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North America United States Scottsdale, Arizona Do & See McDowell Sonoran Preserve

Overview

McDowell Sonoran Preserve

The guide was updated: 2024-10-31

Geologically, the McDowell Sonoran Preserve is unlike any other in the Valley: forests of cacti, unique fauna, and rolling landscapes of mountains and hills all cohabit here. The preserve covers 27,800 acres of Scottsdale grounds. To avoid the heat, visit early in the morning or later in the day.

Useful Information

Address: 18333 North Thompson Peak Parkway, Scottsdale, AZ
Website: www.scottsdaleaz.gov/preserve

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Old Town Scottsdale

Old Town Scottsdale

Old Town Scottsdale is perfect for a romantic evening stroll while window shopping, meeting a friend for lunch, getting in touch with your artsy side, and more. Old Town is also close to the Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall. Enjoy fine dining, wine bars, and other great attractions all in one location.

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West

Scottsdale’s theme of bonding man and nature continues with the Taliesin West. Built by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1937, the desert escape served as Wright’s winter home. Make the trip to the foothills of the McDowell Mountains in the Sonoran Desert and discover one of Wright’s masterpieces. Both the Taliesin West’s indoor and outdoor spaces will impress.

Troon North Golf Club

Troon North Golf Club

Troon North Golf Course is championed as not only one of Scottsdale’s finest courses, but one of Arizona’s best as well. Such acclaim is understandable as the club is designed by the British Open Champion Tom Weiskopf and also has perfect fairways and bent grass greens.

McDowell Sonoran Preserve

McDowell Sonoran Preserve

Geologically, the McDowell Sonoran Preserve is unlike any other in the Valley: forests of cacti, unique fauna, and rolling landscapes of mountains and hills all cohabit here. The preserve covers 27,800 acres of Scottsdale grounds. To avoid the heat, visit early in the morning or later in the day.

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park

The McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park encompasses 40 acres of famous replications and antique carousels. The park features a 15 foot gauge railroad, a Magma Arizona Railroad locomotive, a railroad museum, three model railroad clubs, and a seven-and-a-half foot gauge live steam railroad.

AZ on the Rocks

AZ on the Rocks

If you're seeking to beat the Sonoran heat but still want to climb the mountainside, head to AZ on the Rocks. As Arizona’s largest indoor climbing gym, the Rocks has walls nearly 30 feet high. Aside from just having fun, the Rocks also offer an opportunity to work on climbing techniques and learn the ropes. Children under 18 must have a signed waiver allowing them to climb.

Cosanti Originals

Cosanti Originals

Cosanti, an architectural site, showcases earth-crafted structures native to the Scottsdale and Sonora Desert area. A ceramic workshop and foundry may be explored. Be sure to check out their famous wind chimes.

Pinnacle Peak Park

Pinnacle Peak Park

The trail leading up to Pinnacle Peak has a variety of elevations and descents, and a smooth tread. It's ideal for hiking, rock climbing, and horseback riding. Find a wealth of plants native to Arizona’s desert geography. Expect to see animals like bobcats and Gila monsters. Neither dogs nor bicycles are allowed.

Penske Racing Museum

Penske Racing Museum

For car enthusiasts, Penske Racing Museum is an ideal place to spend an afternoon. Come discover cars, trophies, and racing memorabilia from over 40 years of racing history. The esteemed Penske Racing has over 300 major race wins, highlighted by 15 Indianapolis 500-mile race victories.

Cave Creek Outfitters

Cave Creek Outfitters

Take yourself to the beautiful Sonoran Desert on horseback with Cave Creek Outfitters. They are open seven days a week to accommodate all visitors. Call ahead to make reservations for your ride.

Scottsdale Desert Stages Theater

Scottsdale Desert Stages Theater

Scottsdale Desert Stages Theater is an award-winning dinner theater. Wonderful for all ages, it offers child-friendly, professional productions. Call to reserve tickets.

Soleri Bridge & Plaza

Soleri Bridge & Plaza

The Soleri Bridge and Plaza was designed by the illustrious Paolo Soleri. The artist, architect and philosopher brought his creation to the Scottsdale Waterfront. Soleri crafted it to be a passage for pedestrians, a solar calendar and a gathering place all-in-one. Representing a connection between man and nature, the Soleri Bridge has become a marquee attraction for Scottsdale.

Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center

Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center

The Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center is a nonprofit organization that rehabilitates sick, injured, orphaned, displaced, and abandoned wild animals with the intent of reintroducing and releasing them back into the wild. The Conservation Center is the largest sanctuary for animals in the Southwestern United States.

Civic Center Mall

Civic Center Mall

The Civic Center Mall is a verdant pedestrian mall right next to the vibrant Old Town. Some of Scottsdale’s prominent public art collections make their home at the Civic Center, including Robert Indiana’s “LOVE” sculpture and James Turrell’s “Knight Rise” Skyspace at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. There are over 21 acres of lush landscaping, a lagoon, an amphitheater, and more.

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