McDowell Sonoran Preserve — Attraction in Scottsdale

Last weekend, my boyfriend and I decided to check out McDowell Sonoran Preserve, and it was an absolute vibe. It's this massive nature reserve just outside of Scottsdale, and it's the perfect escape from the usual weekend routine.

We kicked off at the Gateway Trailhead – super straightforward to find and with heaps of parking space. We chose the Gateway Loop Trail for our hike. It's a solid mix of chill sections and some decent inclines that get your heart going. The trail itself was in top-notch condition, not too rough on the feet.

Walking through this desert landscape was like stepping into another world. We're talking huge cacti, bursts of wildflowers – the works. It's not your typical hiking scene, which made it all the more awesome.

One thing I loved about the preserve was how it wasn't overrun with people. You could actually soak in the sounds of nature, like birds chirping and the rustle of desert critters. It's a refreshing change from the non-stop city buzz.

The lookout point halfway through the hike is a total game-changer. You get this killer panoramic view of the surrounding landscape – definitely Instagram-worthy. We also got lucky with some wildlife sightings – a jackrabbit sprinted right by us, and we saw a woodpecker doing its thing on a cactus.

Throughout the hike, there were these benches for a quick breather and signs giving the lowdown on the local flora and fauna. Cool to have a bit of an educational angle to the hike.

By the end of the trail, we were feeling the burn – it's around 4.5 miles in total. But it was the good kind of burn, you know? We hung out at the trailhead for a bit after, just basking in that post-hike glow and already planning our next visit.

So, if you're looking for a place to hike that's a bit different from the usual spots, McDowell Sonoran Preserve is it. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or just need to get some fresh air and great pics, this place has you covered. Can't...

I highly recommend the Walk with Natural Resources Coordinator at Fraesfield Trailhead. This was my first visit to Arizona and what a great introduction to the desert! The walk was easy and very informative. I enjoyed meeting others in the group — from people in their 20’s to seniors. The weather was cool (I saw frost on the ground) but the sun was warm and enjoyable. Special shout-out to Madison, our tour guide. She knows so much about desert plants and animals and gave me resources to find out even more. She has a great sense of humour and her delivery is personable and natural. I’m looking forward to returning and exploring more...

Absolutely recommend a morning hike in this beautiful Scottsdale preserve. I visited from Colorado and was impressed with the clean trailhead restrooms, volunteer staff helping you find the perfect trail for your time frame and skill level, and amount of free parking. Gateway Trail and nearby bridge are perfect for a morning walk/hike with not much incline although there are some little rocks so no strollers. The trailhead starts right after the restrooms. Easy to find parking lot. Our Lyft driver had never been there and we found it...