Hiking trails that span not only mountain ridges, but history itself. Hot air balloon rides that soar over saguaros, desert washes and scurrying coyotes. Jeep tours that plunge into rugged backcountry, proving the Wild West is still alive and well. If these attractions sound like experiences that would take hours to reach from some distant way station�think again. They are all located right in Scottsdale's scenic backyard, the storied Sonoran Desert.

Scottsdale possesses a natural advantage over other destinations because this sophisticated oasis is surrounded by a rich legacy of mountains, parks and wildlife, providing opportunities for urban adventure second to none. The result is that everyone from seasoned thrill-seeker to absolute novice can kick their adrenaline into overdrive with high-octane adventures as accessible as they are inviting. Following are just a few opportunities to experience Scottsdale's wild side.

Progress in Preservation Scottsdale�s growth spurt in the �70s and �80s prompted a citizen initiated preservation effort which has resulted in a plan to protect nearly one-third of Scottsdale as the natural McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Today, this Preserve plays host to hikers, horseback riders and outdoor enthusiasts who delight in the region�s ancient Indian artifacts and wildlife like coyotes, Gila monsters, desert tortoises, chuckawallas, javelinas, deer and mountain lions. The rise in citizen activism, led by the non-profit McDowell Sonoran Land Trust, has helped build support for the preservation effort. As of September 2001, 28,921 acres (79.5%) of the planned 36,400 acre McDowell Sonoran Preserve has been protected. The Preserve will be managed to provide a sustainable habitat for the flora and fauna it contains for the enjoyment of this and all future generations. When complete, the McDowell Sonoran Preserve eventually will become one of the largest city-owned parks in the country, rivaled only by the desert parks that surround Phoenix.

In the future there will be development of the Desert Discovery Center, which will be located in the main Preserve Gateway access area. The Center will provide visitors with a series of exhibits, talks, and experiences that will help them understand the uniqueness of the Sonoran Desert�s history, cultures and ecosystems. Additional plans to provide for appropriate public access are underway but will take many years to complete. Trails and Tours With almost 100 miles of trails dedicated to horseback riding, biking and hiking, the path to adventure in Scottsdale is as simple as choosing your preferred form of transportation. Particular favorites include the McDowell Sonoran Preserve with more than 12,000 protected acres, Camelback Mountain, Pinnacle Peak Park and the Superstition Mountains. And when it comes to gear and guides, whether you are a hard-core backpacker seeking a peak experience or a casual mountain biker looking for a quick escape, you will find an abundance of qualified area outfitters, guides and experts to get you rolling on a group tour or going solo. Yet another advantage of having a guide in Scottsdale is their deep knowledge of area lore and natural history, giving visitors a complete Southwest experience.

Popular guided hikes and bike rides include Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain resort's treks up scenic Camelback Mountain and escorted hikes in the Tonto National Forest, and desert-style mountain bike rides offered by The Golden Door Spa at The Boulders Resort. For up-close vistas of soaring Pinnacle Peak, the Four Season Resort Scottsdale at Troon North offers hiking excursions, as does the City of Scottsdale, which has recently undertaken extensive trail enhancements. The park also features interpretive programs and trail signs describing the flora, fauna, geology, and cultural history of the area.

And lest we forget those who don't want to break a sweat, Jeep and Hummer tours are another option that puts guests right into the heart of Scottsdale�s deserts and mountains without getting their boots dusty. Guests can try their hand at Western ways, including gold panning, pistol shooting, chuck-wagon cookouts and more. The drivers are experts at pointing out the finer points of the desert's abundant plants and wildlife, including amazing facts about the towering saguaro cactus (they can absorb up to 200 gallons during a strong rain!) and plants with medicinal uses, such as snake broom.

Getting Air � Scottsdale Style Hang time in Scottsdale means taking to the skies to see the city and magnificent Sonoran Desert aloft from a hot air balloon. Sunrise and sunset hot air balloon tours give visitors the chance to see breathtaking vistas from hundreds of feet in the air, showcasing the city and desert when the light is just right. Talk about a photographer's dream! From these heights, roads ribbon off into the distance, saguaro cactus seem to march across the desert, and desert denizens like coyotes and cottontails can be seen in their natural habitat.

Of course, all good things must come to an end. But when the sturdy, handmade wicker baskets do come back down to earth, participants find a champagne ceremony uncorked in their honor in a tradition dating back to early French balloonists. For those in search of a wilder blue yonder, soaring provides another unforgettable airborne adventure. Riding wind currents in silence and serenity, clients are free to gaze as professional sailplane pilots navigate our friendly skies. Even more adventure awaits visitors interested in testing their skills in a vintage fighter plane with the aces at Fighter Combat International. There is nothing like a little air-to-air combat to bring out the Top Gun in anyone, especially in Scottsdale, where the sky is the limit.

Scottsdale Rocks The popularity of rock climbing has reached impressive heights and, true to form, Scottsdale is no slacker. Opportunities for climbers of all levels abound here in some of the most dramatic settings to be found anywhere. Particular favorites for enjoying scenery from an eagle's eye view include the McDowell and Granite mountains and Pinnacle Peak Park. Another signature climb is Camelback Mountain, with its famous Praying Monk formation a special challenge. Not quite sure if you can swing it on your own? No problem, as guides and gear are plentiful in this climber's paradise.

Visitors enjoying the five-star environs of The Boulders Resort have the added benefit of classes and climbs (beginners a specialty) on the property's legendary namesake � majestic granite formations estimated to be two billion years old. Under the guidance of expert instructors, climbers benefit from the rock's sturdy, abrasive consistency, which makes for sure footing. Savvy climbers take note: the renowned Golden Door Spa is on property just steps away, perfect for a post-climb treatment!

Wet & Wild Anyone who envisions the Sahara when they hear �desert� has certainly never visited Scottsdale. Here, the area's lakes and streams provide the perfect playground amidst the grandeur of the Sonoran Desert and surrounding mountains. Early civilizations, such as the Hohokam, made vast irrigation systems to tap the Salt and Verde rivers. Today, these same rivers also play a recreational role, providing the setting for rafting, kayaking and canoeing trips like those offered by Cimarron River Company and Arizona Outback Adventures. As in virtually all our adventure activities, it isn't necessary to bring anything but a sense of adventure, as local outfitters can supply both guides and gear.

Trip leaders can point out wildlife that frequents these areas, such as eagles, herons, egrets and hawks. Those with keen eyes and patience also might see coyotes, javelina and deer. Anglers will be hooked, finding the waters teeming with largemouth bass, trout, crappie, catfish, yellow bass and sunfish. Other activities to enjoy in the wet and wild areas include water skiing or simply tubing and enjoying the passing scenery.

Giddy-up In Scottsdale, the rugged heritage that gives the West its distinctive character can still be experienced firsthand. Visitors ready to saddle up and learn what it takes to be a cowboy do not have to look any further than the Arizona Cowboy College, where the �three Rs� are roping, riding and roughing it. From one-day clinics to week-long courses where students ride with working cowboys, junior wranglers learn about cattle, horsemanship and on-the-range lessons on cutting, branding and driving cattle.

Of course, some prefer to see the West at a more leisurely pace. Visitors can ride off into the sunset or enjoy a sunrise horseback ride through storied areas like the McDowell Mountains with trusty outfits. This is the land of legendary figures such as Wyatt Earp, Kit Carson, Billy the Kid and Cochise, who once roamed the dry creek beds and rough landscapes renowned the world over as cowboy country. Today's trailblazers have the benefit of expert guides who can explain the unique Sonoran Desert habitat of palo verde and mesquite trees while passing through some of the Southwest's most spectacular scenery.

Eco-Tours The fragile ecosystems of earth are getting increasing attention. In Scottsdale, where the value of the desert has long been understood (Senator Barry Goldwater helped protect Camelback Mountain from development in 1964), there is a particular emphasis on safeguarding the treasured Sonoran Desert. Visitors interested in learning about the intricate balance of life here can choose from an array of tours led by knowledgeable guides with a true understanding of the unique plants, animals and Native American sites that combine to create one of the world's most exquisite ecosystems. Often invisible to untrained eyes, secrets of the area's geology and natural history come alive when seen and understood in this environment. Some of the special excursions offered include new areas of the Tonto National Forest, hikes along the Verde River on the Fort McDowell Indian Reservation, and archaeology tours exploring the remnants of the region's earliest inhabitants.

The Slow Lane Scottsdale is also the perfect place to just enjoy standout scenery at an easy pace. Opportunities for leisurely walks, romantic strolls or an invigorating rollerblade abound. Want to see examples of the abundance of the Sonoran Desert right in town? Amble through the Desert Botanical Garden, which features wide-ranging exhibits including the Cactus House, the Succulent House, the Sonoran Desert Ecology Trail and more. Romantics can partake in moonlight walks and outdoor evening concerts at venues such as the el Pedregal Festival Marketplace. Locals and visitors in the know head to the walking and biking trails threading Scottsdale's signature greenbelt area along Indian Bend Wash for an urban escape. The adjacent Chaparral Park includes a lake for fishing, a playground, picnic areas, swimming pool and is an ideal spot for that sunset rollerblade. Framed by majestic mountains, McDowell Mountain Regional Park is just out of town, yet offers stunning scenery, gentle walking trails, plenty of picnic areas and full access to the Sonoran Desert.

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Media Contact: Laura McMurchie +1 480-429-2253 LM@scottsdalecvb.com