McDowell Sonoran Conservancy

Stoneman Road Educational Hike
2022-01-22 09:00 - 12:30 (America/Phoenix) | 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.

Mountain Bike Skills Clinic
2022-01-05 09:00 - 12:00, 2021-12-12 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******

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.

Tom's Thumb Long Loop Fitness Hike
2021-12-28 09:00 - 14:00 | AZ
Tom’s Thumb Trailhead and Long Loop Fitness Hike This Very Difficult hike explores the rugged and scenic views of the preserve. End the year with a bang as we will go up Tom’s Thumb to East End and return via the McDowell Regional Park. In 9.3 miles there is over 1,500 ft. elevation change in about 5 hours. Bring a snack or light lunch and water for the trail. There are bathrooms at the trailhead. No dogs please Arrive 15 minutes before start of hike.

Jane Rau Trail Walk
2021-12-26 10:00 - 11:30 | Brown’s Ranch Trailhead, 30301 N. Alma School Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Jane Rau Trail Educational Walk at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead Join us for a leisurely walk on the awe-inspiring Jane Rau Trail. A slower pace will allow us time to stop for various discussions of the desert. Benches to sit are on the trail. About 1.5 miles over about 90 minutes. Bathrooms available at the trailhead. Bring water and snacks for the trail. No dogs please. Arrive 15 minutes before start of hike.

Gateway TH to "Silver" Bell Pass Fitness Hike
2021-12-26 09:00 - 13:00 | Gateway Trailhead, 18333 N. Thompson Peak Pkwy., Scottsdale, AZ, 85255, United States
Gateway Trailhead to “Silver” Bell Pass Fitness Hike. Celebrate the coming New Year on this Very Difficult but rewarding hike! Experienced Hikers suggested. The views along this challenging path will make the miles go faster. 7.2 miles in about 4 hours and gains 1,500 ft. 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.

Vaquero - Whiskey Bottle - LatigoTrails Fitness Hike
2021-12-26 09:00 - 11:30 | Brown’s Ranch Trailhead, 30301 N. Alma School Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
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. Arrive 15 minutes before start of hike.

Christmas Day Fitness Hike
2021-12-25 09:00 - 11:30 | Gateway Trailhead, 18333 N. Thompson Peak Pkwy., Scottsdale, AZ, 85255, United States
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 trailhead. Bring water and snacks for the trail. No dogs please. Arrive 15 minutes before start of hike.

Ride the Gooseneck
2021-12-19 09:00 - 12:00 | Fraesfield Trailhead, 13400 East Rio Verde Drive, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
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 next 10-12 miles for 3 hours. 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. Restrooms at the trailhead. Arrive 15 minutes before start of ride.

Fraesfield to Balanced Rock Fitness Hike
2021-12-18 09:00 - 13:30 | Fraesfield Trailhead, 13400 East Rio Verde Drive, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
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 for the trail. No dogs please. Arrive 15 minutes before start of hike.

Mistletoe and Holly Educational Hike
2021-12-15 10:00 - 12:30 | Brown’s Ranch Trailhead, 30301 N. Alma School Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
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 for the trail. No dogs please. Arrive 15 minutes before.

Gateway to TT9 Overlook Fitness Hike
2021-12-14 09:00 - 14:30 | Gateway Trailhead, 18333 N. Thompson Peak Pkwy., Scottsdale, AZ, 85255, United States
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 and a lunch for the trail. No dogs please. Arrive 15 minutes before start of hike.

Sunrise Peak from Lost Dog Wash Fitness Hike
2021-12-11 09:00 - 12:30 | Lost Dog Wash Trailhead, 12601 N. 124th Street, Scottsdale, AZ, 85259, United States
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 water, snacks and even a lunch for the trail. No dogs please. Arrive 15 minutes before start of hike.

Trailside Naturalist Station: Predators
2021-12-11 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 predators found in the Preserve.
