Phoenix Nighttime Desert Glow Hike

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.

Meeting Point

3143 E Puget Ave

3143 E Puget Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85028, USA

You'll find our meet up location just east (left) of 3143 E Puget Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85028. Head south on 32nd Street from State Route 51 or Shea Blvd until you arrive at the end of the street.

What's included:

• Ultraviolet flashlights
• Guide

Not included:

• Transportation

What to expect:

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Phoenix Mountains Preserve

Phoenix, Arizona

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.

1 hour, 5 minutes

Piestewa Peak

2701_ E. Piestewa Peak Dr, , Phoenix, 85016, Arizona

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.

15 minutes

Phoenix

Phoenix, Arizona

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.

10 minutes