Tom’s Thumb, East End, Regional Park from Tom's Thumb Trailhead. This very difficult hike from Tom's Thumb trailhead 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 with over 1,500 ft. elevation change in about 5 […]
Nature's Medicine Cabinet Educational Walk at Brown's Ranch Trailhead. Take a global look of the importance of plants and their physical properties and how they were used throughout the centuries to aid in man’s wellbeing. We will start globally but then move to look at some of medicinal plants found in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. […]
Mammoth Hunters to Canal Builders Educational Hike at Fraesfield Trailhead. Travel back in time in the preserve with our expert and former City of Scottsdale archeologist to learn how historic and ancient peoples survived and thrived in this desert area. This easy hike covers 3 miles over about 2.5 hours. Restrooms available at the trailhead […]
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, […]
Preserve Origins Educational Walk at Fraesfield Trailhead The McDowell Sonoran Preserve is the largest continuous urban preserve in North America. It is part of the Sonoran Desert, the most biodiverse desert in the world. It encompasses over a third of the City of Scottsdale. How did all this happen? How did the people of Scottsdale […]
Ride the Four Peaks (Int.) from Brown's Ranch Trailhead. Experience all 4 peaks in the Brown’s Ranch area of the Preserve on this 3-hour 16-mile ride. We will ride to Cone Mountain where we will have an exhilarating ride down Cloudburst, then we will head east to The Divide. From The Divide, we will have […]
Whiskey Bottle, Turpentine, Black Hills, 136th Express and Dixileta from Fraesfield Trailhead. Let’s explore the Fraesfield Trails. This Difficult 7.5-mile hike with minimal elevation gain will cover 8 different trails accessible from the Fraesfield trailhead which most hikers do not visit. We may add the Campana Interpretive trail also . Bring a snack or light […]
Sonoran Sundays - Mammals of the Sonoran Desert (Guest Presenter: Maricopa Parks and Recreation) Want to learn more about the Sonoran Desert’s amazing mammals? Would you like some tips to increase your chances of seeing wildlife while hiking? Then you’re going to want to join Ranger Kevin of Maricopa Parks and Recreation for a closer […]
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. […]
Marcus Landslide Educational Hike from Tom’s Thumb Trailhead. Open your eyes to the Marcus Landslide geological site, second largest landslide in Arizona. This Moderate educational hike will be about 4 miles in about 3 hours with 400 ft, of elevation gain. Bathrooms at the trailhead but no water. Bring water and snacks for the trail. […]
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 […]
Venom in the Desert from Gateway 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 us on an easy 1.5 hour walk. Restrooms and water are […]
