Trailside Naturalist - Animal Olympics: Bobcats vs Coyotes - Brown's Ranch Trailhead Learn how our medium sized predators, the bobcat and coyote, have evolved while coexisting in our Sonoran Desert.  Looking at Bobcat and Coyotes skulls and skins, we will explain how they each evolved to become the Preserve's medium size predators in the cat […]

Mountain Bike Skills Clinic at Pima Dynamite 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 […]

Bird Walk at Quartz Trailhead Join Kathe Anderson and Rick Pearce on this easy 2 hour walk over a rocky trail. In addition to seeing our year-round bird residents, we may see some migrants passing through. Possible sightings include: phainopepla, American kestrel, gilded flicker, curve-billed thrasher, Abert’s towhee or various warblers. Meet at Quartz Trail […]

Trailside Naturalist - Butterfly Abundance, Richness, and Diversity - Gateway Trailhead Find out all about the many species of butterflies that live in the Preserve. The Sonoran Desert is a haven for butterflies like Pipevines, Sulphers and Skippers. The Sonoran Desert is home to over 250 species of butterflies and nearly 25% of these can […]

Igniting Hope: Community-Driven Wildfire Restoration in the Sonoran Desert Discover how the Parsons Field Institute and dedicated volunteers are spearheading restoration efforts, replanting saguaros, and engaging students in the aftermath of the Scottsdale Diamond Fire. You'll learn about the changing dynamics of wildfires in the Sonoran Desert, how invasive plant species impact the ecosystem, and what you can […]

Taliesin, Old Jeep and Ringtail Hike from Lost Dog Wash Trailhead Come hike some of the original trails in the preserve with great views of Scottsdale and the desert.  This is a Difficult hike with some rocky trails for 5.5 miles with 360 ft. elevation change in 3 hours.  Bathrooms and water available at the […]

Ride Granite Mt. (Int.) from Granite Mountain Trailhead Join us for a moderate cardio single-track ride of a beginner + skill level with some climbing and fun winding downhills.  You should have more than a basic understanding of how to ride on a single-track.  We will make short stops to regroup.  All our rides are […]

Cultural Resources Educational Hike - Missions, Massacres & Plagues - Fraesfield Trailhead Moderate level hike. Revisit three hundred years of European-Native American contacts and conflicts, from Coronado to the Alamo (1540-1850).  Join an expert Archaeologist and Historic Preservationist for about 3 hours covering 4 miles.  Restrooms available at the trailhead.  Bring water and snacks for […]

Cultural Resources Educational Hike - Hunter/Gatherers - Lost Dog Wash 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 […]

Gateway to Windgate Pass Hike from Gateway Trailhead Head up to Windgate Pass on this Very Difficult hike with a visit to Inspiration Viewpoint.  Along the way, you may see some wildflowers that only grow at higher elevations such as the Mariposa Lily.  7.5 miles over about 3.5 – 4 hours with elevation gain of […]

Marcus Landslide 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 […]