Bajada Trail Walk at Gateway Trailhead: Join us for a leisurely walk on the wondrous Bajada Trail. A slower pace over 1 mile will allow us time to stop for various discussions of the desert. Allow 1-1.5 hours. Bathrooms are available at the trailhead. Bring water for the trail. No dogs please.  Arrive 15 minutes […]

This event has been canceled due to forecasted rain. 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.  […]

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 […]

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. […]