Quartz Trail from Lost Dog Wash Fitness Hike
Lost Dog Wash Trailhead 12601 N. 124th Street, Scottsdale, AZQuartz Trail from Lost Dog Trailhead Fitness Hike This Very Difficult hike will visit the quartz formation that can be seen for miles all over Scottsdale. The hike covers 9 miles in about 5 hours with significant elevation gains on rocky trails. Experienced hikers suggested. Bathrooms available at the trailhead. Bring water, snacks and even
More Pie Please
Lost Dog Wash Trailhead 12601 N. 124th Street, Scottsdale, AZMore Pie Please Fitness Hike at Lost Dog Trailhead  Join Steve Dodd on this Moderate hike to burn off some calories with family and friends and you won’t feel a bit guilty about having that second piece of pie!  2.5 miles over about 1.5 hours and some ups and downs. Bathrooms available at the trailhead.
Bike the South from Lost Dog Wash Trailhead
Lost Dog Wash Trailhead 12601 N. 124th Street, Scottsdale, AZBike the South from Lost Dog Wash Trailhead Come ride the southern preserve trails. This is an Advanced Skill and Vigorous Cardio level ride of about 15 miles in 2.5 – 3 hours. We will ride over Taliesin Overlook to the Levee loop and possibly up the Quartz trail. This is a good ride to
Lifecycle of the Saguaro
Granite Mountain Trailhead 31402 N. 136th Street, Scottsdale, AZLifecycle of the Saguaro Education Hike at Granite Mountain Trailhead Native only to the Sonoran Desert, these giant cacti are a sight to see! Join PastFinders Don Brockway and Chris Crum to follow the growth of a Saguaro from seed to skeleton and view multi-armed, old Saguaros. This Moderate hike covers 4 miles in about
Marcus Landslide Educational Ride
Tom’s Thumb Trailhead 23015 N. 128th Street, Scottsdale, AZMarcus Landslide Educational Ride from Tom’s Thumb Trailhead We will ride to Marcus Landslide and into the County Park to see the landslide from various viewpoints. This Intermediate Skills and Vigorous Cardio ride covers some significant elevation changes over 3.5 hours. However, there will be numerous stops to discuss and observe the geology of the
Sonoran Sundays: Arthropods
Gateway Trailhead 18333 N. Thompson Peak Pkwy., Scottsdale, AZMaster Steward Rich Cochran will present an in-depth talk on some of the fascinating insects and arachnids that inhabit our Sonoran Desert. An expert on arthropods, Rich will provide an up-close look at some fun and interesting species from his vast collection, including a Tarantula Wasp, a Giant Desert Hairy Scorpion, and more.
Desert Origins and Adaptations Educational Hike
Brown's Ranch Trailhead 30301 N. Alma School Road, Scottsdale, AZDesert Origins and Adaptations Educational Hike at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead. Why is the Sonoran Desert here? Join Frank Romaglia as he examines how climate and geomorphology interact to create a desert. He’ll compare and contrast North American deserts, then focus on our Sonoran home and some adaptations necessary to survive this harsh environment. This Moderate
Hike with Natural Resources Coordinator
Granite Mountain Trailhead 31402 N. 136th Street, Scottsdale, AZHike with Natural Resources Coordinator at Granite Mountain Trailhead Spend about 2 hours on an easy hike with John Loleit, the Natural Resources Coordinator, as he discusses various pertinent topics while hiking in the desert. The material will depend on the season, animals, plants, and will cover whatever is happening in this wonderful environment.  Bathrooms
High Desert – Broken Spoke – Hawksnest – Buckshot Trails
Brown's Ranch Trailhead 30301 N. Alma School Road, Scottsdale, AZHigh Desert, Broken Spoke, Hawknest and Buckshot Trails Fitness Hike from Brown’s Ranch Trailhead This Very Difficult hike will allow you to explore some of the remote trails in the northwest area of the Preserve. 9.3 miles for about 5 hours with rolling hills. Experience hikers suggested. Bathrooms available at the trailhead. Bring water, snacks,
Trailside Naturalist Station: Predators
Gateway Trailhead 18333 N. Thompson Peak Pkwy., Scottsdale, AZStop by the Trailside Naturalist station at the Gateway Trailhead between 9-11 A.M. to learn about the various predators found in the Preserve.
Sunrise Peak from Lost Dog Wash Fitness Hike
Lost Dog Wash Trailhead 12601 N. 124th Street, Scottsdale, AZSunrise Peak from Lost Dog Trailhead Fitness Hike  This Very Difficult Hike travels the beautiful and challenging west side of Sunrise Peak up to a great 360-degree view of the Valley of the Sun. Experienced hikers suggested. 6.2 miles in about 3.5 hours with elevation gain over 1,300 ft. Bathrooms available at the trailhead. Bring
Mountain Bike Skills Clinic
Fraesfield Trailhead 13400 East Rio Verde Drive, Scottsdale, AZMountain Bike Skills Clinic at Fraesfield 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 covering
Gateway to TT9 Overlook Fitness Hike
Gateway Trailhead 18333 N. Thompson Peak Pkwy., Scottsdale, AZGateway to Tom’s Thumb TT9 Overlook Fitness Hike from Gateway Trailhead.  This Very Difficult hike takes us to the seldom visited vistas west of Tom’s Thumb that makes you think you are in the Grand Canyon. 9.6 miles in about 5-6 hours with a big climb of 2100 ft! Bathrooms at the trailhead.  Bring water
Mistletoe and Holly Educational Hike
Brown's Ranch Trailhead 30301 N. Alma School Road, Scottsdale, AZMistletoe & Holly Educational Hike at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead What do desert plants and animals have to do with the holidays? Join PastFinder Franco Farina on an Easy hike and discover the hidden, festive desert connections. 3 miles over about 2.5 hours with minimal elevation gain. Bathrooms available at the trailhead. Bring water and snacks
Fraesfield to Balanced Rock Fitness Hike
Fraesfield Trailhead 13400 East Rio Verde Drive, Scottsdale, AZFraesfield Trailhead to Balanced Rock Fitness Hike. This Very Difficult hike will take us on a long journey thru the flatter part of the preserve to the amazing granite balancing rock formation. 10 miles over 4.5 hours. Bring snacks and a lunch. Experienced hikers suggested. Bathrooms are available at the trailhead. Bring water and snacks
Ride the Gooseneck
Fraesfield Trailhead 13400 East Rio Verde Drive, Scottsdale, AZRide the Gooseneck from Fraesfield Trailhead. This easier ride is a great sequel to the Skills Clinic. The ride is low Intermediate Skills and Moderate Cardio level ride. It will travel over the flatter areas of the Gooseneck. The first ½ mile of the ride requires intermediate skills, but it is smooth sailing for the
Christmas Day Fitness Hike
Gateway Trailhead 18333 N. Thompson Peak Pkwy., Scottsdale, AZChristmas Day Hike Fitness Hike at Gateway Trailhead. Embrace the spirit of the holiday on this picturesque hike on the Gateway Loop that will take you into the heart of the McDowells. This is a Moderate hike of 4.5 miles in about 2.5 hours with significant elevation gain of 700 ft. Bathrooms available at the
Vaquero – Whiskey Bottle – LatigoTrails Fitness Hike
Brown's Ranch Trailhead 30301 N. Alma School Road, Scottsdale, AZVaquero, Whiskey Bottle & Latigo Fitness Hike at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead This hike on three picturesque trails will take you to a crested saguaro and then continue through a diverse landscape. Moderate hike of 5 miles for about 2.5 hours. Bathrooms available at the trailhead. Bring water and snacks for the trail. No dogs please.
Gateway TH to “Silver” Bell Pass Fitness Hike
Gateway Trailhead 18333 N. Thompson Peak Pkwy., Scottsdale, AZGateway Trailhead  to “Silver” Bell Pass Fitness Hike.  Celebrate the coming New Year on this Very Difficult but rewarding hike! Experienced Hikers suggested. The views along this challenging path will make the miles go faster. 7.2 miles in about 4 hours and gains 1,500 ft. Bathrooms available at the trailhead. Bring water, snacks and even
Jane Rau Trail Walk
Brown's Ranch Trailhead 30301 N. Alma School Road, Scottsdale, AZJane Rau Trail Educational Walk at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead Join us for a leisurely walk on the awe-inspiring Jane Rau Trail. A slower pace will allow us time to stop for various discussions of the desert. Benches to sit are on the trail. About 1.5 miles over about 90 minutes.  Bathrooms available at the trailhead.