Is McDowell Sonoran Preserve free?

Hours. The Preserve is open everyday, sunrise to sunset, free of charge.

How large is the McDowell Sonoran Preserve?

30,500 contiguous acres

Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve includes more than 30,500 contiguous acres. Annually, over one million people visit the Preserve wishing to connect with nature and experience its more than 225 miles of recreational trails. The Preserve is open from sunrise to sunset, and there is no charge for parking or access.

How long is Marcus landslide trail?

Explore this 3.8-mile out-and-back trail near Scottsdale, Arizona. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 37 min to complete. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and mountain biking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring.

Where are the McDowell mountains?

The McDowell Mountain Range (Yavapai: Wi:kajasa) is located about twenty miles north-east of downtown Phoenix, Arizona, and may be seen from most places throughout the city. The range is composed of miocene deposits left nearly five million years ago.

Is Scottsdale in the Sonoran Desert?

Scottsdale, Arizona is located in the beautiful Sonoran Desert at the foot of the scenic McDowell Mountains. It is bordered by Phoenix to the West, the Tonto National Forrest to the North, the McDowell Mountains to the East, and the Salt River to the South.

How do you protect hiking trails?

Here are some ways that you can pitch in and help save America’s trails:

  1. Take a hike!
  2. Volunteer locally.
  3. Adopt Leave No Trace ethics.
  4. Sign up for AHS Advocacy Alerts.
  5. Celebrate National Trails Day®.
  6. Support trails economically.
  7. Make your voice heard locally.
  8. Encourage the next generation to get outside.

Who owns McDowell Sonoran Preserve?

the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy
The preserve encompasses some 30,500 acres (123 km2) contiguously, and is the largest urban park (technically “nature reserve”) in the United States. The preserve lands were purchased via a sales tax increment approved by Scottsdale voters, and the preserve is supported in-part by the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy.

How many acres is McDowell Mountain Preserve?

30,580 acres
The Preserve is unique geologically and home to stunning geography, lush cacti forests and diverse wildlife. Now is a great time to explore the 30,580 acres of Sonoran Desert. Choose from any of the major trailheads listed below to connect to more than 225+ miles of trails of Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve.

What type of slide is the Marcus landslide?

rock avalanche
The Marcus Landslide is technically called a rock avalanche. The Marcus landslide is among the biggest rock avalanches called sturztroms with a volume over 7 million cubic meters. The slide mass extends about one kilometer from the mountain front with a width of 0.5 kilometers.

How old is the Marcus landslide?

500,000 year old
The slide is a 500,000 year old rock slide that has has a length of about 2 km from scarp crown to deposit toe (see Google Earth image below) and a deposit volume of about 5.25 million cubic metres.

What are the mountains in Scottsdale called?

Can you hike McDowell peak?

Trails. McDowell Mountain Regional Park offers over 40-miles of hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails. Park Trails range in length from 0.5-miles to 15.3-miles and range in difficulty from easy to strenuous. Those looking for an easy hike should try the North Trail at 3.1-miles.

Can you drive through the Sonoran Desert?

No driving. Hiking and horses only.

What is special about Scottsdale Arizona?

It is home to more than 90 restaurants, 320 retail shops and more than 80 art galleries. Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve, in the city’s northern reaches, is the largest urban wilderness area in the United States and features more than 60 miles of trails through diverse and scenic desert terrain.

What should you not do while hiking?

Here is a list of then things that one must avoid while hiking:

  • Never go off the trail.
  • Never play loud music.
  • Never wear headphones while walking.
  • Never drink alcohol while hiking.
  • Never eat wild fruits.
  • Never litter.
  • Never attend nature’s call near the stream.
  • Never ignore any medical condition.

What are the do’s and don’ts in hiking?

Carry toilet paper with you, or use a leaf to wipe — just make sure it’s not poisonous!

  • Don’t wear new hiking boots on an epic hike.
  • Don’t disturb animals or their homes.
  • Don’t pick flowers or other plants.
  • Don’t blare loud music or talk too loudly.
  • Don’t litter.
  • Don’t stay on a trail that is too difficult for you.

Is Tom’s Thumb dog friendly?

Yes, dogs are allowed, but they must be on a leash.

What is the steepest slope in the breakaway scar of the Marcus landslide measured in degrees?

The Marcus landslide failed along plane with a very steep angle of 33 degrees.

What is the Marcus landslide?

An Ancient Landslide in the McDowell Mountains, Arizona
The resulting debris-flow deposit – the Marcus Landslide — is 500-meters wide (1,650 feet), 1,200-m long (nearly 4,000 ft), and stands 30 meters (100 ft) above the valley floor.

Are there snakes on Camelback Mountain?

But two-legged warmbloods aren’t the only creatures you’ll probably encounter along the trail en route to the 2,700-foot summit. Despite its location in the heart of the Phoenix, the mountain shelters diverse species of small mammals and a healthy population of rattlesnakes.

What is Scottsdale known for?

Scottsdale is famous for sprawling, luxurious resorts, championship golf courses, and high-end boutiques, but the heart of the city is Old Town Scottsdale.

Can you hike Red mountain in Mesa AZ?

Red Mountain Park is a 3 mile (7,000-step) route located near Mesa, Arizona, USA. This route has an elevation gain of about 45.9 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

What time does white tanks close?

8 am to 4 pm
Open from 8 am to 4 pm daily.

Why should I visit the Sonoran Desert?

The Sonoran Desert is a gorgeous place filled with unique plants and wildlife, plenty of sunshine, and enough water to sustain life. Though it gets extremely hot during the summer, the winter and the shoulder seasons are pleasant.

What is nicer Scottsdale or Phoenix?

While the choice between Phoenix and Scottsdale can be challenging, these two Arizona cities are close and residents can enjoy the amenities both have to offer. Scottsdale comes with higher housing costs but a more exciting nightlife jobs while Phoenix offers a lower cost of living and amazing neighborhoods.