Sonoran Preserve Trail Maps

The McDowell Sonoran Preserve Commission has created a conceptual trails plan (3.23 MB). The planned trails make use of existing roads and trails as much as possible with the addition of some new trails to provide appropriate access for passive uses of the Preserve while protecting wildlife habitat, sensitive archaeological sites, and historical artifacts.
The only trails in the Preserve that are open are in the southwest area, as can be seen in the map from the City of Scottsdale. This area includes the Lost Dog, Quartz, Ringtail, Taliesin, and Westworld trails, portions of which lie outside the Preserve boundary. The Taliesin Overlook is a rewarding destination, about a 3 mile hike and 400 foot climb from trailheads on either side.

The Sunrise trail opened up for the first time fall 2004. It runs from the Ringtail Trail local parking at the north end of 128th St to the Sunrise trailhead (now under construction) near via Linda and 144th St. This is a challenging 4.5 mile one-way hike with a 1000 foot climb and descent.

Most of the trails in the northern part of the Preserve are located on what currently is State Trust land but is within the voter-approved recommended boundary for the Preserve. The City of Scottsdale is working actively in partnership with MSC to acquire the area for preservation. The Arizona State Land Department requires a permit and charges a fee for use of State Trust land. The MSC has a group permit which covers participants on MSC-sponsored hikes. Please obtain your own permit if you wish to use any of these trails on other occasions.

Recreational permits are available for an individual ($15), family ($20), group of fewer than 20 persons for less than 5 days ($15), and non-profit groups for specific events or a 1 year period ($50). These permits are valid for one year from the date of purchase.

Permits can be obtained through the mail by calling 602.364.ASLD (2753), or by visiting the State Land Department office in Phoenix, Tucson or Flagstaff, or by visiting the Arizona Public Lands Information Center in Phoenix.

Additional information about allowed and prohibited activities on State Trust land and other topics can be obtained at http://www.land.state.az.us/support/faqs.htm