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Rocky loop with steady uphills turning in to remotely steep switchbacks before the saddle each way.


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Map Key

3.6

Miles

5.8

KM

Singletrack

2,379' 725 m

High

1,765' 538 m

Low

623' 190 m

Up

631' 192 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

19%

Max Grade (11°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Not Allowed

Description

You can access the Gateway loop from a number of trails. The most popular access point being the McDowell Sonoran Preserve parking lot then a half mile ride to the loop. Beware, it is fairly rocky here.

Clockwise and counter-clockwise are each enjoyable rides. Both of which have a steady uphill, followed by steep switchback climbs. Once to the saddle, it's the same way on the way back down in each direction. There are trail heads heading east towards Fountain Hills, and north towards Tom's thumb if you decide to go exploring.

This is a fun, not too challenging ride. Some areas by the saddle can be a bit hairy if you aren't experienced.

Recommendations:
- Ride early or at night when there are fewer hikers.
- Direction to ride: Ride wherever the incline is shadowed, depending on the time of day, season and sun. Or whatever you are feeling.
- This trail is awesome after a nice rain.

Contacts

Shared By:

B. Miner

Trail Ratings

  3.3 from 17 votes

#12801

Overall
  3.3 from 17 votes
5 Star
6%
4 Star
47%
3 Star
29%
2 Star
6%
1 Star
12%
Trail Rankings

#374

in Arizona

#12,801

Overall
16 Views Last Month
2,416 Since Nov 5, 2014
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
0%
29%
18%
53%
0%

Photos

At Gateway Saddle looking south/southwest
Sep 5, 2018 near Fountai…, AZ
Gateway Saddle Loop trail view of North Scottsdale
Nov 5, 2014 near Fountai…, AZ
Looking back north towards a typical rocky section of trail.  Very few smooth sections of trail can be found on the north portion of Gateway.
Dec 6, 2015 near Fountai…, AZ
At Gateway Saddle looking east at sunrise
Sep 5, 2018 near Fountai…, AZ

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Weather

Tonight
58°F 14°C
Mon
75°F · 49°F 24°C · 9°C
Tue
65°F · 46°F 18°C · 8°C
Wed
69°F · 48°F 21°C · 9°C
Thu
76°F · 51°F 24°C · 11°C
Fri
76°F · 54°F 24°C · 12°C

Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Feb 29, 2024
Jody Nicholas
Rocky rocky up — 5h 00m
Aug 5, 2023
Mountain Park
2mi — 0h 30m
Jul 26, 2022
Blaze Emerson
Rocky good condition — 1h 00m
Jan 11, 2021
Kyle Pedersen
Mar 2, 2020
Julien Frolov
very rocky. walked many sections. downhill part very moderate. practice ascending here for technical practice 3.6mi
Jun 10, 2019
Dylan Eggebrecht
Lotssss or uphill from the start 1.8mi — 0h 26m
May 25, 2019
Sajar Dublj
May 16, 2019
Lost Justpastnowhere
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