A guided nature walk with the Friends of the San Pedro River through shaded cottonwood-willow groves, with stops along the San Pedro River and Green Kingfisher Pond. Look for butterflies, signs of wildlife and birdsong. The walk covers 1.5 to 2 miles on easy terrain and is suitable for most adults and children. Free; no [...]
A moderate 2.2-mile hike on why destructive desert fires are increasing and how Conservancy research helps limit them. Free; RSVP on the event page.
A two-to-three-hour bird walk with the Friends of the San Pedro River in the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area, home to over 100 breeding bird species and a migration corridor for another 250 migratory and wintering birds. Walkers usually see 30-60 species. Bring water, a hat and binoculars. All are welcome, but the walk [...]
A resident bird expert leads a walk through Mission Garden to observe the birds that live in or visit the garden. Take your time, explore the grounds, and learn about local birds. Everyone is welcome, whether you are an experienced birder or just curious. Bring binoculars and comfortable walking shoes. Meet at the front entrance. [...]
A walk into the McDowell Sonoran Preserve's plants, animals, and recent and ancient history. Bring your own water. Free; RSVP on the event page.
This mentored waterfowl hunt is for hunters between the ages of 11 and 17. This camp provides mentors, shooting instruction, waterfowl identification, calling, using blinds, field dressing, game processing and more. There will be centralized remote camping and some meals will be provided. Registration Opens: October 2, 2026 at 10:30am CDT Note: THIS EVENT REQUIRES [...]
An easy two-hour walk on the diversity of arthropods and their role in desert ecology. Free; RSVP on the event page.
A difficult 6.5-mile loop past a scenic overlook and Balanced Rock, with a chance to see early spring flowers near the end. Free; RSVP on the event page.
An easier-paced, no-drop group ride to see crested saguaros, for advanced beginner to intermediate riders with good cardio and bike handling. Free; RSVP on the event page.
Tour the ghost town of Fairbank with the Friends of the San Pedro River. Fairbank dates to 1882, when it grew up around a train depot, the closest to Tombstone. An optional walk to the cemetery ends the tour; that trail is short but has an uphill section with poor footing and loose rock. The [...]
A no-drop group ride (about 3 hours) with several rest stops and some moderate climbs, for advanced beginner to intermediate riders; no high technical skill needed. Free; RSVP on the event page.
McDowell Sonoran Conservancy's Sonoran Sundays series at the Gateway Trailhead: Sonoran Soaring: Desert Birds of Prey, presented by Wild at Heart. Free; RSVP on the event page.
A very difficult 9.3-mile hike (about 5 hours, 1,500+ ft elevation change) climbing to Tom's Thumb and East End, then returning through McDowell Mountain Regional Park. Free; RSVP on the event page.
The Gilbert Riparian Preserve is one of the Valley's most important urban wildlife habitats. This guided walk with park rangers from the preserve explores wetlands, birds, and the critical role riparian areas play in desert ecosystems. Part of the Arizona Wildlife Federation's monthly All Afield Hikes series. Registration was not yet open as of this [...]
A walk on how desert wildlife communicates through sight, sound, scent, movement and vibration. Free; RSVP on the event page.
A search for signs of nocturnal desert animals, such as middens, burrows and holes, along the Camino Campana. Free; RSVP on the event page.
A guided nature walk with the Friends of the San Pedro River through shaded cottonwood-willow groves, with stops along the San Pedro River and Green Kingfisher Pond. Look for butterflies, signs of wildlife and birdsong. The walk covers 1.5 to 2 miles on easy terrain and is suitable for most adults and children. Free; no [...]
A difficult 7.5-mile hike (about 3.5 hours, 280 ft gain) past several of the Preserve's iconic granite formations, best for experienced hikers. Free; RSVP on the event page.
An easy, roughly 3-mile hike on the connections between desert plants, animals and the holidays. Free; RSVP on the event page.
A two-to-three-hour bird walk with the Friends of the San Pedro River in the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area, home to over 100 breeding bird species and a migration corridor for another 250 migratory and wintering birds. Walkers usually see 30-60 species. Bring water, a hat and binoculars. All are welcome, but the walk [...]
A moderate 4.5-mile holiday hike on the Gateway Loop (about 2.5 hours, 700 ft gain) with the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy. Free; RSVP on the event page.
Join Friends of the San Pedro River docents for a tour of the Murray Springs mammoth kill site. Discovered by Dr. C. Vance Haynes of the University of Arizona in 1966, it held fossils of mammoth killed by the prehistoric Clovis people, plus projectile points and a bone tool believed to have been used to [...]
A look at how plants have been used for wellbeing, including medicinal plants found in the Preserve. Free; RSVP on the event page.
Enjoy the fresh air, get some exercise, and test your navigation skills at this weeklong competition in Southeast Arizona. This event serves as the International Orienteering Federation (IOF) North American Orienteering Championships (NAOC), North American Junior Orienteering Championships (NAJOC), and North American Youth Orienteering Championships (NAYOC). There are three Event Venues, spread roughly 100 miles [...]
A very difficult 9.7-mile hike (about 4.5 hours, 322 ft gain) with views and granite formations, for experienced hikers. Free; RSVP on the event page.
A guided walk giving a geological and ecological overview of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve's plants and animals. Free; RSVP on the event page.
Multiple Small Group Mentored Quail / Upland Bird Hunts throughout the Sesaon (Oct. 16 - Feb. 7, 2027) for new or beginning hunters. Date, time and location by arrangement. Topics include firearm shooting, safety and target shooting practice at a safe shooting range prior to going out hunting. Then in the field, your group will [...]
Multiple Small Group Mentored Predator Hunts are available throughout the year for new or beginning hunters. Schedule a date, time and location that works for you. Topics include firearm shooting, safety and target shooting practice at a safe shooting range prior to going out hunting. Then in the field, your group will learn the ins [...]
Multiple Small Group Mentored Rabbit (cottontail & jackrabbit) Hunts throughout the year for new or beginning hunters. Date, time and location by arrangement. Offerings include firearm shooting, safety and target shooting practice at a safe shooting range prior to going out hunting. Then in the field, we will walk you through all the ins and [...]
Multiple Small Group Mentored Late Season Dove Hunts Nov. 20 - Jan. 3, 2027, for new or beginning hunters. Date, time and location by arrangement. Offerings include firearm shooting, safety and target shooting practice at a safe shooting range prior to going out hunting. Then in the field, we will walk you through all the [...]
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