Sonoran Desert 101 - Educational Walk
2025-11-29 09:00 - 11:00, 2026-01-03 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Phoenix) | Gateway Trailhead, 18333 N. Thompson Peak Pkwy., Scottsdale, AZ, 85255, United States
Sonoran Desert 101 at Gateway Trailhead.
This walk provides a geological and ecological overview of what lives in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, and how the flora and fauna survive and thrive.
Restrooms and water are available at the trailhead. Please bring water and snacks for the trail. Plan to arrive 15 minutes before start of walk.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Brown's Mountain Lookout to Interpretive Trail Hike
2025-11-29 10:00 - 12:30 (America/Phoenix) | Brown’s Ranch Trailhead, 30301 N. Alma School Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Brown’s Mountain Lookout to Interpretive Trail at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead.
This “combo” hike/education event will take us up the Brown’s Ranch Trail to the Lookout and then head over to the Brown’s Ranch Interpretive Trail to be introduced to the history of the Brown’s Ranch. For this 4.3-mile Moderate hike with about 450 feet of elevation gain up to the Lookout, we will plan on taking 2 to 2.5 hours.
Bathrooms and water are available at the trailhead. Bring water and snacks for the trail. No dogs please. Arrive 15 minutes before the start of hike.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Sonoran Sundays - Sonoran Desert Life (Guest Presenter: Phoenix Zoo Educators)
2025-11-30 15:00 - 16:00 UTC | Gateway Trailhead, 18333 N. Thompson Peak Pkwy., Scottsdale, AZ, 85255, United States
Sonoran Desert Life (Guest Presenter: Phoenix Zoo Educators)
Join Phoenix Zoo for a fascinating look at why the best thing we can do for desert animals like snakes and tortoises is often… nothing at all. Learn what to do (and not to do) when you encounter these creatures in the wild, and why well meaning actions can sometimes cause harm. Zoo educators will bust myths about desert wildlife, explain why these animals are so misunderstood, and share how you can be a better neighbor to nature. Live reptiles will be on display.

The World of Arthropods - Educational Walk
2025-12-04 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Phoenix) | Gateway Trailhead, 18333 N. Thompson Peak Pkwy., Scottsdale, AZ, 85255, United States
The World of Arthropods at Gateway Trailhead
Spiders, scorpions, bees, and wasps are just the beginning–there are more species of Arthropods in the world than any other group of animals. Join us on an easy 2 hour walk to discover the fascinating and diverse world of Arthropods and their role in the ecology of the Sonoran Desert.
Bathrooms and water are available at the trailhead. Bring water for the trail. No dogs, please. Arrive 15 minutes before start of hike.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Bootlegger, Coyote Canyon, Renegade Hike
2025-12-05 10:00 - 13:30 (America/Phoenix) | Granite Mountain Trailhead, 31402 N. 136th Street, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Bootlegger, Coyote Canyon, Renegade Trails at Granite Mountain Trailhead.
This Difficult hike explores the more remote part of the Preserve. Experienced hikers suggested. 6.8 miles in about 3.5 hours with 255 ft. elevation gain and rolling ups and downs.
There are restrooms available at the trailhead but no water. Bring water and snacks for the trail. No dogs please. Arrive 15 minutes before start of hike.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Sonoran Desert 101 - Educational Walk
2025-12-06 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Phoenix) | Tom’s Thumb Trailhead, 23015 N 128th St., Scottsdale, AZ, 85255, United States
Sonoran Desert 101 at Tom’s Thumb Trailhead.
This walk provides a geological and ecological overview of what lives in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, and how the flora and fauna survive and thrive.
Restrooms and water are available at the trailhead. Please bring water and snacks for the trail. Plan to arrive 15 minutes before start of walk.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Secrets of the Preserve - Educational Walk
2025-12-06 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Phoenix) | Fraesfield Trailhead, 13400 East Rio Verde Drive, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Secrets of the Preserve Educational Walk at Fraesfield Trailhead.
Ready to discover more about what is in the Preserve? Join us to explore the Preserve’s hidden treasures, from the plants and animals to the recent and ancient history in a stunning geological setting.
There are restrooms available at the trailhead but no water. Bring water, snacks and your curiosity. Plan to arrive 15 mins. prior to the start of the walk. No dogs please.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Introduction To Mountain Biking: Session 1
2025-12-06 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Phoenix) | Pima Dynamite Trailhead, 28777 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Introduction to Mountain Biking: Session 1 (Beg.) at Pima Dynamite Trailhead.
This program is designed to introduce participants to mountain biking by building foundational riding skills and confidence in a safe, supportive setting. It emphasizes the importance of proper bike setup, safety checks, and trail etiquette, while fostering an appreciation for outdoor activity and responsible trail use. Upon completion, participants are expected to demonstrate basic bike handling abilities, understand essential principles such as body position, balance, and braking, and apply correct procedures for mounting, dismounting, and stopping on varied terrain, alongside practicing essential safety and etiquette on the trails.
A bike with wide knobby tires is required. Please, no road bikes, hybrids, or folding bikes. Please check the working order of your bike before you leave home. Helmets required. Bring water and snacks for the trail. Restrooms available at the trailhead. Arrive 15 minutes before start of ride.
No electric assist bikes. To inquire about an accommodation from the City of Scottsdale, please call 480-312-4444.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Sonoran Sundays - Sonoran Sparing: Desert Birds of Prey (Guest Presenter: Wild at Heart)
2025-12-07 15:00 - 16:00 UTC | Gateway Trailhead, 18333 N. Thompson Peak Pkwy., Scottsdale, AZ, 85255, United States
Sonoran Sparing: Desert Birds of Prey (Guest Presenter: Wild at Heart)
Enjoy an up-close meeting with native birds of prey by Wild at Heart, a local raptor rescue, rehabilitation and release center for these kinds of bird. 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 their natural habitat. What a chance to get a close look at these birds!

Gateway to Inspiration Point Hike
2025-12-09 10:00 - 13:00 (America/Phoenix) | Gateway Trailhead, 18333 N. Thompson Peak Pkwy., Scottsdale, AZ, 85255, United States
Gateway to Inspiration Point at Gateway Trailhead.
This Moderate hike has above average elevation gains and will be geared for those that do not frequently do elevation hikes. For this 6-mile hike with about 750 feet of elevation gain up to the Point, we plan on taking 2.5 to 3 hours with frequent stops and enjoying the view at the top.
Bathrooms and water are available at the trailhead. Bring water and snacks for the trail. No dogs please. Arrive 15 minutes before the start of hike.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Brown's Ranch Homestead - Educational Hike
2025-12-10 09:00 - 11:30 (America/Phoenix) | Brown’s Ranch Trailhead, 30301 N. Alma School Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Brown’s Ranch Interpretative Trail Hike at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead.
Before the Preserve was a reality, part of this land was a ranch, the historic Brown’s Ranch. Join us to explore this historical place, full of memories of a different way of life and hear the stories of the people who lived here not long ago. The hike is about 3.0-mile round trip on a comfortable trail with moderate elevations over about 2.5 hours.
Restrooms and water available at the trailhead. Bring water and snacks. No dogs please. Arrive 15 minutes before the start of the hike.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Lifecycle of the Saguaro - Educational Walk
2025-12-11 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Phoenix) | Brown’s Ranch Trailhead, 30301 N. Alma School Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Lifecycle of the Saguaro Educational Walk at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead.
Native only to the Sonoran Desert, these giant cacti are a sight to see! Join us to follow the growth of a saguaro from seed to skeleton and view multi-armed, old Saguaros. This easy walk covers 0.5 miles in about 2 hours over easy paths.
Restrooms and water available at the trailhead. Bring water and snacks for the trail. No dogs please. Arrive 15 minutes before start of walk.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Hunter/Gatherers - Educational Walk
2025-12-13 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Phoenix) | Lost Dog Wash Trailhead, 12601 N. 124th Street, Scottsdale, AZ, 85259, United States
Hunters and Gatherers Educational Hike from Lost Dog Trailhead.
Join our expert Archaeologist as we explore the challenges of the Archaic hunter and gatherer to survive and thrive in the Sonoran Desert of 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 about 2.5 hours with some elevation gain.
Restrooms and water available at the trailhead. Bring water and snacks for the trail. No dogs please. Arrive 15 minutes before start of hike.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Introduction To Mountain Biking: Session 2
2025-12-13 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Phoenix) | Pima Dynamite Trailhead, 28777 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Introduction to Mountain Biking: Session 2 at Pima Dynamite Trailhead.
This program is aimed at helping riders build confidence and control across beginner-level terrain, reinforcing foundational skills while introducing essential techniques for handling small obstacles, climbs, descents, and corners. By the end, riders are expected to demonstrate improved balance, control, and maneuverability, effectively apply braking, shifting, and body positioning across varied terrain, and show increased confidence when tackling obstacles and technical features. Emphasizing trail etiquette and safe group riding, the program aspires to boost participants’ sense of accomplishment and encourage their continued enthusiasm for riding.
A bike with wide knobby tires is required. Please, no road bikes, hybrids, or folding bikes. Please check the working order of your bike before you leave home. Helmets required. Bring water and snacks for the trail. Restrooms available at the trailhead. Arrive 15 minutes before start of ride.
No electric assist bikes. To inquire about an accommodation from the City of Scottsdale, please call 480-312-4444.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Tom's Thumb Lookouts Hike
2025-12-13 09:00 - 12:30 (America/Phoenix) | Tom’s Thumb Trailhead, 23015 N 128th St., Scottsdale, AZ, 85255, United States
Tom’s Thumb Lookouts Hike at Tom’s Thumb Trailhead.
This Very Difficult hike starts at the Tom Thumb Trailhead and travels 6.6 miles with a net elevation gain of around 1,600 feet over 3 to 3½ hours. We will initially head up the Tom’s Thumb Trail to the TT9 location and have a great view of the west and south valley. We will head back up the trail and take the Lookout trail ½ mile to the Lookout at 3,858 feet elevation and view the east valley. From there we will head up to Tom’s Thumb with its views in many directions. Due to the elevation gains, this hike is suggested for Experienced hikers.
Restrooms are available at the trailhead but no water. Bring plenty of water and snacks for the trail. Arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of the hike.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Desert Discovery Ride
2025-12-14 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Phoenix) | Fraesfield Trailhead, 13400 East Rio Verde Drive, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Desert Discovery Ride at Fraesfield Trailhead.
This intermediate ride gives access to the splendid sights behind Granite and Cholla Mountains – over 3 hours, we’ll take in four distinctly different, yet spectacular views of the Preserve, with accompanying variations in flora and fauna. At times, we’ll be stopping to talk about the history of the area, variations in the land, cacti and succulents you see, as well as other routes you could explore when you next venture out.
A bike with wide knobby tires is required. Please, no road bikes, hybrids, or folding bikes. Please check the working order of your bike before you leave home. Helmets required. Bring water and snacks. Restrooms available at the trailhead. Arrive 15 minutes before start of ride.
No electric assist bikes. To inquire about an accommodation from the City of Scottsdale, please call 480-312-4444.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Axle Grease, West Express, Hawknest Trails Hike
2025-12-16 10:00 - 14:30 (America/Phoenix) | Pima Dynamite Trailhead, 28777 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Axle Grease, West Express, Hawknest Hike at Pima Dynamite Trailhead.
This is a Very Difficult hike due to its 8.2 miles and 250 ft. elevation gain over about 4.5 hours and covers rolling terrain. Explore these impressive trails with nice saguaro views and granite formations. Experienced hikers suggested.
Plan to arrive 15 minutes before start of hike. Restrooms and water are available at the trailhead. Bring water, snacks and even a lunch for the trail. No dogs please.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Noteworthy & Notorious Arizonans - Educational Walk
2025-12-17 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Phoenix) | Fraesfield Trailhead, 13400 East Rio Verde Drive, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Noteworthy and Notorious Arizonans Educational Hike at Fraesfield Trailhead.
Join a former City of Scottsdale archeologist for an easy hike of discovery and hear tales – some taller than others – of some of our lesser known Arizona heroes, heroines and villains. Not so notables include a woman prospector (The Miner’s Angel), Arizona Rangers, a lady bandit, a local ranch foreman, a woman freed from Mohave captivity, and a southwestern-modern architect (think City Hall). 3 miles over about 2.5 hours.
Restrooms are available at the trailhead but no water. Bring water and snacks for the trail. No dogs please. Arrive 15 minutes before start of hike.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

A Meditation Walk
2025-12-18 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Phoenix) | Brown’s Ranch Trailhead, 30301 N. Alma School Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
A Meditation Walk at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead.
Step away from the day to day and discover inner peace as you immerse yourself in the beauty and power of the Sonoran Desert on a mindful ½ mile journey on the gentle and beautiful Jane Rau Trail.
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to start of the walk. Restrooms and water at the trailhead. Please bring water and snacks for the trail. No dogs, please.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

True Grit - Educational Walk
2025-12-20 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Phoenix) | Fraesfield Trailhead, 13400 East Rio Verde Drive, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
True Grit at Fraesfield Trailhead.
Join us on a leisurely one mile, two hour walk and we will talk about what life was like for women who settled in the McDowells in the 19th and early 20th centuries making their lives with the military, working the land, ranching and in the office.
Restrooms are available at the trailhead but no water. Please bring water and plan to arrive 15 minutes before the start of the walk. No dogs please.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Introduction to Mountain Biking: Session 3 - Graduation Ride
2025-12-20 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Phoenix) | Pima Dynamite Trailhead, 28777 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Introduction to Mountain Biking: Session 3 – Graduation Ride at Pima Dynamite Trailhead.
This 10 to 12-mile ride from Pima Dynamite is for people who have completed the Introduction to Mountain Biking Sessions 1 & 2. This is an instructional ride to practice the skills taught with instruction at various points on the ride.
A bike with wide knobby tires is required. Please, no road bikes, hybrids, or folding bikes. Please check the working order of your bike before you leave home. Helmets required. Bring water and snacks for the trail. Restrooms available at the trailhead. Arrive 15 minutes before start of ride.
No electric assist bikes. To inquire about an accommodation from the City of Scottsdale, please call 480-312-4444.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Mistletoe and Holly - Educational Hike
2025-12-21 10:00 - 12:30 (America/Phoenix) | Brown’s Ranch Trailhead, 30301 N. Alma School Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Mistletoe and Holly Educational Hike at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead.
What do desert plants and animals have to do with the holidays? Join us on an easy hike and discover the hidden, festive desert connections. 3 miles over about 2.5 hours with minimal elevation gain.
Restrooms and water available at the trailhead. Bring water and snacks for the trail. No dogs please. Arrive 15 minutes before start of hike.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Cathedral Rock, Amphitheater, Cholla Mountain Hike
2025-12-21 10:00 - 13:30 (America/Phoenix) | Brown’s Ranch Trailhead, 30301 N. Alma School Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Cathedral Rock, Amphitheater, Cholla Loop Hike at Brown’s Ranch.
This Difficult hike will take us to several of the iconic granite formations in the preserve. 7.5 miles, 280 ft. elevation gain in about 3.5 hours. Experienced hikers suggested.
Restrooms and water available at the trailhead. Bring water and snacks for the trail. No dogs please. Arrive 15 minutes before start of hike.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Christmas Day Hike
2025-12-25 10:00 - 12:30 (America/Phoenix) | Gateway Trailhead, 18333 N. Thompson Peak Pkwy., Scottsdale, AZ, 85255, United States
Christmas Day Hike at Gateway Trailhead.
Embrace the spirit of the holiday on this picturesque hike on the Gateway Loop that will take you into the heart of the McDowells. This is a moderate hike of 4.5 miles in about 2.5 hours with significant elevation gain of 700 ft.
Restrooms and water available at the trailhead. Bring water and snacks for the trail. No dogs please. Arrive 15 minutes before start of hike.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Sonoran Desert 101 - Educational Walk
2025-12-27 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Phoenix) | Fraesfield Trailhead, 13400 East Rio Verde Drive, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Sonoran Desert 101 at Fraesfield Trailhead.
This walk provides a geological and ecological overview of what lives in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, and how the flora and fauna survive and thrive.
Restrooms and water are available at the trailhead. Please bring water and snacks for the trail. Plan to arrive 15 minutes before start of walk.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Ride to the Crested Saguaros and Lifecycle of Saguaros
2025-12-28 09:00 - 11:30 (America/Phoenix) | Pima Dynamite Trailhead, 28777 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Ride to the Crested Saguaros and Lifecycle of the Saguaro (Int.) from Pima Dynamite Trailhead.
Ever noticed the Crested Saguaros in the preserve? Come ride with us to see a large number scattered throughout the north. This 2.5 hour ride will cover 10 miles and is rated Advanced Skill and Vigorous Cardio.
A bike with wide knobby tires is required. Please, no road bikes, hybrids, or folding bikes. Please check the working order of your bike before you leave home. Helmets required. Bring water and snacks. There are restrooms at the trailhead. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to start.
No electric assist bikes. To inquire about an accommodation from the City of Scottsdale, please call 480-312-4444.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Hawknest, Basalt Ridge, Cone Mountain, Latigo Hike
2025-12-30 10:00 - 14:30 (America/Phoenix) | Pima Dynamite Trailhead, 28777 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Hawknest, Basalt Ridge, Cone Mt., Latigo Trails at Pima Dynamite Trailhead.
This Very Difficult hike due to its elevation gain of 322 feet and 9.7 miles over about 4.5 hours covers some rolling hills for Experienced hikers. Explore these impressive trails with nice views and granite formations.
Restrooms and water available at the trailhead. Bring water, snacks and even a lunch for the trail. No dogs please. Plan to arrive 15 minutes before start of hike.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Ride 20 Mile Training Ride
2026-01-02 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Phoenix) | Pima Dynamite Trailhead, 28777 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Ride 20 Mile Intermediate Training Ride from Pima Dynamite Trailhead.
This ride will focus on developing cardio fitness and technical biking skills. The ride is aimed at those preparing for a 30 mile perimeter ride in February and will cover trails in the NW and North Central sections of the Preserve. Participants should expect moderate cardio challenges and intermediate technical requirements, with objectives including skill improvement in obstacle navigation, downhill braking, uphill shifting, and proper body and pedal positioning.
A bike with wide knobby tires is required. Please, no road bikes, hybrids, or folding bikes. Please check the working order of your bike before you leave home. Helmets required. Bring water and snacks and even a lunch. There are restrooms and water at the trailhead. Arrive 15 minutes before start of ride.
No electric assist bikes. To inquire about an accommodation from the City of Scottsdale, please call 480-312-4444.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Trailside Bike Repair Basics
2026-01-03 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Phoenix) | Brown’s Ranch Trailhead, 30301 N. Alma School Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Trailside Bike Repair Basics at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead.
This class provides a comprehensive guide to essential bike maintenance and repair techniques that can be performed on the trail. It covers a pre-ride checklist, the necessary tools for trailside repairs, such as tire levers, spare chain links, a chain breaker tool, and an air pump. Additionally, it offers step-by-step instructions for repairing chains and tires, both tubed and tubeless with hands on training.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.
