McDowell Sonoran Conservancy

Desert Discovery Ride
2025-12-14 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Phoenix) | Fraesfield Trailhead, 13400 East Rio Verde Drive, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Desert Discovery Ride at Fraesfield Trailhead.
This intermediate ride gives access to the splendid sights behind Granite and Cholla Mountains – over 3 hours, we’ll take in four distinctly different, yet spectacular views of the Preserve, with accompanying variations in flora and fauna. At times, we’ll be stopping to talk about the history of the area, variations in the land, cacti and succulents you see, as well as other routes you could explore when you next venture out.
A bike with wide knobby tires is required. Please, no road bikes, hybrids, or folding bikes. Please check the working order of your bike before you leave home. Helmets required. Bring water and snacks. Restrooms available at the trailhead. Arrive 15 minutes before start of ride.
No electric assist bikes. To inquire about an accommodation from the City of Scottsdale, please call 480-312-4444.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Introduction to Mountain Biking: Session 3 - Graduation Ride
2025-12-20 09:00 - 12:00, 2026-01-24 09:00 - 12:00, 2026-02-21 09:00 - 12:00, 2026-03-21 08:30 - 12:00 | Pima Dynamite Trailhead, 28777 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Introduction to Mountain Biking: Session 3 – Graduation Ride at Pima Dynamite Trailhead.
This 10 to 12-mile ride from Pima Dynamite is for people who have completed the Introduction to Mountain Biking Sessions 1 & 2. This is an instructional ride to practice the skills taught with instruction at various points on the ride.
A bike with wide knobby tires is required. Please, no road bikes, hybrids, or folding bikes. Please check the working order of your bike before you leave home. Helmets required. Bring water and snacks for the trail. Restrooms available at the trailhead. Arrive 15 minutes before start of ride.
No electric assist bikes. To inquire about an accommodation from the City of Scottsdale, please call 480-312-4444.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Ride to the Crested Saguaros and Lifecycle of Saguaros
2025-12-28 09:00 - 11:30 | Pima Dynamite Trailhead, 28777 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Ride to the Crested Saguaros and Lifecycle of the Saguaro (Int.) from Pima Dynamite Trailhead.
Ever noticed the Crested Saguaros in the preserve? Come ride with us to see a large number scattered throughout the north. This 2.5 hour ride will cover 10 miles and is rated Advanced Skill and Vigorous Cardio.
A bike with wide knobby tires is required. Please, no road bikes, hybrids, or folding bikes. Please check the working order of your bike before you leave home. Helmets required. Bring water and snacks. There are restrooms at the trailhead. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to start.
No electric assist bikes. To inquire about an accommodation from the City of Scottsdale, please call 480-312-4444.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Trailside Bike Repair Basics
2026-01-03 09:00 - 12:00 | Brown’s Ranch Trailhead, 30301 N. Alma School Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Trailside Bike Repair Basics at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead.
This class provides a comprehensive guide to essential bike maintenance and repair techniques that can be performed on the trail. It covers a pre-ride checklist, the necessary tools for trailside repairs, such as tire levers, spare chain links, a chain breaker tool, and an air pump. Additionally, it offers step-by-step instructions for repairing chains and tires, both tubed and tubeless with hands on training.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Introduction To Mountain Biking: Session 1
2026-01-10 09:00 - 12:00, 2026-02-07 09:00 - 12:00, 2026-03-07 08:30 - 12:00 | Pima Dynamite Trailhead, 28777 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Introduction to Mountain Biking: Session 1 (Beg.) at Pima Dynamite Trailhead.
This program is designed to introduce participants to mountain biking by building foundational riding skills and confidence in a safe, supportive setting. It emphasizes the importance of proper bike setup, safety checks, and trail etiquette, while fostering an appreciation for outdoor activity and responsible trail use. Upon completion, participants are expected to demonstrate basic bike handling abilities, understand essential principles such as body position, balance, and braking, and apply correct procedures for mounting, dismounting, and stopping on varied terrain, alongside practicing essential safety and etiquette on the trails.
A bike with wide knobby tires is required. Please, no road bikes, hybrids, or folding bikes. Please check the working order of your bike before you leave home. Helmets required. Bring water and snacks for the trail. Restrooms available at the trailhead. Arrive 15 minutes before start of ride.
No electric assist bikes. To inquire about an accommodation from the City of Scottsdale, please call 480-312-4444.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Ride to the Crested Saguaros and Lifecycle of Saguaros
2026-01-11 09:00 - 12:30 | Granite Mountain Trailhead, 31402 N. 136th Street, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Ride to the Crested Saguaros and Lifecycle of the Saguaro (Int.) from 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 3.5 hour ride will cover 10 miles and is rated Advanced Skill and Vigorous Cardio.
A bike with wide knobby tires is required. Please, no road bikes, hybrids, or folding bikes. Please check the working order of your bike before you leave home. Helmets required. Bring water and snacks. There are restrooms at the trailhead. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to start.
No electric assist bikes. To inquire about an accommodation from the City of Scottsdale, please call 480-312-4444.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Introduction To Mountain Biking: Session 2
2026-01-17 09:00 - 12:00, 2026-02-14 09:00 - 12:00, 2026-03-14 08:30 - 12:00 | Pima Dynamite Trailhead, 28777 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Introduction to Mountain Biking: Session 2 at Pima Dynamite Trailhead.
This program is aimed at helping riders build confidence and control across beginner-level terrain, reinforcing foundational skills while introducing essential techniques for handling small obstacles, climbs, descents, and corners. By the end, riders are expected to demonstrate improved balance, control, and maneuverability, effectively apply braking, shifting, and body positioning across varied terrain, and show increased confidence when tackling obstacles and technical features. Emphasizing trail etiquette and safe group riding, the program aspires to boost participants’ sense of accomplishment and encourage their continued enthusiasm for riding.
A bike with wide knobby tires is required. Please, no road bikes, hybrids, or folding bikes. Please check the working order of your bike before you leave home. Helmets required. Bring water and snacks for the trail. Restrooms available at the trailhead. Arrive 15 minutes before start of ride.
No electric assist bikes. To inquire about an accommodation from the City of Scottsdale, please call 480-312-4444.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Ride to the Crested Saguaros and Lifecycle of Saguaros
2026-02-01 09:00 - 12:30 | Brown’s Ranch Trailhead, 30301 N. Alma School Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Ride to the Crested Saguaros and Lifecycle of the Saguaro (Int.) from Brown’s Ranch Trailhead.
Ever noticed the Crested Saguaros in the preserve? Come ride with us to see a large number scattered throughout the north.
This 3 hour ride will cover 13-15 miles and is rated Advanced Skill and Vigorous Cardio.
A bike with wide knobby tires is required. Please, no road bikes, hybrids, or folding bikes. Please check the working order of your bike before you leave home. Helmets required. Bring water and snacks. There are restrooms at the trailhead. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to start.
No electric assist bikes. To inquire about an accommodation from the City of Scottsdale, please call 480-312-4444.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Geology - Educational Ride
2026-02-15 09:00 - 12:00 | Brown’s Ranch Trailhead, 30301 N. Alma School Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Ride (Int.) Geology Educational Ride from Brown’s Ranch Trailhead.
When, how and why did all those different rocks get into the Preserve? How about our own earthquake fault? This Intermediate Skills and Moderate Cardio Ride for about 3 hours over 11-12 miles will take us thru the various geological formations of the area. Get the big picture on a bike.
A bike with wide knobby tires is required. Please, no road bikes, hybrids, or folding bikes. Please check the working order of your bike before you leave home. Helmets required. Bring water and snacks for the trail. Restrooms and water at the trailhead. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to start.
No electric assist bikes. To inquire about an accommodation from the City of Scottsdale, please call 480-312-4444.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Secrets of the Preserve - Educational Ride
2026-02-26 09:00 - 12:30 | Brown’s Ranch Trailhead, 30301 N. Alma School Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Secrets of the Preserve Educational Ride (Int.) from Brown’s Ranch Trailhead.
Ready to discover more about what is in the Preserve, besides the excitement of trail riding? This is the ride for you! Join our archeological stewards in exploring the Preserve’s recent ranching history and the ancient way of life of the Native American in a stunning geological setting. This is an Intermediate Skill and Moderate Cardio level ride of about 11 miles over 2 1/2 hours.
A bike with wide knobby tires is required. Please, no road bikes, hybrids, or folding bikes. Please check the working order of your bike before you leave home. Helmets required. Bring water and snacks for the trail. Restrooms and water at the trailhead. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to start.
No electric assist bikes. To inquire about an accommodation from the City of Scottsdale, please call 480-312-4444.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Desert Discovery Ride
2026-03-08 09:00 - 12:00 | Pima Dynamite Trailhead, 28777 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Ride (Int.) Desert Discovery Ride II at Pima Dynamite Trailhead.
Pima Dynamite is very popular with mountain bikers; it provides fun trails designed to climb easily into the northern section and escape the crowds! On the way round, we’ll take in some of the more spectacular rock features in this part of the Preserve and ponder changes in the land and what grows on it, as well as the fascinating Brown’s Ranch history. People have lived in this desert for thousands of years and it’s intertwined with the story of prospectors populating the West. Intermediate ride, up to 3 hours.
A bike with wide knobby tires is required. Please, no road bikes, hybrids, or folding bikes. Please check the working order of your bike before you leave home. Helmets required. Bring water and snacks for the trail. Restrooms and water available at the trailhead. Arrive 15 minutes before start of ride.
No electric assist bikes. To inquire about an accommodation from the City of Scottsdale, please call 480-312-4444.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.
