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"Preserve Connections" Hiking Tours

Free transportation and morning hike in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve!

In partnership with the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy the City of Scottsdale is offering for the fourth year, Preserve Connections, a seasonal hiking program offered to Scottsdale residents who may not have direct access to visit, experience and learn more about the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.


Certified Conservancy Stewards will lead pre-registered participants on hikes that highlight Sonoran Desert flora and fauna.


As part of registration, participants will be transported by bus to the Preserve.  Bus departure time and location is listed below.

Hiker pickup location:
Granite Reef Senior Center
1700 N. Granite Reef    Map

Times:
8 a.m. check-in
Noon/1 p.m. return time 
(approx. depending on length of hike)

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Click Here to Register


 

HIKE DATES & Descriptions  

 Trail Name/Difficulty

Date

Trail Description

Lost Dog & Old Jeep Trails
Gradual grades and one steep section		 Sunday, Nov. 16 4.5 mile hike in the beautiful southern area basin of the Preserve. Learn how plants live through scorching summer heat.

Quartz Trail:
Mild inclines only

 Saturday Dec. 13 5 mile hike to a quartz outcropping and back. Beautiful views from the trail. Learn about how desert animals have adapted to climate.

Taliesin Overlook
Short, sustained climbs over gradual grades

Saturday, Jan. 10 4 mile hike to ‘saddle’ and back. Enjoy views of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin complex and the northeast valley.
Gateway Access Area Loop Trails
Mild inclines only		 Saturday Jan. 31 Good beginner hike! 3 mile loop. Learn all about the new access area trails and the future Discovery Center!
Sunrise Trail:
Steep & sustained climb with switchbacks		 Sunday, Feb. 22

Experienced hikers only! Challenging hike of 4.5 mile round trip with 800 feet elevation gain. Amazing views.

Brown's Ranch & return
Mild inclines only		 Saturday, Mar. 14 4 mile roundtrip hike to a former working ranch. Learn about the history of ranching in the Scottsdale area.

Please Note:

Trails are rocky and irregular and may not be suitable for some hikers depending on experience and fitness.  Please specify any need for disabilty related accommodations by calling (480) 312-3111.


Requirements

  • Participants must sign liability waivers. 
  • Hikers must:
    • Wear sturdy, covered shoes/boots and hats (sunglasses suggested).
    • Bring at least 2 quarts of water per hiker, sunscreen and energy snacks.
  • No strollers; children must either walk or be carried.
  • No pets allowed.
  • Registration will be limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. 
  • For more information, call (480) 312-3111.

Hikes are led by experienced McDowell Sonoran Conservancy Stewards who are expert in desert subjects. Frequent stops will be made to admire and discuss surroundings. Questions are encouraged.


The McDowell Sonoran Conservancy (MSC) is a non-profit organization staffed almost entirely by volunteers. It advocates the land-conservation cause, conducts desert-education programs and helps maintain the city-owned McDowell Sonoran Preserve and state-trust-land areas that have been designated for preservation, but not yet acquired. To reach the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, call (480) 998-7971.

 

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