The Sonoran Conservancy of Fountain Hills has an offering for those who enjoy the easy pace hikes at sunrise.

Those participating will head out on the Ridgeline Loop Wednesday, Jan. 17, beginning at the Adero Canyon Trailhead at 7:30 a.m.

Cathy Pepperd will again lead the sunrise hike. The hike starts at the Overlook Trail and follows the Ridgeline Trail to the Scenic View for a 3.3-mile out and back hike. Bring two liters of water and snacks. Wear sturdy boots. Hiking poles recommended. No dogs please. Register for Course #2434.

The Dixie Mine is the destination for a hike Wednesday, Jan. 24. Steve Ehrlich and Nancy Whitton lead this moderate 5.2-mile round trip hike to a historic mine in the McDowell Mountain Regional Park. Only trace amounts of valuable minerals were ever found. This hike requires a $2 park entry fee. Bring two liters of water and snacks. Wear sturdy boots. Hiking poles recommended. No dogs. The hike departs from the Golden Eagle Trailhead at 8 a.m. Register for Course #2435.

Tuesday, Jan. 30, is the opportunity to enjoy moonless stargazing from the trail. Vicky Derksen of Night Sky Tourist and the FH Dark Sky Association will lead the group along with Janice Holden of SCFH on this moonless evening to observe the night skies with less moonlight interference. See a planet or two and locate and identify constellations and their stars while Vicky recounts some myths and stories held by ancient cultures. After the hike the Star Dudes will point their telescopes at deep space objects that can’t be seen with the naked eye.

Bring preregistered children over eight years, wear comfortable clothing, close-toed shoes, bring water, hiking poles if needed, and a red flashlight to protect everyone’s night vision. Be prepared to hike approximately two miles. No pets, please.

Derksen is the host of the Night Sky Tourist podcast, President of the Fountain Hills Dark Sky Association and serves on the board of the International Dark Sky Discovery Center. Find her online at nightskytourist.com. Meet at the Adero Canyon Trailhead at 7 p.m. Register for Course #2436.

The program “What’s in my Pack” will be hosted at the Adero Canyon Trailhead Wednesday, Jan. 31, at 1 p.m. Also, there will be an introduction to the AED equipment at the trailhead.

Whether new to hiking or have had the same contents in a backpack for years, it’s time to refresh. In addition to an overview of desert safety, this class includes an introduction to CPR and using an AED. This information can be lifesaving in the desert, at home and in public spaces. A link to a 20-minute video on the SCFH You Tube channel with basic first aid practices for hiking in the preserve will be made available. Presenters will be two professionals who have been managing first aid and saving lives in the Sonoran Desert - Yvonne Massman, Natural Resources Coordinator, McDowell Sonoran Preserve and Lori Stauffer, Public Information Officer, Community Relations, Scottsdale Fire Department. Register for Course #2531.