A two-session beginner clinic from the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy for riding dirt trails with more confidence. Session 1 covers bike setup and safety checks, turning, pedaling, shifting, braking, body positioning and trail etiquette, with about 1 mile of skills practice and a 3-5 mile ride on easy trails. Meet at the south end of the [...]
Join us for the Tumamoc Hill Youth Program! Each month will have a new theme, speaker, and art activity. All events are free! Learn about Cacti Join us for a quick, kid-friendly science presentation by University of Arizona Graduate student Laura Shriver followed by an art activity with poet Nellie Papsdorf! All materials provided. Location: The [...]
A guided walk giving an overview of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve's geology, plants and animals, led by the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy. Free; RSVP on the event page.
Join the 3rd Annual Steps Against Melanoma Walk: The Journey to a Cure Starts with a Single Step! Join us at Freestone Park in Gilbert on Sunday, November 8, for a fun, family-friendly morning supporting the fight against melanoma! Whether you're a runner, casual walker, melanoma survivor, caregiver, or simply looking for a fun way [...]
A women's beginner group ride of about 9 miles (about 3 hours, 400 ft gain) with the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy. Free; RSVP on the event page.
McDowell Sonoran Conservancy's Sonoran Sundays series at the Gateway Trailhead: Desert Wildlife and Safety, presented by the Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary. Free; RSVP on the event page.
Phoenix Astronomical Society dark sky star party at the Picketpost Trailhead near Superior. End time is approximate.
An orientation hike of about 7 miles (about 3 hours) introducing the McDowell Sonoran Preserve and the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy. Free; RSVP on the event page.
A difficult 6.3-mile loop hike (about 3 hours, 366 ft gain) with the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy. Free; RSVP on the event page.
Join the Sonoran Speaker Series for an evening exploring the hidden world of black bears in Arizona. Presented by Jeff Meyers of the Arizona Game and Fish Department, this free lecture dives into black bear behavior, habitat, and the surprisingly complex lives they lead across our state. Learn how these animals are adapting alongside growing [...]
Desert Rivers Audubon monthly speaker series: meet live birds from Liberty Wildlife. Held in person at the Southeast Regional Library in Gilbert, with a Zoom option.
An easy 3-mile loop hike (about 250 ft gain) honoring veterans, with a ceremony at the end, hosted by the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy. Free; RSVP on the event page.
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 guided walk exploring lichen, desert varnish and soil crust with the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy. Free; RSVP on the event page.
Sonoran Audubon bird outing at Estrella Mountain Regional Park led by Tom Locascio. Questions: locascio2000@hotmail.com.
An interpretive hike to the historic Brown's Ranch homestead with the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy. Free; RSVP on the event page.
Do you want to learn more about falconry? Come to this day long camp and learn about raptor biology & ecology, state regulations, equipment requirements, raptor health and husbandry, and attend hunts with master falconers. For participants ages 11 and up Contact: email arizonafalconers@gmail.com Important: Registration is required for each person in the party attending the [...]
Session 2 of the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy's beginner mountain biking clinic. It reviews Session 1 skills and adds balance drills, Relaxed and Ready positions, smooth shifting and emergency stopping, followed by a 3-5 mile ride on easy trails. Session 1 (Nov 7) is required; one ticket covers both sessions. Meet at the south end of [...]
A guided walk on medicinal plants, global and local, with the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy. Free; RSVP on the event page.
A free community nature festival at the Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area, 7th Avenue Trailhead, hosted with Sonoran Audubon and partners. A river cleanup runs 8-9am before the festival.
Are you a kid between the ages of 7 & 15? This skills day camp is for you! Outdoor skills classes include: archery, wildlife, gun safety, survival bracelets, animal tracks, owl pellet dissection, kayaking, horsemanship and other skills and activities. Kids receive event shirts and goody bags. Information: www.arizonaelksociety.org, 623-444-4147 Important: Registration is required for each person in [...]
Join us for Desert Discovery Day on November 14, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at beautiful Jewel of the Creek Preserve in Cave Creek. This free family festival features hands-on activities, close encounters with native wildlife, and interactive exhibits celebrating the wonders of the Sonoran Desert. Hosted by Desert Foothills Land Trust, the [...]
A lecture on the future of Scottsdale's water supply and sustainability planning, part of the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy's lecture series.
Phoenix Astronomical Society workshop on choosing your first telescope, at Apache Wash Trailhead Park, 1600 E Sonoran Desert Dr, Phoenix. End time is approximate.
Public star party hosted by the Phoenix Astronomical Society at Apache Wash Trailhead Park, 1600 E Sonoran Desert Dr, Phoenix. The gate closes at 7pm. End time is approximate.
A half-mile, 90-minute walk on the history of Brown's Ranch with the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy. Free; RSVP on the event page.
A very difficult 7.5-mile hike (1,300 ft gain) from the Gateway Trailhead to Windgate Pass with the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy. Free; RSVP on the event page.
Desert Rivers Audubon field trip to farm fields and ponds in the Buckeye/Arlington area, led by Kathe Anderson. Meet at 1900 E Rio Salado Pkwy, Tempe. Registration required; limited to 7 participants.
A walk of under a mile on desert tortoises and their habitat with the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy. Free; RSVP on the event page.
An easy hike with stories of lesser-known Arizona figures, led by the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy. Free; RSVP on the event page.
Want to add your event? Go to Build A Nature Walk.