Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve

Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve The Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve is a large, permanently protected, sustainable desert habitat.

06/12/2026

We got a text!!! 📲🏝️✨
 
It’s going to be another hot weekend with bombshell temperatures. If you plan to visit the trails, be smart and hike safe. 🥵✅
 
Some friendly reminders: 
⏰ Hike early to avoid extreme temperatures 
💧 Bring plenty of water 
😎 Wear sun protection
📱 Bring a charged cell phone 
🗣️ Tell someone your route and plans 
 
Know your limits and stay safe, Scottsdale! 🤗
 
For more information, visit ScottsdaleAZ.gov, search “Preserve”

‼️Tom’s Thumb Trailhead Pavement Improvements‼️From Monday, June 22nd to Saturday, June 27th Tom’s Thumb Trailhead parki...
06/12/2026

‼️Tom’s Thumb Trailhead Pavement Improvements‼️

From Monday, June 22nd to Saturday, June 27th Tom’s Thumb Trailhead parking lot will receive improvements 🅿️

The trailhead and parking lot will remain open during this week 🚗 Please refer to the phasing map above(*second photo) for parking lot restrictions 🚗 Please use EXTRA caution as you drive through the parking lot 🚗 Crews will reopen parking areas as quickly as possible - thank you in advance for your patience 🙏

For more information and hours, head to “ScottsdaleAZ.gov” and search “Preserve” 🌵

Happy National Trails Day 🥾 🚲 🐎 Here are our staff’s trail picks within the Preserve 🌵 Drop your pick in the comments be...
06/06/2026

Happy National Trails Day 🥾 🚲 🐎

Here are our staff’s trail picks within the Preserve 🌵 Drop your pick in the comments below ⬇️

Reminder, practice Heat Smart | Hike Safe 🐢

🌄 Start early
💧 Bring ENOUGH water
🤔Know your limits
🗺️ Bring a map
🧴 Wear Sunscreen

For more information, head to “ScottsdaleAZ.gov” and search “Preserve” 🌵

Time to play Trail Detective! 🕵️‍♀️ This hidden gem in the Preserve offers a heart-pumping climb, sweeping views, and su...
05/22/2026

Time to play Trail Detective! 🕵️‍♀️

This hidden gem in the Preserve offers a heart-pumping climb, sweeping views, and sunrise-worthy vistas ⛰️

Can you guess which trail we’re highlighting this week? Drop your guesses below 👇

For more information and hours, head to “ScottsdaleAZ.gov” and search “Preserve” 🌵

05/15/2026

The temperatures are on the rise 🌡️

Here are other activities to do, provided by the City of Scottsdale, when the heat is ON 🥵

-Splash Pad located at Civic Center Park 💦
-Take a Leisure Education class 💃
-Visit one of the aquatic centers 🏊
-Go to the library 📚
-Visit THE Roundhouse located at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park 🚂

Stay cool and practice Heat Safe | Hike Smart ☀️

For more information, head to “ScottsdaleAZ.gov”

05/08/2026

Heat Awareness Week 🥵

Temperatures will be on the rise starting this weekend 🌡️

Know your limitations and practice Heat Smart | Hike Safe 🌡️

For more information and hours, head to “ScottsdaleAZ.gov” and search “Preserve” 🌵

It’s Arizona Heat Awareness week and our very own city employees are hiking prepared and proud! 🥾👏 Herlinda, a city of S...
05/06/2026

It’s Arizona Heat Awareness week and our very own city employees are hiking prepared and proud! 🥾👏
 
Herlinda, a city of Scottsdale employee, spent the weekend hiking Tom’s Thumb with her husband. Herlinda came ready and prepared, having the essential items needed for a hike and earned herself a Trek the Desert Tortoise sticker! Congrats on being heat smart and hiking safe, Herlinda. 🐢✨
 
Earn yourself a Trek sticker by showing a preserve employee that you have three out of the five essentials when hiking:

💧Water
🗺️ Paper or digital map
⛑️ First aid kit
⚡️ Electrolytes
📱 Fully charged cell phone 
 
Take a picture with your sticker, collaborate with the preserve page and tell us what was in your pack! 📸
 
For more heat safety tips, visit ScottsdaleAZ.gov, search “Preserve”

🚧 Parking Lot Construction Notices 🚧Pinnacle Peak Park: From 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, May 5 through Wednesday, May 6 th...
05/01/2026

🚧 Parking Lot Construction Notices 🚧

Pinnacle Peak Park:
From 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, May 5 through Wednesday, May 6 the parking lot at Pinnacle Peak Park will be undergoing repairs. Repairs will be done in sections with visitors still being able to access the parking lot and trailhead.

Granite Mountain Trailhead:
From 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5 the parking lot at Granite Mountain Trailhead will be undergoing repairs. Repairs will be done in sections with visitors still being able to access the parking lot and trailhead.

Tom’s Thumb Trailhead:
Starting Wednesday, May 6 through Thursday, May 7 the parking lot at Tom’s Thumb Trailhead will be undergoing repairs. Work will be conducted from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. The parking lot will remain open and visitors will have access to the trailhead.

Please exercise patience and drive with care around the construction zone. Updates will be provided accordingly. 🌵

For more information, visit ScottsdaleAZ.gov, search “Preserve”

🌟 NOW HIRING 🌟The McDowell Sonoran Preserve is on the lookout for a motivated leader with a love of natural landscapes t...
04/28/2026

🌟 NOW HIRING 🌟

The McDowell Sonoran Preserve is on the lookout for a motivated leader with a love of natural landscapes to serve as the next Preserve Manager.

As manager you will:
✔️ Lead and direct staff, deliver and develop goals that benefit the long-term preserve

🚧 Oversee capital projects and operational budgets

🤝 Serve as primary liaison to the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy and other community members

⛰️ Manage trails, facilities and infrastructure while protecting the integrity of the preserve

Learn more at ScottsdaleAZ.gov, search “Careers”

Address

3939 N Drinkwater Boulevard
Scottsdale, AZ
85251

Telephone

+14803127013

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category