14,000 acres have been set aside for the Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve. This desert is protected from development and is open to the public to hike, bike, and otherwise recreate in. Their are five access points into the preserve, the newest being the Gateway Access Area.  Located at 18333 N. Thompson Peak Pkwy, this access point offers plenty of parking, restrooms, and other amenities. For more information on the preserve, check out the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy.