This is a moderately difficult 5.6 mile lollipop hike. We will follow the Promenade trail to its end, then take the Sonoran and Lower Sonoran Trails for a loop hike. This hike can also be shortened by taking one of two crossovers to the alternate trail. Bring two liters of water and snacks, and wear sturdy boots. Hiking poles recommended. No dogs, please.

This hike is included in the FH Hiking Challenge. Registration for the Hiking Challenge is encouraged but not required to join this hike. Separate registration for all SCFH hikes is required!

During this walk through the Desert Botanical Garden with birder Pete Herstein, you will be searching for birds, not only by sight, but by sound. November is an excellent time for birding here, with viewing of over 15 different species a distinct possibility. Highlights could include Rock Wren, Gilded Flicker, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, White-crowned Sparrow and Lincoln's Sparrow. Pete will also demonstrate the use of the ebird, Merlin and birdNET apps. Bring water, a hat, and binoculars if possible. Wear shoes or boots with grippy soles. Hiking poles recommended. Bring a bottle of water and snacks. No dogs, please. A great way to experience the Garden and help celebrate 50 years!

This is a 4 mile more challenging hike that involves two climbs but we will not be rushing! We climb to the top of the Western Trail - a steep, rocky, difficult trail ending at the Promenade Trail. From there we'll hop over to hike the North Leg Trail which descends for about 1 mile as it follows a ridgeline to its end. So even though this trail is short be prepared for an uphill hike on the return. Bring two liters of water and snacks, and wear sturdy boots. Hiking poles recommended. No dogs, please.

Both trails will be included in the FH Hiking Challenge. Registration for the FH Hiking Challenge is encouraged but not required to join this hike. Separate registration for all SCFH hikes is required!

This will be a moderate paced, challenging hike from the Golden Eagle Trailhead to the Adero Canyon Trailhead and return. The total distance is about 10 miles round trip. For an extra challenge, some participants may wish to add 1/2 mile by climbing the Western Trail, a short but difficult trail. It is possible to shorten the hike to 5 miles by arranging to be picked up at the Adero Canyon Trailhead. Bring two to three liters of water, lunch or snacks, and wear sturdy boots. Hiking poles recommended. No dogs, please.

This hike is included in the FH Hiking Challenge. Registration for the Hiking Challenge is encouraged but not required to join this hike. Separate registration for all SCFH hikes is required!

This is a moderate to difficult in & out 8 mile hike on a beautiful portion of the Arizona Trail. Early turn around is possible if the hike or distance is too challenging. Trail access is off a paved road. The trail gradually climbs through a canyon.

If the winter is wet, we may cross a stream several times. This area was burned in the 2012 Sunflower Fire and it is amazing to see how well it has recovered. Bring 2-3 liters of water and lunch. Wear sturdy boots. Hiking poles recommended. 30 minute drive time to trailhead all on paved road. No dogs, please.

Back by popular demand, the SCFH invites you to join Dan Gruber as he leads you on an informative hike in the FH McDowell Mountain Preserve. Dan will talk about the different rocks, the stories they tell about local geological history and their importance to the area, and some unique features along the way.

We'll have a relaxed pace with numerous stops for a 2-mile round trip on the moderate Andrews-Kinsey Trail. Bring two liters of water and snacks, and wear sturdy shoes or boots. Hiking poles recommended. No dogs, please.

The Mesquite Hollow Trail is the newest trail in the Fountain Hills McDowell Mountain Preserve. Named for the nearly 100 year old Mesquite tree located just beyond the spur, this new trail is receiving rave reviews from hikers and is a fine example of trails hand built by Sonoran Conservancy of Fountain Hills Trailblazers. This will be a 5.1 mile moderately difficult hike at a moderate pace. We will follow the Promenade Trail to the Mesquite Hollow Trail and return to the trailhead via the Lower Sonoran Trail. Bring 2 liters of water and snacks. Wear sturdy boots; hiking poles recommended. No dogs, please.

The SCFH invites you to join Vicky Derksen on this moonless evening to observe the night skies. You might see a planet or two and locate and identify constellations and their stars while Vicky recounts some cultural star stories. After the hike, a Star Dude will point the telescope at deep space objects that can't be seen with the naked eye.

Bring pre registered children age 8+, wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe sturdy shoes. Bring water and hiking poles if needed. Red flashlights welcome; white lights and flash photography should stay tucked away to preserve everyone's night vision. Be prepared to hike 2 miles roundtrip on the Promenade Trail, a slightly rocky but relatively flat old jeep road after a slight climb at the beginning. No dogs, please.

Vicky Derksen is the host of the Night Sky Tourist podcast and website and owns a local stargazing business. You can find her online at nightskytourist.com.

What better way to get into a festive mood than to enjoy the Avenue of the Fountain holiday lights, learn about some of the town's art installations, and share hot chocolate and cookies! We will meet outside the Community Center entrance for a 2 mile walk exploring the outdoor art work in downtown Fountain Hills. We will start in the Centennial Circle then make our way down the Avenue of the Fountains and stop at various places around Fountain Park. We will wrap up by enjoying hot chocolate, coffee and cookies!

At 150 pieces, Fountain Hills is home to one of the largest public art collections in the state of Arizona. Learn more about the art work and view a map at: fountainhillspublicart.com. Bring a bottle of water, wear your best holiday finery and comfortable walking shoes. No dogs, please.

Do you know we have a natural Desert Botanical Garden gem of an oasis in Fountain Hills? Established in 1975, and celebrating its 50th anniversary, the 8-acre site is located on Fountain Hills Blvd just north of Kingstree Blvd. Join us on this easy, 1-mile trail which winds through lichen-covered granite boulders to the historic P-Bar Ranch dam. With views of the McDowell Mountains, you'll learn about the flora and fauna of the Sonoran Desert. The introductory morning hike will also feature the history of the P-Bar Ranch, up close sightings of unusual saguaros, and wildlife habitats.

If you are interested in learning to identify plants and birds using iNaturalist and Merlin apps, download the free apps before coming to the Garden. Bring water, a snack, a hat, and binoculars if possible. Wear shoes or boots with grippy soles. Hiking poles recommended. Parking available at the trailhead and on the westside of Fountain Hills Blvd as marked. No dogs, please.

This is a moderately difficult 5.2 mile round trip hike to a historic mine in the McDowell Mountain Regional Park. Only trace amounts of valuable minerals were ever found in the mine. $2 park entry fee into MMRP. Bring two liters of water and snacks, and wear sturdy boots. Hiking poles recommended. No dogs, please.

Are you an early riser looking for an earlier hike that won't last all morning? This season Cathy Pepperd will lead monthly hikes at a moderate pace that have an earlier start.

This month she will hike the moderately difficult Ridgeline Trail which starts at the Overlook Trail and continues on the Ridgeline Trail to the Scenic View for a 4.0 mile out and back hike. This route features frequent ups and downs as it follows the ridge and some rocky sections. Hikers will see plenty of interesting rock formations and vegetation indigenous to the Sonoran Desert. Bring two liters of water and snacks, and wear sturdy boots. Hiking poles recommended. No dogs, please.

How about a late afternoon two hour hike ending at sunset to close out your day? Each month this season we plan to lead a moderate pace hike that starts two hours before sunset. We will go as far as we can in one hour and then turn back to the trailhead. This month we will take the Promenade Trail to the Lower Sonoran and return the same way. If we make it to the first crossover, we may return via the Sonoran Trail. Bring two liters of water and snacks, and wear sturdy boots. Hiking poles recommended. No dogs, please!

This is an 11 mile moderate-paced difficult hike designed to work off some of those calories you've been collecting over the holidays! This challenging loop goes through both the McDowell Mountain Regional Park and the Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve. $2 entrance fee to the regional park. Bring 3 liters of water, snacks and lunch; wear a hat and sturdy boots. Hiking poles recommended. No dogs please.

On this moderately difficult 4.6 mile hike, we go to the top of not one, not two, but three scenic vistas. We will start from the Adero Canyon Trailhead and go up the short Overlook Trail loop to the first of three beautiful scenic overlooks. From there we follow the Lower Ridgeline trail to a spur that has a scenic overlook providing views to the east. Lastly, we follow the Ridgeline trail to the top of the ridge with a wonderful vista overlooking Adero Canyon.

Bring 2 liters of water and snacks; wear a hat and sturdy hiking shoes or boots. Hiking poles recommended. No dogs, please.

How about a late afternoon two hour hike ending at sunset to close out your day? Each month this season we plan to lead a moderate-paced hike that starts two hours before sunset. We will go as far as we can in one hour and then turn back to the trailhead. This month we will take the Promenade Trail to the North Leg Trail and return the same way.

The North Leg Trail follows a ridge about 1 mile, descending almost the entire way. So even though this hike is short, be prepared for an uphill hike on the return! Bring 2 liters of water and snacks; wear a hat and sturdy hiking shoes or boots. Hiking poles recommended. No dogs, please.

Are you an early riser looking for an earlier hike that won't last all morning? This season Cathy Pepperd will lead monthly hikes at a moderate pace that have an earlier start. This month she will take the Andrews-Kinsey trail to the scenic overlook at the AK5 trail marker for a 3.5 mile round trip hike.

This hike begins with a gentle climb through a landscape of picturesque boulders and desert ridges, then levels off into a wide, well-marked trail. Bring 2 liters of water and snacks; wear a hat and sturdy hiking shoes or boots. Hiking poles recommended. No dogs, please.

The Butcher Jones Trail is a popular, moderate hike that follows the shoreline of Saguaro Lake. The trail can be brushy at the beginning with a couple very short descents and climbs. It opens up to wonderful views of the lake, canyon and ends at a spectacular view of the Four Peaks mountains. This is an 5.8 mile out & back moderate-paced hike.

A Tonto National Park day pass or America the Beautiful/Senior Lifetime pass is required to park at the Saguaro Lake Trailhead. There is a 30 minute (17-mile) drive to the trailhead - all on paved roads from Fountain Hills. Bring two liters of water and snacks; wear a hat and sturdy hiking shoes or boots. Hiking poles recommended. No dogs, please.

The Fountain Hills Desert Botanical Garden represents a microcosm of the interesting geology of Fountain Hills. Dan Gruber will talk about the rocks in the garden and the things that live on them, what they are, how they frame the stories they tell, and their importance to the ecosystem of Fountain Hills and the surrounding area.

Bring a 1 liter of water and snacks; wear a hat and study hiking shoes or boots. Hiking poles recommended. No dogs, please.

Can you spot the landslide? Join us to learn about the geological forces that came together to create the second largest landslide in all of Arizona. You will see strange rock formations along with fabulous scenic views while imagining the sights and sounds of the power of this massive reshaping of the McDowell Mountains.

This moderate, 4 mile hike begins at Tom’s Thumb Trailhead in Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve. It will take about three hours, including multiple stops, on rolling terrain. Bring 2 liters of water and snacks; wear a hat and sturdy hiking shoes or boots. Hiking poles recommended. No dogs, please.

Looking to stretch your creative horizons? Join Jennifer Ramm, 1st place winner in the 2024 FH photography contest for the category of Digitally Altered Artistic Photography, as we explore how to turn your desert landscape, vacation, and favorite photos into stunning works of art worthy of hanging on the walls in your home.

We will use the free Prisma app on our iPhones, iPads, or Android phones to explore tips and techniques in this hands-on workshop-format class.

This 6.4 mile round trip moderate hike begins from the Tortilla Trailhead off of the Apache Trail (Highway 88). There are some ups and downs as It follows an old dirt road to the ruins of Tortilla Ranch but plan for no shade along the hike. There are also expansive and scenic views of the Superstition Mountains along the way. The group will break for lunch at the ranch site.

Off road vehicles are allowed on the road but should be minimal during the week. There is about a 1 1/2 hour (50 mile) drive to the trailhead. From Tortilla Flat the road turns to dirt and then becomes rough when turning to the trailhead. Only high clearance vehicles should be driven to the trailhead. We may stop in Tortilla Flat for ice cream on the way home.

Bring 2-3 liters of water, lunch and snacks; wear a hat and sturdy hiking boots. Hiking poles recommended. No dogs, please. Please reimburse the driver for gas.

With the hiking season in full swing, join us for really fun, eye-opening review of What's in My Pack. Whether you're new to hiking or have had the same contents in your backpack for years, it's time to refresh. In addition, your intro to desert safety will include an overview of CPR and hands-on use of an AED. This information can be life saving in the desert, at home, and in public spaces. You will also receive a link to a 20 minute video on our YouTube channel with basic First Aid practices for hiking in desert conditions.

You'll learn from two professionals who have been managing first aid and saving lives in the Sonoran Desert - Yvonne Massman, Natural Resources Coordinator, McDowell Sonoran Preserve and Lori Stauffer, Public Information Officer, Community Relations, Scottsdale Fire Department.

Note: SCFH volunteers will find this useful, but not as in depth as the Desert First Aid classes offered exclusively for volunteers.

The Mesquite Hollow Trail is one of the newest trails in the Fountain Hills McDowell Mountain Preserve. Named for the nearly 80 year old Mesquite tree located on the trail just beyond the spur, this new trail is receiving rave reviews from hikers and is a fine example of trails hand built by Sonoran Conservancy of Fountain Hills Trailblazers.

This will be a 4.2 mile moderately difficult hike at a moderate pace. We will follow the Promenade Trail to the Mesquite Hollow Trail and return to the trailhead via the Sonoran Trail. Bring 2 liters of water and snacks; wear a hat and sturdy hiking shoes or boots. Hiking poles recommended. No dogs, please.

Experience all three stages of twilight in the Sonoran Desert, culminating with the spectacular rise of January's Snow Moon. We'll explore the Overlook Trail as daylight fades, tuning into what we hear, see, and smell as the desert transforms from day to night. This sensory experience sharpens your awareness to identify the sounds of nocturnal wildlife stirring, the scents that emerge in cooling air, and the subtle visual changes as shadows deepen around us. We'll end with a closeup view of the Full Snow Moon through the telescope once darkness fully arrives.

Red flashlights welcome; white lights and flash photography should stay tucked away to preserve everyone's night vision. Be prepared to hike a narrow, one mile out and back on the single-file Overlook Trail. Wear hiking sturdy hiking shoes or boots. No dogs, please.

This hike is led by Vicky Derksen, the host of the Night Sky Tourist podcast and website and owner of a local stargazing business. You can find her online at nightskytourist.com.

Do you know we have a natural Desert Botanical Garden gem of an oasis in Fountain Hills? Established in 1975, the 8-acre site is located on Fountain Hills Blvd just north of Kingstree Blvd. Join us on this easy, 1-mile trail which winds through lichen-covered granite boulders to the historic P-Bar Ranch dam. With views of the McDowell Mountains, you’ll learn about the flora and fauna of the Sonoran Desert.

The introductory morning hike will also feature the history of the P-Bar ranch, up close sightings of unusual saguaros, and wildlife habitats. If you are interested in learning to identify plants and birds using iNaturalist and Merlin apps, download the free apps before coming to the Garden.

Bring water and binoculars if you have them. Wear at hat and hiking shoes or boots with grippy soles. Hiking poles recommended. Parking available at the trailhead and on the westside of Fountain Hills Blvd as marked. No dogs, please.

Join two experienced experts in the field on a 3 mile, moderate hike from Fraesfield Trailhead in Scottsdale's McDowell Sonoran Preserve. You'll discover the fundamental relationship between geology and ecology and you will see 'on the ground' how changes in geology cause striking changes in local flora. It will give you a new perspective on what you see along the trails.

The hike begins with a moderate climb and continues on rolling terrain. It is expected to take 2.5 hours with multiple stops plus 30 minutes to drive each way to/from Fountain Hills. Bring 2 liters of water and snacks; wear a hat and sturdy hiking shoes or boots. Hiking poles recommended. No dogs, please

Are you wondering what’s going on in your body and mind as you navigate your stressful day? Are you looking for natural, cost-effective ways to improve your well-being? Join us for a 1.5 hour walk to learn how you can use nature, outdoors or indoors, to improve your physical and mental health, happiness, and creativity.

We will discuss peer-reviewed research from the last 30 years proving that nature can substantially improve your health. You will be given tools, based on your senses, and a “virtual prescription" you can use to gain these benefits.

Wear comfortable hiking clothes and shoes with grippy soles. No dogs, please.

This is a one-way 5 mile hike at an exercise pace with considerable elevation gain from the Sunrise Trailhead to the Adero Canyon Trailhead. We will meet at the Adero Canyon Trailhead and carpool for a shuttle to the Sunrise Trailhead.

The hike begins with a steady and strenuous climb to Sunrise Peak. The climb up to the peak is optional. There will be several scenic views to enjoy whether or not you climb to the peak. The hike then connects to the Andrews-Kinsey trail and, with some ups and downs along the way, gradually descends to the Adero Canyon Trailhead. Bring 2 liters of water and snacks; wear a hat and sturdy boots. Hiking poles are recommended. No dogs please.

This birding walk will provide participants an opportunity to view birds in two different habitats. It will begin at the Fountain Hills Desert Botanical Garden, then continue at Fountain Lake Park providing an opportunity so see both desert birds and waterbirds in the same trip.

This walk will be led by Kathe Anderson who is a local birding expert and will have much information to share. Kathe has led hundreds of field trips all over Arizona and teaches birding classes for ASU’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, the Desert Botanical Garden and others.

Bring water and snacks; wear a hat and sturdy hiking shoes or boots. You may wish to bring binoculars and something to take notes. Two extra pair of binoculars will be available. No dogs please.

Are you wondering what’s going on in your body and mind as you navigate your stressful day? Are you looking for cost-effective ways to improve your well-being? Join us for a 1.5 hour walk to learn how you can use nature, outdoors or indoors, to improve your physical and mental health, happiness, and creativity.

We will discuss peer-reviewed research from the last 30 years proving that nature can substantially improve your health. You will be given tools, based on your senses, and a “virtual prescription" you can use to gain these benefits.

This one mile hike on the beginning of the Overlook Trail in the Fountain Hills McDowell Mountain Preserve will include several stops. Bring water and wear a hat and hiking shoes or boots. Hiking poles if needed. No dog please.

Do you ever spot familiar shapes in clouds or rocks? That psychological phenomenon is called 'Pareidolia'. In Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve, there’s an area where striking rock formations resemble animals, faces, and other recognizable figures. People report seeing a rabbit, a hog, a hippo and an enormous standing bear. These natural formations have long been a subject of fascination, inspiring tales of mythology, spirituality and human curiosity.

Join us for a fun 5 mile round-trip hike, where you'll discover rocks that bring familiar shapes and objects to life.
Bring water, snacks; wear a hat and sturdy hiking shoes or boots. Hiking poles if needed. No dogs, please.

The SCFH invites you to join Vicky Derksen on this moonless evening to observe the night skies. You might see a planet or two and locate and identify constellations and their stars while Vicky recounts some cultural star stories. After the hike, a Star Dude will point the telescope at deep space objects that can't be seen with the naked eye.

Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy hiking shoes or boots. Bring water and hiking poles if needed. Red flashlights welcome; white lights and flash photography should stay tucked away to preserve everyone's night vision. Be prepared to hike 2 miles roundtrip on the Promenade Trail, a slightly rocky but relatively flat old jeep road after a slight climb at the beginning. No dogs, please.

Vicky Derksen is the host of the Night Sky Tourist podcast and website and owns a local stargazing business. You can find her online at nightskytourist.com.

Are you an early riser looking for an earlier hike that won't last all morning? This season Cathy Pepperd will lead monthly hikes at a moderate pace that have an earlier start.

This month she will lead a moderately difficult 5 mile hike taking the Mesquite Hollow trail to visit the nearly 80 year old Mesquite Tree. She will then continue to the end of the trail and take a cross over to the Lower Sonoran to return to the trailhead. Bring 2 liters of water and snacks; wear a hat and sturdy hiking shoes or boots. Hiking poles recommended. No dogs, please.

Join Paul Stark on a photographic journey to capture the Fountain with the sun setting behind it and the McDowell Mountains - the iconic desert photo. He will explain how to override the phone’s auto settings and get the Fountain in the foreground and the McDowell Mountains in the background without the setting sun over-saturating the shot. Paul will also talk about framing and describe techniques such as cropping and color correction for the photos once you get home.

Meet at the Red Yucca Ramada, Fountain Lake Park. After basic instruction we can shoot from the edge of the lake and/or walk partly up the Lake Overlook Trail. Bring a fully charged cell phone, a hat and poles if needed. No dogs please.

Wondering why we have so many mountains in the Phoenix Metro area? And why are there such large gaps between the mountains? Travel back in time with us to learn about the changes to the Arizona landscape, when continental plates were shifting, and the impact that had on creating what we have today.

This 1 mile hike will use the Promenade trail, which is mostly level with one steep section. Please bring water and snacks; wear a hat, and sturdy hiking shoes or boots. Hiking poles as needed. No dogs please.

While it’s uncommon to encounter a mule deer or bobcat on the trail, signs of these and other desert wildlife are all around us. You just need to know how and where to look! Join us as we search for signs left behind by animals and learn what the evidence reveals about their adaptations and behaviors.

The short hike will be led by Lisa Miller, Naturalist and Legacy Steward, McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, and FH Dark Sky Preservation Committee Member. Bring 1 liter of water, snacks; wear a hat and sturdy hiking shoes or boots. Hiking poles recommended. No dogs please.

This moderate 5.5 mile hike begins at the Granite Mountain Trailhead in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. The trail loops around Granite Mountain, has beautiful views and often has wonderful flower displays in the spring. There are no steep climbs on this hike! There is the possibility of a side trip to Balanced Rock which will add about a 1/2 mile to the hike distance.

We will have a 30 minute (20 mile) drive to the trailhead, which has restrooms. Bring 2 liters of water and snacks or lunch; wear a hat and sturdy boots. Hiking poles recommended. No dogs, please.

During this interpretive walk, Bernie Finkel will discuss the strategies that plants have adopted in the harsh environment of the Sonoran Desert. We will look at some of the special properties of these plants and how they were utilized by the early people of the desert.

Bring water and snacks; wear a hat and sturdy hiking shoes or boots. Hiking poles recommended. No dogs, please.

Last season, Pam Cissik and Larry Mills led this beautiful 8 mile hike exploring more of the horse trails in the Goldfields however it was aborted due to the threat of rain. This season we shall try to do the entire loop this time! The first half of the hike will be challenging with most of the elevation gain. Some climbs and descents will be steep and slippery. We will then descend into a wash, have snacks or lunch in a grotto, and follow less demanding trails back to the parked cars.

We will have about an hour drive to the trailhead. Bring 3 liters of water, snacks and lunch; wear a hat and sturdy hiking boots. Hiking poles recommended. No dogs, please. Please reimburse the driver for gas.

Do you know we have a natural Desert Botanical Garden gem of an oasis in Fountain Hills? Established in 1975, the 8-acre site is located on Fountain Hills Blvd just north of Kingstree Blvd. Join us on this easy, 1-mile trail which winds through lichen-covered granite boulders to the historic P-Bar Ranch dam. With views of the McDowell Mountains, you’ll learn about the flora and fauna of the Sonoran Desert.

The introductory morning hike will also feature the history of the P-Bar ranch, up close sightings of unusual saguaros, and wildlife habitats. If you are interested in learning to identify plants and birds using iNaturalist and Merlin apps, download the free apps before coming to the Garden.

Bring water and binoculars if possible. Wear at hat and hiking shoes or boots with grippy soles. Hiking poles recommended. Parking available at the trailhead and on the westside of Fountain Hills Blvd as marked. No dogs, please.

How about a late afternoon two hour hike ending at sunset to close out your day? Each month this season we plan to lead a moderate pace hike that starts two hours before sunset. We will go as far as we can in one hour and then turn back to the trailhead.

This month we will explore the Andrews-Kinsey Trail named in honor of Roy Kinsey and Chet Andrews, two visionaries who played pivotal roles in establishing the Fountain Hills and Scottsdale Preserves. Bring 2 liters of water and snacks; wear a hat and sturdy hiking shoes or boots. Hiking poles recommended. No dogs, please.

Punch Bowl Canyon is a climbers mecca off of the Apache Trail (Highway 88); but we won't be rock climbing on this hike. This is a moderately difficult 5 mile hike on an unpaved road leading down to a SRP power plant. You might not think that a closed road to a power plant would be worthwhile but it descends into an extremely beautiful canyon leading to the Salt River between Canyon and Apache Lake.

There are great views of Fish Creek, Four Peaks and the Salt River. If we are lucky, we may even spot some Bighorn sheep. The down hill is followed by an uphill climb all the way back to our vehicles. We will take it slow but save some energy for the return climb as no cars are allowed on this closed road!

We have a fairly long 1.5 hour (about 50 mile) drive and the road turns to a normally good dirt road after Tortilla Flat. Bring 2-3 liters of water, snacks and lunch; wear a hat and sturdy hiking boots. Hiking poles recommended. No dogs, please. Please reimburse the driver for gas.

The SCFH invites you to join Vicky Derksen on this moonless evening to observe the night skies. You might see a planet or two and locate and identify constellations and their stars while Vicky recounts some cultural star stories. After the hike, a Star Dude will point the telescope at deep space objects that can't be seen with the naked eye.

Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy hiking shoes or boots. Bring water and hiking poles if needed. Red flashlights welcome; white lights and flash photography should stay tucked away to preserve everyone's night vision. Be prepared to hike 2 miles roundtrip on the Promenade Trail, a slightly rocky but relatively flat old jeep road after a slight climb at the beginning. No dogs, please.

Vicky Derksen is the host of the Night Sky Tourist podcast and website and owns a local stargazing business. You can find her online at nightskytourist.com.

During this interpretive walk through the Fountain Hill Desert Botanical Garden, Bernie Finkel will introduce and explain how certain plants found in the Garden and elsewhere in the Sonoran Desert have been used for medicinal purposes by Native Americans. He will also touch on the history of medicinal plants and what makes a plant medicinal.

Bring 1 liter of water and snacks; wear a hat and sturdy hiking shoes or boots. Hiking poles recommended. No dogs please.

Want to start birding but don't know where to begin? This introductory class will give you the foundation you need! You'll discover the five keys to bird identification: size, shape, behavior, habitat and sound. Plus, you'll learn how to use essential tools like binoculars and birding apps. The class culminates in a practical field session where you'll put your new skills to use!

Bring binoculars if you have them. There will be extras to share. Lisa Miller is a Naturalist, Steward, SCFH and Legacy Steward, McDowell Sonoran Conservancy

Are you an early riser looking for an earlier hike that won't last all morning? This season Cathy Pepperd will lead monthly hikes at a moderate pace that have an earlier start.

This month she will follow the Promenade Trail to the Sonoran Trail to the first crossover to the Lower Sonoran Trail for a 3.3 mile lollipop loop at a moderate pace. Bring 2 liters of water and snacks; and wear a hat and sturdy hiking shoes or boots. Hiking poles recommended. No dogs, please.

This is a very rewarding moderately difficult 5.9 mile, out and back hike starting from the Adero Canyon Trailhead. The trail climbs as it winds through the Adero Canyon to the Sunrise Trail with its hitching post. Those who want an extra challenge may opt to continue another 1/2 mile and climb to the top of Sunrise Peak.

Bring 2 liters of water and snacks; wear a hat and sturdy hiking boots. Hiking poles recommended. No dogs, please.

Join several experienced stewards who will introduce you to the many fascinating attributes of our amazing desert flora. The ability to adapt and flourish in the harshest environment is a tribute to nature and the natural world. If it is a good wildflower season, that will be a bonus.

Be prepared for a leisurely paced, two hour walk with multiple stops in the Preserve. We will show you how to use iNaturalist to identify plants. Please download the free app before leaving home.

Bring 1 liter of water and snacks; wear a hat and sturdy hiking shoes or boots. Hiking poles as needed. No dogs, please.

During this interpretive walk through the FH Desert Botanical Garden with birder Pete Herstein you will be searching for birds, not only by sight but by sound. March is an excellent time for birding here, with viewing of over 15 different species a distinct possibility. Highlights could include Rock Wren, Cactus Wren, Gilded Flicker, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Verdin, Anna's Hummingbird, White-crowned Sparrow and Black-throated Sparrow.

Pete will also demonstrate the use of the ebird, Merlin and birdNET apps. Bring water and binoculars if you have them. Wear a hat and sturdy hiking shoes or boots. Hiking poles recommended. No dogs, please.

Looking to stretch your creative horizons? Join Jennifer Ramm, 1st place winner in the 2024 FH photography contest for the category of Digitally Altered Artistic Photography, as we explore how to turn your desert landscape, vacation, and favorite photos into stunning works of art, worthy of hanging on the walls in your home. We will use the free Prisma app on our IPhones, IPads, or Android phones to explore tips and techniques in this hands-on workshop-format class.

Learn to capture the beauty of the Salt River wild horses in their natural desert habitat. Paul Stark will teach you to get better pictures with your cell phone by working with light to capture what you see in the foreground and background. We’ll walk along the Salt River passing a massive stone wall where swallows nest, and we’ll have another opportunity to learn helpful techniques to photograph nature in action.

Plan to walk 1.5 miles each way on a rocky but flat trail. Bring a fully charged cell phone, 2 liters of water, a hat, hiking poles if needed and a bag to change your close-toed shoes that may get dirty. Parking is on Tonto National Forest land that requires each car have a Tonto Pass. For info contact: www.fs.usda.gov. Car pooling possible. No dogs, please.

The Horton Creek Trail is a popular 6 mile hike off Hwy 260 northeast of Payson. The trail is in the Tonto National Forest, shady, and follows a pleasant flowing creek (subject to seasonal rains) to Horton Spring which feeds the creek. We rate it moderately difficult since there is a gradual climb the entire way and the hike begins at an elevation of over 5,000 feet. But this is an in/out hike so there is no need to rush. If you have difficulty with the elevation, you can find a cool spot - hopefully by the running creek - to wait for the rest of the group. We will stop at Horton Spring and will not do the more difficult climb up to the rim which would add 1500 feet of climbing to the hike.

Lunch afterwards in Payson before we head home. We will have a 1.5 hour (80 mile) drive to the trailhead. Bring 2-3 liters of water, snacks or lunch and wear a hat and sturdy boots. Hiking poles recommended as the trail can be rocky in places. No dogs, please. Please reimburse your driver for gas.

Dessert in the Desert is a new series of hour-long, hands-on introductions to lesser known aspects of our unique Sonoran Desert. This program is being hosted at the Adero Canyon Trailhead so bring a chair, family, friends, your favorite dessert or snack, and join us for an unusual and fun experience. All ages welcome, and everyone must be registered. No pets or alcohol, please.

What does it mean when Mercury is in retrograde? Do other planets go retrograde? Join us as we explore this topic as we witness the three stages of twilight and the rising of the Full Pink Moon in the context of the Sonoran Desert. This sensory experience sharpens your awareness of the sounds of nocturnal wildlife stirring, the scents that emerge in the cooling air, and the subtle visual changes as shadows deepen around us. We'll end the evening with a close up view of the Full Pink Moon and Jupiter through the telescope once darkness fully arrives.

Red flashlights welcome; white lights and flash photography should stay tucked away to preserve everyone's night vision.

This experience is led by Vicky Derksen, the host of the Night Sky Tourist podcast and website and owner of a local stargazing business. You can find her online at nightskytourist.com.

Join Bernie Finkel who will lead an interpretive walk through the Fountain Hills Desert Botanical Garden demonstrating how the Native Americans of the Sonoran Desert used and related to their plants to survive.

Bring 1 liter of water and snacks; wear a hat and sturdy hiking shoes or boots. Hiking poles recommended. No dogs please.

How about a late afternoon two hour hike ending at sunset to close out your day? Each month this season we plan to lead a moderate pace hike that starts two hours before sunset. We will go as far as we can in one hour and then turn back to the trailhead.

This month we will take the Promenade Trail then explore the Mesquite Hollow Trail, one of the newest trails in the Fountain Hills McDowell Mountain Preserve. Named for the nearly 80 year old Mesquite tree located on the trail just beyond the spur, this new trail is receiving rave reviews from hikers and is a fine example of trails hand built by Sonoran Conservancy of Fountain Hills Trailblazers. Bring 2 liters of water and snacks; wear a hat and sturdy hiking shoes or boots. Hiking poles recommended. No dogs, please.

Dessert in the Desert is a new series of hour-long, hands-on introductions to lesser known aspects of our unique Sonoran Desert. This program is being hosted at the Adero Canyon Trailhead so bring a chair, family, friends, your favorite dessert or snack, and join us for an unusual and fun experience. All ages welcome, and everyone must be registered. No pets or alcohol, please.

Join Lisa Miller, Naturalist, SCFH Steward, Legacy Steward McDowell Sonoran Conservancy and FH Dark Sky Association Preservation Committee Member for this fun, interactive and entertaining presentation about owls. Learn more about the basic traits of what makes an owl an owl, and take a deep dive into the different owl species documented in the Preserve. Audience participation encouraged!!

Dessert in the Desert is a new series of hour-long, hands-on introductions to lesser known aspects of our unique Sonoran Desert. This program is being hosted at the Adero Canyon Trailhead so bring a chair, family, friends, your favorite dessert or snack, and join us for an unusual and fun experience. All ages welcome, and everyone must be registered. No pets or alcohol, please.

The desert tortoise is a remarkable survivor of the harsh desert environment. Native to the Sonoran and Mohave deserts they spend up to 95% of their lives in underground burrows to escape the extreme heat. They can live 50 to 80 years and grow up to about 15 inches long.

Despite their tough shells, they are a threatened species, facing challenges from habitat loss, disease, and climate change.When you see a desert tortoise up close, you’re looking at one of the desert’s true survivors, a slow-moving symbol of patience, resilience, and adaptation.

Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center, located in Scottsdale, Arizona, rescues and rehabilitates native wildlife that has been injured, displaced and orphaned. Once rehabilitated, they are returned to the wild. Sanctuary is also provided to animals that cannot be released back to the wild. Visit www.southwestwildlife.org for more information.

Are you an early riser looking for an earlier hike that won't last all morning? This season Cathy Pepperd will lead monthly hikes at a moderate pace that have an earlier start.

This month she will hike the North Leg Trail which will be a 2.7 mile moderate hike at a moderate pace. We will follow the Promenade Trail to the North Leg Trail and return to the trailhead the same way. The North Leg Trail, one of the newer trails in the Preserve, follows a ridge about 1 mile, descending almost the entire way. So even though this hike is short, be prepared for an uphill hike on the return! Bring 2 liters of water and snacks; wear a hat and sturdy hiking shoes or boots. Hiking poles recommended. No dogs, please.

During this walk through the Fountain Hills Desert Botanical Garden with Birder Pete Herstein, you will be looking for birds before they roost for the evening by both sight and song. The garden in the late afternoon at this time of year has quite a bit of shade. It is an excellent time for a late afternoon walk, with over 15 different species sightings are a distinct possibility. We will be specifically looking and listening for Lesser Nighthawks and Ash throated Flycatchers.

Pete will also demonstrate the use of ebird, Merlin and birdNET apps. Wear shoes or boots with grippy soles. Hiking poles recommended. Bring a bottle of water, snacks and binoculars if you have them. No dogs please.