Desert Origins and Adaptations Educational Hike at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead. Why is the Sonoran Desert here?  Join Frank Romaglia as he examines how climate and geomorphology interact to create a desert. He’ll compare and contrast North American deserts, then focus on our Sonoran home and some adaptations necessary to survive this harsh environment. This Moderate […]

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 […]

High Desert, Broken Spoke, Hawknest and Buckshot Trails Fitness Hike from Brown’s Ranch Trailhead This Very Difficult hike will allow you to explore some of the remote trails in the northwest area of the Preserve. 9.3 miles for about 5 hours with rolling hills. Experience hikers suggested.  Bathrooms available at the trailhead. Bring water, snacks, […]

Stop by the Trailside Naturalist station at the Gateway Trailhead between 9-11 A.M. to learn about the various predators found in the Preserve.

Sunrise Peak from Lost Dog Trailhead Fitness Hike  This Very Difficult Hike travels the beautiful and challenging west side of Sunrise Peak up to a great 360-degree view of the Valley of the Sun. Experienced hikers suggested. 6.2 miles in about 3.5 hours with elevation gain over 1,300 ft. Bathrooms available at the trailhead. Bring […]

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 […]

Gateway to Tom’s Thumb TT9 Overlook Fitness Hike from Gateway Trailhead.   This Very Difficult hike takes us to the seldom visited vistas west of Tom’s Thumb that makes you think you are in the Grand Canyon.  9.6 miles in about 5-6 hours with a big climb of 2100 ft! Bathrooms at the trailhead.  Bring water […]

Mistletoe & Holly Educational Hike at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead What do desert plants and animals have to do with the holidays? Join PastFinder Franco Farina on an Easy hike and discover the hidden, festive desert connections. 3 miles over about 2.5 hours with minimal elevation gain. Bathrooms available at the trailhead. Bring water and snacks […]

Fraesfield Trailhead to Balanced Rock Fitness Hike.  This Very Difficult hike will take us on a long journey thru the flatter part of the preserve to the amazing granite balancing rock formation. 10 miles over 4.5 hours.  Bring snacks and a lunch.  Experienced hikers suggested.  Bathrooms are available at the trailhead. Bring water and snacks […]

Ride the Gooseneck from Fraesfield Trailhead.  This easier ride is a great sequel to the Skills Clinic.  The ride is low Intermediate Skills and Moderate Cardio level ride. It will travel over the flatter areas of the Gooseneck. The first ½ mile of the ride requires intermediate skills, but it is smooth sailing for the […]

Christmas Day Hike Fitness Hike at Gateway Trailhead.  Embrace the spirit of the holiday on this picturesque hike on the Gateway Loop that will take you into the heart of the McDowells. This is a Moderate hike of 4.5 miles in about 2.5 hours with significant elevation gain of 700 ft. Bathrooms available at the […]

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. […]