Where possible we will be adhering to social distancing.
Calendar of Events
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Return to Azatlan Educational Hike
Return to Azatlan Educational Hike
Return to Azatlan Educational Hike. Azatlan is the contemporary archaeological name given to a large Hohokam community that existed north of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Reservation and east of Rio Verde. Join PastFinders Don Meserve and Chris Crum for a hike through one of the largest archeological sites in central Arizona, which lies right next […]
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Lifecycle of the Saguaro
Lifecycle of the Saguaro
Lifecycle of the Saguaro Education Hike at Granite Mountain Trailhead Native only to the Sonoran Desert, these giant cacti are a sight to see! Join PastFinders Don Brockway and Chris Crum 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 […]
Marcus Landslide Educational Ride
Marcus Landslide Educational Ride
Marcus Landslide Educational Ride from Tom’s Thumb Trailhead We will ride to Marcus Landslide and into the County Park to see the landslide from various viewpoints. This Intermediate Skills and Vigorous Cardio ride covers some significant elevation changes over 3.5 hours. However, there will be numerous stops to discuss and observe the geology of the […]
Sonoran Sundays: Arthropods
Sonoran Sundays: Arthropods
Master Steward Rich Cochran will present an in-depth talk on some of the fascinating insects and arachnids that inhabit our Sonoran Desert. An expert on arthropods, Rich will provide an up-close look at some fun and interesting species from his vast collection, including a Tarantula Wasp, a Giant Desert Hairy Scorpion, and more.
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Desert Origins and Adaptations Educational Hike
Desert Origins and Adaptations Educational Hike
Desert Origins and Adaptations Educational Hike at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead. Why is the Sonoran Desert here? Join Frank Romaglia as he examines how climate and geomorphology interact to create a desert. He’ll compare and contrast North American deserts, then focus on our Sonoran home and some adaptations necessary to survive this harsh environment. This Moderate […]
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Hike with Natural Resources Coordinator
Hike with Natural Resources Coordinator
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 […]
High Desert – Broken Spoke – Hawksnest – Buckshot Trails
High Desert – Broken Spoke – Hawksnest – Buckshot Trails
High Desert, Broken Spoke, Hawknest and Buckshot Trails Fitness Hike from Brown’s Ranch Trailhead This Very Difficult hike will allow you to explore some of the remote trails in the northwest area of the Preserve. 9.3 miles for about 5 hours with rolling hills. Experience hikers suggested. Bathrooms available at the trailhead. Bring water, snacks, […]
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Trailside Naturalist Station: Predators
Trailside Naturalist Station: Predators
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.
Sunrise Peak from Lost Dog Wash Fitness Hike
Sunrise Peak from Lost Dog Wash Fitness Hike
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 […]
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Mountain Bike Skills Clinic
Mountain Bike Skills Clinic
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 […]
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Gateway to TT9 Overlook Fitness Hike
Gateway to TT9 Overlook Fitness Hike
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 […]
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Mistletoe and Holly Educational Hike
Mistletoe and Holly Educational Hike
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 […]
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Fraesfield to Balanced Rock Fitness Hike
Fraesfield to Balanced Rock Fitness Hike
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 […]
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Ride the Gooseneck
Ride the Gooseneck
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 […]
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Christmas Day Fitness Hike
Christmas Day Fitness Hike
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 […]
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Vaquero – Whiskey Bottle – LatigoTrails Fitness Hike
Vaquero – Whiskey Bottle – LatigoTrails Fitness Hike
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. […]
Gateway TH to “Silver” Bell Pass Fitness Hike
Gateway TH to “Silver” Bell Pass Fitness Hike
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 […]
Jane Rau Trail Walk
Jane Rau Trail Walk
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. […]
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Tom’s Thumb Long Loop Fitness Hike
Tom’s Thumb Long Loop Fitness Hike
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 […]