Events

Jackrabbits, mountain lions, javelina, bobcats, and more!!  Stop by the Trailside Naturalist Station at Gateway Trailhead between 9:00 am and 11:00 am to learn all about the mammals of the Sonoran Desert.

Mammoth Hunters to Canal Builders Educational Hike at Fraesfield Trailhead. Travel back in time in the preserve with PastFinder Don Meserve, former City of Scottsdale archeologist and learn how historic and ancient peoples survived and thrived in this desert area. This Moderate hike covers 2.5 miles over about 2.5 hours. Bathrooms available at the trailhead. […]

Taliesin, Old Jeep and Ringtail Fitness Hike from Lost Dog Trailhead.  Come hike some of the original trails in the preserve with great views of Scottsdale and the desert.  This is a Difficult hike with some rocky trails for 5.5 miles in 3 hours.  Bathrooms available at the trailhead. Bring water and snacks for the […]

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 […]

Heart of the North Bike Ride from Granite Mountain Trailhead.  Head up toward the Divide with us on an Intermediate Skill and Moderate Cardio ride for 3 hours to cover 15 miles.  A bike with wide knobby tires is required. All our rides are “No Drop”, meaning we will not leave you. Please, no road […]

Sunrise Trail to Andrews-Kinsey Trail Fitness Hike from Sunrise Trailhead overflow parking lot.   Burn off some calories on this picturesque and challenging hike. This Very Difficult hike climbs 900 ft. to a saddle and then continues on the Andrews-Kinsey Trail to a spectacular view overlooking the Fountain Hills Preserve before returning. 6.8 miles, total elevation […]

Stop by the Trailside Naturalist station at Gateway Trailhead between 9-11 am to learn about all the different types of nests our desert birds make.

Venom in the Preserve Educational Walk from Brown’s Ranch Trailhead.   Some reptiles and arthropods in the Sonoran Desert use venom or other poisons to defend themselves or subdue their prey. Learn how to recognize these animals that bite and sting and the effect of their venom.  Join Dr. Rich Cochran on an easy 1.5 hour […]

Stagecoach, High Desert & The Divide Fitness Hike from Brown’s Ranch Trailhead.  This Very Difficult hike will head north of Cholla Mountain into the lesser traveled areas with great vistas of the Tonto and points north. Experienced hikers suggested. About 4.5 hours to cover 9 miles on rolling terrain. Bathrooms are available at the trailhead. […]

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 […]

Marcus Landslide Educational Hike from Tom’s Thumb Trailhead Join Toni Vallee as she opens your eyes to the Marcus Landslide geological site, second largest landslide in Arizona. This Moderate educational hike will 4 miles in about 3 hours with 400 ft of elevation gains. Bathrooms at the trailhead.  Bring water and snacks for the trail. […]

Return to Azatlan Educational Hike.  Azatlan is the contemporary archaeological name given to a large Hohokam community that existed north of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Reservation and east of Rio Verde. Join PastFinders Don Meserve and Chris Crum for a hike through one of the largest archeological sites in central Arizona, which lies right next […]