February 14, 2017
Easy, Scenic Trail for All Ages and Ability Levels
The landscape is studded with magnificent saguaro, like this one.
The Jane Rau Trail is located at the Brown’s Ranch Trailhead area of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve in north Scottsdale, Arizona. The trail starts just east of the amphitheater. It’s a half-mile loop trail through a saguaro-studded, boulder-strewn area. The trail is wide, flat and has interpretive signs and shaded benches. The trail was designed for effortless walks with strollers, wheelchairs, restless kids and hiking enthusiasts of all ages and ability levels. It provides an excellent introduction to Scottsdale’s preserve.
The trail is named after Jane Rau, a co-founder of the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy and long-time volunteer and preservation activist. Jane served as president of the Greater Pinnacle Peak Association (GPPA), the nonprofit that publishes this magazine. Jane was a member of GPPA’s board of directors when she co-founded the conservancy. The City Scottsdale dedicated the trail on March 22, 2014.
Facilities: There are restrooms, a few exhibits, water and maps at the trailhead.
Hours: The trailhead is open from dawn to dusk every day.
Rules: No bikes or horses are allowed on the trail. Dogs on leashes are allowed.
Directions: Brown’s Ranch Trailhead is located at 30301 N. Alma School Parkway, in Scottsdale. From Loop 101 in Scottsdale, take the Pima/Princess exit 36. Go 6.5 miles north on Pima Road to Dynamite Boulevard, turn right and continue 2.7 miles to Alma School Parkway. Turn left and go 1 mile to the trailhead.
Video
This video, featuring Jane and the trail named for her, was published by the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy in October 2013.
Jane Rau Trail Video
Photographs
In 2014, shortly after the trail opened, Les Conklin, A Peek at the Peak Editor, walked the trail and took these photographs.
The trail includes easy to read interpretive signs.
b
That’s not a large, striped bird looking at Pinnacle Peak. The trail provides many opportunities to take interesting photographs.
c
View of Brown’s Mountain, which is also part of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
d
The landscape is studded with magnificent saguaro, like this one.
e
Granite boulder outcropping near the trail.
f
This sign posted beside the trail provides information about the trail’s namesake.
Related Websites
McDowell Sonoran Preserve, www.scottsdaleaz.gov/preserve Website
McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, www.mcdowellsonoran.org Website
February 15, 2017
Very nice. Happy to have learned about Jane Rau. Excellent video. Thank you!