Gateway Trailhead

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 […]

Trailside Naturalist - Animal Olympics: Bobcats vs Coyotes - Gateway 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 and […]

Stop by the Trailside Naturalist station at Gateway Trailhead between 9-11:30 A.M. to learn about the diverse plants and animals of the Sonoran Desert.  Our steward guides will have fascinating displays and lots of fun facts to share.  Featuring reptiles, arthropods, packrats, and cacti!  Bathrooms and water are available at the trailhead.

Gateway Loop Fitness Hike from Gateway Trailhead.  Finish out our fitness hike season on the Gateway Loop that will take you into the heart of the McDowells. This Moderately difficult hike covers 4.5 miles, gains 700ft and takes about 2 to 2.5 hours. Challenging in the spring heat. Bathrooms available at the trailhead. Bring water […]

In the spring, the desert pops in a rainbow of colorful wildflowers.  Stop by the Trailside Naturalist Station at Gateway Trailhead between 9:00 and 11:00 am to learn about the various blooms and plants you may see on your hike.

Steve Thomas and Judy Agie from Wild at Heart, a local raptor rescue organization, will provide an upclose encounter with several rescued birds of prey. Learn why these remarkable birds are rescued, how they can be rehabilitated and released back into the wild, and what can be done to protect them and their natural habitats.

Desert 101 Educational Walk at Gateway Trailhead.  Think the desert is a barren wasteland? Think again. Join Legacy Steward Marsha Lipps on a leisurely walk on the Bajada trail with frequent stops to discuss the wonders of the desert. About 1.5 hours for a distance of about 1.5 miles.  Bathrooms available at the trailhead.  Bring […]