McDowell Sonoran Conservancy

Sonoran Sundays: Geology
2022-02-06 15:00 - 16:00 (America/Phoenix) | Gateway Trailhead, 18333 N. Thompson Peak Pkwy., Scottsdale, AZ, 85255, United States
One of the geologists who was instrumental in the discovery of the Marcus Landslide in the McDowell
Mountains, Brian Gottee will be sharing on the unique rock forms and geology of the region. Brian’s fun
and educational presentation will offer interesting insights on the geological history and evolution of the
McDowell Mountains.

Thirty Miler from Pima Dynamite
2022-02-05 09:00 - 13:30 | Pima Dynamite Trailhead, 28777 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Thirty Miler from Pima Dynamite Trailhead. This ride is longer and more intense than our normal rides. It will be 4.5-5 hours and cover 30 miles with a Skill level of Intermediate and a Cardio level of Vigorous in the north eastern area of the preserve. All our rides are “No Drop”, meaning we will not leave you. A bike with wide knobby tires is required. Please, no road bikes, hybrids, folding bikes, or electric assist 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 at the trailhead. Arrive 15 minutes before start of ride.

Hike with Natural Resource Coordinator
2022-02-03 09:00 - 11:00 | Granite Mountain Trailhead, 31402 N. 136th Street, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
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 available at the trailhead. Bring water for the trail. No dogs please. Arrive 15 minutes before start of hike.

Mountain Bike Skills Clinic
2022-02-02 09:00 - 12:00, 2022-01-05 09:00 - 12:00 | Fraesfield Trailhead, 13400 East Rio Verde Drive, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
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 the basic things you need to know, equipment requirements and trail etiquette.
The instructional segment will be followed by a short, guided ride of 3 to 5 miles, where you can practice the techniques discussed. Please, no road bikes, hybrids, folding bikes, or electric assist bikes. Please check the working order of your bike before you leave home. Allow 3 hours for this introductory/refresher event. Bring water and snacks for the trail. Arrive 15 minutes before start of ride.
*****Please meet at the Equestrian Lot******

Windgate Pass/Bell Pass Loop Fitness Hike
2022-01-30 08:00 - 13:00 | Gateway Trailhead, 18333 N. Thompson Peak Pkwy., Scottsdale, AZ, 85255, United States
Windgate Pass/Bell Pass Loop Fitness Hike from Gateway Trailhead. Ready for a great workout? Then this Very Difficult hike in the heart of the southern McDowells is for you. We go to Windgate Pass and around to Bell Pass before returning to the trailhead. 9.5 miles for about 5 hours with over 2000ft. of elevation gain. Bathrooms are available at the trailhead. Bring water, snacks and even a lunch for the trail. No dogs please. Arrive 15 minutes before start of hike.

Dixie Mine, Prospector, Windmill Fitness Hike
2022-01-29 09:00 - 14:00 | Golden Eagle/Dixie Mine Trailhead, 14425 E. Golden Eagle Blvd., Fountain Hills, AZ, United States
Dixie Mine, Prospector, Windmill Area Fitness Hike from Golden Eagle Trailhead. This vigorous Very Difficult hike offers spectacular scenery on the seldom seen eastern preserve. It covers 10 miles in about 5 hours with elevation changes of over 2000 ft. Bathrooms are available at the trailhead. Bring water for the trail and even a lunch. No dogs please. We traverse the county park, so please be prepared to pay a $2 cash entrance fee. 14425 E Golden Eagle Blvd, Fountain Hills. On google, this trailhead is listed as Dixie Mine Trailhead Parking. Arrive 15 minutes before start of hike.

Bike the North Trails at Pima Dynamite
2022-01-29 09:00 - 12:30 | Pima Dynamite Trailhead, 28777 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Bike the New North Trails at Pima Dynamite Trailhead. Experience the more technical new trails in the north of the Preserve. This is an Advanced skill and Vigorous Cardio level ride for 12-15 miles in 3- 3.5 hours. We will explore some of the more aggressive recent additions to the northwest trails in the Preserve. We’ll stop to point out some interesting aspects of the preserve, add thoughts on improving riding technique, enhancing safety awareness and increasing overall enjoyment of the trails. All our rides are “No Drop”, meaning we will not leave you. Please, no road bikes, hybrids, folding bikes, or electric assist bikes. Please check the working order of your bike before you leave home. Bathrooms and water available at the trailhead. Bring water and snacks for the trail. Arrive 15 minutes before.

Trailside Naturalist Station: Reptiles
2022-01-29 09:00 - 11:00 | Gateway Trailhead, 18333 N. Thompson Peak Pkwy., Scottsdale, AZ, 85255, United States
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

Cowpoke-Granite Mtn. & Bootlegger Fitness Hike
2022-01-27 09:00 - 12:00 | Granite Mountain Trailhead, 31402 N. 136th Street, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Cowpoke-Granite Mtn. & Bootlegger Fitness hike from Granite Mt Trailhead. This Moderate hike covers some beautiful areas of the eastern preserve with some of the most impressive Saguaro stands in the preserve. 4.5 miles over about 3 hours. Bathrooms are available at the trailhead. Bring water and snacks for the trail. No dogs please. Arrive 15 minutes before start of hike.

Stagecoach, West Express, Malpais Fitness Hike
2022-01-25 09:00 - 14:00 | Brown’s Ranch Trailhead, 30301 N. Alma School Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Stagecoach, West Express, Malpais Fitness Hike at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead. This Very Difficult hike goes to some of the newer northern trails of Stagecoach, Western Express and Malpais See several of the iconic granite formations in the preserve. This hike is rated Difficult because it is 10 miles in about 5 hours. Experienced hikers suggested. Bathrooms are available at the trailhead. Bring water, snacks and even a lunch for the trail. No dogs please. Arrive 15 minutes before start of hike.

Arthropods of the Desert Family Educational Hike
2022-01-23 14:00 - 16:00 | Gateway Trailhead, 18333 N. Thompson Peak Pkwy., Scottsdale, AZ, 85255, United States
Arthropods of the Sonoran Desert Family Educational Hike at Gateway Trailhead Scorpions, Spiders, Bees and Wasps are just the beginning – there are more species of Arthropods in the world than any other group of animals. Join Dr. Rich Cochran on this easy approximately 2 mile walk to discover the fascinating and diverse world of arthropods and their role in the ecology of the Sonoran Desert. This educational hike is intended for families with children ages 6 and up. All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Families will learn many things they can do together on their next desert hike. Please be sure to wear appropriate footwear for a rocky trail, sun protection and bring plenty of water. This is a group experience and we kindly request that you do not bring dogs. There are restrooms at the trailhead. The hike will be limited to 20 people on a first come basis. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the event. Come join this hike led by our seasoned and knowledgeable stewards!

Granite Mtn. Loop and Balanced Rock
2022-01-23 09:00 - 12:30 | Granite Mountain Trailhead, 31402 N. 136th Street, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Granite Mountain and Balanced Rock from Granite Mt Trailhead Join us on this Difficult hike on one of the classic paths in the preserve and a side trip to Balanced Rock. About 3.5 hours to cover 6.5 miles. Bathrooms are available at the trailhead. Bring water and snacks for the trail. No dogs please. Arrive 15 minutes before start of hike.

Stoneman Road Educational Hike
2022-01-22 09:00 - 12:30 | Fraesfield Trailhead, 13400 East Rio Verde Drive, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Stoneman Road Educational Hike at Fraesfield Trailhead The Stoneman Road was created as an “expressway” between Ft. McDowell and Ft. Whipple (near Prescott) in the 1870’s. Join PastFinders Len Marcisz and Chris Crum as we walk portions of the actual route and discuss its origin, namesake and value to our history. This is a Moderate hike of 4.6 miles for about 3.5 hours on relatively level terrain. Bathrooms available at the trailhead. Bring water and snacks for the trail. No dogs please. Arrive 15 minutes before start of hike.

Hike with Natural Resources Coordinator
2022-01-20 13:00 - 15:00 | Pima Dynamite Trailhead, 28777 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Hike with Natural Resources Coordinator at Pima Dynamite Trailhead Spend about 2 hours on an easy hike with Madison Barasha, the Natural Resources Coordinator, as she 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 and water available at the trailhead. Bring water for the trail. No dogs please. Arrive 15 minutes before start of hike.

East End Fitness Hike
2022-01-19 09:00 - 13:00 | AZ
East End Fitness Hike at Tom’s Thumb Trailhead This Very Difficult hike takes us up Tom’s Thumb Trail and down the steep East End Trail with its switchbacks and beautiful views. Then returns via the same trails. It will take us about 4 hours to cover the about 6.4 miles with climbs over of over 2200 ft. This hike is not easy, but it is worth it. Experienced hikers suggested. Bathrooms are available at the trailhead. Bring water, snacks and even a light lunch for the trail. No dogs please. Arrive 15 minutes before start of hike.

Women's Bike Ride
2022-01-17 09:00 - 12:00 | Brown’s Ranch Trailhead, 30301 N. Alma School Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Women’s Bike Ride from Brown’s Ranch Trailhead. This all woman’s bike ride is an Intermediate Skill level ride and Moderate Cardio. This is a step up in intensity from the previous Woman’s Ride. It is a “No Drop” ride meaning no one will be left behind. Plan on about 3 hours to cover approximately 12 miles. A bike with wide knobby tires is required. Please, no road bikes, hybrids, folding bikes, or electric assist bikes. Please check the working order of your bike before you leave home. Helmets required. Bring water and snacks. There are restrooms at the trailhead. Arrive 15 minutes before start of ride.

Botany Educational Hike
2022-01-15 09:00 - 11:00 | Brown’s Ranch Trailhead, 30301 N. Alma School Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Botany Educational Hike at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead Have you ever wondered what that plant is, or why it only grows in certain locations? Join botanist Steve Jones to learn this and a 1000 other things. This is a Moderate hike of 3 miles in about 2 hours with frequent stops. Bathrooms available at the trailhead. Bring water and snacks for the trail. No dogs please Arrive 15 minutes before start of hike.

New Trails Fitness Hike
2022-01-14 09:00 - 14:30 | Pima Dynamite Trailhead, 28777 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
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. Bathrooms and water available at the trailhead. Bring water, snacks and even a lunch for the trail. No dogs please.

Learn the Line
2022-01-14 09:00 - 12:00 | Pima Dynamite Trailhead, 28777 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Learn the Line at Pima Dynamite Trailhead Have you felt nervous or unsure about how to ride over that rock or around that technical corner? Come out and ‘learn the line’ to gain confidence on technical pieces, both up and down hills, speed control, body position and moving your weight around. This is an Intermediate Skills and Moderate Cardio ride. All our rides are “No Drop”, meaning we will not leave you. Allow 3-3.5 hours. It is recommended that you have participated in the MSC mountain bike clinic and have joined a previous MSC intermediate ride prior to this ride. A bike with wide knobby tires is required. Please, no road bikes, hybrids, folding bikes, or electric assist bikes. Please check the working order of your bike before you leave home. Helmets required. Bring water and snacks. Restroom available at the trailhead. Arrive 15 minutes before start of ride.

Cathedral Rock, Amphitheater, Cholla Loop Fitness Hike
2022-01-11 09:00 - 13:00 | Brown’s Ranch Trailhead, 30301 N. Alma School Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Cathedral Rock, Amphitheater, Cholla Loop Fitness Hike at Brown’s Ranch This Difficult hike will take us to several of the iconic granite formations in the preserve. 7 miles in about 3.5-4 hours. Experienced hikers suggested. Bathrooms available at the trailhead. Bring water, snacks and even a lunch for the trail. No dogs please. Arrive 15 minutes before start of hike.

Sonoran Sundays: Just Roughin It
2022-01-09 15:00 - 16:00 | Gateway Trailhead, 18333 N. Thompson Peak Pkwy., Scottsdale, AZ, 85255, United States
New to hiking? Want to get in shape in the New Year? Come meet Ray and Debbie Hendricks, lifelong
hiking guides and owners of Just Roughin’ It Adventure Company. The Hendricks will cover the basics of
hiking, including desert hiking techniques and essential equipment. They’ll also provide a guide to some
easy beginner trails in the McDowell Mountain Preserve. Whether new to the sport or a seasoned hiker,
you’re sure to learn something valuable from these outdoor experts.

Bird Walk
2022-01-09 08:00 - 10:00 | AZ
Bird Walk from Tom’s Thumb Trailhead: Join Kathe Anderson and Rick Pearce for about 2 hours to see some of our cool weather resident birds such as phainopepla, white-crowned sparrow, black-throated sparrow, Brewer’s sparrow, and ruby-crowned kinglet, in addition to year-round birds such as thrashers, wrens, verdins, gnatcatchers, and towhees. Restrooms available at the trailhead. Bring water for the trail. No dogs please. Bring your binoculars. Arrive 15 minutes before start of hike.

Crested Saguaro Ride
2022-01-08 09:00 - 12:30 | Granite Mountain Trailhead, 31402 N. 136th Street, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Crested Saguaro Ride from Granite Mountain Trailhead. Ever noticed the Crested Saguaros in the preserve? Come ride with us to see a large number scattered throughout the north. This 3.5 hour ride will cover more than 10 miles and is rated Advanced Skill and Vigorous Cardio. A bike with wide knobby tires is required. Please, no road bikes, hybrids, folding bikes, or electric assist bikes. Please check the working order of your bike before you leave home. Helmets required. Bring water and snacks. There are restrooms at the trailhead. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to start.

Trailside Naturalist - Desert Trees and Shrubs
2022-01-08 09:00 - 11:00 | Gateway Trailhead, 18333 N. Thompson Peak Pkwy., Scottsdale, AZ, 85255, United States
Did you know that saguaros have boots? Stop by the Trailside Naturalist station at Gateway Trailhead between 9-11 am to learn about cactus, trees, and shrubs found in the Preserve.

Bootlegger & Coyote Canyon Fitness Hike
2022-01-07 09:00 - 13:30 | Granite Mountain Trailhead, 31402 N. 136th Street, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Bootlegger/Coyote Canyon Fitness Hike at Granite Mt Trailhead This Difficult hike explores the more remote part of the Preserve via Bootlegger, Granite Mountain Loop, Coyote Canyon, Renegade and 136th St. Express trails. Experienced hikers suggested. 7 miles in about 4.5 hours with rolling ups and downs. There are bathrooms available at the trailhead. Bring water, snacks and even a lunch for the trail. No dogs please. Arrive 15 minutes before start of hike.

Twenty Miler from Pima Dynamite
2022-01-04 09:00 - 12:00 | Pima Dynamite Trailhead, 28777 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Twenty Miler from Pima Dynamite Trailhead. This ride is longer and more intense than our normal rides. It will be 2.5-3 hours and cover 20 miles with a Skill level of Intermediate and a Cardio level of Vigorous in the north eastern area of the preserve. All our rides are “No Drop”, meaning we will not leave you. A bike with wide knobby tires is required. Please, no road bikes, hybrids, folding bikes, or electric assist 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 trailhead. Arrive 15 minutes before start of ride.

Hike with Natural Resources Coordinator
2022-01-03 13:00 - 15:00 | Brown’s Ranch Trailhead, 30301 N. Alma School Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Hike with Natural Resources Coordinator at Brown’s Ranch 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 available at the trailhead. Bring water for the trail. No dogs please. Arrive 15 minutes before start of hike.

Brown's Mtn. Cone Mtn. Loop Fitness Hike
2022-01-03 09:00 - 12:00 | Brown’s Ranch Trailhead, 30301 N. Alma School Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Brown’s Mt & Cone Mtn. Loop Fitness Hike at Brown’s Ranch Join us for a trip around Brown’s Mtn. and Cone Mtn. We travel on Upper Ranch, Wrangler, Brown’s Mtn., Cone Mt. and finally the scenic Latigo trail. This is a Difficult hike of 6 miles over about 3 hours with rolling ups and downs. Bathrooms available at the trailhead. Bring water and snacks for the trail. No dogs please. Arrive 15 minutes before start of hike.

Marcus Landslide Fitness Hike
2022-01-02 09:00 - 11:30 | AZ
Marcus Landslide Fitness Hike at Tom’s Thumb Trailhead This Moderate hike visits the Marcus Landslide geological site, second largest landslide in Arizona. The elevation gain is 400 ft. over 4 miles in about 2.5 hours. Restrooms available at the trailhead. Bring water and snacks for the trail. No dogs please. Arrive 15 minutes before start of hike.
