Spiders, scorpions, and bugs!  Did you know that about 84% of all animals are arthropods?  Stop by the Trailside Naturalist station at the Gateway Trailhead between 9-11 A.M. to learn about the fascinating world of arthropods.

Crested Saguaro Ride 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 3.5 hour ride will cover more than 10 miles and is rated Advanced Skill and Vigorous Cardio.  A bike with wide knobby tires is required.  Please,

Bird Walk From Brown’s Ranch Trailhead  Join Kathe Anderson and Rick Pearce to view our year-round resident birds, we may see some that spend the winter in our area. Possible sightings include: phainopepla, ruby-crowned kinglet, black-tailed gnatcatcher or northern mockingbird. Bathrooms are available at the trailhead. Bring water for the trail.  No dogs please. Bring

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 BJ Tatro on this Moderate hike with beautiful views and some uphill sections with rocky terrain. 3 miles over about 3 hours. Bathrooms available at the trailhead. Bring water

Crested Saguaro Fitness Hike from Granite Mt Trailhead  Join us on this Very Difficult hike as we cruise by a large number of crested saguaro cactus.  This hike is for experience hikers and will cover 10.6 miles in about 5.5 hours.  Bathrooms are available at the trailhead. Bring water, snacks and even a lunch for

Diablo Trails Explorer Fitness Hike at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead. This Very Difficult hike will head to the North and South Diablo trails. There will be stops at Cathedral Rock and the Amphitheater along the way. Experienced hikers suggested.  About 5 hours to cover 10.5 miles on rolling terrain.  Bathrooms are available at the trailhead.. Bring

Noteworthy and Notorious Arizonans Educational Hike at Fraesfield Trailhead Join PastFinder Don Meserve, Scottsdale Archeologist in a Moderate 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

Learn the Line at Granite Mtn. Trailhead  Have you felt nervous or unsure about how to ride over that rock or around that technical corner?  Come out and ‘learn the line’ to gain confidence on technical pieces, both up and down hills, speed control, body position and moving your weight around. This is an Intermediate

High Desert & Stagecoach Trails Fitness Hike at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead This Difficult hike will take you into the High Desert trail area with a stop at Cathedral Rock. 7.4 miles in about 4 hours with rolling hills. Experienced hikes suggested. Bathrooms are available at the trailhead. Bring water, snacks and even a lunch for

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