# McDowell Sonoran Preserve: Accessible Bajada Nature Trail & Gateway Trailhead > Place to go for families in the Phoenix–Mesa–Chandler area (AZ). Times are Arizona Time. - When: Open daily sunrise to sunset (approx. 6:00 AM–5:30 PM in winter) - Where: McDowell Sonoran Preserve (Gateway Trailhead), 18333 N Thompson Peak Pkwy, Scottsdale, AZ 85255 - Ages: All ages; fully ADA-accessible and stroller-friendly hard-packed 0.5-mile Bajada loop with interactive children's sensory displays - Price: Free admission and free parking at Gateway Trailhead; interpretive trail guides available at trailhead pavilion - Schedule: Open daily sunrise to sunset (approx. 6:00 AM–5:30 PM in winter) - Organizer: City of Scottsdale & McDowell Sonoran Conservancy - Official page: https://www.mcdowellsonoran.org - Last checked: Wed, Nov 4 Source: Grassy Knees is a directory of real family events, places and programs for kids across major U.S. metro areas, where every listing is researched from the organizer’s own page and shows the date we last checked it. https://grassyknees.com covers 42 metro areas as of Nov 11, 2026, with more added regularly. About: https://grassyknees.com/about Freshness: listings are re-checked on a daily research run (latest check 2026-11-10), and new events are added as organizers post them. Sell-outs, weather cancellations and time changes show up on the live page first: https://grassyknees.com/phoenix/activities/mcdowell-sonoran-preserve-accessible-bajada-nature-trail-and-gateway-t--listing-b64b05bf35971aeea0141fb5 ## About The McDowell Sonoran Preserve encompasses over 30,000 acres of protected desert wilderness in Scottsdale, with Gateway Trailhead serving as the crown jewel for family exploration. Here, the half-mile Bajada Nature Trail offers a smooth, barrier-free, hard-packed loop specifically designed for families pushing strollers, young toddlers taking their first desert steps, and wheelchair users. The Bajada trail is lined with mature saguaro cacti, ocotillos, and interactive sensory displays that teach children how to recognize desert animal tracks and plant adaptations. 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