Ride 20 Mile Intermediate Training Ride from Pima Dynamite Trailhead. This ride will focus on developing cardio fitness and technical biking skills. The ride is aimed at those preparing for a 30 mile perimeter ride in February and will cover trails in the NW and North Central sections of the Preserve. Participants should expect moderate cardio challenges […]
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, […]
Sonoran Desert 101 at Gateway Trailhead. This walk provides a geological and ecological overview of what lives in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, and how the flora and fauna survive and thrive. Restrooms and water are available at the trailhead. Please bring water and snacks for the trail. Plan to arrive 15 minutes before start of […]
Stagecoach, High Desert, The Divide Trails at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead. This Very Difficult hike goes to some of the north central trails of Stagecoach, High Desert, and The Divide. See several of the iconic granite formations in the preserve. This hike is very difficult because it is 8.5 miles in about 4 hours; the actual […]
Bird Walk at Tom's Thumb Trailhead. Join our bird experts on this 2-hour walk for a good chance to see some of our year-round bird residents such as: cactus wren, Gila woodpecker, ladder-backed woodpecker, Harris’s hawk, verdin or Say’s phoebe - as well as some seasonal arrivals. Restrooms available at the trailhead, but no water. […]
Fraesfield North to Balanced Rock Hike at Fraesfield Trailhead. This Difficult hike has a moderate rocky uphill portion on the north side of Fraesfield Mountain, but the remainder of the hike covers relatively flat terrain. Experienced hikers suggested; elevation gain is 333 feet. Plan 3.5 hours for 8 miles. Arrive 15 minutes before start of […]
Poisonous Arthropods in the Preserve at Gateway Trailhead. Arthropods are the most diverse of all animals, comprising over 85 percent of all living animal species! A variety of arthropods in the Sonoran Desert use poisons for defense against predators or to kill or immobilize prey. Some of these animals are also venomous, like scorpions, but […]
Brown’s Ranch Interpretative Trail Hike at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead. Before the Preserve was a reality, part of this land was a ranch, the historic Brown’s Ranch. Join us to explore this historical place, full of memories of a different way of life and hear the stories of the people who lived here not long ago. […]
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 […]
Predators and Prey - Balancing the Ecosystem at Lost Dog Wash Trailhead Join us for a fascinating two-hour leisurely walk exploring the dynamic relationship between predators and prey. Discover how desert animals like coyotes, bobcats, mountain lions, raptors, and snakes have evolved to hunt, and how their prey—such as deer and rodents—have adapted to survive. […]
Windgate Pass/Bell Pass Loop from Gateway Trailhead. Ready for a great workout? Then this Very Difficult hike in the heart of the southern McDowells is for you. We go to Windgate Pass and around to Bell Pass before returning to the trailhead. 9.3 miles for about 5 hours with over 2000 ft. of elevation gain. […]
Linking Plants, Pollinators and You Saturday, January 10, 2026 from 2:30 pm to 4 pm Location: Mustang Library, 10101 N 90th Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85258 We will explore the dynamic and varied world of Sonoran Desert Pollinators who coexist with us in every season and landscape. These pollinators, while offering our desert great beauty, also serve an […]
