One of the most wonderful parts of living in Scottsdale is how seamlessly the sophisticated shops and restaurants seem to blend with the rugged beauty of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. North Scottsdale, in particular, is known for its elevated vibe, offering upscale homes and vacation rentals, many of which are managed by our people at Paseo Homes AZ, and when you visit, you know that you will enjoy a vacation experience that rises to new levels of perfection. And yet, when you step outside into immaculately groomed yards to perhaps sunning yourself by crystal-clear pools, you may just be steps away from the wild and wonderful landscape of the preserve, and this guide will show you just how much a visit to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve will add to your Arizona adventures.
McDowell Sonoran Preserve In Arizona
Offering over 30,000 acres of protected desert land the preserve is the largest urban preserve in the nation, something that we are very proud of. Visitors have the opportunity to experience an authentic desert, perhaps seeing saguaro cacti for the first time or discovering the depth and richness the mountains add as backdrop to all that desert land. A spring visit might offer up acres of wildflowers, their colorful petals and green stalks swaying in the breeze practically demanding that you get out your camera and try to freeze this moment in time with a picture you will hang proudly on your wall back home.
Take a Hike
Hiking is one of the most popular things to do in the preserve, especially as it features trailheads and over 230 miles of shared-use trails. Ranging in degree of difficulty from easy (the Horseshoe and Desert Parks trail is less the 2 miles long) to hard (Tom’s Thumb Trail is one of the hardest with a length of 4 miles and an elevation gain of over 1200 feet) with a few moderate trails (Gateway Loop, Granite Mountain Loop), everyone will be able to find a hike that fits their ability.
Ride a Bike
Mountain biking is another popular activity in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, with nearly every hiking trail being open to bikers as well. The Lost Dog Trail, 4.2 miles long and offering a gain in elevation of just 413 feet, provides fantastic views and fields of wildflowers (in the spring months only). The trail offers enough impact to make your ride interesting.
Rock Climbing, Sunset Viewing, and So Much More
There is always something wonderful going on in the McDowel Sonoran Preserve, and the only thing that might top the adventures you enjoy in the preserve is being able to start and end your vacation experience in one of our Paseo Homes AZ Scottsdale retreats. Contact us to reserve your favorite today!
