McDowell Sonoran Preserve
The McDowell Sonoran Preserve surrounds much of DC Ranch and is considered by many residents as the “backyard” to the community. It is the largest urban land preserve in the United States and is Scottsdale area’s oldest treasure, encompassing 30,000 acres of pristine desert landscape.
The City of Scottsdale owns and manages the Preserve. Since its founding in 1991, the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy – a grass-roots, volunteer-driven, nonprofit advocacy and education organization—has been committed to helping the City maintain the Preserve.
The Gateway Trailhead, the most popular access point to the Preserve, is located on Thompson Peak Parkway adjacent to DC Ranch.