McDowell Sonoran Conservancy

Windgate Pass/Bell Pass Loop Hike
2026-01-10 09:00 - 13:30 (America/Phoenix) | Gateway Trailhead, 18333 N. Thompson Peak Pkwy., Scottsdale, AZ, 85255, United States
Windgate Pass/Bell Pass Loop from Gateway Trailhead.
Ready for a great workout? Then this Very Difficult hike in the heart of the southern McDowells is for you. We go to Windgate Pass and around to Bell Pass before returning to the trailhead. 9.3 miles for about 5 hours with over 2000 ft. of elevation gain.
Restrooms and water are available at the trailhead. Bring water, snacks and even a lunch for the trail. No dogs please. Arrive 15 minutes before start of hike.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Predators and Prey - Educational Walk
2026-01-10 10:00 - 12:00 | Lost Dog Wash Trailhead, 12601 N. 124th Street, Scottsdale, AZ, 85259, United States
Predators and Prey – Balancing the Ecosystem at Lost Dog Wash Trailhead
Join us for a fascinating two-hour leisurely walk exploring the dynamic relationship between predators and prey. Discover how desert animals like coyotes, bobcats, mountain lions, raptors, and snakes have evolved to hunt, and how their prey—such as deer and rodents—have adapted to survive.
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to scheduled departure. 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.

Lecture - Linking Plants, Pollinators and You (at Mustang Library)
2026-01-10 14:30 - 16:00 | Scottsdale Public Library – Mustang Library, 10101 N. 90th Street, Scottsdale, AZ, 85260, United States
Linking Plants, Pollinators and You
Saturday, January 10, 2026 from 2:30 pm to 4 pm
Location: Mustang Library, 10101 N 90th Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
We will explore the dynamic and varied world of Sonoran Desert Pollinators who coexist with us in every season and landscape. These pollinators, while offering our desert great beauty, also serve an important role in keeping the Sonoran Desert healthy. We will discuss the birds and the bees and cover other desert pollinators including butterflies, beetles, flies, and bats. Importantly, you will learn what you can do to improve and sustain pollinator habitats at home with native plants and seeds.
Dr. John Weser is the Life Sciences Department Chair and Executive Director and cofounder of the Center for Native & Urban Wildlife at Scottsdale Community College (SCC). He received his Ph.D. in Biology from Arizona State University with an emphasis in Behavioral Ecology. Dr. Weser is involved in desert habitat restoration including enhancing pollinator habitats in natural and urban environments. He has partnered with the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy since 1999 in a range of programs including restoration and bird and butterfly monitoring. Dr. Weser is also involved with the Southwest Monarch Study monarch tagging project along with studying SCC’s desert burrowing owls and native solitary bees.
RSVP below to let us know you are coming!

Ride to the Crested Saguaros and Lifecycle of Saguaros
2026-01-11 09:00 - 12:30 | Granite Mountain Trailhead, 31402 N. 136th Street, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Ride to the Crested Saguaros and Lifecycle of the Saguaro (Int.) from Granite Mountain 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 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.

Women's Bike Ride
2026-01-11 13:00 - 16:00 | 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 hours to cover approximately 11 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.

Tom’s Thumb, East End, Regional Park Hike
2026-01-13 10:00 - 14:30 | Tom’s Thumb Trailhead, 23015 N 128th St., Scottsdale, AZ, 85255, United States
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 hours.
Bring a snack or light lunch and water for the trail. There are bathrooms at the trailhead but no water. No dogs please. Arrive 15 minutes before start of hike.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Nature's Medicine Cabinet - Educational Walk
2026-01-15 10:00 - 12:00 | Brown’s Ranch Trailhead, 30301 N. Alma School Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
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.
Restrooms and water available at the trailhead. No dogs please. Plan to arrive 15 minutes before start of walk.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Mammoth Hunters to Canal Builders - Educational Hike
2026-01-15 10:00 - 12:30 | Fraesfield Trailhead, 13400 East Rio Verde Drive, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
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 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.

Introduction To Mountain Biking: Session 2
2026-01-17 09:00 - 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.

True Grit - Educational Walk
2026-01-17 10:00 - 12:00 | 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.

Ride the Four Peaks
2026-01-18 09:00 - 12:00 | Brown’s Ranch Trailhead, 30301 N. Alma School Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
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 flowy downhill runs on Branding Iron and the west side of Granite Mountain. We will see the beautiful rock formations and wildflower fields on the south side of Granite Mountain then head toward Fraesfield Mountain and back toward the Trailhead. This ride will require moderate cardio and some intermediate technical skills.
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.

Whiskey Bottle, Turpentine, Black Hills, 136th Express and Dixileta Hike
2026-01-18 10:00 - 13:00 | Fraesfield Trailhead, 13400 East Rio Verde Drive, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
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 lunch and water for the trail. There are bathrooms at the trailhead but no water. No dogs please. Arrive 15 minutes before start of hike.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Sonoran Sundays - Mammals of the Sonoran Desert (Guest Presenter: Maricopa Parks and Recreation)
2026-01-18 15:00 - 16:00 | Gateway Trailhead, 18333 N. Thompson Peak Pkwy., Scottsdale, AZ, 85255, United States
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 look at our native mammals. Whether it’s the diminutive Kangaroo Rat, the elusive Mountain Lion, or the majestic Desert Bighorn Sheep, we’ll look at some ways mammals manage not just to survive, but to thrive in the desert. We’ll also have a variety of skulls, bones, pelts and more to examine up close.

A Meditation Walk
2026-01-22 13:00 - 15:00 | 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.

Marcus Landslide - Educational Hike
2026-01-23 10:00 - 13:00 | Tom’s Thumb Trailhead, 23015 N 128th St., Scottsdale, AZ, 85255, United States
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. Arrive 15 minutes before start of hike. No dogs please.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Introduction to Mountain Biking: Session 3 - Graduation Ride
2026-01-24 09:00 - 12:00 | 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.

Venom in the Desert - Educational Walk
2026-01-24 10:00 - 12:00 | Gateway Trailhead, 18333 N. Thompson Peak Pkwy., Scottsdale, AZ, 85255, United States
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 available at the trailhead. 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.

Latigo, Scorpion, Snake Eyes, Dare A Sarah Trails Hike
2026-01-24 10:00 - 13:30 | Pima Dynamite Trailhead, 28777 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Latigo, Scorpion, Snake Eyes, Dare A Sarah Trails from Pima Dynamite Trailhead.
This Difficult hike winds through many boulder formations in the northwest Preserve in an area mostly seen only by mountain bikers. Let your imagination run wild as you visualize familiar shapes in the formations. Although the terrain is rolling, the trails occasionally traverse the flat tops of some boulders as we make our way to Scorpion Point and Sidewinder Overlook. 7 miles with 238 ft. elevation gain in about 3.5 hours. 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 - The Story of Historic Brown’s Ranch and the Creation of the Brown’s Ranch Interpretive Trail
2026-01-27 17:00 - 18:30 | Scottsdale Public Library – Mustang Library, 10101 N. 90th Street, Scottsdale, AZ, 85260, United States
The Story of Historic Brown’s Ranch and the Creation of the Brown’s Ranch Interpretive Trail
Tuesday, January 27, 2026, 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Location: Mustang Library, 10101 N 90th Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
The Brown family developed our region’s most iconic ranch in what is now part of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve in Scottsdale. Join us in exploring the rich history of this land, home to several cultures over millennia. Learn about the Brown family and the creation of their ranch. The latest chapter of the story is The Browns Ranch Interpretive Trail, the Preserve’s first trail dedicated to cultural resources.
RSVP below to let us know you are coming!

Desert Surfaces - Educational Walk
2026-01-29 10:00 - 12:00 | Brown’s Ranch Trailhead, 30301 N. Alma School Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Desert Surfaces at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead.
What really covers the desert – little organisms can make a big difference! Some of the most common sights in the desert – and indeed the living things that probably cover more of the desert than any single kind of plant – are lichen, desert varnish, and soil crust. These organisms actually have much in common. Among other things, they’re all alive (yes, even varnish), they have some components that are neither plants nor animals, and living filaments are crucial to their existence. Come learn more in this introduction to what really covers the desert.
Water and restrooms are available 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.

Sonoran Desert 101 - Educational Walk
2026-01-31 10:00 - 12:00 | Brown’s Ranch Trailhead, 30301 N. Alma School Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Sonoran Desert 101 at Brown’s Ranch 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
2026-02-01 09:00 - 12:30 | Brown’s Ranch Trailhead, 30301 N. Alma School Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
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 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.

Marcus Landslide and Feldspar Trails Hike
2026-02-03 09:00 - 11:30 | Tom’s Thumb Trailhead, 23015 N 128th St., Scottsdale, AZ, 85255, United States
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 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.

The World of Arthropods - Educational Walk
2026-02-05 09:00 - 11:00 | Brown’s Ranch Trailhead, 30301 N. Alma School Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
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 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.

Brown's Ranch Homestead - Educational Hike
2026-02-05 10:00 - 12:30 | 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.

Introduction To Mountain Biking: Session 1
2026-02-07 09:00 - 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.

Introduction to Preserve Trailheads and Trails Hike
2026-02-07 09:00 - 12:00 | Brown’s Ranch Trailhead, 30301 N. Alma School Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
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 of each trailhead. The hike is labelled as Difficult due to the mileage, but the pace will be moderate with frequent stops for discussions.
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.

Hidden Desert - Educational Walk
2026-02-07 10:00 - 12:00 | Fraesfield Trailhead, 13400 East Rio Verde Drive, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
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 the Hidden Desert.
Restrooms 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.

Bird Walk
2026-02-08 08:00 - 10:00 | Brown’s Ranch Trailhead, 30301 N. Alma School Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
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. 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.

More Noteworthy & Notorious Arizonans - Educational Hike
2026-02-12 10:00 - 12:00 | Fraesfield Trailhead, 13400 East Rio Verde Drive, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
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 behind their local or state history. 3 miles over about 2 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.
