|
Sunday
|
Monday
|
Tuesday
|
Wednesday
|
Thursday
|
Friday
|
Saturday
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 event,
-
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 […]
RSVP Now
Free
|
0 events,
|
1 event,
-
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 […]
RSVP Now
Free
|
0 events,
|
0 events,
|
1 event,
-
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 […]
RSVP Now
Free
|
3 events,
-
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
-
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
-
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 […]
RSVP Now
Free
|
|
1 event,
-
Bird Walk at Tom's Thumb Trailhead. Join our bird experts on this 2-hour walk for a good chance to see some of our year-round bird residents such as: cactus wren, Gila woodpecker, ladder-backed woodpecker, Harris’s hawk, verdin or Say’s phoebe - as well as some seasonal arrivals. Restrooms available at the trailhead, but no water. […]
RSVP Now
Free
|
1 event,
-
Fraesfield North to Balanced Rock Hike at Fraesfield Trailhead. This Difficult hike has a moderate rocky uphill portion on the north side of Fraesfield Mountain, but the remainder of the hike covers relatively flat terrain. Experienced hikers suggested; elevation gain is 333 feet. Plan 3.5 hours for 8 miles. Arrive 15 minutes before start of […]
RSVP Now
Free
|
0 events,
|
0 events,
|
1 event,
-
Poisonous Arthropods in the Preserve at Gateway Trailhead. Arthropods are the most diverse of all animals, comprising over 85 percent of all living animal species! A variety of arthropods in the Sonoran Desert use poisons for defense against predators or to kill or immobilize prey. Some of these animals are also venomous, like scorpions, but […]
RSVP Now
Free
|
0 events,
|
5 events,
-
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 […]
RSVP Now
Free
-
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. […]
RSVP Now
Free
-
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. […]
RSVP Now
Free
-
Windgate Pass/Bell Pass Loop from Gateway Trailhead. Ready for a great workout? Then this Very Difficult hike in the heart of the southern McDowells is for you. We go to Windgate Pass and around to Bell Pass before returning to the trailhead. 9.3 miles for about 5 hours with over 2000 ft. of elevation gain. […]
RSVP Now
Free
-
Linking Plants, Pollinators and You Saturday, January 10, 2026 from 2:30 pm to 4 pm Location: Mustang Library, 10101 N 90th Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85258 We will explore the dynamic and varied world of Sonoran Desert Pollinators who coexist with us in every season and landscape. These pollinators, while offering our desert great beauty, also serve an […]
RSVP Now
Free
|
|
1 event,
-
Ride to the Crested Saguaros and Lifecycle of the Saguaro (Int.) 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 10 miles and is rated Advanced Skill and Vigorous Cardio. A bike with […]
RSVP Now
Free
|
1 event,
-
Women’s Bike Ride (Beg.) from Brown's Ranch Trailhead. This women’s bike ride is a beginner skill level ride and moderate cardio. This ride is perfect for women or those who identify as women. It is a “No Drop” ride, meaning no one will be left behind. Plan on about 3 hours to cover approximately 11 […]
RSVP Now
Free
|
1 event,
-
Tom’s Thumb, East End, Regional Park from Tom's Thumb Trailhead. This very difficult hike from Tom's Thumb trailhead explores the rugged and scenic views of the Preserve. We will go up Tom’s Thumb to East End and return via the McDowell Regional Park in 9.3 miles with over 1,500 ft. elevation change in about 5 […]
RSVP Now
Free
|
0 events,
|
2 events,
-
Nature's Medicine Cabinet Educational Walk at Brown's Ranch Trailhead. Take a global look of the importance of plants and their physical properties and how they were used throughout the centuries to aid in man’s wellbeing. We will start globally but then move to look at some of medicinal plants found in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. […]
RSVP Now
Free
-
Mammoth Hunters to Canal Builders Educational Hike at Fraesfield Trailhead. Travel back in time in the preserve with our expert and former City of Scottsdale archeologist to learn how historic and ancient peoples survived and thrived in this desert area. This easy hike covers 3 miles over about 2.5 hours. Restrooms available at the trailhead […]
RSVP Now
Free
|
0 events,
|
2 events,
-
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, […]
RSVP Now
Free
-
Preserve Origins Educational Walk at Fraesfield Trailhead The McDowell Sonoran Preserve is the largest continuous urban preserve in North America. It is part of the Sonoran Desert, the most biodiverse desert in the world. It encompasses over a third of the City of Scottsdale. How did all this happen? How did the people of Scottsdale […]
RSVP Now
Free
|
|
3 events,
-
Ride the Four Peaks (Int.) from Brown's Ranch Trailhead. Experience all 4 peaks in the Brown’s Ranch area of the Preserve on this 3-hour 16-mile ride. We will ride to Cone Mountain where we will have an exhilarating ride down Cloudburst, then we will head east to The Divide. From The Divide, we will have […]
RSVP Now
Free
-
Whiskey Bottle, Turpentine, Black Hills, 136th Express and Dixileta from Fraesfield Trailhead. Let’s explore the Fraesfield Trails. This Difficult 7.5-mile hike with minimal elevation gain will cover 8 different trails accessible from the Fraesfield trailhead which most hikers do not visit. We may add the Campana Interpretive trail also . Bring a snack or light […]
RSVP Now
Free
-
Sonoran Sundays - Mammals of the Sonoran Desert (Guest Presenter: Maricopa Parks and Recreation) Want to learn more about the Sonoran Desert’s amazing mammals? Would you like some tips to increase your chances of seeing wildlife while hiking? Then you’re going to want to join Ranger Kevin of Maricopa Parks and Recreation for a closer […] |
0 events,
|
0 events,
|
0 events,
|
1 event,
-
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. […]
RSVP Now
Free
|
1 event,
-
Marcus Landslide Educational Hike from Tom’s Thumb Trailhead. Open your eyes to the Marcus Landslide geological site, second largest landslide in Arizona. This Moderate educational hike will be about 4 miles in about 3 hours with 400 ft, of elevation gain. Bathrooms at the trailhead but no water. Bring water and snacks for the trail. […]
RSVP Now
Free
|
3 events,
-
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 […]
RSVP Now
Free
-
Venom in the Desert from Gateway Trailhead. Some reptiles and arthropods in the Sonoran Desert use venom or other poisons to defend themselves or subdue their prey. Learn how to recognize these animals that bite and sting and the effect of their venom. Join us on an easy 1.5 hour walk. Restrooms and water are […]
RSVP Now
Free
-
Latigo, Scorpion, Snake Eyes, Dare A Sarah Trails from Pima Dynamite Trailhead. This Difficult hike winds through many boulder formations in the northwest Preserve in an area mostly seen only by mountain bikers. Let your imagination run wild as you visualize familiar shapes in the formations. Although the terrain is rolling, the trails occasionally traverse […]
RSVP Now
Free
|
|
0 events,
|
0 events,
|
1 event,
-
The Story of Historic Brown’s Ranch and the Creation of the Brown’s Ranch Interpretive Trail Tuesday, January 27, 2026, 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm Location: Mustang Library, 10101 N 90th Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85258 The Brown family developed our region’s most iconic ranch in what is now part of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve in Scottsdale. Join […]
RSVP Now
Free
|
0 events,
|
1 event,
-
Desert Surfaces at Brown's Ranch Trailhead. What really covers the desert - little organisms can make a big difference! Some of the most common sights in the desert - and indeed the living things that probably cover more of the desert than any single kind of plant - are lichen, desert varnish, and soil crust. […]
RSVP Now
Free
|
0 events,
|
1 event,
-
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
|
