McDowell Sonoran Preserve

The McDowell Sonoran Preserve is the largest urban preserve in the United States -- 30,500 acres of raw, protected Sonoran Desert stretching across north Scottsdale's mountainous terrain. For families visiting the Phoenix area, this is the authentic desert experience that resort pools and manicured golf courses cannot provide. It is completely free, spectacularly beautiful, and unlike anything kids from other parts of the country have ever seen.

The preserve encompasses the McDowell Mountains and surrounding desert landscape, crisscrossed by over 225 miles of trails. The terrain is classic Sonoran Desert: saguaro cacti towering 20-40 feet tall, barrel cacti, prickly pear, ocotillo, palo verde trees, and the notorious cholla ('teddy bear cactus' that sticks to anything that touches it). The geological landscape includes granite boulders, volcanic rock formations, and sweeping views across the Salt River Valley.

For families, the Gateway Trailhead is the best starting point. It has the most developed facilities: paved parking, restrooms, a water fill station, and the Bajada Nature Trail -- a flat, paved 0. 5-mile interpretive loop ideal for toddlers and young children.

Signage along the trail teaches about desert ecology, and kids learn to identify different cacti, spot animal tracks, and understand how life survives in extreme heat.

Older kids and teens will enjoy the Gateway Loop Trail (4.5 miles, moderate), which climbs into the foothills through some of the densest saguaro forest in the preserve. Views from the ridgeline stretch across the entire Scottsdale/Phoenix valley. The trail is well-marked and well-maintained, with moderate elevation gain suitable for fit kids age 8 and up.

Wildlife is abundant, though desert creatures are often subtle. Early morning hikers regularly see jackrabbits, cottontail rabbits, roadrunners, Harris's hawks, Gambel's quail (with their adorable bobbing topknots), and various lizard species. Mule deer and javelina (wild peccaries) are present but less commonly spotted.

Rarely, hikers encounter Gila monsters, desert tortoises, or rattlesnakes -- all of which should be observed from a safe distance and never touched.

The most important safety information: the desert heat is genuinely dangerous, not just uncomfortable. From May through September, temperatures regularly exceed 110 degrees Fahrenheit by midday. Summer hiking must begin at sunrise (5-6 AM) and end by 9 AM at the latest.

Even in winter, midday sun is intense. Bring far more water than you think you need -- the general rule is 1 liter per person per hour. There is no shade and no water on any trail.

Wear closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, and a hat.

Cholla cactus deserves a specific warning for families. These fuzzy-looking cacti have barbed spines that detach on contact with skin or clothing and are very painful to remove. They do not actually 'jump,' but segments break off easily if brushed. Keep kids on the trail and away from cholla. Carry a comb or multi-tool in your pack -- a comb is the best tool for flicking out embedded spines.

The Gateway Trailhead parking lot fills by 8 AM on popular weekend mornings, especially in the perfect hiking weather of October through April. Arrive early or use the less-crowded Brown's Ranch or Lost Dog Wash trailheads as alternatives.