Scottsdale hike is for the birds: How to see the ravens
Browns Mountain, the can’t-ignore centerpiece of Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve, is a magnet for hikers.
When viewed from the miles of trails that weave around its base, the prominent mound might appear slightly intimidating, but if you’re like most trekkers, sooner or later you’ll climb it.
Whether you use a direct approach or long loop to access the preserve’s loftiest perch, the effort rewards with outstanding views and, if you’re lucky, a peek at an aerial bird show.
The distinctive flat-topped Browns Mountain with colorfully layered flanks sits in the preserve’s north sector among acres of yucca, cactus and desert trees. Hikers aren’t the only ones attracted to this place. Ravens have claimed the craggy cliffs below the mountain’s summit as prime nesting territory.
The large, croaking, glossy jet-black birds are easy to hear and see against ocher cliffs and blue skies along the hike up the mountain.
While common ravens sometimes build nests in trees, they tend to favor jagged rock walls like those on Browns Mountain. February through May is the best time to observe the birds’ dramatic mating rituals that include aerial dances with males and females swooping, diving and roosting to preen before building platform nests in stony cracks.
Ravens mate for life and share parenting chores. Females incubate eggs for three weeks while males provide care and feeding. Chicks take flight about five weeks after hatching.
The most direct route to view the ravens in action and get to the summit begins at the Browns Ranch trailhead with an easy 0.6-mile walk on Browns Ranch Road. Take a left onto the Browns Mountain Trail and follow the moderate route as it ascends 0.7 mile along the mountain’s geologically complex flanks where the ravens play around the rugged stone jetties that protrude from the northeast slopes.
Once through a bare-rock chute, the route meets a saddle with a scenic overlook where the summit spur heads up the hill’s east face.
The 0.2-mile summit spur ascends in tight, steep switchbacks with a short segment of blocky rock scrambling near the top. All but the shortest hikers can get through this jumble without the need for a handhold. The small, rocky summit offers 360-degree views of the Valley, the preserve and distant mountain peaks.
Several artifacts, including concrete slabs inscribed with names from 1958 and a chopped-wood power line pole, add elements of history to the isolated peak that stands 550 feet above the desert floor. From this high platform, the air antics of ravens take center stage.
Sometimes swooping closely overhead or croaking from nearby outcroppings, they serve as loud, convincing reminders to stay on trails and not disturb
Hiking Browns Mountain
nesting habitats and fragile terrain.
While on top, review the preserve map to scope out your return route or simply retrace your steps for a second look at the cliff-side raven drama.