Visiting the Preserve

There is no sign up for activities (unless stated otherwise). All that we ask is that you show up 15 minutes prior to start time to assure you have signed a waiver.

Hours are established and enforced by the City of Scottsdale. General rule of thumb is that the Preserve is open from sunrise to sunset. Find the official Preserve hours on the COS website.

Hours are established and enforced by the City of Scottsdale. Preserve is open everyday of the year with the exception of the 4th of July where the Preserve closes early. Find the official Preserve hours on the COS website.

Electric bikes are not allowed in the Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Electric Scooters, motorized bicycles, electric bicycles or any other non-self-propelled vehicle or device (excluding motorized wheelchairs) are prohibited on Preserve trails pursuant to Chapter 21 and Section 17-86(a) of the Scottsdale Revised Code. Exceptions may be approved for individuals with a qualifying mobility disability who require an accommodation.

More information can be found on the COS website. 

The City of Scottsdale owns the Preserve and determines whether the trails are open or closed. You can find more information on their social media accounts.

There is not a definitive Vistor's Center for the Preserve. Our recommendation is to speak with one of our stewards (volunteers) in blue shirts they are often stationed at the trailheads between 8am-12pm and can help you with any questions that you may have.

Our recommendation is to speak with one of our stewards (volunteers) in blue shirts they are often stationed at the trailheads between 8am-12pm and can help you with any questions that you may have.

All trailheads have wildflowers in the springtime. Some of our personal favorites are Fraesfield, Granite Mountain, and Gateway.

Please contact the City of Scottsdale staff.

No, there is no overnight parking or camping allowed in the Preserve.

When hiking in Arizona, set out the amount of water that you think you’ll want, then double it. Even in cool weather, the desert dryness causes evaporation. Remember that dogs need just as much water as you do

Even though you’re on the Preserve’s hiking trails close to home, it’s important to remember to bring a fully charged cell phone. Also, remember extra water, sunscreen, sunglasses, a flashlight and batteries just in case you are delayed after sunset, a first aid kit with tweezers and a comb to help remove cholla balls and cactus spines.

You may need to remove a cactus spine if you brush too closely to a cactus. To remove small spines without cactus stems attached, pluck them out with a tweezers or use a fine-tooth comb. To remove large spines with cactus stems attached, use nail scissors to cut the spines that are connecting the cactus stem to you. Use pliers to pull out the spines.

If any of the following begins to occur, you are overheating and/or dehydrated:

Your face is bright red and your neck is white;

You stop sweating;

You are sweating and feel chills; and/or

You are becoming slightly uncoordinated.

If any of these symptoms occur, find shade and rest. Sip water rather than gulp it. When you feel like you have recovered, return to the trailhead immediately.

Whether you are hiking alone or with a group, walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy, to protect the fragile desert crust. Be considerate of fellow visitors by yielding to other visitors on the trail. Let nature’s sounds prevail by using a soft voice and minimizing loud noises. Pack out all trash and litter you find along the trail. Gateway, Lost Dog Wash, Brown’s Ranch and Tom’s Thumb trailheads have restroom facilities, but always be prepared. Carry some Ziploc bags with toilet paper. Pack used toilet paper out in the Ziploc. Don’t leave it under rocks. Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them. Preserve the past by examining cultural or historic structures and artifacts, then leaving them where you found them. Refrain from building cairns. Respect wildlife by observing from a distance. Don’t follow, approach, or feed animals. Feeding wildlife is bad for their health and alters their natural behaviors.

Alcohol is only allowed to be consumed in the Preserve if a permit has been obtained from the City of Scottsdale.

Yes! Please remain on trail to take any photos. If you plan to bring any equipment or take professional photos please contact the City of Scottsdale for a special use permit.