Brown's Ranch Homestead - Educational Hike
2026-02-05 10:00 - 12:30 (America/Phoenix) | 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, 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.

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.

Lifecycle of the Saguaro - Educational Walk
2026-02-12 10:00 - 12:00 | Fraesfield Trailhead, 13400 East Rio Verde Drive, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Lifecycle of the Saguaro Educational Walk at Fraesfield 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 easy walk covers one mile in about 2 hours over easy paths.
Restrooms available at the trailhead, but no water. 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.

All About Arizona - Educational Hike
2026-02-13 10:00 - 13:00 | Lost Dog Wash Trailhead, 12601 N. 124th Street, Scottsdale, AZ, 85259, United States
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 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
2026-02-14 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.

Geology of Tom's Thumb - Educational Walk
2026-02-14 10:00 - 12:00 | Tom’s Thumb Trailhead, 23015 N 128th St., Scottsdale, AZ, 85255, United States
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 as well as geology’s impact on the people, plants and animals in the area.
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to start of the walk. Restrooms at the trailhead but no water. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water and snacks for the trail. No dogs, please.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Love is a Many-Splendored Thing - Educational Hike
2026-02-14 10:00 - 12:30 | Brown’s Ranch Trailhead, 30301 N. Alma School Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Love is a Many-Splendored Thing at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead
Enjoy a pleasant 2.5 hour, 3 mile walk and imagine love and passion for the Women of the McDowells in the 1800-1900s.
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.

North and South Diablo Trails Hike
2026-02-14 10:00 - 14:30 | Brown’s Ranch Trailhead, 30301 N. Alma School Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
North and South Diablo Hike from Brown’s Ranch Trailhead.
This hike will visit the unique trails of North and South Diablo north of Cholla Mountain. This Very Difficult hike will take us past the iconic formations of the Amphitheater and Cathedral Rock on the Cholla Loop and return on the Corral Trail near the new Brown’s Ranch Interpretive Trail. The hike will travel about 10 miles with only gradual elevation changes over 4 hours. Bring plenty of water and snacks. Due to the distance, this hike is suggested for Experienced hikers.
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.

Geology - Educational Ride
2026-02-15 09:00 - 12:00 | Brown’s Ranch Trailhead, 30301 N. Alma School Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Ride (Int.) Geology Educational Ride from Brown’s Ranch Trailhead.
When, how and why did all those different rocks get into the Preserve? How about our own earthquake fault? This Intermediate Skills and Moderate Cardio Ride for about 3 hours over 11-12 miles will take us thru the various geological formations of the area. Get the big picture on a bike.
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.

Brown's Ranch Stories - Educational Walk
2026-02-19 09:00 - 10:30 | Brown’s Ranch Trailhead, 30301 N. Alma School Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Brown’s Ranch Stories at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead
Join us on a half mile 90-minute walk on the Jane Rau trail where we will talk about the people and events that shaped the history of the Brown’s Ranch area. We will discuss the Indigenous people who lived here, the role of the military in the region, the ranching history of the region and some of the people who laid the groundwork for what Brown’s Ranch is today.
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.

Introduction to Mountain Biking: Session 3 - Graduation Ride
2026-02-21 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.

Crested Saguaro -Educational Hike
2026-02-21 09:00 - 13:00 | Brown’s Ranch Trailhead, 30301 N. Alma School Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Crested Saguaro Hike at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead
Join us on this Difficult hike as we pass by several crested saguaro cacti. This hike is for experienced hikers and will cover 7.8 miles in about 4 hours.
Restrooms and water are available at the trailhead. 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.

Geology Along the Campana Trail - Educational Walk
2026-02-21 10:00 - 12:00 | Fraesfield Trailhead, 13400 East Rio Verde Drive, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Geology Along the Campana Trail at Fraesfield Trailhead.
This two-hour, leisurely-paced guided walk will highlight some of the geologic features visible from the Camino Campana Trail. We’ll discuss the rocks, landscape, and geologic history with reference to how they influence the climate, ecology and human history of the region.
No dogs please. Restrooms are available at the trailhead but no water. Please bring water and snacks for the trail. Plan to arrive 15 minutes before the start of the walk.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Whiskey Bottle, Turpentine & Black Hill Hike
2026-02-22 10:00 - 12:00 | Fraesfield Trailhead, 13400 East Rio Verde Drive, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Whiskey Bottle, Turpentine & Black Hill Hike from Fraesfield Trailhead.
This moderate hike has a moderate uphill portion on the north side of Fraesfield Mountain with nice views of Granite Mountain and beyond, but the remainder of the hike covers relatively level terrain. 4.5 miles for about 2 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.

Sonoran Sundays - Arizona Birds (Guest Presenter: Arizona Game & Fish)
2026-02-22 15:00 - 16:00 | 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 | 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.
