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 Windgate Pass Trail via Gateway Loop
by:
Honza
Location:
Scottsdale,
AZ
Longitude:
-111.8586
Latitude:
33.6495A rewarding hike through the scenic McDowell mountains, offering great views of northern Phoenix and the Superstitions Mountains.
Flora/Fauna on this Trail:
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There are many ways to get to scenic Windgate Pass; see all the trails at the 3D trail guide/model or pick up a map at the new (luxury style) Gateway Trailhead. On this trail you take the Gateway Saddle/loop route.
Starting at the Horseshoe Trail, you will begin a gentle elevation gain and connect to the Windgate Pass trail in 1.2 miles. In another 1/2 mile you will intersect the Gateway Loop trail branching off to the right. Keeping to the left you will continue the steady climb to Tom's Thumb trail branching off to the left. Head right towards the Inspiration Viewpoint which gives great views of the northern Phoenix, McDowell Mountain peaks and Tom's Thumb rock formations.
The Windgate Pass is another mile after the Inspiration Point, with perhaps the steepest part of the climb. Once you reach the saddle, you will have expansive views of the Superstition Mountains and surrounding areas. Enjoy the landscape and views before heading back the same way (or you can complete a loop to the Bell Pass and around the Gateway Loop).
Starting at the Horseshoe Trail, you will begin a gentle elevation gain and connect to the Windgate Pass trail in 1.2 miles. In another 1/2 mile you will intersect the Gateway Loop trail branching off to the right. Keeping to the left you will continue the steady climb to Tom's Thumb trail branching off to the left. Head right towards the Inspiration Viewpoint which gives great views of the northern Phoenix, McDowell Mountain peaks and Tom's Thumb rock formations.
The Windgate Pass is another mile after the Inspiration Point, with perhaps the steepest part of the climb. Once you reach the saddle, you will have expansive views of the Superstition Mountains and surrounding areas. Enjoy the landscape and views before heading back the same way (or you can complete a loop to the Bell Pass and around the Gateway Loop).
Bell Pass Trail via Gateway Loop -
Moderate
: 7 miles long
: 1720ft to
3218ft (change 1498ft)
Bell Pass and Windgate Pass Loop Trail -
Difficult
: 9.7 miles long
: 1720ft to
3218ft (change 1498ft)
Gateway Loop Trail -
Moderate
: 4.39 miles long
: 1720ft to
2413ft (change 693ft)
Tom's Thumb -
Moderate
: 5 miles long
: 2700ft to
3800ft (change 1100ft)
Pinnacle Peak Trail -
Moderate
: 3.55 miles long
: 2380ft to
2889ft (change 509ft)
Trail Ratings and Comments