CityApollo editors · Sources checked October 12, 2026
Scottsdale's McDowell Sonoran Preserve offers trails through protected desert landscapes. Gateway Trailhead is one established starting point; use the city's southern-area trail map to compare routes, including the Bajada Nature Trail, before choosing a walk.
Decide the route before arriving, and check current preserve notices and the forecast. Bring water and sun protection, and select a distance and terrain that work for everyone in the group. The map and official preserve page should guide your plan rather than a generic hiking itinerary.
Trailhead access can change. Confirm the specific access point you intend to use and follow posted trail rules when sharing the preserve with other hikers, cyclists, and equestrians.
Plan with the official sources
This is an evergreen planning guide. Confirm access, opening times, admission, and program schedules with the venue before visiting.