Ride Brown’s Ranch to Dove Valley (Intermediate) at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead Join us for a fun, moderate cardio, single-track ride from Brown’s Ranch riding on beautiful smooth single track trails through Balanced Rock, Cholla Mountain eventually up to Dove Valley and back. The route includes some climbing and fun winding downhills. We will make short

Stoneman Road Educational Hike at Fraesfield Trailhead The Stoneman Road was created as an “expressway” between Ft. McDowell and Ft. Whipple (near Prescott) in the 1870's. Join PastFinders experts as we walk portions of the actual route and discuss its origin, namesake and value to our history. Location: Fraesfield Trailhead - 13400 E Rio Verde

Granite Mountain Loop and Balanced Rock at Granite Mountain Trailhead Join us and hike on one of the classic paths in the Preserve and a side trip to Balanced Rock. Experienced hikers suggested. Location: Granite Mountain Trailhead - 31402 N 136th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85262 Skill level: Difficult Distance: ~6.8 miles Time: ~3.5 hours Pets

Preserve Origins Educational Walk at Fraesfield Trailhead Location: Fraesfield Trailhead - 13400 E Rio Verde Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85262 Skill level: Easy Time: ~2 hours 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

Lecture- Scottsdale: Mecca for The Arabian Horse at Mustang Library The upcoming Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show has been a signature equestrian and tourism event since 1956. Now, the biggest Arabian show in the world, this event has been held at Westworld in Scottsdale for over 30 years. Hear how local breeders Ed Tweed, Anne and

Cowpoke-Granite Mountain & Bootlegger Hike at Granite Mountain Trailhead This hike covers some beautiful areas of the eastern Preserve with some of the most impressive saguaro stands in the Preserve. Location: Granite Mountain Trailhead Skill level: Moderate Distance: ~4.5 miles Time: ~3 hours Pets are not permitted at our activities due to safety concerns. If you

Desert 101 North Educational Walk at Brown's Ranch Trailhead Location: Brown’s Ranch Trailhead - 30301 N. Alma School Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85262 Skill level: Easy Time: ~2 hours The Conservancy has a mission to help sustain the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. This walk provides a geological and ecological overview of what lives in the McDowell Sonoran

Secrets of the Preserve Educational Walk at Fraesfield Trailhead Location: Fraesfield Trailhead - 13400 E Rio Verde Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85262 Skill level: Easy Time: ~2 hours Ready to discover more about what is in the Preserve? This is an experience for you! Join us to explore the Preserve’s hidden treasures, from the plants and

Walk Like a Tortoise Educational Walk at Brown's Ranch Trailhead Location: Brown's Ranch Trailhead - 30301 N. Alma School Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85262 Skill level: Easy Distance: ~1 mile Time: ~2 hours Join us as we learn about and look for signs of the Sonoran Desert tortoise. This leisurely walk on the Jane Rau Trail

Women's Bike Ride (Beginners) at Brown's Ranch Trailhead This all women’s bike ride is an beginner skill level ride and Moderate Cardio.  This ride is perfect for those who identify as women. Location: Brown's Ranch Trailhead - 30301 N. Alma School Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85262 Skill level: Intermediate Distance: ~10-12 miles Time: ~3 hours Please,

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

Trailside Naturalist – Butterfly Abundance, Richness and Diversity at Gateway Trailhead Location: Gateway Trailhead – 18333 N Thompson Peak Pkwy, Scottsdale, AZ 85255 Time: ~2.5 hours Stop by anytime between 8:30 and 11:00 A.M. to find out all about the many species of butterflies that live in the Preserve. Pipevines and sulphers and skippers, oh

Desert 101 South Educational Walk at Gateway Trailhead The Conservancy has a mission to help sustain the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. 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. Location: Gateway Trailhead Skill level: Easy Time: ~2 hours Pets

The Hidden Desert Educational Walk at Fraesfield Trailhead Location: Fraesfield Trailhead - 13400 E Rio Verde Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85262 Skill level: Easy Time: ~2 hours 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,

Sonoran Sunday: Soaring Desert Birds of Prey at Gateway Trailhead Location: Gateway Trailhead –  18333 N. Thompson Peak Pkwy. Scottsdale, AZ 85255 Wild at Heart, a local raptor rescue organization, will provide an up-close encounter with several rescued birds of prey. Learn why these remarkable birds are rescued, how they can be rehabilitated and released

Walk with Natural Resources Coordinator at Fraesfield Trailhead Spend about 2 hours on an easy walk with a City of Scottsdale Natural Resources Coordinator as various desert topics are discussed. The material will depend on what we see in this wonderful environment. Location: Fraesfield Trailhead – 13400 E Rio Verde Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85262 Bathrooms

Lecture- Discover the McDowell Sonoran Preserve at Mustang Library Nearly a million visitors enjoy Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve each year. Learn from an insider how to get the most out of your trip! A local expert from the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy will help you discover all the ways to explore and protect the “best” preserve

Trailside Naturalist – Protecting the Desert Tortoise at Gateway Trailhead Location: Gateway Trailhead – 18333 N Thompson Peak Pkwy, Scottsdale, AZ 85255 Time: ~2.5 hours Stop by anytime between 8:30 and 11:00 A.M. to learn all about the desert tortoises that live in the Preserve. How does the desert tortoise survive the long hot Sonoran

Biodiversity in the Sonoran Desert Educational Walk at Fraesfield Trailhead Location: Fraesfield Trailhead - 13400 E Rio Verde Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85262 Skill level: Easy Time: ~2 hours The Sonoran Desert is the most biodiverse desert in the world, and the closer you look, the more there is to see! Join us for a biodiversity

Ride to the Crested Saguaros at Brown's Ranch Trailhead  Ever notice the crested saguaros in the Preserve? Come ride with us to see a large number scattered throughout the north. This is an advanced skill and vigorous cardio ride. Location: Brown’s Ranch Trailhead - 30301 N. Alma School Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85262 Skill level: Intermediate