Sonoran Desert Life (Guest Presenter: Phoenix Zoo Educators) Join Phoenix Zoo for a fascinating look at why the best thing we can do for desert animals like snakes and tortoises is often… nothing at all. Learn what to do (and not to do) when you encounter these creatures in the wild, and why well meaning […]
Calendar of Events
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The World of Arthropods at Gateway Trailhead Spiders, scorpions, bees, and wasps are just the beginning--there are more species of Arthropods in the world than any other group of animals. Join us on an easy 2 hour walk to discover the fascinating and diverse world of Arthropods and their role in the ecology of the […]
Free
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1 event,
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Bootlegger, Coyote Canyon, Renegade Trails at Granite Mountain Trailhead. This Difficult hike explores the more remote part of the Preserve. Experienced hikers suggested. 6.8 miles in about 3.5 hours with 255 ft. elevation gain and rolling ups and downs. There are restrooms available at the trailhead but no water. Bring water and snacks for the […]
Free
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3 events,
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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 […]
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Free
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Secrets of the Preserve Educational Walk at Fraesfield Trailhead. Ready to discover more about what is in the Preserve? Join us to explore the Preserve’s hidden treasures, from the plants and animals to the recent and ancient history in a stunning geological setting. There are restrooms available at the trailhead but no water. Bring water, […]
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Free
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Introduction to Mountain Biking: Session 1 (Beg.) at Pima Dynamite Trailhead. This program is designed to introduce participants to mountain biking by building foundational riding skills and confidence in a safe, supportive setting. It emphasizes the importance of proper bike setup, safety checks, and trail etiquette, while fostering an appreciation for outdoor activity and responsible […]
Currently full
Free
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1 event,
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Sonoran Sparing: Desert Birds of Prey (Guest Presenter: Wild at Heart) Enjoy an up-close meeting with native birds of prey by Wild at Heart, a local raptor rescue, rehabilitation and release center for these kinds of bird. Learn why these remarkable birds are rescued, how they can be rehabilitated and released back into the wild, […] |
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1 event,
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Gateway to Inspiration Point at Gateway Trailhead. This Moderate hike has above average elevation gains and will be geared for those that do not frequently do elevation hikes. For this 6-mile hike with about 750 feet of elevation gain up to the Point, we plan on taking 2.5 to 3 hours with frequent stops and […]
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Free
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1 event,
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Brown’s Ranch Interpretative Trail Hike at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead. Before the Preserve was a reality, part of this land was a ranch, the historic Brown’s Ranch. Join us to explore this historical place, full of memories of a different way of life and hear the stories of the people who lived here not long ago. […]
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Free
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1 event,
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Lifecycle of the Saguaro Educational Walk at Brown's Ranch 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 easy walk covers 0.5 miles in about 2 hours over easy paths. […]
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Free
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0 events,
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3 events,
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Hunters and Gatherers Educational Hike from Lost Dog Trailhead. Join our expert Archaeologist as we explore the challenges of the Archaic hunter and gatherer to survive and thrive in the Sonoran Desert of 2,000 years ago. See important desert flora and fauna, hunting sites and their importance to the survival of an Archaic band. This […]
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Free
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Tom's Thumb Lookouts Hike at Tom's Thumb Trailhead. This Very Difficult hike starts at the Tom Thumb Trailhead and travels 6.6 miles with a net elevation gain of around 1,600 feet over 3 to 3½ hours. We will initially head up the Tom's Thumb Trail to the TT9 location and have a great view of […]
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Free
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Introduction to Mountain Biking: Session 2 at Pima Dynamite Trailhead. This program is aimed at helping riders build confidence and control across beginner-level terrain, reinforcing foundational skills while introducing essential techniques for handling small obstacles, climbs, descents, and corners. By the end, riders are expected to demonstrate improved balance, control, and maneuverability, effectively apply braking, […]
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Free
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1 event,
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Desert Discovery Ride at Fraesfield Trailhead. This intermediate ride gives access to the splendid sights behind Granite and Cholla Mountains - over 3 hours, we'll take in four distinctly different, yet spectacular views of the Preserve, with accompanying variations in flora and fauna. At times, we'll be stopping to talk about the history of the […]
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Free
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0 events,
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1 event,
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Axle Grease, West Express, Hawknest Hike at Pima Dynamite Trailhead. This is a Very Difficult hike due to its 8.2 miles and 250 ft. elevation gain over about 4.5 hours and covers rolling terrain. Explore these impressive trails with nice saguaro views and granite formations. Experienced hikers suggested. Plan to arrive 15 minutes before start […]
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Free
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1 event,
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Noteworthy and Notorious Arizonans Educational Hike at Fraesfield Trailhead. Join a former City of Scottsdale archeologist for an easy hike of discovery and hear tales – some taller than others – of some of our lesser known Arizona heroes, heroines and villains. Not so notables include a woman prospector (The Miner’s Angel), Arizona Rangers, a […]
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Free
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1 event,
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A Meditation Walk at Brown's Ranch Trailhead. Step away from the day to day and discover inner peace as you immerse yourself in the beauty and power of the Sonoran Desert on a mindful ½ mile journey on the gentle and beautiful Jane Rau Trail. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to start of the walk. […]
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Free
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0 events,
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2 events,
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True Grit at Fraesfield Trailhead. Join us on a leisurely one mile, two hour walk and we will talk about what life was like for women who settled in the McDowells in the 19th and early 20th centuries making their lives with the military, working the land, ranching and in the office. Restrooms are available […]
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Free
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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 […]
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Free
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2 events,
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Cathedral Rock, Amphitheater, Cholla Loop Hike at Brown’s Ranch. This Difficult hike will take us to several of the iconic granite formations in the preserve. 7.5 miles, 280 ft. elevation gain in about 3.5 hours. Experienced hikers suggested. Restrooms and water available at the trailhead. Bring water and snacks for the trail. No dogs please. […]
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Free
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Mistletoe and Holly Educational Hike at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead. What do desert plants and animals have to do with the holidays? Join us on an easy hike and discover the hidden, festive desert connections. 3 miles over about 2.5 hours with minimal elevation gain. Restrooms and water available at the trailhead. Bring water and snacks […]
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Free
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1 event,
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Christmas Day 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. Restrooms and water available at the […]
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Free
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0 events,
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1 event,
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Sonoran Desert 101 at Brown’s Ranch 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 […]
RSVP Now
Free
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1 event,
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Ride to the Crested Saguaros and Lifecycle of the Saguaro (Int.) from Pima Dynamite Trailhead. Ever noticed the Crested Saguaros in the preserve? Come ride with us to see a large number scattered throughout the north. This 2.5 hour ride will cover 10 miles and is rated Advanced Skill and Vigorous Cardio. A bike with […]
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Free
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0 events,
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1 event,
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Hawknest, Basalt Ridge, Cone Mt., Latigo Trails at Pima Dynamite Trailhead. This Very Difficult hike due to its elevation gain of 322 feet and 9.7 miles over about 4.5 hours covers some rolling hills for Experienced hikers. Explore these impressive trails with nice views and granite formations. Restrooms and water available at the trailhead. Bring […]
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Free
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0 events,
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0 events,
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1 event,
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Ride 20 Mile Intermediate Training Ride from Pima Dynamite Trailhead. This ride will focus on developing cardio fitness and technical biking skills. The ride is aimed at those preparing for a 30 mile perimeter ride in February and will cover trails in the NW and North Central sections of the Preserve. Participants should expect moderate cardio challenges […]
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Free
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3 events,
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Trailside Bike Repair Basics at Brown's Ranch Trailhead. This class provides a comprehensive guide to essential bike maintenance and repair techniques that can be performed on the trail. It covers a pre-ride checklist, the necessary tools for trailside repairs, such as tire levers, spare chain links, a chain breaker tool, and an air pump. Additionally, […]
RSVP Now
Free
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Sonoran Desert 101 at Gateway 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 of […]
RSVP Now
Free
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Stagecoach, High Desert, The Divide Trails at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead. This Very Difficult hike goes to some of the north central trails of Stagecoach, High Desert, and The Divide. See several of the iconic granite formations in the preserve. This hike is very difficult because it is 8.5 miles in about 4 hours; the actual […]
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Free
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