There's a new trail on the southern slope of the McDowell Mountains for your hiking enjoyment, and it can be found off the Lost Dog Wash Trailhead.
The Kovach Family Nature Trail is slated for a grand opening in March but you don’t have to wait that long to experience the exquisite beauty of the Southwest desert, it is open now! It’s one of three interpretative trails and the signs will be in by the end of February. They are designed to educate our community and visitors about the precious ecosystem of our Sonoran desert and point out some of the flora and fauna on your hike.
These interpretive trails are short or medium in length and provide a firm or stable surface to accommodate people with walkers, wheelchairs, or baby strollers—so everyone can get out and enjoy nature.
The three interpretative trails in Scottsdale's McDowell Sonoran Preserve are:
- The Bajada Nature Trail at the Gateway Trailhead
- The Jane Rau Trail at Brown's Ranch Trailhead
- The Kovach Family Nature Trail at Lost Dog Wash Trailhead
Did you know? Many desert plants have an economic value and the jojoba plant is one of them. Next time you are out hiking you’ll likely see this indigenous plant that bears “beans” that are harvested and used in a variety of products. The jojoba oil, that is really a wax, is highly resistant to oxidation that prevents it from going rancid making it similar to the properties of sperm whale oil. Sperm whale oil and jojoba oil are the only products that can be used in some industrial applications. Jojoba oil is also used extensively in cosmetic products and massage oils.
Scottsdale has 11 trailheads with access to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Many benefactors have contributed money and countless volunteer hours to create an outdoor lifestyle that puts Scottsdale on the map as a winter destination of sun and fun. Many of these visitors are so taken by the beauty of the Sonoran Southwest that they become permanent residents. If you are looking for Scottsdale homes for sale, contact The Matheson Team to get started.
