Why: We constructed the Bajada Trail for the enjoyment of all — from young children to the elderly, and for those with physical challenges. The half-mile trail exceeds many ADA standards. It offers an innovative, interactive nature experience for those who want to learn more about Arizona’s unique Sonoran Desert.

When: Saturday, Sept. 26, 7 to 10 a.m.

Where: At The Gateway to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve
18333 N. Thompson Peak Parkway
(east of Thompson Peak Parkway
between Bell Road and Union Hills Drive.
The formal dedication begins at 8 a.m.)

How: The Bajada Trail was made possible through the generous support of longtime McDowell Sonoran Preserve advocates, the Richard and Christine Kovach Family and the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy. For more information, contact the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy at (480) 998-7971.

Printable Bajada Nature trail Invite

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An open house will be from 7 to 9 a.m. and include a continental breakfast, demonstrations, educational information, and wildlife animal exhibits. Conservancy stewards will short hikes, and equestrain and bicycle rides (bring your own hourse or bicycle). The formal dedication begins at 8:00 a.m. with schedule spearks Vice Mayor Ron McCullagh, State Senator Carolyn Allen, artist and early Preserve advocate Pete Chasar, and McDowell Sonoran onservancy and McDowell Sonoran Preserve Commission representatives. City of Scottsdale Preservation Director Bob Cafarella will emcee the program.

The Gateway is the largest and most strategically located access point to the Preserve. It includes an accessible and interpretive trail (opening in September), an amphitheater for public education activities and events, restrooms and parking.

For more details contact the Preservation Office at (480) 312-2577

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Scottsdale’s world-class amenities let travelers relax in unmatched luxury. So why not return the favor to the city that has given so many great memories and experiences?

The Fairmont Scottsdale’s Sonoran Eco-Education package offers visitors a one-night stay with breakfast and a guided private half-day hike that teaches participants how to enjoy nature without leaving a mark. Guests who arrive in a hybrid vehicle also will be rewarded with complimentary overnight valet parking. For more information, visit www.fairmont.com/scottsdale.

Visitors inspired by the beauty of the Sonoran Desert can help keep it safe in one of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve’s trail projects. Currently, 16,460 acres of Scottsdale’s land is designated as a natural preserve and, upon completion, the plan will protect nearly one-third of the city’s land from development. As a volunteer, guests become active participants in the conservation of the Preserve and learn how to protect the Earth’s natural resources. Trail projects include everything from planting new cacti to repairing eroded trails. For more information, visit www.mcdowellsonoran.org.

Enjoy nourishing, good-for-you food while giving back to the environment and local communities in Arizona. Restaurateur Sam Fox and healthy living expert Dr. Andrew Weil have collaborated to create True Food Kitchen. The restaurant’s eco-friendly agenda is carried out through every detail from utilizing low voltage lighting to using locally grown produce. Guests can enjoy one of True Food’s sustainable wines or in-house purified water knowing they’re doing their part to preserve the environment and reduce waste. And, since 65 percent of the produce found on the menu comes from local farms, visitors are helping to support Arizona’s local farmers and communities. For more information, visit www.foxrc.net.

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October is McDowell Sonoran Month and you can join the celebration at a host of scheduled events, including guided hikes, educational lectures and discovery walks – all in honor of Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve.

Well on its way to becoming one of the largest urban preserves in the nation, the McDowell Sonoran Preserve encompasses mountains, Sonoran Desert and wildlife corridors that link open space in the Preserve with open spaces in adjacent communities, the Tonto National Forest and Maricopa County Regional Park. In addition to a year-round schedule of guided hikes and education programs, the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy offers special programming every October to encourage residents and visitors to get out and explore all of the wonders of the Sonoran Desert. This year’s highlights include:

Preserve Inhabitants Lecture Series

If you’ve ever wondered if birds can change colors or how plants and animals have adapted to the Sonoran Desert’s unique climate, this series is for you. A different topic is explored every Wednesday evening in October.

Discovery Walks

Every Saturday morning in October, experts in desert ecology and ethnology will lead groups on short walks into the preserve to discover nature’s hidden treasures.

Hydrogen House Open House

On Oct. 11 and 22, you can tour the country’s first green hydrogen house. This unique home has numerous passive and active sustainable design features, including convection air for natural cooling.

Click here for a complete schedule of McDowell Sonoran Month events.

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