Ride to the Crested Saguaros and Lifecycle of the Saguaro (Int.) from Brown’s Ranch Trailhead. Ever noticed the Crested Saguaros in the preserve? Come ride with us to see a large number scattered throughout the north. This 3 hour ride will cover 13-15 miles and is rated Advanced Skill and Vigorous Cardio. A bike with […]
Marcus Landslide, Feldspar Trails at Tom’s Thumb Trailhead. This Moderate hike visits the giant boulders on the Feldspar trail and continues to the Marcus Landslide geological site, second largest landslide in Arizona. The elevation gain is 400 ft. over 5 miles in about 2.5 hours. Restrooms available at the trailhead but no water. Bring water […]
The World of Arthropods at Brown's Ranch 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 […]
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 […]
Introduction to Preserve Trailheads and Trails at Brown's Ranch Trailhead. This hike will be targeted to visitors or those fairly new to the Preserve trails. The hike will be about 7 miles, taking about 3 hours, and cover a variety of trails to highlight various aspects of the Preserve trails and point out key locations […]
The Hidden Desert at Fraesfield Trailhead. Walking through the Desert gives you half the story. There is a hidden world of nocturnal critters. If you look carefully, you can see the evidence of their middens, burrows and holes. What else is concealed around you? Let us unlock those mysteries on the Camino Campana and reveal […]
Bird Walk at Brown's Ranch 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. […]
More Noteworthy and Notorious Arizonans Educational Hike at Fraesfield Trailhead. Join a City of Scottsdale historian on anther storytelling hike about influential Arizonans such as Mr. Scottsdale, a supreme court justice, the godfather of shock rock, the snake lady, the first female state senator and suffragette, and an Indian/non-Indian artist. All six have interesting tales […]
Biodiversity in the Sonoran Desert at Fraesfield Trailhead. The Sonoran Desert is the most biodiverse desert in the world, and the closer you look, the more there is to see! Join us for a Biodiversity Walk along Camino Campana, where we will discover the incredible diversity of the Preserve and learn to see it in […]
All About Arizona Educational Hike from Lost Dog Trailhead. This hike is a celebration of Arizona; the state flower, state tree, state mineral, and more. Join us on this Moderate hike with beautiful views and some uphill sections with rocky terrain. 3 miles over about 3 hours. Bathrooms and water available at the trailhead. Bring […]
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, […]
Geology of Tom's Thumb at Tom's Thumb Trailhead. Enjoy a 90-minute walk near the Tom’s Thumb trailhead to learn about the geology we see around us. Geology basics will be discussed as well as the processes that shaped the McDowells and nearby mountain ranges. We will talk about mineralogy, weathering processes and volcanism in Arizona […]
