Bird Walk at Quartz Trailhead Join our birding experts 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 the Quartz Trail parking […]
Calendar of Events
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Spooky or Spectacular? Revealing the Truth About Bats Speaker: Jessie Dwyer, Parsons Field Institute Biodiversity Manager Date: Saturday October 11, 2025 Time: 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM Bats have long been cast as spooky symbols in myths and Halloween tales, but the truth is far more fascinating than frightening. In this talk, we’ll explore the […]
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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 […]
Free
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Introduction to Mountain Biking: Session 1 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 trail […]
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Ride the Gooseneck and Discuss Preserve Fire Restoration from Fraesfield Trailhead This easier ride is smooth sailing for 10 – 12 miles over 3 hours. We will ride out Gooseneck Trail to Saguaro Nest Trail with a stop to talk about the fire restoration project that the Conservancy has developed in conjunction with the City […]
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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 […]
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Brown's Ranch Stories at Brown's Ranch Trailhead Join us on a half mile 90-minute walk on the Jane Rau trail where we will talk about the people and events that shaped the history of the Brown's Ranch area. We will discuss the Indigenous people who lived here, the role of the military in the region, […]
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Missions, Massacres & Plagues - Educational Hike at 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 but no water. Bring water and snacks […]
Free
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4 events,
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Predators and Prey - Balancing the Ecosystem at Lost Dog Wash Trailhead Join us for a fascinating two-hour leisurely walk exploring the dynamic relationship between predators and prey. Discover how desert animals like coyotes, bobcats, mountain lions, raptors, and snakes have evolved to hunt, and how their prey—such as deer and rodents—have adapted to survive. […]
Free
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Hike the Brown's Mountain, Corral, Dry Gulch and Stagecoach Trails at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead This very difficult hike will take you from Brown's Mountain and Corral trails, with a stop at Cathedral Rock, to the Stagecoach trail. 9.8 miles in about 4 hours with rolling hills, 280 ft. elevation change. Experienced hikers suggested. Restrooms and […]
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, […]
Free
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Ride Granite Mountain - 15 Mile Intermediate Training Ride from Granite Mountain Trailhead This ride will focus on the northeast and southeast trails of the Preserve. The ride is intended as preparation for upcoming 20- and 30-mile rides. Participants should have moderate cardio fitness and intermediate technical skills. The main objectives are to improve riding […]
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Cultural Resources Lecture: A Story of the Indian Bend Wash Tuesday, October 28, 2025, 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm Location: Mustang Library, 10101 N 90th Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85258 Presenter: Don Hadder, Sr.’s presentation covers the complete story of the Indian Bend Wash flood control project and the many steps that made this project possible. […]
Free
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Boojada Adventure Walk at Gateway Trailhead When you think about Halloween, it's normal to think of spooky and scary symbols like spiders, spider webs, and bats. But if you learn a little more about these creatures in the Sonoran Desert, you may discover that there is not much to be afraid of! So, join us […]
Free
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Sonoran Desert 101 - The Hidden Desert at Fraesfield Trailhead. Walking through the desert gives you half the story. There is a hidden world of nocturnal critters. If you look carefully, you can see the evidence of their middens, burrows, and holes. What else is concealed around you? Let us unlock those mysteries on the […]
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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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