Calendar of Events
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1 event,
CANCELLED – Nature as Therapy Walk at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead
CANCELLED – Nature as Therapy Walk at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead
CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER Nature as Therapy Walk at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead Learn why time in nature makes happier, healthier, and more creative. Join us on this walk and learn how to use nature as a prescription to improve your overall well-being. Location: Brown’s Ranch Trailhead Skill level: Easy Time: ~1.5 hours Bathrooms are available […]
2 events,
CANCELLED-Marcus Landslide Fitness Hike at Tom’s Thumb Trailhead
CANCELLED-Marcus Landslide Fitness Hike at Tom’s Thumb Trailhead
Marcus Landslide Fitness Hike at Tom's Thumb Trailhead Visit the Marcus Landslide geological site, second largest landslide in Arizona. Elevation gain is 400 ft. Location: Tom’s Thumb Trailhead - 23015 N 128th St, Scottsdale, AZ, 85255 Skill level: Moderate Distance: ~4 miles Time: ~2.5 hours Difficulty of hikes vary. Please choose hikes that match your […]
CANCELLED-Brown’s Mountain, Cone Mountain, Latigo Loop Fitness Hike at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead
CANCELLED-Brown’s Mountain, Cone Mountain, Latigo Loop Fitness Hike at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead
Brown’s Mountain, Cone Mountain, Latigo Loop Fitness Hike at Brown's Ranch Trailhead This hike is around Brown’s Mountain and Cone Mountain, travelling on Upper Ranch, Wrangler, Brown’s Mountain, Cone Mountain, and finally the scenic Latigo Trail. Location: Brown’s Ranch Trailhead - 30301 N. Alma School Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85262 Skill level: Difficult Distance: ~6.3 miles […]
2 events,
CANCELLED-Twenty Miler at Pima Dynamite Trailhead
CANCELLED-Twenty Miler at Pima Dynamite Trailhead
Twenty Miler at Pima Dynamite Trailhead This ride is a bit more intense than our normal rides. We will ride in the northern area of the Preserve. This is an intermediate skills and moderate cardio ride. Location: Pima Dynamite Trailhead - 28777 N Pima Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85262 Skill level: Intermediate Distance: ~20 miles Time: […]
CANCELLED-Women’s Hike at Pima Dynamite Trailhead
CANCELLED-Women’s Hike at Pima Dynamite Trailhead
Women's Hike at Pima Dynamite Trailhead Come and discover 3 crested saguaros on this hike. Perfect for those that identify as women. Location: Pima Dynamite Trailhead - 28777 N Pima Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85262 Skill level: Moderate Distance: ~7 miles Time: ~3.5 hours Bathrooms are available at the trailhead. Bring water and snacks for the […]
2 events,
Mountain Bike Skills Clinic at Pima Dynamite Trailhead
Mountain Bike Skills Clinic at Pima Dynamite Trailhead
Mountain Bike Skills Clinic at Pima Dynamite Trailhead New to mountain biking? Looking to refresh your skills, improve your technique, enhance safety awareness, and increase your overall enjoyment on the trails? We begin with a demonstration and presentation by experienced riders covering the basic things you need to know, equipment requirements, and trail etiquette. The […]
Walk with Natural Resources Coordinator at Tom’s Thumb Trailhead
Walk with Natural Resources Coordinator at Tom’s Thumb Trailhead
Walk with Natural Resources Coordinator at Tom's Thumb Trailhead Join us on an easy walk with a City of Scottsdale Natural Resources Coordinator as various pertinent topics are discussed during the walk in the desert. The material will depend on the season, animals, plants, and will cover whatever is happening in this wonderful environment. Location: […]
0 events,
1 event,
Bootlegger and Coyote Canyon Fitness Hike at Granite Mountain Trailhead
Bootlegger and Coyote Canyon Fitness Hike at Granite Mountain Trailhead
Bootlegger and Coyote Canyon Fitness Hike at Granite Mountain Trailhead Come and explore the more remote part of the Preserve via Bootlegger, Granite Mountain Loop, Coyote Canyon, Renegade, and 136th St. Express trails. Location: Granite Mountain Trailhead - 31402 N. 136th St., Scottsdale, AZ 85262 Skill level: Difficult Distance: ~6.8 miles Time: ~3.5 hours Bathrooms […]
2 events,
Crested Saguaro Ride at Granite Mountain Trailhead
Crested Saguaro Ride at Granite Mountain Trailhead
Crested Saguaro Ride at Granite Mountain Trailhead Ever noticed the crested saguaros in the Preserve? Come ride with us to see a large number scattered throughout the north. This is an advanced skills and vigorous cardio ride. Location: Granite Mountain Trailhead - 31402 N. 136th St., Scottsdale, AZ 85262 Skill level: Advanced Distance: ~10 miles […]
Lecture- Geology is Ecology’s Destiny at Mustang Library or Virtual
Lecture- Geology is Ecology’s Destiny at Mustang Library or Virtual
Lecture- Geology is Ecology's Destiny at Mustang Library or Virtual Geology is ecosystem destiny. Geologic processes create the climate an area experiences, the shape of the land, and the kind of rock and ultimately soil that develops there. These factors are the literal and figurative foundation of the ecosystem; they create the environment and environmental […]
4 events,
Bird Walk at Tom’s Thumb Trailhead
Bird Walk at Tom’s Thumb Trailhead
Bird Walk at Tom's Thumb Trailhead Join the expert on this walk to see some of our cool weather resident birds such as phainopepla, white-crowned sparrow, black-throated sparrow, Brewer’s sparrow, and ruby-crowned kinglet, in addition to year-round birds such as thrashers, wrens, verdins, gnatcatchers, and towhees. Location: Tom’s Thumb Trailhead - 23015 N 128th St, […]
Walk with Natural Resources Coordinator at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead
Walk with Natural Resources Coordinator at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead
Walk with Natural Resources Coordinator at Brown's Ranch Trailhead Join us on an easy walk with a City of Scottsdale Natural Resources Coordinator as various pertinent topics are discussed during the walk in the desert. The material will depend on the season, animals, plants, and will cover whatever is happening in this wonderful environment. Location: […]
What’s in Your Backpack? at Gateway Trailhead
What’s in Your Backpack? at Gateway Trailhead
What’s in Your Backpack? at Gateway Trailhead Our Preserve in the Sonoran Desert is beautiful. But most of the inhabitants, both flora and fauna, want to stick you, prick you, or bite you. Your safety is important to us. Let us help you learn what to bring with you and why. Location: Gateway Trailhead - […]
Sonoran Sundays – Essentials of Desert Hiking, Just Roughin’ It Adventure Company at Gateway Trailhead
Sonoran Sundays – Essentials of Desert Hiking, Just Roughin’ It Adventure Company at Gateway Trailhead
Sonoran Sundays - Essentials of Desert Hiking, Just Roughin’ It Adventure Company at Gateway Trailhead New to hiking? Want to get in shape for the New Year? Come meet Ray and Debbie Hendricks, lifelong hiking guides and owners of Just Roughin’ It Adventure Company. The Hendricks will cover the basics of hiking, including desert hiking […]
0 events,
1 event,
Cathedral Rock, Amphitheater, Cholla Loop Fitness Hike at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead
Cathedral Rock, Amphitheater, Cholla Loop Fitness Hike at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead
Cathedral Rock, Amphitheater, Cholla Loop Fitness Hike at Brown's Ranch Trailhead This hike will take us to several of the iconic granite formations in the Preserve. Experienced hikers suggested. Location: Brown’s Ranch Trailhead - 30301 N. Alma School Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85262 Skill level: Difficult Distance: ~7 miles Time: ~3.5-4 hours Bathrooms are available at […]
0 events,
1 event,
Latigo, Scorpion, Snake Eyes, Dare A Sarah Trails Fitness Hike at Pima Dynamite Trailhead
Latigo, Scorpion, Snake Eyes, Dare A Sarah Trails Fitness Hike at Pima Dynamite Trailhead
Latigo, Scorpion, Snake Eyes, Dare A Sarah Trails Fitness Hike at Pima Dynamite Trailhead This hike winds through many boulder formations in the northwest Preserve in an area mostly seen only by mountain bikers. Let your imagination run wild as you visualize familiar shapes in the formations. Although the terrain is rolling, the trails occasionally […]
1 event,
Learn the Line at Pima Dynamite Trailhead
Learn the Line at Pima Dynamite Trailhead
Learn the Line at Pima Dynamite Trailhead Have you felt nervous or unsure about how to ride over that rock or around that technical corner? Come out and ‘learn the line’ to gain confidence on technical pieces, both up and down hills, speed control, body position, and moving your weight around. This is an intermediate […]
1 event,
Botany Educational Hike at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead
Botany Educational Hike at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead
Botany Educational Hike at Brown's Ranch Trailhead Have you ever wondered what that plant is, or why it only grows in certain locations? Join our expert botanist to learn this and 1,000 other things. Location: Brown’s Ranch Trailhead Skill level: Moderate Distance: ~3 miles Time: ~2.5 hours Bathrooms are available at the trailheads. Bring water […]
1 event,
Patrol the Stoneman Road Educational Bike Ride at Fraesfield Trailhead
Patrol the Stoneman Road Educational Bike Ride at Fraesfield Trailhead
Patrol the Stoneman Road Educational Bike Ride at Fraesfield Trailhead The Stoneman Road was a military road created in 1870, connecting Ft. McDowell and Ft. Whipple. Remnants of the road remain in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Learn the story of the road and the people who made it, while we patrol portions of the actual […]
1 event,
CANCELED – Lifecycle of the Saguaro Educational Walk at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead
CANCELED – Lifecycle of the Saguaro Educational Walk at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead
Lifecycle of the Saguaro Educational Walk at Brown's Ranch Trailhead Native only to the Sonoran Desert, these giant cacti are a sight to see! Join us to follow the growth of a saguaro from seed to skeleton and view multi-armed, old saguaros. Location: Brown’s Ranch Trailhead - 30301 N. Alma School Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85262 […]
0 events,
1 event,
Canceled – East End Fitness Hike at Tom’s Thumb Trailhead
Canceled – East End Fitness Hike at Tom’s Thumb Trailhead
East End Fitness Hike at Tom's Thumb Trailhead This hike takes us up Tom’s Thumb Trail and down the steep East End Trail with its switchbacks and beautiful views. Then returns via the same trails, with climbs of over 2,200 ft. This hike is not easy, but it is worth it. Experienced hikers suggested. Location: […]
0 events,
0 events,
2 events,
Stoneman Road Educational Hike at Fraesfield Trailhead
Stoneman Road Educational Hike at Fraesfield Trailhead
Stoneman Road Educational Hike at Fraesfield Trailhead The Stoneman Road was created as an “expressway” between Ft. McDowell and Ft. Whipple (near Prescott) in the 1870's. Join PastFinders experts as we walk portions of the actual route and discuss its origin, namesake, and value to our history. Location: Fraesfield Trailhead - 13400 East Rio Verde […]
The Hidden Desert Educational Walk at Fraesfield Trailhead
The Hidden Desert Educational Walk at Fraesfield Trailhead
The Hidden Desert Educational Walk at Fraesfield Trailhead Walking through the desert gives you half the story. There is a hidden world of nocturnal critters. If you look carefully, you can see the evidence of their middens, burrows, and holes. What else is concealed around you? Let us unlock those mysteries on the Camino Campana […]
3 events,
Twenty Miler at Pima Dynamite Trailhead
Twenty Miler at Pima Dynamite Trailhead
Twenty Miler at Pima Dynamite Trailhead This ride is a bit more intense than our normal rides. We will ride in the northern area of the Preserve. This is an intermediate skills and moderate cardio ride. Location: Pima Dynamite Trailhead - 28777 N Pima Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85262 Skill level: Intermediate Distance: ~20 miles Time: […]
Granite Mountain Loop and Balanced Rock Fitness Hike at Granite Mountain Trailhead
Granite Mountain Loop and Balanced Rock Fitness Hike at Granite Mountain Trailhead
Granite Mountain Loop and Balanced Rock Fitness Hike at Granite Mountain Trailhead Come and hike on one of the classic paths in the Preserve and a side trip to Balanced Rock. Location: Granite Mountain Trailhead - 31402 N. 136th St., Scottsdale, AZ 85262 Skill level: Difficult Distance: ~6.8 miles Time: ~3.5 hours Bathrooms are available […]
Arthropods of the Sonoran Desert Family Educational Hike at Gateway Trailhead
Arthropods of the Sonoran Desert Family Educational Hike at Gateway Trailhead
Arthropods of the Sonoran Desert Family Educational Hike at Gateway Trailhead Scorpions, spiders, bees, and wasps are just the beginning. There are more species of arthropods in the world than any other group of animals. Come and discover the fascinating and diverse world of arthropods and their role in the ecology of the Sonoran Desert. […]
0 events,
2 events,
Stagecoach, West Express, Malpais Fitness Hike at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead
Stagecoach, West Express, Malpais Fitness Hike at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead
Stagecoach, West Express, Malpais Fitness Hike at Brown's Ranch Trailhead This hike goes to some of the newer northern trails of Stagecoach, West Express, and Malpais. See several of the iconic granite formations in the Preserve. Experienced hikers suggested. Location: Brown’s Ranch Trailhead Skill level: Difficult Distance: ~10.4 miles Time: ~4.5 hours Bathrooms are available […]
Lecture – Light & Legacy: The Art and Techniques of Edward Curtis at Mustang Library or Virtual
Lecture – Light & Legacy: The Art and Techniques of Edward Curtis at Mustang Library or Virtual
Pastfinders Lecture – Light & Legacy: The Art and Techniques of Edward Curtis at Mustang Library or Virtual Wade Weber, Director of Education at Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, will highlight the exhibition, Light and Legacy: The Art and Techniques of Edward S. Curtis currently in display at the Museum of the West until April […]
0 events,
1 event,
Cowpoke, Granite Mountain and Bootlegger Fitness Hike at Granite Mountain Trailhead
Cowpoke, Granite Mountain and Bootlegger Fitness Hike at Granite Mountain Trailhead
Cowpoke, Granite Mountain and Bootlegger Fitness Hike at Granite Mountain Trailhead This hike covers some beautiful areas of the eastern Preserve with some of the most impressive saguaro stands in the Preserve. Location: Granite Mountain Trailhead - 31402 N. 136th St., Scottsdale, AZ 85262 Skill level: Moderate Distance: ~4.5 miles Time: ~3 hours Bathrooms are […]
0 events,
1 event,
Canceled – Bike the Intermediate to Difficult Trails at Pima Dynamite Trailhead
Canceled – Bike the Intermediate to Difficult Trails at Pima Dynamite Trailhead
Bike the Intermediate to Difficult Trails at Pima Dynamite Trailhead Experience the more technical trails in the northwest area of the Preserve. This is an advanced skills and vigorous cardio ride. We will explore some of the more aggressive trails in the Preserve. Trails will have short, steep climbs and descents with tight corners. We'll […]
2 events,
Stoneman Road Educational Walkabout at Fraesfield Trailhead
Stoneman Road Educational Walkabout at Fraesfield Trailhead
Stoneman Road Educational Walkabout at Fraesfield Trailhead This interpretive walk covers the history of the area prior to the construction of the Stoneman Military Road, the uses of the road, military life in Arizona during the 1870s, and the famous and infamous persons who traveled the road. At the conclusion of the walk, participants open […]
Windgate Pass/Bell Pass Loop Fitness Hike at Gateway Trailhead
Windgate Pass/Bell Pass Loop Fitness Hike at Gateway Trailhead
Windgate Pass/Bell Pass Loop Fitness Hike at Gateway Trailhead Ready for a great workout? Then this hike in the heart of the southern McDowell Sonoran Preserve is for you. We go to Windgate Pass and around to Bell Pass before returning to the trailhead. Over 2,000 ft. of elevation gain. Location: Gateway Trailhead - Skill […]
1 event,
Ride with Ability360 at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead
Ride with Ability360 at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead
Ride with Ability360 at Brown's Ranch Trailhead Location: Brown's Ranch Trailhead- 30301 N. Alma School Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85262 This ride will be 2-2.5 hours and cover 12-12.5 miles with an elevation gain of 672ft and is suited for riders of an intermediate skill level. We will follow Browns Trail , Vaquero Trail, Watershed Trail, […]
0 events,
1 event,
Mountain Bike Skills Clinic at Pima Dynamite Trailhead
Mountain Bike Skills Clinic at Pima Dynamite Trailhead
Mountain Bike Skills Clinic at Pima Dynamite Trailhead New to mountain biking? Looking to refresh your skills, improve your technique, enhance safety awareness, and increase your overall enjoyment on the trails? We begin with a demonstration and presentation by experienced riders covering the basic things you need to know, equipment requirements, and trail etiquette. The […]
0 events,
0 events,
2 events,
Desert Surfaces Educational Walk at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead
Desert Surfaces Educational Walk at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead
Desert Surfaces Educational Walk at Brown's Ranch Trailhead What really covers the desert - little organisms can make a big difference! Some of the most common sights in the desert - and indeed the living things that probably cover more of the desert than any single kind of plant - are lichen, desert varnish, and […]
Twenty-Five Miler at Pima Dynamite Trailhead
Twenty-Five Miler at Pima Dynamite Trailhead
Twenty-Five Miler at Pima Dynamite Trailhead This ride is longer and more intense than our other rides. This is an intermediate skills and vigorous cardio ride, tracking the perimeter of the northern Preserve. Location: Pima Dynamite Trailhead - 28777 N Pima Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85262 Skill level: Intermediate Distance: ~25 miles Time: ~4.5-5 hours Please, […]