Jane Rau Interpretive Trail: Scottsdale’s Shortest & Most Accessible Hike
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If you are looking for a beginner friendly, accessible, or stroller-friendly trail in the Phoenix metro, my pick is the Jane Rau Interpretive trail at the McDowell Sonoran Preserve in Scottsdale. This trail is located at the Brown’s Ranch Trailhead which is located in the northern section of the preserve.
Mike and I recently drove over to this trailhead to hike the Brown’s Ranch Loop, ended up hiking this short trek too, and actually preferred the scenery. This is one scenic hike despite the very short ~0.4 mile distance and little elevation gain. It’s the perfect choice if you want to take it easy during the hot season, need a wheelchair or stroller friendly path, or you simply want to learn more about the desert. I recommend all first time visitors start with something easy and short just to get used to the desert conditions.
The McDowell Sonoran Preserve
This is my favorite place to hike in Phoenix. It’s a massive place with a lot of trails to choose amongst (over 230 miles according to the preserve’s website). It’s located a bit away from everything so it feels a lot more natural and quieter than more popular tourist destinations like South Mountain and Camelback. I also like that there are a lot of short hikes here. If you live in this area or have ever visited during the heat of summer, then you already know that 100+ degrees and very dry is not the ideal conditions for hiking.
I don’t recommend hiking at all this time of year, but if you do, definitely get here right when the preserve opens if you can drag yourself out of bed early enough. The sun is intense, the dry conditions are dangerous, and it just isn’t worth the risk. This time of year, I feel like I am trying to hike through a sauna and oftentimes a steam room if a monsoon is in the forecast. I previously lived in Florida for 3 years and I can say that it is a lot hotter here!
A short, flat, & very scenic trek
Nevertheless, the Jane Rau trail is one of the better options if you do want to stay active and explore during the hottest season of the year. It was named after a community activist who helped establish the preserve. You will see some signs along the route.
It’s a hard surface trail (decomposed granite according to the preserve website) that meets US Forest Service accessibility standards. Strollers are ok too and you can also walk a dog (keep in mind that it is not safe to bring them when it is over 90 degrees).
This one is basically totally flat with just 37 feet in elevation gain so a great choice for anyone who doesn’t want to climb up and down hills the entire hike. There are some nice mountain views with a few overlooks where you can sit on a bench, relax, and enjoy the view.
You can read some interpretive signs along the trail and learn more about the flora and fauna. I love all the diverse cacti on this trail (we saw more on this one then the much longer Brown’s Ranch Loop), so it is definitely one I am planning on taking out-of-state visitors to who aren’t used to hiking or the desert. You will see more than enough Saguaro cacti, the iconic symbol of the American southwest. The flowers bloom in the spring months (usually May or June). These beautiful white blooms are actually the state flower!
These cacti are even taller than they appear in pictures. They can grow 40 to 60 feet. The tallest ever recorded was over 78 feet according to the NPS. Here is a picture of me standing next to one to give you an idea (I am 5’3″).
Things to Know:
This trail is open to hikers, but not mountain bikers or equestrians. Wheelchairs and strollers are ok.
Other trails at this trailhead include: the 2.7 mile Brown’s Ranch/Wrangler Road Loop, the Brown’s Mountain/Upper Ranch Loop Trail at 4.2 miles, and the 7 mile Cholla Mountain Loop Trail. The latter 2 are definitely only suited for the fall/winter season.
Rattlesnakes are occasionally sighted. According to the Arizona Game and Fish Department, they are most active from March-October. You need to be careful and follow all preserve rules. Never wear headphones, never put your hand under a rock, and stay vigilant of your surroundings.
Watch your kids and dogs at all times. Here are some preserve tips for what to do if you see one. Shockingly, I’ve never seen a single snake in my 4 years of hiking in Arizona. The only time I have ever seen a snake is on a tram tour at Sabino Canyon in Tucson. Fingers crossed that it stays this way (I’m terrified of snakes!).
Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash (no more than 6 feet).
Hiking in the Sonoran
I wrote a guide a few years ago on my best tips for dealing with the desert conditions.
Basically you will want to keep these tips in mind:
- Bring plenty of water. I take a camelbak for longer hikes. You probably don’t need one just for this trail.
- Electrolytes and salty snacks are a must especially if you are sweating a lot and/or completing a longer hike.
- Hike as early as possible. The preserve hours vary during the year (check the website for details).
- Wear appropriate hiking shoes and apparel. I’ve seen a lot of people wearing jeans (don’t do it!).
- A stick comes in handy for longer/rockier hikes. You won’t need one on this trail though.
- Always look at the trail map in the beginning. I always take a picture in case I get confused. This trail is marked a little better than others.
- Avoid summer hiking altogether if possible. This is a great time of the year to check out other attractions in the metro. My summer Phoenix guide includes a fun mix of museums, water based activities, dining, and more.
- Don’t get too close to any cacti. It hurts pretty bad and takes forever to pull all the tiny needles out. I learned my lesson after getting stung at Usery Mountain Park in Mesa. I never get too close now!
Address & additional info
Trailhead address: 30301 N. Alma School Pkwy, Scottsdale, AZ
Parking: Free
Amenities: Restroom, drinking water, trail maps
What else to do in Scottsdale?
Here are a few of my favorite touristy things to do in this area.
Take a walk around Old Town Scottsdale. There are a lot of nice galleries and touristy shops here.
Escape the heat at the Odysea Aquarium. There are some cool exhibits here (I love the fish tank escalator).
Treat yourself to a sundae at the Sugar Bowl, a long running retro themed ice cream shop in Old Town.
Refuel at a local business. If you love Italian food, definitely stop by Oregano’s for top notch Chicago style pizza and amazing pasta and salad.
If you are looking for a great local breakfast/coffeeshop before your hike I recommend: Press Coffee, Butters Pancakes, and Cartel.
More fun in Arizona
For more info on great hiking trails and attractions throughout the state, please take a look at my Arizona Travel Guide. I’ve been exploring the state for over 4 years so you will find a great mix of recreational and urban attractions. Also, for more fantastic hiking recommendations throughout the US, I recommend browsing my Hiking Guide.
