Gateway Trailhead - McDowell Sonoran Preserve

Nature preserve · Scottsdale

Gateway Trailhead - McDowell Sonoran Preserve

Nature preserve · Scottsdale

18333 N Thompson Peak Pkwy, Scottsdale, AZ 85255

Highlights

This scenic trailhead in Scottsdale is perfect for family hikes and offers diverse trails, stunning views, and friendly conservation volunteers.

18333 N Thompson Peak Pkwy, Scottsdale, AZ 85255 Get directions

scottsdaleaz.gov

@mcdowell_sonoran_preserve

@travelleisure

"The McDowell Sonoran Preserve is home to more than 200 miles of trails, but one of the most prominent (and popular) is the Gateway Loop. You'll find plenty of spring wildflowers on this moderately difficult 4.4-mile hike. If you want to avoid the crowds (and the heat), plan on an early-morning or evening excursion." - Travel + Leisure Editors

Hiking in Scottsdale: 9 Best Trails

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@matadornetwork

"If you’re staying in Scottsdale, you’re close to one of the most expansive desert spaces in the greater Phoenix area. There’s more than 30,000 acres of protected land in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, and the Gateway Trail is about a 20-minute drive from downtown Scottsdale. This area of the park is well-suited to all abilities; a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk winds through an impressive garden, low-impact trails allow hikers up-close views of giant saguaro cacti, and longer trails can take serious backpackers through the McDowell Mountain range. Arrive at sunrise for a mesmerizing view you won’t forget easily." - MATADOR_NETWORK

Nature and Parks in Phoenix

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@afar

"McDowell Sonoran Preserve In 1995, Scottsdale residents voted to set aside a large parcelof undeveloped city land asprotectedopen space. Today, the roughly 30,000-acre McDowell Sonoran Preserve provides an opportunity for adventure. Hike, bike, and rock climb, or take to the trails with local guides from Arizona Outback Adventures and learn all about the desert along the way. Because most of the creatures that live in this desert habitat are more active at night, the best time to view animals is on early morning orevening hikes."

The Best of Winter in Scottsdale

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@afar

The Perfect Weekend in Scottsdale

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Deanna Peters

Google

This is one of my most favorite places! Gateway Trailhead ...So many good times and memories hiking here. I just saw this from last spring and can't wait for the beautiful flowers again! Living in McDowell Mountain Ranch, I can walk here! Here's the Bajada Trail which is perfect for all abilities + there are places to sit along the way. The volunteer Stewards will answer questions and welcome you!

Steve Wayne

Google

Great Park for a good look at the desert. There are short, intermediate, and long trails. I just did a short one but I saw the mountains and the sun rising over the crest. Beautiful scenery in the desert here. Lots of cacti.

TJ Stoel

Google

This was our second trip to Scottsdale and we have hit this trail both times. I love it. There is something for all abilities. There is a short loop (maybe 0.3 miles or so) that gets you some good views. We did the 4 mile loop that goes up to Gateway Saddle and gives you great views and scenery. This would maybe be considered easy-medium difficulty. Lots of great cactuses. Trail can be a little uneven and rocky at times, so be sure to wear good shoes.

Sameer B.

Google

Amazing! We came with a large group and there were many trails for many different skill levels, ranging from easy treks to challenging hikes, perfect for anybody. Not to mention the views were incredible, with many cacti scattered around the desert landscape, and beautiful mountains on the horizon. Overall amazing trail, and a must-do when in Phoenix.

Wesley Smook (Wes)

Google

Great walking trails. The scenery is beautiful and the paths are pretty clear. Just watch out for the rocky terrain, however that is what you get for hiking in the middle of a desert 🏜️. Would recommend at least 2lt of water to keep hydrated.

Linda L

Google

My go to hiking trials and they have plenty of parking and plenty of trails and easy to difficult. This place can get crowded at times. I also want to give praises about the design and architecture of the entrance where the information area, bathrooms at. Maps are available and I think rangers and volunteers always there during weekends at least last I spoke to a few. Not sure about weekdays if there are people who volunteer to help there. One of the best location for hiking as a family or alone. I will go back here whenever I get a chance.

Beau Cote

Google

Came here to ride gravel which some would call a mistake but we had fun. Definitely would be better on a MTB but also fun on a gravel bike. We took a wrong turn and ended up here. Lots of hikers but everyone's friendly. In the colder season it's not bad with a water bottle or two but I could see in the hot season needing 3+. The views were awesome! Worth going!

Katie F

Google

A lovely family hike I’ll never forget. A must visit for when in Scottsdale. I’m visiting the area with my young family from Scotland. I’ve always wanted to see saguaro cacti and this could not be a better place to do so. We enjoyed both the nature trail, fully accessible and very informative and the saguaro trail. A lovely place to get up close to saguaro and see them as nature intended. There are excellent facilities; good parking, restrooms and you can re-fill water. We also met some members from the McDowell Sonoran conservancy who were very friendly, helpful and passionate about preserving this gorgeous landscape. Thank you!