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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
