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 […]

Axle Grease and Hawknest Fitness Hike at Pima Dynamite Trailhead   This is a Difficult hike due to its 6.7 miles over about 3.5 hours and 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. Bathrooms and water available at […]

Secrets of the Preserve Educational Ride from Brown’s Ranch Trailhead:  Ready to discover more about what is in the Preserve, beside the excitement of a trail riding? This is the ride for you!  Join PastFinder Franco Farina to explore the Preserve's recent ranching history and the ancient way of life of the Native American in a […]

Gateway to Windgate Pass Fitness Hike from Gateway Trailhead Head up to Windgate Pass on this Very Difficult hike with a visit to Inspiration Viewpoint. Along the way, you may see some wildflowers that only grow at higher elevations such as the Mariposa Lily. 7.5 miles over about 3.5 – 4 hours with elevation gain […]

Bird Walk from Fraesfield 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 early summer residents white-winged dove, turkey vulture or ash-throated flycatcher. Bathrooms available […]

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 in the spectacular Jane Rau Interpretive Trail.  1 mile over about 1.5 hours.  Restrooms at the trailhead.  Bring water and snacks for the trail.  No […]

This very difficult hike explores the rugged and scenic views of the Preserve.  We will go up Tom's Thumb to East End and return via the McDowell Regional Park.  In 9.3 miles, there is over 1,500 ft. elevation change in about 5 hours.  Bring a snack or light lunch and water for the trail.  There […]