Star Parties, Moonlight Hikes, and More: Guided Nighttime Programs With Arizona State Parks

Have you ever visited an Arizona State Park? Since moving here in 2009, I have only been to a handful, but I plan to change that this year. I think I'll visit a state park after dark. Why? Arizona State Parks and Trails offers an array of fun and informative nighttime programs, including star parties, astronomy events, and moonlight hikes under the Milky Way. Exploring a park at night is vastly different than the day, and under a dark sky, you'll be able to see the stars, hear and possibly see animals that are most active at night, and have an outstanding outdoor adventure. So, check the calendar and plan on visiting a state park... after dark.

Arizona's Designated Dark Sky State Parks

DarkSky International has designated two Arizona State Parks as Dark Sky Parks: Kartchner Caverns State Park in 2017 and Oracle State Park in 2014. Due to their remote locations away from artificial light sources, Oracle and Kartchner Caverns experience very little light pollution. Because of this, stargazing is exceptional, and the parks are ideal for hosting nighttime programs to educate the public. Both are recognized by DarkSky International for their commitments to preserving the dark night sky and nocturnal wildlife habitats as well as offering astronomy education programs.

Arizona State Parks' Nighttime Programs

While Katchner Caverns and Oracle State Parks are designated dark sky parks, there are numerous additional state parks that have dark skies and offer programs throughout the year. Here are a few to look out for on the calendar:

Star Parties

I asked Neil Large, the Program Administrator of the Office of Outdoor Recreation, part of the Arizona State Parks and Trails, what the most popular night programs are. He says, "Right now, the most popular night programs in the parks are Star Parties. They’re always a hit! Astronomy groups bring powerful telescopes to these events, and visitors have the opportunity to see a variety of celestial objects that otherwise go unnoticed. In many cases, Star Parties are someone’s first “real” night sky experience, and it’s a lot of fun to watch people realize how expansive the night sky really is and how many hidden gems are visible through the telescopes!"

Upcoming Star Party events for 2025 will be held at the following state parks: Catalina, Cattail Cove, Homolovi, and Red Rock.

Scorpion Hunts

While not a regularly scheduled event, Lost Dutchman State Park sometimes offers scorpion hunts after dark, depending on the time of year. This guided ranger-led program will take you on a nighttime hike with blacklights in search of these nocturnal critters — scorpions "glow" under a blacklight. Along the way, you'll learn all about these seemingly scary, often misunderstood desert dwellers and the roles they play in the ecosystem. Close-toed shoes are a must for this hike!

Moonlight and Night Hikes

How about a stroll under the light of a full moon? Moonlight Hikes at Red Rock State Park are held every month, and the program lasts 2.5 hours. This guided 2.5-mile hike leads to an overlook where you'll witness the sunset and then the moonrise. Visit the Arizona State Parks website for the Moonlight Hikes schedule.

Catalina State Park offers its own nighttime hikes called "Catalina Nights." Offered twice a month, on the first and third Fridays of the month, your guide will lead hikers along a one-mile nature trail. On this hike, you'll have the opportunity to learn about the park's nocturnal creatures along with facts about astronomy and the star-filled sky above.

Bat Walks

Kartchner Caverns State Park holds Bat Walks on select dates from April through September. On this nature walk through the desert, you'll learn about the 13 bat species that call this state park home. The use of bat detectors will allow program participants to easily see and hear bats. Visit the AZ State Parks website for the Bat Walks calendar.

One additional suggestion from Neil Large is night fishing. He says, "Not necessarily a program, but catfish generally bite better at night, and many of our parks have fantastic opportunities to catch either channel or flathead catfish. Grab a chair, some snacks, and your favorite beverage, then kick back under the stars and wait for a bite. Night fishing is a great way to relax and get out of the heat while actively engaging with the outdoors." I couldn't agree more!

Attending a Night Program at an Arizona State Park

Between the scorpion hunts at Lost Dutchman State Park, guided night life hikes or moonlight hikes at Red Rock State Park, bat walks at Kartchner Caverns State Park, and star parties at several state parks, you'll gain a different perspective of these special places through these experiences.

Are you ready to explore Arizona State Parks after dark while attending one of the parks' nighttime programs? I'm excited to join a Scorpion Walk the next time it's on the calendar at Lost Dutchman State Park. Until then, maybe I'll see you at a Star Party.

Is exploring Arizona's state parks on your bucket list? The best way to easily check them off your list is by purchasing an Arizona State Parks Pass, which covers day use for four people. Fees from the passes support state parks operations — it's a great way to support and preserve nature right here in Arizona!

There's so much to enjoy when visiting one of Arizona's 35 state parks, whether you're there during the day or night. But if you're interested in exploring a state park at night and learning about the stars, celestial events, or nocturnal wildlife, the best way is to attend a night program.