Events

Whiskey Bottle, Turpentine & Black Hill Fitness Hike from Fraesfield Trailhead  This Difficult hike has a moderate uphill portion on the north side of Fraesfield Mountain with nice views of Granite Mountain and beyond, but the remainder of the hike covers relatively level terrain. 6.1 miles for about 3 hours. Bathrooms available at the trailhead. […]

Bike Ride with Natural Resources Coordinator at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead.  Ride to some great places with John Loleit as he discusses the wonders of the desert preserve. This Beginner+ Skills and Moderate Cardio ride will have numerous stops but still cover 6 miles in 2 hours.  Seeing it from a bike gives you a bigger […]

Hunter/Gatherers Educational Hike from Lost Dog Trailhead  Join PastFinder Don Meserve, expert Archaeologist as he recreates the challenges of the Archaic hunter and gatherer thriving in the Sonoran Desert 2,000 years ago. See important desert flora and fauna, hunting sites and their importance to the survival of an Archaic band.  This Moderate hike covers 3 miles over […]

New Trails Fitness Hike at Pima Dynamite Trailhead   This Very Difficult hike due to its 9 miles over about 4.5 hours covers some rolling hills for Experienced hikers. Explore the impressive new trails with nice views and granite formations. Arrive 15 minutes before start of hike.  Bring water, snacks and even a lunch for […]

Sonoran Desert packrats have been collecting and preserving things found on the ground for 40,000 years! Stop by the Trailside Naturalist Station at the Gateway Trailhead between 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. to learn how ancient packrats and their distinctive behavior assist today's scientists who study the history of desert plants, animals, geology and climate.

Desert 101 Educational Walk at Gateway Trailhead.  Think the desert is a barren wasteland? Think again. Join Legacy Steward Marsha Lipps on a leisurely walk on the Bajada trail with frequent stops to discuss the wonders of the desert. About 1.5 hours for a distance of about 1.5 miles.  Bathrooms available at the trailhead.  Bring […]

Steve Thomas and Judy Agie from Wild at Heart, a local raptor rescue organization, will provide an upclose encounter with several rescued birds of prey. Learn why these remarkable birds are rescued, how they can be rehabilitated and released back into the wild, and what can be done to protect them and their natural habitats.

Wildflower Educational Hike from Brown’s Ranch Trailhead  Join botanist Steve Jones on this Moderate hike as you learn to identify and gain knowledge about the Sonoran Desert’s beautiful wildflowers. 4 miles in about 3 hours with rolling terrain. Bathrooms available at the trailhead. Bring water and snacks for the trail.  No dogs please. Arrive 15 […]

Prefer a wildflower walk to a wildflower hike? Come celebrate spring in the desert and experience the Preserve dressed in its most beautiful colors.  Join Marsha Lipps on this easy walk to discover the incredible variety of flowers on the spectacular Jane Rau Interpretive Trail.  1 mile over about 1.5 hours.  YES, this walk is […]

Granite Mountain Loop Fitness Hike at Granite Mt Trailhead Join us on this difficult hike on one of the classic paths in the preserve and a side trip to Balanced Rock. About 3 hours to cover 6 miles. Experience hikers suggested. Restrooms available at trailhead. Please being plenty of water and snacks for the trail. […]

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 […]

Latigo, Cone Mountain Loop Fitness Hike from Brown’s Ranch Trailhead This scenic loop hike is rated Moderate but has some ups and downs needing about 2.5-3 hours to cover 4.2 miles. Bathrooms are available at the trailhead. Please bring plenty of water and snacks for the trail.  No dogs please. Arrive 15 minutes before start […]