Immersion into the assorted levels of awesomeness of the Sonoran Desert is as easy as stepping off the pavement and into the Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve.

With over 200 miles of nonmotorized trails, the preserve in the northeast Valley is a major draw for hikers, bikers and equestrians of all levels of expertise.

With winter visitor season in full swing, it’s smart to have a go-to selection of short and easy treks that showcase the amazing beauty and diversity of local trails.

Approachable and enlightening, the Latigo-Sidewinder loop offers a quick trip that’s packed with botanical, geological and scenic wonders. 

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This swift dive into a family-friendly corner of the preserve is one to keep in mind for entertaining visitors or just wallowing in local flora and fauna without a lot of fuss. It’s the perfect hike to do with those who may not be regular trekkers or acclimated to desert conditions.

The tour begins at the new Pima-Dynamite trailhead where restrooms, shaded seating areas and interpretive signs are welcoming amenities.

An easy half-mile walk on the wide, sandy Latigo Trail enters the preserve’s far west edge, passing under powerlines that curiously mimic look the long, slender stalks of native ocotillo cactus.

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Along this introductory leg, a veritable botanical garden of blooming native plants vies for attention. Look for sulfur-yellow desert marigolds and brittlebush, red chuparosa shrubs, fairy dusters, delicately fragrant desert lavender and the golden desert rock pea.

Fruit-bearing thornbush, wolfberry and invasive mistletoe attract birds including cactus wrens, phainopeplas, mockingbirds and doves while rabbits, squirrels and lizards scurry among jojoba bushes and many species of cholla cactus.

At the Sidewinder Trail junction, head right and follow the signs to the main botanical event — a magnificent crested saguaro. A sign near the rare specimen presents theories on how the contorted fan-like crests of these desert curiosities might form.

Just beyond the crested saguaro, the trail enters a boulder-lined corridor with an optional short detour to the Sidewinder Overlook where mountain ranges may be viewed from a platform of granite shelves. 

Newcomers are often stunned by the variety and profusion of desert plant and animal life and the juxtaposition of a low, arid environment with a ring of mountain peaks that might be snow-capped in winter.

From the overlook, follow the signs back to the Latigo Trail and swing back to the trailhead for a satisfying 2.7-mile loop.

More:This Scottsdale hiking trail has boulder fields and cactus forests

Getting there: Pima-Dynamite Trailhead, 28777 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale. There are two access roads near the corner of Pima and Dynamite roads. One is on Pima just north of the traffic signal and one is a few yards east on Dynamite. There are restrooms at the trailhead.

Hours: Sunrise to sunset daily.

Details: Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve,  https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/preserve.

Read more of Mare Czinar's hikes at http://arizonahiking.blogspot.com.

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