The Stoneman Road was a military road created in 1870, connecting Ft. McDowell and Ft. Whipple.  Remnants of the road remain in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.  Join Franco Farina to learn the story of the road and the people who made it, while we patrol portions of the actual route. This is an Intermediate Skill and […]

Bowtie Fitness Hike at Granite Mountain Trailhead This is a Very Difficult hike of 7.5 miles over 4 hours. Discover the variety of trails in the northeast section of the Preserve. Experience the lush beauty of Barb’s Trail and the splendor of Bootlegger Trail along the east side of Granite Mountain. For experienced hikers.  Arrive […]

New Trails Fitness Hike at Pima Dynamite Trailhead   This Very Difficult hike due to its 9 miles over about 4.5 hours covers some rolling hills for Experienced hikers. Explore the impressive new trails with nice views and granite formations. Arrive 15 minutes before start of hike.  Bring water, snacks and even a lunch for […]

Feldspar Mesquite Loop Walk Join us for a leisurely walk in the areas below Tom’s Thumb.  Slower pace and frequent stops with time to admire the great views and treasures on the ground as well as discussions about desert topics.  1.2 miles for about 1.5 hours with stops. Bathroom facilities at the trailhead. Bring water […]

Inspiration Viewpoint Fitness Hike at Gateway Trailhead.  Get your heart pumping on this Very Difficult hike up to an amazing overlook through gradual inclines with a few steep sections. 6 miles with elevation gain of 900 ft. for about 3.5 hours to trail marker WP5. For experienced hikers.  Bathrooms available at the trailhead. Bring water […]

Mountain Bike Skills Clinic at Fraesfield Trailhead  New to mountain biking? Looking to refresh your skills, improve your technique, enhance safety awareness and increase your overall enjoyment on the trails? Then come prepared with a mountain bike with knobby tires, helmet, water, and snacks. We begin with a demonstration and presentation by experienced riders covering […]

Desert Park to Gateway Loop Fitness Hike at Gateway Trailhead. This Difficult hike will travel through the Silverleaf community, the Windgate Trail and then a short, steep climb to the Gateway Saddle with its great views. 6.8 miles with elevation gain of 700 ft over about 3.5 hours. For experienced hikers. Bathrooms available at the […]

Stop by the Trailside Naturalist station at the Gateway Trailhead between 9-11 A.M. to learn about the various reptiles of the Sonoran Desert, their unique behavior, eating habits, and benefit to the ecosystem.

Veterans Day Hike at Lost Dog Trailhead To honor our Veterans, a Moderate loop on gently rolling terrain is planned. We will hold a special ceremony at the trailhead at the end of the hike. Join Len Marcisz for 3 miles over about 2.5 hours with elevation gain of about 250 ft. Bathrooms are available […]

Vaquero, Whiskey Bottle & Latigo Fitness Hike at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead  This hike on three picturesque trails will take you to a crested saguaro and then continue through a diverse landscape. Moderate hike of 5 miles for about 2.5 hours. Bathrooms available at the trailhead. Bring water and snacks for the trail. No dogs please. […]

Ride from Granite Mountain Trailhead  Come on out and join a ride with us from Granite Mountain . We’ll ride through Coyote Canyon with beautiful swooping terrain and views you may never have known were there.   See how you can connect these trails and others together to enjoy a completely awesome ride!  We will […]

Lost Dog to Andrews-Kinsey Trail Fitness Hike at Lost Dog Trailhead  This is a Very Difficult Hike for experienced hikers because it will climb 1,200 ft. to a saddle and then continue on the Andrews-Kinsey Trail to a spectacular view overlooking the Fountain Hills Preserve. Distance: 7.8 miles. Duration: about 5 hours. Bathrooms available at […]