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 […]

Women’s Bike Ride from Brown's Ranch Trailhead.  This all woman’s bike ride is an Intermediate Skill level ride and Moderate Cardio.  This is a step up in intensity from the previous Woman’s Ride.   It is a “No Drop” ride meaning no one will be left behind.  Plan on about 3 hours to cover approximately 12 […]

In the spring, the desert pops in a rainbow of colorful wildflowers.  Stop by the Trailside Naturalist Station at Gateway Trailhead between 9:00 and 11:00 am to learn about the various blooms and plants you may see on your hike.

Gateway Loop Fitness Hike from Gateway Trailhead.  Finish out our fitness hike season on the Gateway Loop that will take you into the heart of the McDowells. This Moderately difficult hike covers 4.5 miles, gains 700ft and takes about 2 to 2.5 hours. Challenging in the spring heat. Bathrooms available at the trailhead. Bring water […]

Bird Walk at Tom’s Thumb Trailhead Join Kathe Anderson and Rick Pearce for about 2 hours to see some of our area’s full-time resident birds, it also gives us a chance to see spring migrants, for example: Wilson’s, Lucy’s, Townsend’s, or yellow warbler, or summer residents white-winged dove, turkey vulture or ash-throated flycatcher. Restrooms available […]