Sonoran Sundays - Arizona Birds (Guest Presenter: Arizona Game & Fish)
2026-02-22 15:00 - 16:00 (America/Phoenix) | Gateway Trailhead, 18333 N. Thompson Peak Pkwy., Scottsdale, AZ, 85255, United States
Arizona Birds (Guest Presenter: Arizona Game & Fish)
Arizona Birds is a program that educates the public about the various raptors that can be found here, whether as permanent residents or migrating through the state. The program focuses on their natural history and best places to find them in the wild. Nancy Kreuder, Wildlife Education Outreach Coordinator Arizona Game and Fish Department will be bring live raptors to help you learn more about some of the most commonly spotted birds.

Brown's Mountain Area Trails Hike
2026-02-24 09:00 - 13:30 | Brown’s Ranch Trailhead, 30301 N. Alma School Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Brown’s Mountain, Corral, Broken Spoke, Hawknest, and Cone Mountain Trails at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead.
This Very Difficult hike will take you from Brown’s Mountain and Corral trails to Broken Spoke, Hawknest, and Cone Mountain trails. 10.0 miles in about 4 hours with rolling hills, some elevation changes but minimal elevation gain. Experienced hikers suggested.
There are restrooms and water at the trailhead. Bring water and snacks 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.

Lecture - Designing With Nature: Architecture of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve and Beyond
2026-02-24 17:00 - 18:30 | Scottsdale Public Library – Mustang Library, 10101 N. 90th Street, Scottsdale, AZ, 85260, United States
Designing With Nature: Architecture of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve and Beyond
Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Location: Mustang Library, 10101 N 90th Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
Philip Weddle of Scottsdale based Weddle Gilmore Architects has developed a deep portfolio of community-based projects that connect people to the places in which they live, work, and recreate. His work illustrates architectural designs that are integrated into the natural world in a way that promotes ecological and environmental responsibility. He strives to craft seamless, boundary-blending connections between architecture and landscape which gives rise to harmonious environments and enriching experiences. Philip will share designs from over 25 years of working within the McDowell Sonoran Preserve and other wildland settings.
RSVP below to let us know you are coming!

Secrets of the Preserve - Educational Ride
2026-02-26 09:00 - 12:30 | Brown’s Ranch Trailhead, 30301 N. Alma School Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Secrets of the Preserve Educational Ride (Int.) from Brown’s Ranch Trailhead.
Ready to discover more about what is in the Preserve, besides the excitement of trail riding? This is the ride for you! Join our archeological stewards in exploring the Preserve’s recent ranching history and the ancient way of life of the Native American in a stunning geological setting. This is an Intermediate Skill and Moderate Cardio level ride of about 11 miles over 2 1/2 hours.
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 and water 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.

Women of the McDowells - Educational Walk
2026-02-26 10:00 - 12:00 | Lost Dog Wash Trailhead, 12601 N. 124th Street, Scottsdale, AZ, 85259, United States
Women of the McDowells – Doctors, Lawyers, and Spies at Lost Dog Wash Trailhead
This leisurely two-hour, half mile walk along the Kovach Family Trail will tell the story of three well educated, visionary, bold and brilliant women who challenged and changed the “status quo”!
Please arrive 15 minutes 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.

Lifecycle of the Saguaro - Educational Hike
2026-02-27 10:00 - 13:00 | Granite Mountain Trailhead, 31402 N. 136th Street, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Lifecycle of the Saguaro Educational Walk at Granite Mountain 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 Moderate hike covers 4 miles in about 3 hours over some rolling hills.
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.

Geology and Flora - Educational Hike
2026-02-28 09:00 - 11:00 | Fraesfield Trailhead, 13400 East Rio Verde Drive, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Geology and Flora–Whiskey Bottle and Black Hill at Fraesfield Trailhead.
On this hike you’ll see the direct connection between the environment and the desert ecosystem as the plant communities change distinctly when the local geology and terrain changes. The hike is 3 miles long and starts with a moderate climb but then eases into modest ups-and-downs. Expect to spend about 2 hours on the trails.
There are restrooms at the trailhead but no water. Please bring water and snacks 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 30 Mile Training Ride
2026-02-28 09:00 - 14:00 | Pima Dynamite Trailhead, 28777 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Ride 30 Mile Perimeter Fitness Ride (Dif.) from Pima Dynamite Trailhead.
This is a challenging fitness ride focusing on the perimeter trails of the Preserve’s Northern Region. The ride is intended for participants seeking a long and intense workout, lasting 4.5 to 4.75 hours and demanding advanced cardiovascular fitness as well as intermediate technical riding skills. Objectives include honing skills such as navigating obstacles, effective braking on downhills, shifting on climbs, and refining 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 Pima Dynamite trailhead; bring water and snacks for the trail. 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 Desert 101 - Educational Walk
2026-02-28 10:00 - 12:00 | 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.

Granite Mountain Loop, Balanced Rock, Black Hill Hike
2026-03-03 09:00 - 12:00 | Granite Mountain Trailhead, 31402 N. 136th Street, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Granite Mtn Loop, Balanced Rock, Black Hill at Granite Mountain Trailhead.
This Difficult 6.5-mile hike with minimal elevation gain will start at the Granite Mountain trailhead. We will do the “Loop”, have a brief stop at the Scenic Overlook, visit Balanced Rock and hopefully catch some early spring flowers the last few miles. For a bit of a variety we will finish on Black Hills and the Powerline.
There are restrooms at the trailhead but no water. Bring water and snacks 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.

Wildflowers and Flora of the Desert - Educational Walk
2026-03-05 09:00 - 11:00, 2026-03-14 09:00 - 11:00 | Tom’s Thumb Trailhead, 23015 N 128th St., Scottsdale, AZ, 85255, United States
Flora in the Desert/Wildflowers Walk at Tom’s Thumb Trailhead.
Come celebrate spring in the desert and experience the Preserve dressed in its most beautiful colors. Join our knowledgeable stewards on this 2 hour walk to discover the incredible variety of flowers in this area of the preserve.
Restrooms are available at the trailhead but no water. Please bring water and snacks for the trail. No dogs please. Plan to arrive 15 minutes before start of walk.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Introduction To Mountain Biking: Session 1
2026-03-07 08:30 - 12:00 | 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 Desert 101 - Educational Walk
2026-03-07 09:00 - 11:00 | 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.

Hike The Rocks: Balanced, Amphitheater and Cathedral
2026-03-07 09:00 - 13:00 | Granite Mountain Trailhead, 31402 N. 136th Street, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
The Rocks: Balanced, Amphitheater and Cathedral at Granite Mountain Trailhead.
This Very Difficult hike to visit these iconic rock formations will travel just over 9 miles with minimal elevation changes over 3½ to 4 hours. We will stop and enjoy each formation, returning on the Cholla Loop and the Granite Mountain Loop viewing many large Saguaro cacti. Due to the distance, this hike is suggested for Experienced hikers.
Restrooms are available at this trailhead but no water. Bring plenty of water and snacks for the trail. Arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of the hike. No dogs please.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Desert Discovery Ride
2026-03-08 09:00 - 12:00 | Pima Dynamite Trailhead, 28777 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Ride (Int.) Desert Discovery Ride II at Pima Dynamite Trailhead.
Pima Dynamite is very popular with mountain bikers; it provides fun trails designed to climb easily into the northern section and escape the crowds! On the way round, we’ll take in some of the more spectacular rock features in this part of the Preserve and ponder changes in the land and what grows on it, as well as the fascinating Brown’s Ranch history. People have lived in this desert for thousands of years and it’s intertwined with the story of prospectors populating the West. Intermediate ride, up to 3 hours.
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 and water 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 - The World of Arthropods
2026-03-08 15:00 - 16:00 | Gateway Trailhead, 18333 N. Thompson Peak Pkwy., Scottsdale, AZ, 85255, United States
The World of Arthropods in the Sonoran Desert
Did you know that 84% of all animal species are Arthropods and they have a major role in maintaining ecosystems as pollinators, recyclers of nutrients, scavengers and food for other animals? Join Conservancy Steward Rich Cochran, an expert on arthropods, for an in-depth talk on some of the fascinating insects and arachnids that inhabit our Sonoran Desert. He will provide an up-close look at some fun and interesting species from his vast collection, including a Tarantula Wasp, a Giant Desert Hairy Scorpion, and more.

Bird Walk
2026-03-10 08:00 - 10:00 | Fraesfield Trailhead, 13400 East Rio Verde Drive, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Bird Walk at Fraesfield Trailhead.
Join our bird experts on this 2-hour walk for a good chance to see some of our year-round bird residents such as: cactus wren, Gila woodpecker, ladder-backed woodpecker, Harris’s hawk, verdin or Say’s phoebe – as well as some seasonal arrivals.
Restrooms available at the trailhead, but no water. Bring water and snacks for the trail. No dogs please. Bring your binoculars. Arrive 15 minutes before start of walk.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Wildflowers and Flora of the Desert - Educational Hike
2026-03-11 09:00 - 12:00 | Granite Mountain Trailhead, 31402 N. 136th Street, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Wildflower Educational Hike from Granite Mountain Trailhead.
Come celebrate spring in the desert and experience the Preserve dressed in its most beautiful colors. Join our knowledgeable stewards on this Moderate hike to discover the incredible variety of flowers in this area of the Preserve. 3 miles over about 3 hours.
Restrooms are available at the trailhead but no water. Please bring water and snacks for the trail. No dogs please. Plan to arrive 15 minutes before start of walk.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Matriarchy in the McDowells - Educational Walk
2026-03-12 09:00 - 11:00 | Brown’s Ranch Trailhead, 30301 N. Alma School Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Matriarchy in the McDowells at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead.
In honor of International Women’s Day, we are celebrating women–both those who are human and those in the animal kingdom–with a leisurely walk on the Jane Rau trail.
There are restrooms and water at the trailhead. Bring water and snacks for the trail. No dogs please. Plan to arrive 15 minutes before start of walk.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Tom's Thumb Lookouts Hike
2026-03-14 08:00 - 11:30 | 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.

Introduction To Mountain Biking: Session 2
2026-03-14 08:30 - 12:00 | 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.

Lecture - Bird Migrations: Nature’s Intricately Timed Dance
2026-03-14 14:30 - 16:00 | Scottsdale Public Library – Mustang Library, 10101 N. 90th Street, Scottsdale, AZ, 85260, United States
Bird Migrations – Nature’s Intricately Timed Dance
Saturday, March 14, 2026, 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Location: Mustang Library, 10101 N 90th Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
While we enjoy the cheerful presence of local birds at our feeders, each season brings surprise visitors—migratory birds that seem to arrive out of thin air. But their journeys are anything but
random. Discover how these incredible travelers time their arrivals and the places they call home.
Arizona is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 300 species recorded statewide, and nearly 190 documented in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve alone. Learn about our local and migratory birds, their unique habitats, and what they eat—straight from an expert in the field.
Join Rick Pearce, McDowell Sonoran Conservancy Steward, for an immersive exploration of our local birds. Rick is an avid birder with years of experience leading bird walks for the Conservancy, along with scientific surveys and bird counts in partnership with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Audubon. His passion and knowledge will bring the fascinating world of local birds to life.
RSVP below to let us know you are coming!

Ride Hawknest and Axle Grease Trails
2026-03-15 08:00 - 11:00 | Pima Dynamite Trailhead, 28777 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Ride Hawknest and Axle Grease (Int.) from Pima Dynamite Trailhead.
Join us on this ride up Axle Grease to West Express, Hawknest, and Basalt Ridge, ending with an exciting flowy downhill on Hawknest back to the trailhead for about a 15-mile ride of moderate cardio and some intermediate technical skills.
Make sure your bike is in good operational order. Helmets and a bike with wide knobby tires are required. Please no road bikes, hybrids, or folding bikes. Bathrooms and water are available at the trailhead. Bring water and snacks for the trail. Please arrive 15 minutes before the start of the 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.

All About Plant Phenology - Educational Walk
2026-03-15 09:00 - 11:00 | Brown’s Ranch Trailhead, 30301 N. Alma School Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
All About Plant Phenology at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead.
This leisurely walk along the Brown’s Ranch Jane Rau trail will introduce you to the Conservancy’s ongoing phenology project in the Preserve.
WHAT is Phenology? Phenology is the science of studying life cycle events in plants and animals. When does it grow, when is it dormant, when does it reproduce?
WHY Phenology? The data we collect on each year’s new leaves, flowers and fruit is vital information to help scientists better understand how changing climate conditions are affecting all living organisms worldwide.
Phenology data helps us to make adaptive management decisions as to how we might be able to help mitigate adverse effects.
There are restrooms and water at the trailhead. Bring water and snacks for the trail. No dogs please. 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
2026-03-15 09:00 - 11:30 | 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.

Women's Bike Ride
2026-03-15 09:00 - 12:00 | Brown’s Ranch Trailhead, 30301 N. Alma School Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Women’s Bike Ride (Beg.) from Brown’s Ranch Trailhead.
This women’s bike ride is a beginner skill level ride and moderate cardio. This ride is perfect for women or those who identify as women. It is a “No Drop” ride, meaning no one will be left behind. Plan on about 3.5 hours to cover approximately 8-10 miles.
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. There are water and restrooms 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.

Balanced Rock Hike
2026-03-18 08:00 - 10:00 | Granite Mountain Trailhead, 31402 N. 136th Street, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Balanced Rock Hike from Granite Mountain Trailhead.
This moderate hike to Balanced Rock and back is one of the most popular from this trailhead and is a gradual uphill on rolling terrain. Plan on 2 hours for 4.5 miles with 300 ft. of elevation gain.
Restrooms are available at the trailhead but no water. Please bring water and snacks 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.

Wildflowers and Flora of the Desert - Educational Walk
2026-03-19 09:00 - 11:00 | Brown’s Ranch Trailhead, 30301 N. Alma School Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Flora in the Desert/Wildflowers Walk at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead.
The Preserve is located in one of the most biodiverse areas of the Sonoran Desert. Learn about the plant life that thrives in this area. Note: If you have the i-Naturalist application on your phone, it would be a helpful tool to identify different flora.
There are restrooms and water at the trailhead. Bring water and snacks for the trail. No dogs please. Plan to arrive 15 minutes before start of walk.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Bootlegger, Coyote Canyon, Renegade Trails Hike
2026-03-20 08:00 - 11:30 | 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 via Bootlegger, Granite Mountain Loop, Coyote Canyon, Renegade and 136th St. Express trails. Experienced hikers suggested. 6.8 miles in about 3.5 hours with 255 ft. elevation gain and rolling ups and downs.
Restrooms are available at the trailhead but no water. Please bring water and snacks 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.
