What we’re about
We offer hike and mountain bike tours lead by experienced, knowledgeable stewards at no charge. We would love for you to join us while we discover the Scottsdale's McDowell Sonoran Preserve, the largest urban preserve in the United States at over 30,000 acres and 225 miles of trails.
Did you know the McDowell Sonoran Preserve is owned by the City of Scottsdale but cared for by over 600 stewards? Not only do we care for the Preserve, we have a blast enjoying the recreation that it provides. If you would like to join us, visit McdowellSonoran.org.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Lifecycle of the Saguaro Educational Walk at Brown’s Ranch TrailheadBrown’s Ranch Trail, Scottsdale, AZ
Skill level: Easy
Distance: ~0.5 mile
Time: ~2 hoursNative 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.
Pets are not permitted at our activities due to safety concerns. If you would like to request an accommodation for your service animal, please contact our office at least two weeks before the event you plan to attend.
The difficulty of hikes varies. Please choose hikes that match your fitness level. Restrooms are available at the trailheads. Bring Water and snacks for the trail. Arrive 15 minutes before the start of the hike.
For information on other Conservancy events, please visit our Conservancy event calendar: https://www.mcdowellsonoran.org/events - Nature as Therapy Walk at Brown’s Ranch TrailheadBrown’s Ranch Trail, Scottsdale, AZ
Skill level: Easy
Time: ~2 hoursLearn why time in nature makes you happier, healthier, and more creative. Join us on this easy walk where you will learn how to use nature as a prescription to improve your overall well-being.
Pets are not permitted at our activities due to safety concerns. If you would like to request an accommodation for your service animal, please contact our office at least two weeks before the event you plan to attend.The difficulty of hikes varies. Please choose hikes that match your fitness level. Restrooms are available at the trailheads. Bring Water and snacks for the trail. Arrive 15 minutes before the start of the hike.
For information on other Conservancy events, please visit our Conservancy event calendar: https://www.mcdowellsonoran.org/events - Phenology: Introduction to Plant Phenology Educational Walk at Brown's RanchBrown’s Ranch Trail, Scottsdale, AZ
Skill level: Easy
Time: ~2 hoursThis leisurely walk along the Brown’s Ranch Jane Rau Trail will introduce the study of the phases of plant life cycles, how and why the data are collected, and how to use the Nature’s Notebook app. When plants grow new leaves, flower, bloom, and produce fruit is vital information for scientific analysis to learn how climate change affects flora, fauna, and human habitat worldwide.
Pets are not permitted at our activities due to safety concerns. If you would like to request an accommodation for your service animal, please contact our office at least two weeks before the event you plan to attend.
The difficulty of hikes varies. Please choose hikes that match your fitness level. Restrooms are available at the trailheads. Bring Water and snacks for the trail. Arrive 15 minutes before the start of the hike.
For information on other Conservancy events, please visit our Conservancy event calendar: https://www.mcdowellsonoran.org/events
