McDowell Sonoran Preserve

230 miles of desert singletrack in north Scottsdale.

Scottsdale’s preserve covers more than 30,500 acres of Sonoran Desert with over 230 miles of shared-use trail, much of it fast, flowing singletrack around Brown’s Ranch in the north. Riders of most levels can find loops here, with rockier climbs toward Tom’s Thumb and the McDowell Mountains. Entry is free from sunrise to sunset.

At a glance

Size

30,500+ acres

Trails

230+ miles, shared use

Hours

Sunrise to sunset

Bike hub

Brown’s Ranch (reopening late Oct 2026)

Good for

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

What’s here

• Cross-country
• Bike rentals

Rentals, guides and shops

• Cliff Creek Outfitters

  Guided rides and bike rentals with trailhead delivery around Scottsdale.

• Bicycle Haus

  Bike shop in Old Town Scottsdale.

• Mountain Bike Association of Arizona

  Statewide club that runs race series and funds trail work.

Events

“Usually” means the date follows past years. Confirm before you go.

• EventThrough October

  Preserve Month

  Scottsdale’s month celebrating the preserve, with an exploration journal for kids at trailheads and a grand reopening of Brown’s Ranch Trailhead expected late in the month.

Where to stay

• hotelCIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa

  Wellness resort in Carefree with a big spa and fitness program.

  20 min drive
• hotelThe Boulders Resort & Spa

  Desert resort set among giant granite boulders in Carefree.

  20 min drive
• hotelHotel Valley Ho

  Restored mid-century hotel and spa in Old Town Scottsdale.

  40 min drive

Nearby

• Taliesin West · 25 min drive

  Frank Lloyd Wright’s desert home and studio, open for tours.

• Scottsdale’s Museum of the West · 40 min drive

  Art and history of the American West in Old Town.

• Cave Creek · 20 min drive

  Small western town with saloons and restaurants northwest of the preserve.

Getting there

• Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) · about 40 min drive
• Tucson · about 2.25 hr
• Flagstaff · about 2.25 hr

Directions in Google Maps