trail with great views of the Phoenix Mountains Preserve, with Piestewa Peak-second tallest in Phoenix-in our line of sight.
As we approach the high point of the tour, you'll be amazed by the splendor of millions of city lights stretching for miles across the desert landscape.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Must be able to walk 2 miles on rugged, hilly terrain.
- Not recommended for anyone with poor night vision.
- Not recommended for anyone bad knees or ankles.
- Not recommended for anyone who cannot walk 2 miles on rugged, hilly terrrain without assistance
- Not recommended for anyone with poor balance.
Reviews(37)
My family and I were really looking forward to this tour, especially coming all the from Michigan but no one showed up for the tour. No participants and no activity director. The only positive thing I can say is Viator returned our payment without issues.
Very cool experience; would be especially great for kids who might not be thrilled with a more traditional hike.
It is easy hike, but still make sure you are wearing comfortable shoes , and have a bottle of water . We saw 25 plus scorpions!! The tour guy was wonderful, and very knowledgeable. We learned lots of interesting facts about night desert life.
It was very informative and beautiful views. We learned a lot about desert creatures and plants. Our tour guide was very knowledgable and communicated very well to our group of various ages; kids, parents and grandparents.
Such an amazing experience for a first time visit to Phoenix to learn some history and see scorpions under UV lighting! The hike was nice without the beating sun and enjoyable with the night breeze. We recommend this night hike and the sunrise hike. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and entertaining!
Fun activity for the entire family. The guide was great. He was very knowledgeable, organized and engaging. I would definitely recommend this hike.
Super interesting. Spotted 62 scorpions, often right on the path, and learned lots of interesting faces about cactii. Pro tips: hotter days yield more scorpions, but if it’s above 100, you may have to wait for the rocks to cool below 85 or so.
Amazing nighttime hike, with two great guides. They were knowledgeable about the area. They made sure we were safe. They got to know everyone by name. They helped us get great pictures of the environment. The hike was amazing.
Paul and Wendy are a power couple! They made the trip interesting and informative. Very kind and thoughtful! Would definitely do again!
Seeing the glowing scorpions was a really cool experience. Paul was an interesting guide and very helpful.
