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. This additional rainfall contributes to the Preserve’s unique diversity and lushness.

Trail Map | Photo Gallery

Large bajadas extend from the McDowell range into the Phoenix Valley, which form as loose soil and rock are washed down from the mountains and pile up at their base.

These loosely pack, well-drained soils create ideal growing conditions for many Sonoran plants, whose roots are typically shallow but radiate far from the plant to capture percolating rain water.

Saguaro, barrel cactus, cholla, ocotillo, palo verde and mesquite are primary constituents that thrive across the Preserve. Resident wildlife includes rabbit, deer, javelina, quail, roadrunner, raptors and snakes.

The Gateway Loop Trail explores the bajadas and foothills of McDowell Sonoran Preserve. 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’). Turn right towards Bell Pass for counter-clockwise travel, and generally better light.

The Gateway Trail bends SE on mild grades through the bajada to the Gateway Loop – Bell Pass Trail split at the base of the foothills (1.5 miles : 2,008’).

The Gateway Trail turns uphill on a steep, winding climb to Gateway Saddle (2.3 miles : 2,367’), which spans a ridge separating the two sides of the loop.

The trail tilts sharply downhill on a rugged, twisting path to the Gateway – Windgate Pass Trail split (2.8 miles : 2,158’). It continues on a rolling descent above a wide, shallow canyon to complete the loop (4.0 miles). Retrace your steps back to the trailhead (4.4 miles).