Great Northern Trailhead
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. […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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. […]
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. […]
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 […]
Ride to the Crested Saguaros and Lifecycle of the Saguaro (Int.) from Brown’s Ranch Trailhead. Ever noticed the Crested Saguaros in the preserve? Come ride with us to see a large number scattered throughout the north. This 3 hour ride will cover 13-15 miles and is rated Advanced Skill and Vigorous Cardio. A bike with […]
The World of Arthropods at Brown's Ranch 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 […]
Introduction to Preserve Trailheads and Trails at Brown's Ranch Trailhead. This hike will be targeted to visitors or those fairly new to the Preserve trails. The hike will be about 7 miles, taking about 3 hours, and cover a variety of trails to highlight various aspects of the Preserve trails and point out key locations […]
Bird Walk at Brown's Ranch 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. […]
Love is a Many-Splendored Thing at Brown's Ranch Trailhead Enjoy a pleasant 2.5 hour, 3 mile walk and imagine love and passion for the Women of the McDowells in the 1800-1900s. Please arrive 15 minutes start of the walk. Restrooms and water at the trailhead. Please bring water and snacks for the trail. No dogs, […]
