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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
