Stop by the Trailside Naturalist station at the Gateway Trailhead between 9-11 A.M. to learn about the various reptiles of the Sonoran desert, their unique behavior, eating habits and benefit to the ecosystem

Bike the New North Trails at Pima Dynamite Trailhead.  Experience the more technical new trails in the north of the Preserve. This is an Advanced skill and Vigorous Cardio level ride for 12-15 miles in 3- 3.5 hours. We will explore some of the more aggressive recent additions to the northwest trails in the Preserve.

Dixie Mine, Prospector, Windmill Area Fitness Hike from Golden Eagle Trailhead. This vigorous Very Difficult hike offers spectacular scenery on the seldom seen eastern preserve.  It covers 10 miles in about 5 hours with elevation changes of over 2000 ft. Bathrooms are available at the trailhead. Bring water for the trail and even a lunch. 

Windgate Pass/Bell Pass Loop Fitness Hike 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. 9.5 miles for about 5 hours with over 2000ft. of elevation

Mountain Bike Skills Clinic at Fraesfield Trailhead  New to mountain biking? Looking to refresh your skills, improve your technique, enhance safety awareness and increase your overall enjoyment on the trails? Then come prepared with a mountain bike with knobby tires, helmet, water, and snacks. We begin with a demonstration and presentation by experienced riders covering

Hike with Natural Resources Coordinator at Granite Mountain Trailhead  Spend about 2 hours on an easy hike with John Loleit, the Natural Resources Coordinator, as he discusses various pertinent topics while hiking in the desert.  The material will depend on the season, animals, plants, and will cover whatever is happening in this wonderful environment.   Bathrooms

Thirty Miler from Pima Dynamite Trailhead.  This ride is longer and more intense than our normal rides.  It will be 4.5-5 hours and cover 30 miles with a Skill level of Intermediate and a Cardio level of Vigorous in the north eastern area of the preserve. All our rides are “No Drop”, meaning we will

One of the geologists who was instrumental in the discovery of the Marcus Landslide in the McDowell Mountains, Brian Gottee will be sharing on the unique rock forms and geology of the region. Brian’s fun and educational presentation will offer interesting insights on the geological history and evolution of the McDowell Mountains.

Hike with Natural Resources Coordinator at Pima Dynamite Trailhead  Spend about 2 hours on an easy hike with Madison Barasha, the Natural Resources Coordinator, as she discusses various pertinent topics while hiking in the desert.  The material will depend on the season, animals, plants, and will cover whatever is happening in this wonderful environment.  Bathrooms

High Desert Explorer East  Fitness Hike from Granite Mt Trailhead.  This Very Difficult hike explores some of the trails in the remote northeast section of the preserve such as Bootlegger, Granite Mt. Loop and Branding Iron, High Desert, Renegade trails.  For Experienced hikers.  5.5 hours covering 10 miles with lots of rolling hills.  Bathrooms available

Lifecycle of the Saguaro Education Hike at Granite Mountain Trailhead Native only to the Sonoran Desert, these giant cacti are a sight to see! Join PastFinders Don Brockway and Chris Crum to follow the growth of a Saguaro from seed to skeleton and view multi-armed, old Saguaros. This Moderate hike covers 4 miles in about

Nature as Therapy Walk at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead    Learn why time in nature makes us happier, healthier, and more creative.  An easy 1.5 hour walk at Brown's Trailhead where Toni Vallee and Max Sukenik will teach you how to use nature as a prescription to improve your overall well being.  Bathrooms available at the

Spiders, scorpions, and bugs!  Did you know that about 84% of all animals are arthropods?  Stop by the Trailside Naturalist station at the Gateway Trailhead between 9-11 A.M. to learn about the fascinating world of arthropods.

Crested Saguaro Ride 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 3.5 hour ride will cover more than 10 miles and is rated Advanced Skill and Vigorous Cardio.  A bike with wide knobby tires is required.  Please,

Bird Walk From Brown’s Ranch Trailhead  Join Kathe Anderson and Rick Pearce to view our year-round resident birds, we may see some that spend the winter in our area. Possible sightings include: phainopepla, ruby-crowned kinglet, black-tailed gnatcatcher or northern mockingbird. Bathrooms are available at the trailhead. Bring water for the trail.  No dogs please. Bring

All About Arizona Educational Hike from Lost Dog Trailhead  This hike is a celebration of Arizona.  The state flower, state tree, state mineral, and more.  Join BJ Tatro on this Moderate hike with beautiful views and some uphill sections with rocky terrain. 3 miles over about 3 hours. Bathrooms available at the trailhead. Bring water

Crested Saguaro Fitness Hike from Granite Mt Trailhead  Join us on this Very Difficult hike as we cruise by a large number of crested saguaro cactus.  This hike is for experience hikers and will cover 10.6 miles in about 5.5 hours.  Bathrooms are available at the trailhead. Bring water, snacks and even a lunch for

Diablo Trails Explorer Fitness Hike at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead. This Very Difficult hike will head to the North and South Diablo trails. There will be stops at Cathedral Rock and the Amphitheater along the way. Experienced hikers suggested.  About 5 hours to cover 10.5 miles on rolling terrain.  Bathrooms are available at the trailhead.. Bring

Noteworthy and Notorious Arizonans Educational Hike at Fraesfield Trailhead Join PastFinder Don Meserve, Scottsdale Archeologist in a Moderate hike of discovery and hear tales – some taller than others – of some of our lesser known Arizona heroes, heroines and villains.  Not so notables include a woman prospector (The Miner’s Angel), Arizona Rangers, a lady

Learn the Line at Granite Mtn. 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