I actually made this hike because I entered the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy Photo Contest, which is the reason it took me 5 hours. The last 12 photos with captions are the ones I entered. I didn't win; however, I got alot of cool pictures. 3 weeks later I broke my leg.

Scottsdale's McDowell Sonoran Preserve is like no other place in the Valley. It is geologically unique and home to stunning geography, lush cacti forests and diverse wildlife. Check out my photos, which capture only about a 6 mi hike of the 14,000 scenic acres of Scottsdale.