I often wonder, when I hike the many trails in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve if people who live in Scottsdale (and surrounding areas) really understand how fortunate they are to have the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy in their “backyard.” Come on, I ask you, where can you find another park that provides hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, horseback riding AND educational programs such as photography classes, bird walks, and Tai Chi, just to name a few. Friends and I hiked the Preserve today in perfect weather (low 50’s). We were treated to another weekend of low-hanging clouds, a view of snow on the Four Peaks AND views as far as the Estrella Mountains; thank the wind for clearing the smog. Here are a few photos I captured; enjoy!