Best Hiking Area Scottsdale Near Me

4worldlovers: The Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve is a large, permanently protected, sustainable desert habitat that includes an interconnected network of non-motorized, multi-use trails (hike/bike/horse) accessed from multiple trailhead locations.

Electric bikes are not allowed in the Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Electric bikes are motorized, and Chapter 21 of the Scottsdale Revised Code prohibits motorized vehicles from being used in the Preserve, with the exception of motorized wheelchairs, or vehicles in designated trailhead parking areas.

For information on guided hikes of Scottsdale's Preserve, visit the Natural Resources Coordinator Guided Hikes or the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy.

With the warm spring weather upon us, the cold-blooded reptiles of the Preserve have emerged from hiding, including rattlesnakes. Rattlesnakes are an important part of the Preserve ecosystem and are a protected species. The Preserve is a wild area inhabited by a variety of wild animals, which are inherently unpredictable. While you visit their natural habitat, it is important to remember a few tips to assure a safe experience.

Do not place your hands or feet in places you cannot see

Move slowly and deliberately, and back away to a safe distance

Provide a caution to other hikers in the area about the presence of the snake

If the snake is in a developed area, like a trailhead, contact the Preserve staff (480-312-7013) and they will do their best to relocate the snake.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Worsens if dog vomits, becomes unsteady, lethargic, unwilling to move (Core temp in the 104 degree range)

Immediate cooling of body with water, cool packs to groin, where legs meet the body, neck

Get to Veterinarian (Consequences of heat emergency = kidney failure, heart irregularities, other system failures, death)

Cool vests and trail booties for dogs are available and are very efficient

A Special Use Permit is required for special activities and organized events including professional photography and filming, special events, weddings and other ceremonies, and community club activities such as group hikes and rides. Please fill out a special use permit request form to begin the process. It typically takes 7 to 10 business days for a permit to be issued. Call 480-312-7013 for more information or read the Preserve's Special Use Guidelines. (PDF)