Once nicknamed "The West's Most Western Town", Scottsdale is now known for its world-class resorts. But, Scottsdale becomes more than just a resort town by offering a number of art galleries, upscale shopping and beautiful mountain views. Scottsdale is also home to the world's largest horse-drawn parade, the Parada del Sol.
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The McDowell Mountains are considered one of Scottsdale’s most striking physical features. The mountains cover more than 25 miles and are home to a variety of plant and wildlife. The goal of the preserve is to maintain the natural beauty of the area while providing public access and outdoor recreation opportunities for residents and visitors. Once completed, the McDowell Sonoran Preserve will provide an open space between the Tonto National Forest and Maricopa County’s McDowell Mountain Regional Park.
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The McDowell Sonoran Preserve is a work in progress that will encompass more than 36,000 acres upon completion. Scottsdale’s growth spurt in the ‘70’s and 80’s promoted a citizen initiation preservation effort which has resulted in a plan to protect nearly one-third of Scottsdale. |
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McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is unique indeed. Railroad enthusiasts have a home at the park that features a running, miniaturized replica of Century Narrow Gauge Railway equipment called the Paradise and Pacific Railroad. Park visitors can ride on the train, which travels the exterior of the park. |
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Another one of the beloved features at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is the Scottsdale Charro Carousel, which features 30 carved and restored horses. The carousel, originally built in 1950, is registered with the National Carousel Association for the preservation of antique carousels.
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The Paradise & Pacific Railroad is the highlight of McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park. It is built and operated as an exact 5/12 (5 inches equals a foot) reproduction of a Colorado narrow gauge railroad. It is a one-mile ride through the park. The railroad features three steam locomotives; two diesel engines and several scale model cars. |
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Another visible and beautiful landmark in North Scottsdale is Pinnacle Peak. Situated near the base of the peak is Pinnacle Peak Park . Comprised of 150 acres, the park hosts a hiking trail that has an elevation gain of 1,300 feet. |
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The Scottsdale Main Post Office's Postmaster prepares for the arrival of the Hashknife Pony Express riders. The riders traveled 200 miles from Holbrook, Az to Scottsdale as part of the 48th Annual Hashknife Pony Express. |
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The sound of hoof beats could once again be heard in Scottsdale as the riders of the Hashkknife Pony Express thunder into the Scottsdale Main Post Office with sacks of mail. The Hashknife is the oldest officially sanctioned Pony Express in the world. |
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The mail is carried on horseback for more than 200 miles in a four-day ride. The riders are volunteers from the Navajo County Sheriff’s Posse and their invited guests, also known as the Hashknife Posse, who are sanctioned by the U.S. Postal Service to carry mail. |
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All mail carried by Hashknife riders is hand-stamped with the official ride logo. The ride is a re-enactment of the famous Pony Express that ran between Sacramento and St. Joseph, Mo. Each rider covered 75 to 100 miles, changing horses every 10 to 15 miles. |
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The Hashknife Pony Express also is the kick-off event for the Scottsdale Jaycee's Parada del Sol Celebration. The celebration includes one of the largest horse-drawn parades and rodeo event. |
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Trail's end. Members of the Pony Express celebrate the end of another successful ride. A crowd gathered to welcome the riders. Even traffic on Scottsdale Road was temporarily stopped to allow the Pony Express to gallop into town. |
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A close-up of the canvas bags used to carry Pony Express mail. The mail is carried more than 200 miles to its destination in Scottsdale. |
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A commemorative, framed poster was presented to the mayor of Scottsdale by the "trail boss". |
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