McDowell Sonoran Preserve

The City of Scottsdale is moving forward to begin design and construction of the newest trailhead in Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve. The new trailhead will be located on the northeast corner of Pima Rd. and Dynamite Blvd. and will provide parking and support amenities for public recreational access to the extensive network of trails in the northern region of the Preserve for hiking, biking, trail running, and horseback riding. We want to hear from you. Come view proposed plans for the plans for the trailhead and let us know what you think. There are three ways for you to participate:

View/Download

SOUTH AREA MAP   (PDF) - Watch Video
Gateway, Tom's Thumb, Lost Dog Wash, Sunrise, Ringtail Trailheads

CENTRAL AREA MAP  (PDF)
Gooseneck Trail - Fraesfield Trailhead to Tom's Thumb Trailhead

NORTH AREA MAP  (PDF) - Watch Video
Brown's Ranch, Granite Mountain, Fraesfield Trailheads

Pickup Hardcopy

You can pickup hard copies at any of the trailhead locations or at:

The Preserve is open everyday, sunrise to sunset,  free of charge. All trailheads open and close at specific times throughout the year.

Please observe all rules and regulations  including no alcohol, smoking or fires.

Rules

Dogs in the Preserve are a privilege. If you bring your dog it is your responsibility to follow the rules:

• If it is over 90 degrees at any time in your hike, it's too hot for your dog.
• Dogs must be on hand held leash, no longer than 6 feet at all times.
• Waste must be pick up immediately and disposed of in a trash container or carried with you until you reach a trash container.
• Loose or bagged waste on the trail is prohibited.

Heat Warning for Dog Owners

Dogs do not actually sweat. They exchange heat through panting and to a minor degree, through their feet pads. Additionally, our canine friends do not tolerate high environmental temperatures as well as humans do.

Risk groups

The risk groups are much the same as humans: Old, obese, suffer from medical conditions or take medicine. Certain breeds are more susceptible to heat emergencies than other breeds. These breeds with a broad, short skull: Boxers, Bulldogs, Pugs, etc.

Causes of heat emergency in dogs:

• Strenuous exercise in hot, humid weather
• Elevated temperatures from atmospheric temps and hot surface contact
• Sidewalk/natural rock surface can radiate very high temps 
• 90 degree atmospheric temp/ potential surface temp of 135 degrees

Warning Signs

• Begins with heavy panting/signs of difficulty breathing
• Tongue/gums appears bright red with thick saliva
• Skin elasticity (when pinched, does not snap back)
• Worsens if dog vomits, becomes unsteady, lethargic, unwilling to move (Core temp in the 104 degree range)
• Heat Stroke:
  • lips/membranes become blue/gray
  • Rapid on-set collapse, seizure, unconsciousness and death

What to do

• Immediate cooling of body with water, cool packs to groin, where legs meet the body, neck
• Remove from heat immediately
• Get to Veterinarian (Consequences of heat emergency = kidney failure, heart irregularities, other system failures, death)

Prevention

• Know your dog’s limitations/abilities
• Assess the environmental conditions
• Carry plenty of water for both you and your dog
• Cool vests and trail booties for dogs are available and are very efficient

Permits are required for special activities and all commercial and organizational events including photography and filming. Please fill out a request form to begin the process.  It typically takes 2 to 3 weeks for a permit to be issued. Call 480-312-7013 for more information or read the Preserve's Special Use Guidelines. (PDF)

For information on guided hikes of Scottsdale's Preserve, visit the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy.