REI Co-op Experiences View more. Western Gateway Loop RECOMMENDED ROUTE. You will NOT get much "city" views from this hike, so if you are looking for Will hike for a piece of pizza. Share on Trail Run Project. Too rocky, too crowded and too close to the city. Gateway Loop is often heavily trafficked throughout the week and on the weekends even more so! Extended loop skirting several canyons and washes. Comments (0) Send Inquiry. Trail Details. Head out on the Gateway Trail from the parking lot and enjoy the views as you wind through the beginning of the route. Pack out what you pack in. Password help. Be listening for trail runners. Dog and kid friendly, you get a decent workout while looping around one of Scottdale’s most well-known mountains, McDowell Mountain. Updated July 23, 2016 . Sign Up. All dogs MUST be on a leash. Create Recommended Route or Trail . Club Sponsor-Local Bike Shop. Gateway Loop Trail is a 6.8 kilometer heavily trafficked loop trail located near Scottsdale, Arizona that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. Great trail for newbies looking for a challenge. Great views throughout, Gateway Trail Loop is a great trail for moderate hikers. This video is me, my younger son, and the dog walking the Gateway Trail Loop in Scottsdale, AZ. Hard to believe but today was the first time this year we groomed al ... l trails with our big Ginzu groomer. Gateway Loop is an easy trail fit for all ages, sizes, and creatures! Taking the Gateway Loop right will lead you to the Bell Pass Trail branch off and taking a left goes to the Windgate Pass Trail. Didn't see any cyclists or horses out today but hikers and dogs and a couple of joggers were there. Particularly Special Place. Even kids in strollers love the games and activities along the Bajada Nature Trail. Crowded. You will then take a left to make your way around the first curve of the loop. If you plan to visit this trail, you most definitely want to get there early to find a parking spot and be on your way. We turn around at the turnoff for the loop (at the Gateway Loop/Windgate Pass Trail Split), and are back to the parking lot an hour after start time. Rating: Moderate. Dry (on Dec 26, 2019) login to update. Bathroom was clean and parking was easy. Two alternate entry points to Gateway Loop Trail: With 200 parking spaces at the Gateway Access area (opened May 2, 2009), most people will start the Gateway Loop trail from this point; however, there are two other nearby entry points. Trail is rocky, so pay attention to your steps. Gateway Mesa Open Space consists of 276 acres of grassland mesa and a mixed coniferous forest near the eastern boundary of Castle Rock. Taking the Gateway Loop right, in a mile you will take the Bell Pass Trail branch off to the right. It climbs and winds around gently for several miles before it crosses the gravel Forest Service Road 40N88X. Trail conditions. I clocked it at 4.66 miles. Upcoming Events. Highly recommend this trail for a 1-2 hour hike, or even something shorter. The Gateway Loop Trail explores the bajadas and foothills of McDowell Sonoran Preserve. From this point, you will begin your ascent of 1200 feet over 2 miles to the Bell Pass. Hike down the Gateway Loop Trail. Gateway Trailhead to Windgate. Hiked mid-day on a Wednesday in February. Gateway Loop Trail is a 4.3 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Scottsdale, Arizona that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The "Gateway" on Thompson Peak Parkway north of Bell Road is the stroll through labeled desert plants and a earthen- stone rest facility. The Conservancy’s trailheads and all trails within its boundaries are open from sunrise to sunset. Gateway Loop is an easy trail fit for all ages, sizes, and creatures! I mostly take the Gateway Loop Trail for an easy 4.1 mile hike or run. Dec 6, 2019. reporter Trails are snow covered and being used as snowshoe trails in the winter months. Clockwise and counter-clockwise are each enjoyable rides. Get your trails map on line or most Preserve entry info board. The Gateway Loop Trail at McDowell Sonoran Preserve is an impeccably maintained 4.5 mile trail that leads to an impressive and extensive trail system. This hike: 9.8mile loop. From the Phoenix area, take state HWY-101 North to the Bell road exit. Make sure and stop once in a while to look around, or all you'll see are the rocks you are trying to avoid! Saw people from time to time but not crowded at all. It is an easy, scenic trail. Drink at least a half gallon of water before heading out on a hot day and always carry water with you as you trek along. Trail Description Trail Photos Print this Trail Trip Reports. Note it is way too crowded on weekends. Stay on the Gateway Loop Trail, always circling the mountain to your right, and taking care not to turn off to the left on the Horseshoe Trail a short distance after you’ve started on the actual loop. This moderate 4.4 mile loop trail gradually inclines up towards the Gateway Saddle and then calmly declines hikers back around to the trailhead. Very rocky the whole way... a bit busy at 10am in a Saturday but not too bad. Beware, it is fairly rocky here. This popular route offers a compact introduction to Sonoran desert ecology with route extensions to Bell Pass and Windgate Pass: The trail rises gently on a wide, groomed path to the Gateway Loop split (.4 miles : 1,782’). You can access the Gateway loop from a number of trails. Approx 7 miles/2.5 hrs. How to Get There. There is no preferred direction, but the climbing is slightly more gradual if you ride it in the clockwise direction. Add one. * Please remember to hike at your own risk. It’s all downhill from here. Nothing too challenging, which is why you’ll see a variety of age groups trekking along this trail at all hours of the day. As you progress further on the trail, you'll encounter a couple slightly steep, rocky sections that contain some technical turns. The trail begins by the kiosk in the parking area – note that the trail curves north from the parking lot, and is not the gated forest road. First third was very crowded. When Ledge-n-airy joins Outer Limits again, continue downhill on Outer Limits to cross Dry Creek. The Gateway Saddle sign is a great spot for a selfie. 4 ... set off from the parking lot at the Sedona Cultural center and follow the Outer Limits trail and then Ledge-n-airy, skirting an edge above Dry Creek. Other linked trails are the Tom's Thumb trail and the Wingate Pass and Bell Pass trails. From the Phoenix area, take state HWY-101 North to the Bell road exit. This loop begins/ends at the Saguaro Trail, which starts at the Gateway Trail, off of Thompson Peak Parkway. This is an easy introduction to the park and is a 4+/- mile loop from the trailhead. Just as we were about to finish, we started talking to a horse rider coming the other direction. I mostly take the Gateway Loop Trail for an easy 4.1 mile hike or run. We turn around at the turnoff for the loop (at the Gateway Loop/Windgate Pass Trail Split), and are back to the parking lot an hour after start time. Beware, it is fairly rocky here. May 22, 2020 @ 4:25pm. The Gateway Trailhead provides great accessibility for a quick hike or trail run at the end of the workday. Both of which have a steady uphill, followed by steep switchback climbs. Less up hill. Photo Credit: Sam Bero. The former Soo Line rail bed, now paved, runs 18 miles from St. Paul, MN to Pine Point Park in Stillwater, MN. Gateway Mesa Open Space consists of 276 acres of grassland mesa and a mixed coniferous forest near the eastern boundary of Castle Rock. Valley Spur Trail System - Hiawatha National Forest. The last third was basically through a development via a washy area. The most popular access point being the McDowell Sonoran Preserve parking lot then a half mile ride to the loop. This is an easy introduction to the park and is a 4+/- mile loop from the trailhead. None. Your FREE account works with all Adventure Projects sites . Trailforks Map. Go on a weekday if you can. First added by Thorgron on May 26, 2011. Jul 16, 2020. Located on a converted rail-trail, the Gateway State Trail offers 18 miles of paved trail for non-motorized use. Gateway Loop Trail (McDowell Mountain Preserve) Gateway Loop Trail (McDowell Mountain Preserve) Hot. The trail starts off shared with other short walking trails and such, then quickly becomes a steep and rocky ascent. Gateway Loop is located in the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy of off N. Thompson Peak Road in Scottsdale, Arizona. Gateway Loop Trail is a 4.3 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Scottsdale, Arizona that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. Discover Gateway Mesa Open Space and the new Legacy Trail. Rocky. Trail Description Starting at the Gateway Trailhead, you will begin a gentle elevation gain and connect to the Gateway Loop trail in about 1/2 mile. This open space area is open to hiking only. Trail Description Trail Photos Print this Trail Trip Reports. Gateway Loop - 4.4 Miles Round-Trip The McDowell Sonoran Preserve is located in a transition zone to the Arizona Upland subdivision of the Sonoran Desert, an ecotone with higher annual rainfall (up to 12.5”) than nearby parks such as South Mountain, Camelback Mountain and Squaw Peak. Both of which have a steady uphill, followed by steep switchback climbs. This is a great trail for a easy to moderate hike. GPS Coordinates :: Download Coordinates. Gateway Loop Trail map . Park at the health club at Union Hills and Thompson Peak Parkway in the southeast corner of the parking lot. Many people trail run along this loop so be on the lookout to move swiftly to the side as people rush by. The trail is primarily used for hiking and mountain biking and is accessible year-round. How to Get There. The trail is on the edge of town and feels much more remote than most other trails in the greater Phoenix area. Other trails more vertical leave from there or start elsewhere in the city-owned mountain range. Elevation: 4,570-4,200 feet. At about 3.1 miles, stay right on the Gateway Loop trail. Dirt or rock trail. Share a Photo . This hike is located near Scottsdale, AZ. At about 2.9 miles, stay right. Mostly love this trail. Clockwise and counter-clockwise are each enjoyable rides. The climb is challenging with the steepness and rock gardens all along the path. The trail is built very well, but isn’t over groomed. May 22, 2020. reporter: May 22, 2020 @ 4:25pm. Turn left and then find your way back to your car! Rocky and broken footing but there were quite a few runners and a few bikers. Trail Details. May 22, 2020 @ 4:25pm. There are lots of beautiful views on this trail, but straying from the trail can harm yourself and the native plants & wildlife. The Gateway Brown's Creek trail is the recreational jewel of the East Metro Area of the Twin Cities. Camping & Lodging . MTB Project: Gateway Trail Loop. The Gateway Loop in the McDowell Mountains in Scottsdale, Arizona is a perfect trail for hikers of all skill levels. Share a Gem . Representative trail for the region. I hiked the loop in a clockwise manner. Very well market trail. We turn around at the turnoff for the loop (at the Gateway Loop/Windgate Pass Trail Split), and are back to the parking lot an hour after start time. Add a Symbol . Must try it out. No scrambling or bouldering needed. Ride Report: We all noted how Desert Park Trail is arguable one of the nicest trails in the McDowells with its well groomed route that makes this ride smooth sailing (up the mountain). Disneyland type crowds are not for me otherwise I would have given this 5 stars. Add to or improve this map // Share this map on your website. It crosses a few old roads, so just continue on the singletrack you started on. This moderate 4.4 mile loop trail gradually inclines up towards the Gateway Saddle and then calmly declines hikers back around to the trailhead. This is a great trail for visitors to Phoenix who have never hiked before, but want to get a good view of the metropolitan area. As far as wildlife is concerned, this trail is too heavily trafficked to see any kind of wildlife other than your regular rabbit or lizard. Either way you take, you will reach the Gateway Loop turn-offs in about a mile. Gateway Loop videos. As an interior trail, the Windgate Pass Hiking Trail is only reachable by hiking one of six McDowell Sonoran Preserve access trails. Add a video. Bringing snacks and treats is all fun and games, but always remember to take any trash with you that you bring in! From the parking lot, an access trail leads a short distance to the main STS loop. Coming soon! This hike is located near Scottsdale, AZ. The west side loop is mostly flat terrain and is accessed at the main trail head in Gateway Park. The trail begins in the city of St. Paul, travels northeast through the cities of Maplewood, North St. Paul, and Oakdale, through Washington County, and ends at Pine Point Regional Park, just four miles northwest of the city of Stillwater. Discover Gateway Mesa Open Space and the new Legacy Trail. I also did a couple spurs just to map them out on my GPS while the family went ahead to the next trail junction. The Gateway Loop Trail at McDowell Sonoran Preserve is an impeccably maintained 4.5 mile trail that leads to an impressive and extensive trail system. The Gateway-Brown's Creek Trail is a multi-use trail providing biking, rollerblading, running, walking, horseback riding and cross-country skiing to trail users year round. This park is awesome - Sustainable in every aspect! Take Bell road East (right) until you reach the intersection with Thompson Peak Parkway. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from April until September. May 22, 2020. reporter: Dec 6, 2019 @ 3:31pm. It is an easy, scenic trail. From the Trailhead, the super-easy, half-mile Saguaro Trail leads to the Gateway Loop Trail. We did the Gateway Loop Trail clockwise, but then took the Paradise Trail down to the Levee trail on our way back to mix it up a bit and get a little more mileage. This is a fun event happening at the Munising Bay Trail Network's Gateway Loop. Fairly busy on a February Wednesday late afternoon. My favorite part about this trail is the fact that I can either take it slow and enjoy the scenery, or get a sweat going with a run. Location. You can access the Gateway loop from a number of trails. Gateway Loop Trail is a 4.2 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Scottsdale, Arizona that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. We turn around at the turnoff for the loop, and are back to the parking lot an hour after start time. Gateway Loop Trail Reports. The roads to the parking lot are well paved and there are many rows of parking for you to snag a spot before hitting the trail. The trail is relatively flat with a few “hilly” areas here and there as you circle around the loop. This blog was thoughtfully written by Erin Maxon. Length 9.7 miElevation gain 1102 ftRoute type Loop Hiking Mountain biking Nature trips Walking Bird watching This loop begins/ends at the Saguaro Trail, which starts at the Gateway Trail, off of Thompson Peak Parkway. The Gateway Loop Trail is 4.5 miles long and has 650 feet of elevation gain, which makes for a great moderate hike. Gateway Loop - 4.4 Miles Phoenix - Scottsdale - Mesa. SCOTTSDALE - Meet at the pavilion and hike towards Tom's Thumb, taking a left on the Gateway Loop Trail. This loop begins/ends at the Saguaro Trail, which starts at the Gateway Trail, off of Thompson Peak Parkway. Keep right and continue to follow the Gateway Loop Trail to meet the Saguaro Trail junction. Went counterclockwise and I think I'd go CW if I did it again to take the steeper way going up, or skip the loop and continue up Bell for an out-and-back. Gateway Loop Trail - MSP: Phoenix, AZ: Gateway Loop Trail - MSP. Allow about 3 hours. Compare. The Gateway Loop Trail is 4.5 miles long and has 650 feet of elevation gain, which makes for a great moderate hike. After a reasonable climb and at about 1.6 miles from the trailhead you’ll come to the turnoff to stay on the Loop Trail. It climbs and winds around gently for several miles before it crosses the gravel Forest Service Road 40N88X. The Gateway Park Trail is comprised of two sections: One on the west side and one on the east side of the Trinity River. Stay on the trail. I definitely recommend this trai. You will see lots of hikers and runners, especially on weekends, so please ride under control and be courteous. Continue through several zig-zags and take a right on Last Frontier trail. Sedona Western Gateway Trails. Pretty easy hike and great views. Today at 1:09 PM. Intermediate. Log In. Taking the Gateway Loop right will lead you to the Bell Pass Trail branch off and taking a left goes to the Windgate Pass Trail. The most popular access point being the McDowell Sonoran Preserve parking lot then a half mile ride to the loop. Gateway Trail and Tunnel Trail Loop is a 9.7 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Mount Shasta, California and is rated as moderate. status date description; Jul 16, 2020 @ 5:06am. 1. Jul 16, 2020. Location. OR. Getting to the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy area is quite easy and can be reached with any car within the city. Gateway Loop Trail (McDowell Mountain Preserve) Gateway Loop Trail (McDowell Mountain Preserve) Hot. Bing Maps has a collection of great trails with directions to trail heads as well as photos. OR. Head for the bathroom area to start the hike. The trail is well marked and offers nice views as you descend. This is an easy introduction to the park and is a 4+/- mile loop from the trailhead. Good signage. Take Bell road East (right) until you reach the intersection with Thompson Peak Parkway. Dec 6, 2019. reporter Trails are snow covered and being used as snowshoe trails in the winter months. Don’t forget to tag it at McDowell Sonoran Preserve. rocks along the way, too. This trail is heavily trafficked and is regularly cleaned by the city. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. The trail begins by the kiosk in the parking area – note that the trail curves north from the parking lot, and is not the gated forest road. The Gateway Trailhead is fully barrier-free and has all the amenities an outdoor recreation enthusiast could want. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. It was such an amazing hike! Gateway Loop Trail is accessible year round and is a great trail for beginner hikers. The pretty Gateway Hiking Trail Loop is one of the Phoenix area’s favorite “go to” hikes. What a hike! Phoenix, AZ. Turn either left or right, at the Gateway Trail intersection, to hike the loop. The Conservancy’s trailheads and all trails … Trail checkins. Connect with Facebook. The Gateway Loop is Gateway’s namesake trail, and it provides a moderately challenging hike which gives the hiker a taste of the interior of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve while not requiring the hours and fitness level needed to take on the larger scale hikes emanating from this trailhead. We turn around at the turnoff for the loop, and are back to the parking lot an hour after start time. Gateway Loop is a very popular hike and bike route due to its easy access, short distance, and great views. It’s a perfect loop to do with kids, dogs or for any beginner hiker. Temps were perfect and the hike out was all out of the sun. I prefer to take the trail clockwise so I am ascending the steeper parts of the trail and descending on the less steep side. A very nice trail that is well marked. The loop described hugs the northeastern edge of Fraesfield Mountain and then winds through washes and seasonally lush vegetation. This trailhead is the access point to many unique Scottsdale trails. Sep 29, 2019 @ 6:01am . We turn around at the turnoff for the loop (at the Gateway Loop/Windgate Pass Trail Split), and are back to the parking lot an hour after start time. Not challenging, but a fun one. status date description; Jul 16, 2020 @ 5:06am. This park is awesome - Sustainable in every aspect! with a branch of the 5.9 mile Brown's Creek Trail connecting to Stillwater and the St Croix River. There’s not much gear you need for the Gateway Loop, but it would be a good idea to pack snacks and water for your time on the trail. Gateway Loop Trail – midpoint – Gateway Saddle. Gateway Loop, Trail Map, McDowell Sonoran Preserve: Gateway Trailhead, Phoenix - Scottsdale - Mesa, Arizona. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.