Date & Time: Saturday, April 18, 2026 · 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Location: Franklin Mountains State Park
(Specific meeting details provided to registered participants only)
Join Celebration of Our Mountains for a unique evening adventure into the nocturnal desert. This guided night hike offers participants a rare opportunity to experience the Franklin Mountains after sunset, when cooler temperatures and darkness reveal a very different side of the desert ecosystem. After a brief orientation and safety briefing, we’ll set out on a ~1-mile round-trip hike, pausing along the way to observe desert plants, animal tracks, and wildlife behaviors that are often hidden during daylight hours. Participants will learn how nocturnal animals adapt to the desert environment and how plants and landscapes change once the sun goes down.
Distance: ~1 mile
Duration: 2–3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Best for: All ages
Bring: Good walking shoes, water, snacks, and a reliable flashlight or headlamp
Important: A Texas Parks & Wildlife park pass is required and must be purchased in advance online. Participants should be comfortable hiking in low-light conditions.
Trip Leader: Dr. Paul Hyder, phyder@zianet.com
**Limited to 25 participants. Advance registration through Eventbrite is required, and participants must present their Eventbrite ticket at check-in. No walk-ins permitted.