Maricopa Outdoor Recreation and Environmental Education (M.O.R.E.E.), a program provided by Copper Sky Recreational Center, has a full slate of activities set to go this fall. All trips leave from and return to Copper Sky. All participants must be at least 18 years old, and fees vary.
Highlights
Cibecue Falls
A sweet hike and overnight camping are features of this trip to the Fort Apache Reservation, and hiking permits are issued through White Mountain Apache. The hike is a walk up a canyon along Cibecue Creek to the beautiful falls, which are 30 feet high. Be prepared for your feet to get wet and for climbing on boulders.
The trip is Sept. 15-16.
Canyon Lake Dolly Steamboat
This is a 10-hour daytrip to Tortilla Flat in the Superstition Mountains. Created by a dam on the Salt River, the lake has many boating opportunities. The steamboat ride allows for wonderful wildlife viewing and relaxing atmosphere.
The trip is Sept. 26.
Fossil Creek
An overnight backpacking trip to one of the most popular outdoor spots in central Arizona includes an eight-mile hike. The area is federally-designated as “Wild and Scenic” river with spectacular travertine pools and a waterfall. It was once home to Childs Power Plant, but the creek has since been restored.
The trip is Oct. 21-22.
Family Camping
Camp out while staying home. Copper Sky invites the community to spend the night in tents at the park and enjoy family entertainment like a movie, scavenger hunt and, of course, S’mores.
The event is Nov. 3-4.
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
A daytrip to the Payson area includes hiking of an hour or less (though they can be strenuous), a waterfall, pine trees, lots of wildlife, possibly the largest travertine bridge in the world, an observation deck and a historic lodge.
The trip is Nov. 7.
Desert Botanical Garden
A relaxing daytrip to Phoenix is both educational and beautiful. Besides the garden tour, there is a sculpture exhibit planned. Learn about desert plants and how to care for them, as well as birds and wildflowers.
The trip is Nov. 14.
Sonoran Desert Museum
The daytrip to Tucson will be chockful of animals, plants and minerals in 98 acres. The museum includes the Ironwood Art Gallery, with works inspired by the outdoors. It is ranked by TripAdvisor.com as Tucson’s top attraction.
The trip is Nov. 21.
Zoolights
The annual tradition of festive holiday light displays, a polar slide and photos with Santa comprises this daytrip to the Phoenix Zoo. It is also an opportunity to learn about the animals who call the zoo home.
The trip is Dec. 5.
Tombstone
The final daytrip of the year is a visit to the historic town that sports the OK Corral and Boot Hill. Though surrounded by touristy vignettes, the town still has plenty of real history on hand.
The trip is Dec. 12.
APM.ActiveCommunities.com/CityOfMaricopaRec/
This article appears in the September issue of InMaricopa.
