Gateway loop is the best hiking trail in all scottsdale. At least in my opinion! It’s a moderate trail with not a lot of climb. We usually do it in under 2 hours. Probably faster if we wouldn’t be stopping for pictures! Just go early on the day before it gets really hot! I like to go around 7am but they are open from sunrise to sunset!

Probably one of my favorite trails around! About a medium amount of difficulty for the Gateway trail, and not a fan of all the loose rocks on the trail, you just need sturdy shoes. Great views, great overall!

Did the gateway loop one morning. Beautiful views all around. It was rocking and uphill until you get to the saddle. Its a nice challenge. Moderate difficulty. I went right at the beginning and followed around that way.

Great trail. Tons of options. Exceptional parking. Magnificent views. Highly recommended!

We looove hiking here!! We love the 4.5 mile Gateway Trail loop. It’s hard but not impossible! If you in the morning and go up on the right side it’s shaded coming down! Or vice versa you can go up on the shade and the sun will be to your back on the way down!

Lots of rocks to step through.. but great hike. Wear proper shoes

Great place to get outdoors. You can do the short nature loop if you have health issues or just want to learn more about the local desert flora & fauna. Alternatively, you can take one of the trailheads out to go in a large loop or connect to the vast Sonoran Preserve trail system. There are bathrooms and water fountains in the main building here as well as dog water fountains.It can get VERY busy here, but the hiking and scenery are awesome and well worth it. A LOT of people bring their dogs on the trails, so watch for bombs as most people are, unfortunately, not willing to pick it up to bring with them.Bring plenty of water and good shoes.

Very easy to get to. Very easy trail. And very close to Scottsdale

We hiked 14 miles! It was stunning! The sunrise and the trails, from the top of Toms Thumb through the valley. I think one of my favorite hikes so far.

We did the gateway loop. When you get to the trail take the right path. The trail is really rocky and going up with the big rocks is a lot easier than going down with them.

Top notch place, multiple trails, beautiful and various levels of difficulty all worthwhile.

Educational nature trail, easy hiking, then it gets rocky but not too bad. Great signage

Our favorite hiking trail. Our 10 y.old son was able to complete the loop this year.

Nice cool day for a short walk on the nature trail. No rush, less people, good information.

Wanted to visit for the views and was very satisfied. Amazing place to take pictures. Youll find professional photographers taking shots here of landscapes and family pictures. Was not very crowded so you can plenty of space to take good photos or just practice. There is many hikes that begin here as well. Nice big parking lot, theres a little visitor area with maps and other amenities. Highly recommended if in the area.

This place is great although becareful on your trail choice for mountain biking. Some are ridiculously tiring with flat parts that just have loose 10 inches rocks on them .

Nice hiking area. Trails are well marked. Ample parking and there are restrooms available. The trails are quite rocky, so be sure to have proper footwear.

Went here today with the family. We are new to AZ so was looking for a simple hiking trail to learn if we liked it and we loved it.. Was very easy for someone new and then it broke off into multiple trails you could take based on how far you wanted to go. Also came across 2 different employees walking the trail that were very helpful to give us info.. Enjoy you will love it.

What an amazing space. Maintained trails, not ever too crowded, and the patrons get along with you well, especially for north scottsdale. Try to go in the spring after the rains and youll see plants and wildflowers galore. There are a bunch of different trails for your ability level, but the most popular is probably the Gateway Saddle.

First time there so I didnt go deep on the trails but then I just moved to the area and its been a hot summer but I plan on coming here nearly daily in the fall and winter

The gateway loop trail will be challenging enough for those adventurers who havent been out on the trails for a while. More difficult than simply walking a path, the trail can be rugged and uneven but far from expert level or ever needing to use ropes, no precarious ledges etc. Offers a great view over looking north Scottsdale. This loop wont take you to the peak, if that is what you seek.

Hiking Gateway Loop is the perfect 4-ish mi post-work de-stressor.

I loved the hike. Easy to do! Very pretty scenery. Could have picked harder trails or easier ones depending on your skill level. A couple people said they had seen rattle snakes right beside the trail but unfortunately we never did. Do be careful as they do allow mountain bikes and horses on the trail.The hike was easier than Camelback Mountain but took a fair bit longer. All in all I would recommend trying it, bring lots of water!

The McDowell Mountain Preserve is a treasure in Arizona from its unique terrain, vegetation and constant changing colors based on the time of day. Sunrises and sunsets do not get any better from here. There are unlimited options for hiking and mountain biking. The terrain is rugged so bring thick soled shoes, lots of water, sunscreen and snacks to maximize the fun and limit your risks.

Very nice, challenging trails. You get beautiful views of Scottsdale, Phoenix, and the West Valley on one side and, if you hike to Inspiration Point or one of the passes youll get views of Four Peaks and even the Fountain Hills fountain if you time it right. The trailhead also offers some of the best amenities Ive seen: Clean, fully functional, and AC cooled restrooms; a large shaded area with tons of information and a raised relief map of the mountain region. Water fountains and filtered water is provided which is a little cooler than room temp, incredibly useful after youve depleted your carry on water supply after long hikes.

Great loop, very Rocky, I wore hiking boots, its doable with running shoes you might just watch your footing better than I did. Great inclines and declines, nice views. I did it clockwise, it seems like most people were doing it counter clockwise. Dogs are allowed on leash.

The Gateway Trail is a very easy hike (really a walk) that just about anyone can do. Its very flat and you will see people of all ages walking on this trail. We used this trail to get to other trails in the area, so we didnt do the complete Gateway Trail loop. The entire area is quite new and very nice. There are some trails where you end up in a neighborhood (a very nice one), which we didnt really love. The entire area is worth exploring as there are really a ton of different trails for all different types of skills. Great parking lot, tons of spots and new, clean bathrooms and facilities. This is a great place to enjoy the desert.

Great place to hike not the best for biking alot of lose rocks.

Great trail well cared for. Good for all skill levels including family. Various trails to choose from.

This is a must see for great desert scenery and hiking! Stunning place to visit. On the trails, keep your eyes on the ground because there are rattle snakes. In fact, had I not been watching where I put my feet, I would have stepped on one! Cool little tiny trail right at the beginning with info on cactuses, trees, shrubs, and wildlife of the Sonoran Desert.

Nice mellow hike with lots of quail and rabbits.

Very well maintained hiking area. Perfect for a casual stroll or serious hike. There is a small loop convenient for strollers or wheelchairs with a nice educational display. Beautiful area.

Perfect four and a half mile loop around! Takes about an hour and a half for a regular hiker!

Great place for people of all ages and skill/endurance levels. Short easy hikes are available that offer wonderful views of desert landscapes and vegetation. For those up to the challenge, longer, more strenuous hikes are available that offer rewarding and spectacular views of the desert. Access is is easy, and parking is ample (but can fill up fast during peak season). The trail head is well marked and there is a great facility with restrooms and drinking fountains. Be prepared-if planning a long hike bring PLENTY of water for the hike. Sunscreen and sun protection highly advisable and proper foot wear a must.Whether a local or visiting, this place is a must see. Hikes can be from 2 hours to an entire day so plan accordingly.

Fun easy to moderate trail. A little crowded.

A must see destination for a quick hike thats close to town. Not as crowded as other city trails and super beautiful

Well worth a visit. Access is very easy and all ages should have no issues getting around the trails. There are also locations along the trails that give information on the local environments flora and fauna.

The facilities at the trail heads in the McDowell mountian preserve are second to none. The trails are heavily used but kept up well. While the hiking is not very private its great for valley day hiking. The pictures are from Bells Pass.

Gateway Trailhead provides an easily accessible number of trails from short to long, easy to moderately difficult. Bring water. Dog friendly.

Really nice spot to hike. Clean bathrooms. Very helpful guides as you walk along the trails.

Love this place. We had a great hike. The ground has many loose rocks so if you have issues with your feet and ankles I would say this is a no go unless you hike the very easy loop. The moderate trails have some steep climbs. Its is busy and you do need to have trail manners. People brings dogs , ride trail bikes , and run the trails. Bring water. Camel bag recommended you can fill up at the Gateway entrance. There are maps , shade and bathrooms at the main trailhead. All trails are nicely marked. We did get some cell service as well. Sunset there was amazing.

I have only done the Nature walk and was blown away by how amazing this place is. I can’t wait to back and hike longer trails. The parking lot has lots of spaces and there are maps and topographical maps available at the entrance. I would recommend hiking here (for FREE) and enjoying the natural plant life over paying to go to the desert botanical gardens any day.

A neat little place to walk around. There is a small loop with lots of signs about the nature/wildlife in the area.You can also hike to Toms Thumb from here, although this is a long way to go. I would recommend going to Toms Thumb the other way.

One of our favorite spots we found while here for a week. Everything was well marked and the people we met were kind and curtiouse!

North Scottsdale facility with access to a variety of trails for all difficulty levels. Most are also bike and horse friendly. Ample parking, clean bathrooms, lots of shade and maps on hand for new visitors.My only gripe are that the hours are strictly limited by sunrise and sunset, even though there is good light for about a half hour after sunset. Need to get there early for an afternoon hike during the winter months.

Its good for beginners to experts. Gorgeous and challenging. Just like spirit of Arizona!

Great for all different levels of hiking! The Gateway Loop is nice a for a quick hike. To get a beautiful view of Four Peaks, check out the Bell Pass trail. You can also see Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak.

Beautiful hiking with tons of parking, easy to understand maps with directions, lots of options!

Perfect place to get away from it all. Peaceful and serene. Gorgeous vistas. Must go to hike.

This is one of my favorite hiking trails. It has multiple trail lengths to suit many from beginner to advanced hiker. At the base they have an amazing bathroom water fountain shade area... Its the best Ive seen so far at a trailhead. Even when this trail is very busy theres still quite a bit of space in between hikers and it has a feel of far less busy than it really is.

Amazing beauty and the trails are wonderful. The volunteers are helpful and always willing to give suggestions. One of the most relaxing places; choices for hikes or runs, of any distance, are numerous

I went here with a guide from AOA. Great 3 hour hike where I learned a lot about the local flora. Beautiful landscape and highly recommend. Trails are easy to follow and hike is relatively easy. Just make sure you bring lots of water to stay hydrated. I drank one bottle every hour and probably should have had more. Try going earlier in the morning (I went at 8am) to beat the heat.

Lots of trail options from easy, for the less athletically inclined, to advanced, for those seeking a challenge. The trails are uneven, rocky, and you really need to watch your step. The restrooms are clean and the trailhead is staffed by volunteers happy to help you choose a trail that fits your schedule and fitness level. Plenty of parking available. Be sure to wear sunscreen and bring plenty of water!! The views are beautiful.

We had lotsa fun pretending to be cacti and finding the ones that look like us

Really nice place to hike ,variety of trails for all skill levels, beautiful views, definitely worth checking out

Flat and easy for exploration and great educational posts

Great hiking place. Big parking lot, restrooms, the trails are well marked. Gateway loop trail is a little rocky, good hiking shoes helps alot. This trail will give you a good workout, but not that difficult.

Well maintained, tons of parking at peak hours, many trails to choose from for all levels. We did a quick 1.5 mile hike with three boys 12,10&8 and it was perfect. Its a bit Rocky in spots, so be aware. Very clean...close to home.

Great place to take a relaxing hike. Nice amenities and ample parking.

An amazing place to both learn about the desert and to see really pristine examples of cacti. Definitely worth a visit not just for the learning opportunity but for the multitude of hikes that are available in the reserve for all types of hikers. Dog walkers, please pick up your dog’s waste and don’t leave in by the trail in a plastic bag.

We tried mountain biking this since part of it is on the Maricopa Trail. It ended up being more hiking than biking (we went counter clockwise... would have been much smoother the other way). Lots of people on the loop. Great sights. Was worth the trip

Excellent place for trekking.Nice view and nice weather during December. I love this place .

A bit crowded but a satisfying workout. Views of Phoenix were vast. Plenty of parking-even for an RV and a nice visitors center with map signage.

Such a jewel n the ️ of the desert.

A beautiful 3.5 mile loop trail. Easy for families, although a little bit rocky.

Great selection of easy trails from short walks to 5 miles from this trailhead. The guides at the park desk are awesome! Easy to plan your route with many maps and topology aids. Once you get about a mile into the park there arent too many folks to dodge on the trails. Views are outstanding. I snuck a 5 miler in over lunch during a (long) company event in January and it was rejuvenating. Local businesses should make their folks go out and get a breath of fresh air.

Great hike and great views.

Its a beautiful hike and is just hard enough to get your workout in

Great trails with amazing views of the valley, without the crowds of the 2 most popular trails in town.

Beautiful desert landscape. Worth visiting

Awesome nature trail with explanations and photos. Great desert photo ops.

Despite the rainy day, it was a really nice place to walk around.

Beautiful Hike. Can be a Nice Workout. Clean Bathrooms. Free Filtered Cold Water

Very pleasant trail, where we met a well behaved rattle snake

Highly recommend. It has a lot of character and beautiful views.

Fabulous mountain biking trail. Take tonnnnnns of water... camelpak plus +++!

Beautiful. Put it on your bucket list.

Great place to hike in the desert, all levels to challenge every ability.

So beautiful. Amazing trails to hike.

Great desert walk. Only did the gateway loop which was mainly flat, very busy on a Sunday morning. The views where never ending with the different cacti and mountain view’s. Although the trails where busy the parking lot was not terribly bad. Bikes, dogs, and trail runners are are allowed.

Always a great place to hike: part of the Maricopa Trail!

Amazing scenery, sometimes challenging trails, and a great desert experience. The downside, not a great place for solitude unless youre prepared for a longer hike.

Beautifully maintained park and trails! Been here many times and will continue to come.

Very clean and nice trail is rocky.

Several different Trails offered from the same starting point allowing all different levels of skilled hikers sonewhere to go, breaks up the foot traffic that this location almost always has. Everyones very friendly on the trails. Although foot traffic is heavy still get to see alittle wild life around you, akways watch your step! No complaints here

Such a wonderful place to hike with a lots of Dreser forest. You must come over with friends husband boyfriend girlfriend wife and children’s and pets!! You would not retreat at all!

I visited the Bajada nature trail in September and it was so serene and beautiful! Ran across several rabbits and lots of lizards!

Many trails for all levels of hiking.

McDowell Sonoran preserve Gateway trailhead is a very nice place with a lot of trails. I think the longest one is too Toms thumb around 12 miles, even though I have never been on that one. My favorite is the 4.3 miles trailhead loop which is a average trail with moderate inclination. The paths have markings on every intersection and is very clear. The starting point has restroom and water facilities too.

We are visiting from California. I wish some of our nature parks would have so well marked trails. Plenty of educational tools, informations. Great place to visit.

Its a challenging hike. Today was a good day to be there.

Clean, scenic, convenient and well maintained! Cutest dogs !!!Lots of trail keepers and people to support your visit.Only 15 min from DesertRidge area and perfect for long or short hike.

Beautiful trailhead. Top notch facilities.

Its gorgeous. Wonderful walking tour

This was soooo fantastic. It was great to get out and do some trail running. The trail closest to the gateway trail head was a bit congested, but as soon as I got off of the main loop, it was just me and the mountains. Beautiful. I ran a 9.5 mile loop around Windgate and Bell pass. If I had more time I would run every trail here. It was gorgeous.

While really dry, it was still very pretty.

Great trail, with good views.

Very nice early morning hike. Hiked the gateway trail. Saw only 1 bird on the entire 4 mile hike. No other wildlife. Trailhead has great parking lot, and restroom facilities.

One of my favorite trails in the McDowell area! Its great for beginners- just some gentle ups and downs, and you really get your cardio in. I would recommend doing this trail counterclockwise . This way, its more of steep uphill and then coming downhill is smooth sailing. Also, this way the views are better- once you reach the highest point - which is labeled as the Saddle, you turn the corner and are greeted with a nice scenic overview of the park.Great trail. Will be back soon.

Nice place to hike. Trails are rocky and steep, we are beginner hikers, guide said one of the moderate trails was not that difficult...very steep and rocky..