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Scottsdale's McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Scottsdale's McDowell Sonoran Preserve is like no other place in the Valley. It is unique geologically. It is home to stunning geography, lush cacti forests and diverse wildlife. It features award-winning trails and facilities.
See for yourself. Now is a great time to explore the preserve, stretched across roughly 27,800 scenic acres of Scottsdale.
The Preserve encompasses the McDowell Mountains, where recent discoveries are causing geologists to rethink how this region formed and evolved. New trails and amenities are bringing Scottsdale’s “mountains of discovery” closer to residents and visitors. Check them out!
Frequently Requested Information |
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PRESERVE TRAIL GUIDEMany questions about the Preserve can be answered in this guide. |
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Trail MapsLarge MapPrinter Friendly -South Half -North Half -Gateway Trailhead -Tom's Thumb Trailhead Pickup a map/Have a map mailed |
Hours-Open Everyday-Sunrise to Sunset Gate Schedule |
How Do I Get There?Location and amenity information |
FeesEntry into the Preserve is freefor non-commerical use. |
DogsMust remain on a leash at all timesand waste must be picked up. |
Phone(480) 312-7013 |
Latest News
-Tom's Thumb Trailhead is NOW OPEN!
-McDowell Sonoran Preserve Update - September 2012
-Major Acquisitions in November 2012 Add to Preserve
-Brown's Ranch Trailhead Update
-Temporary Closure in Northern Preserve
More News...
How to Get to the Preserve
You can access the trails in the Preserve from multiple trailheads around the Preserve's perimeter.
TRAIL MAPS
You can pickup trail maps at the trailheads or the following locations:
| Name | Address |
| City of Scottsdale Community Services Office |
7447 E. Indian School Rd. Ste 300 |
| McDowell Sonoran Conservancy Office |
16435 N. Scottsdale Rd. Ste 110 |
The maps can also be mailed to you by calling (480) 312-7013.
For information on guided tours of Scottsdale's Preserve, visit the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy's website at www.mcdowellsonoran.org.
Tom's thumb Trailhead IS NOW OPEN!
This new amenity lets you access the northern reaches of the McDowell Mountains and 5 miles of new multi-use trails, including the Marcus Landslide Interpretive Trail. Please join the Mayor and City Council in the Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve and explore this fascinating area.23015 N. 128th Street
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
(click map to enlarge)
DIRECTIONS
From the south, take Pima Road north to Happy Valley Road east for approximately 4.25 miles, turn right (east) onto Ranch Gate Road, turn right (south) onto 128th Street, and travel for one mile to Tom’s Thumb Trailhead.
From the north, take Pima Road south to Dynamite Rd / Rio Verde Dr and and turn left (east). Turn right on 128th St and travel 3 miles south to Tom's Thumb Trailhead.
Contact
The City of Scottsdale coordinates all activities involving the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. For more information call:
(480) 312-7013
