Women's Balanced Rock Hike at Granite Mountain Trailhead Join us and hike to one of the favorite destinations in the Preserve. This hike is perfect for  those who identify as women. Skill level: Moderate Distance: ~4.2 miles Time: ~2 hours Pets are not permitted at our activities due to safety concerns. If you would like to […]

Lecture - Inspiration: Frank Lloyd Wright and the Sonoran Desert at Mustang Library Location: Mustang Library - 10101 N 90th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85258 Presenter: Stuart Graff, President/COO, Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation Frank Lloyd Wright came to Arizona in the 1920s to assist with the design of the Arizona Biltmore, and stayed to work on […]

Return to Azatlan Educational Hike Azatlan is the contemporary archaeological name given to a large Hohokam community that existed north of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Reservation and east of Rio Verde. Join PastFinders experts for a hike through one of the largest archeological sites in central Arizona, which lies right next door to the Preserve […]

Ride Secrets of the Preserve Educational Ride at Brown's Ranch Trailhead Ready to discover more about what is in the Preserve, beside the excitement of a trail riding? This is the ride for you! Join our PastFinder stewards in exploring the Preserve's recent ranching history and the ancient way of life of the Native American […]

Women's Bike Ride at Fraesfield Trailhead This bike ride is a beginner skill level ride and moderate cardio. This ride is perfect for those who identify as women. Location: Fraesfield Trailhead - 13400 E Rio Verde Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85262 Skill Level: Intermediate Distance: ~9 miles Time: 3.5 hours Please, no road bikes, hybrids, folding […]

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 - 18333 N. Thompson Peak Pkwy. Scottsdale, […]

Lifecycle of the Saguaro Educational Hike at Granite Mountain Trailhead Native only to the Sonoran Desert, these giant cacti are a sight to see! Join us to follow the growth of a saguaro from seed to skeleton and view multi-armed, old saguaros. Location: Granite Mountain Trailhead - 31402 N 136th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85262 Skill level: […]

Sonoran Sunday: Backyard Wildlife at Gateway Trailhead Location: Gateway Trailhead –  18333 N. Thompson Peak Pkwy. Scottsdale, AZ 85255 Arizona is home to over 800 species of animals so it’s not surprising to have encounters with them in our backyard, neighborhood, or out on the trail. Nancy Kreuder, Wildlife Education Outreach Coordinator Arizona Game and […]

Wildlife Camera Research Walk at Fraesfield Trailhead Did you ever wonder how scientists get those fabulous wildlife pictures? Join us to learn what it takes to do wildlife research in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Citizen scientists will discuss locating wildlife corridors, camera placement, and everything needed, including lots of patience, to produce research data. Location: […]

Lecture- Surviving and Thriving in the Sonoran Desert at Mustang Library Location: Mustang Library – 10101 N 90th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85258 We will trace the path and the challenges that the Indigenous people from the North faced on their journey to the Sonoran Desert. We will learn of the amazing properties of many desert plants […]

High Desert, Broken Spoke, Hawknest Trails at Brown's Ranch Trailhead Explore some of the remote trails with rolling hills in the northwest area of the Preserve. Experienced hikers suggested. Location: Brown’s Ranch Trailhead – 30301 Alma School Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85262 Skill level: Difficult Distance: ~7.9 miles Time: ~3.5 hours Pets are not permitted at […]

Venom in the Preserve Educational Walk at Brown's Ranch 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. Location: Brown’s Ranch Trailhead - 30301 N. Alma School […]

Trailside Naturalist – Phainopepla and Mistletoe at Gateway Trailhead Stop by anytime between 8:30 and 11:00 A.M. to learn about the mutualistic relationship between this species of silky flycatcher and hemiparasite. During the winter months, the Sonoran Desert is home to the phainopepla, a species of silky flycatcher birds that feasts on the red berries […]

Arthropods Educational Walk at Gateway 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 to discover the fascinating and diverse world of arthropods and their role in the ecology of the Sonoran Desert. Location: Gateway Trailhead […]

Ride Lifecycle and Oddities of the Saguaro at Pima Dynamite Trailhead Join us on this ride to see some of the magnificent saguaros only found in the Sonoran Desert. We will have a guest presenter discuss the lifecycle of the giant multiarmed saguaros and view many including skeletons and a crested saguaro located near the […]

Effects of Geology on Local Ecology Educational Hike at Gateway Trailhead This hike will provide an overview of the geology of the area and a discussion about how geology – topography, rock type, soil, etc. – affects local ecology. Location: Gateway Trailhead - 18333 N. Thompson Peak Pkwy. Scottsdale, AZ 85255 Skill level: Easy Distance: […]

Mountain Bike Skills Clinic (Beginner) 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 […]

Walk with Natural Resources Coordinator at Granite Mountain Trailhead Join us 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: Granite Mountain Trailhead - 31402 N 136th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85262 Skill level: […]

Mistletoe & Holly Educational Hike at Brown's Ranch Trailhead What do desert plants and animals have to do with the holidays? Join us on this hike and discover the hidden, festive desert connections. Location: Brown’s Ranch Trailhead - 30301 Alma School Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85262 Skill level: Easy Distance: ~3 miles Time: ~2.5 hours Pets […]

Noteworthy and Notorious Arizonans Educational Hike at Fraesfield Trailhead Join a former City of Scottsdale archeologist in a hike of discovery and hear tales – some taller than others – of some of our lesser known Arizona heroes, heroines and villains. Not so notables include a woman prospector (The Miner’s Angel), Arizona Rangers, a lady […]

Trailside Naturalist – Phainopepla and Mistletoe at Brown's Ranch Trailhead Stop by anytime between 8:30 and 11:00 A.M. to learn about the mutualistic relationship between this species of silky flycatcher and hemiparasite. During the winter months, the Sonoran Desert is home to the phainopepla, a species of silky flycatcher birds that feasts on the red […]

What's in Your Backpack? Educational Walk at Gateway Trailhead Location: Gateway Trailhead - 18333 N. Thompson Peak Pkwy. Scottsdale, AZ 85255 Time: 2 hours Our Preserve in the Sonoran Desert is beautiful. But most of the inhabitants, both flora and fauna, want to stick you, prick you or bite you. Your safety is important to […]

Ride from Fraesfield Trailhead at Fraesfield Trailhead Join us for a fun, high-cardio, single-track ride from Fraesfield Trailhead, including some long climbs and winding downhills. This is an intermediate skill level ride. We will make short stops to regroup. Rugged handcycles with a support rider are welcome. Location: Fraesfield Trailhead - 13400 E Rio Verde […]

Walk with Natural Resources Coordinator at Pima Dynamite Trailhead Join us 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: Pima Dynamite Trailhead - 28777 N Pima Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85262 Skill level: […]

Nature's Medicine Cabinet Educational Walk at Brown's Ranch Trailhead Take a global look at the importance of plants and their physical properties and how they were used throughout the centuries to aid in our wellbeing. We will start globally but then move to look at some of the medicinal plants found in the McDowell Sonoran […]

Christmas Day 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. Elevation gain of 700 ft. Location: Gateway Trailhead - 18333 N. Thompson Peak Pkwy. Scottsdale, AZ 85255 Skill level: Moderate Distance: ~4.5 miles Time: ~2.5 […]

Nature as Therapy Walk at Brown's Ranch Trailhead Learn why time in nature makes you happier, healthier, and more creative. Join us to learn how to use nature as a prescription to improve your overall well-being. Location: Brown’s Ranch Trailhead - 30301 N. Alma School Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85262 Skill level: Easy Time: ~2 hours […]

Ride Beginner Next Step at Pima Dynamite Trailhead This will be an opportunity for beginner riders to review the skills learned in the Mountain Bike Skills Clinic and be exposed to new adventures. If you have not attended one of the clinics, you should have solid basic skills on single-track to benefit from this class. We […]

Desert 101 North Educational Walk at Brown's Ranch 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: Brown’s Ranch Trailhead - 30301 Alma School Rd, […]

Brown’s Mountain, Cone Mountain, and Latigo Trail Loop Hike at Brown's Ranch Trailhead Join us for a trip around Brown’s Mountain and Cone Mountain. We travel on Upper Ranch, Wrangler, Brown’s Mountain, Cone Mountain, and finally the scenic Latigo Trail. Location: Brown’s Ranch Trailhead - 30301 N. Alma School Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85262 Skill level: […]

Ride Twenty Miler at Pima Dynamite Trailhead If you would like to join us for the 30-mile perimeter ride on February 24 but aren’t sure you are sufficiently fit, this ride definitely is for you. If you can ride 20 miles, you  should have no problem with 30. Even if the 30 miler is not […]

Arthropods Educational Walk 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 to discover the fascinating and diverse world of arthropods and their role in the ecology of the Sonoran Desert. Location: Brown’s […]

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 […]

Bootlegger/Coyote Canyon Hike at Granite Mountain Trailhead This hike explores the more remote part of the Preserve via Bootlegger, Granite Mountain Loop, Coyote Canyon, Renegade, and 136th St. Express trails. 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 […]

Trailside Naturalist – Rattling on about Rattlers at Brown's Ranch Trailhead Location: Brown’s Ranch Trailhead - 30301 N. Alma School Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85262 Time: ~2.5 hours Stop by anytime between 8:30 and 11:00 A.M. to learn about the five species of rattlesnakes that live in the Sonoran Desert. Did you know? - That a […]

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 […]

Ride to the Crested Saguaros at Granite Mountain 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: Granite Mountain Trailhead - 31402 N 136th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85262 Skill level: Intermediate Distance: […]

Lecture- Rust, Dust, Crust …Discovering Desert Surfaces at Mustang Library The Hills are Alive! If you think the desert floor is all dust, gravel and rocks, then you haven’t taken a good look beneath your feet. The desert’s surface is full of life in the form of soil crust, lichen and desert varnish – the […]