McDowell Sonoran Preserve: Trailheads & Where a Group Can Stay
The McDowell Sonoran Preserve is Scottsdale's city-managed desert preserve, with trailheads across the south and north/central areas. Here is what the City of Scottsdale lists, how to plan a safe group hike, and how a morning on the trail fits a stay at The Scottsdale Social, which sleeps up to 18 guests.
Sleeps 18 · 5 bedrooms · 9 beds · 3 baths
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Trailheads listed by the City of Scottsdale
The City of Scottsdale lists trailheads including Gateway, Lost Dog Wash, Sunrise and Ringtail on the south area map, and Brown's Ranch, Granite Mountain, Fraesfield, Pima Dynamite and Tom's Thumb on the north/central area map.
Trailhead access, parking, rules and hours vary, so check the official City of Scottsdale trail maps page before you go; the maps are available there. Source: City of Scottsdale, verified Oct 26, 2026.
Hiking safely in the desert
Carry water and follow National Weather Service heat guidance. In warm months, start early so the group is off the trail before the hottest part of the day.
A preserve morning on a group stay
The Scottsdale Social sleeps up to 18 guests, so a hiking morning works best with a little planning. Pick a trailhead by the group's fitness, then split into an easy hike and a harder hike so everyone goes at their own pace.
Afterwards, head back to the house for the private pool and hot tub. Book direct: 5% off, applied automatically on our official booking site.
Sleeping arrangements for up to 18
Share the exact bedroom list before the group commits. Bedroom 1 has a king, ensuite bath and desk. Bedroom 2 has a king, ensuite bath and backyard access. Bedroom 3 has two queens, Bedroom 4 has a king, and Bedroom 5 / game room has two full-over-full bunk beds. The third bath is shared, so agree on morning routines before an early start on the trail.
Up to 18 guests is the sleeping capacity of the home, not a promise of a private room for each person. Let guests confirm who shares which room privately with the organizer, and make sure everyone staying overnight is included in the booking.
After the hike
Back at the house, the backyard has a private pool, hot tub, basketball sport court, putting green and 15+ games, and the game room gives the group a place to gather in the evening. Pool heat is an optional added nightly fee shown at booking for the full stay. The full kitchen and long dining table make it easy to share breakfast before an early start or a big lunch once everyone is back.
Plan transport for the group ahead of time. The driveway holds four cars, so decide who drives and who carpools to the trailhead, and remember that trailhead parking varies; check the City of Scottsdale trail maps page before you go.
How to plan and book
Choose stay dates first, then plan hiking mornings around the weather. Check-in is at 4 p.m. and checkout at 10 a.m., so leave time for arrival and departure rather than assuming early access or late checkout. The primary guest must be 25 or older.
Use the Check dates button to see live dates and your full total on the official booking calendar. Read the house rules, guest limits and quiet hours before you book, because they apply to every stay, and keep the overnight group to the registered guests. The house is accommodation, not an event venue.
Plan your stay checklist
- Check trailhead access, parking, rules and hours on the City of Scottsdale trail maps page
- Pick a trailhead by the group's fitness and split into easy and harder hikes
- Carry water, follow National Weather Service heat guidance and start early in warm months
- Check live dates on the official booking calendar
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Frequently asked questions
What is the McDowell Sonoran Preserve?
It is Scottsdale's city-managed desert preserve. The City of Scottsdale publishes trail maps for the preserve on its official website.
Which trailheads does the City list?
The City of Scottsdale lists Gateway, Lost Dog Wash, Sunrise and Ringtail on the south area map, and Brown's Ranch, Granite Mountain, Fraesfield, Pima Dynamite and Tom's Thumb on the north/central area map. Access, parking, rules and hours vary, so check the official trail maps page.
When should a group hike in Scottsdale?
Start early in warm months, carry water and follow National Weather Service heat guidance.
Where can a large group stay near the preserve?
The Scottsdale Social is a Scottsdale home base that sleeps up to 18 guests, with a private pool and hot tub to come back to after a hike. Check live dates on the official booking calendar.
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Live availability, nightly rates, taxes and fees are on the official booking calendar.
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