McDowell Sonoran Preserve Gateway
Explore diverse desert landscapes on well-marked trails, from accessible nature walks to challenging climbs, with stunning mountain views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps & fewer crowds
McDowell Sonoran Preserve Gateway
Best Time
Cooler temps & fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore diverse desert landscapes on well-marked trails, from accessible nature walks to challenging climbs, with stunning mountain views.
"Amazing! Many trails for many different skill levels, perfect for anybody. Not to mention the views were incredible."
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Trails can be rocky; wear proper hiking shoes for stability and comfort.
💧 Hydration Station
Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months. Facilities often have refill stations.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Gateway Loop Trail
McDowell Sonoran Preserve
A scenic 4.4-mile loop with moderate elevation gain, offering classic desert vistas.
Bajada Nature Trail
Gateway Trailhead
An accessible, flat, and educational half-mile trail perfect for families and those with mobility needs.
Tom's Thumb Trail
McDowell Sonoran Preserve
A challenging but rewarding hike leading to a prominent rock spire with panoramic views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
+1Trail Smarts
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Trails can be rocky; wear proper hiking shoes for stability and comfort.
💧 Hydration Station
Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months. Facilities often have refill stations.
☀️ Sun Protection
Hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses are essential to protect against the desert sun.
🗺️ Stay on Track
Use a trail map or app like AllTrails to navigate the network of trails.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Trails can be rocky; wear proper hiking shoes for stability and comfort.
💧 Hydration Station
Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months. Facilities often have refill stations.
☀️ Sun Protection
Hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses are essential to protect against the desert sun.
🗺️ Stay on Track
Use a trail map or app like AllTrails to navigate the network of trails.
🐶 Pet-Friendly Trails
Dogs are welcome on leash, making it a great spot for furry friends.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the McDowell Sonoran Preserve Gateway Trailhead for its stunning desert scenery, well-maintained trails, and excellent facilities. It's a highly recommended spot for families, solo hikers, and even experienced trekkers, offering a range of difficulties and beautiful views, especially at sunrise and sunset. Some visitors note that it can get crowded during peak times.
"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."
Sameer B.
"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."
Linda L
"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!"
Katie F
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Gateway Trailhead is located at 18333 N. Thompson Peak Road in Scottsdale, AZ. It's easily accessible by car and has ample parking.
Public transportation options to the preserve are limited. Driving is the most convenient way to reach the Gateway Trailhead.
The preserve typically opens at sunrise and closes at sunset. It's always best to check the official McDowell Sonoran Preserve website for the most current hours.
Yes, there is a large parking lot available at the Gateway Trailhead, which can accommodate many visitors.
Absolutely! The Gateway Trailhead is a central point for accessing numerous trails, including the Gateway Loop, Bajada Nature Trail, and the challenging Tom's Thumb Trail.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entrance fee to access the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. It is free to enter and explore.
Tickets are not required for entry into the preserve. You can visit anytime during operating hours.
While not always guaranteed, volunteers from the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy are often present on weekends to offer information and assistance.
The Gateway Trailhead offers excellent facilities, including restrooms, water refill stations, and an information area with maps.
Yes, dogs are welcome on a leash. It's a great place to hike with your canine companions.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Gateway Loop is a 4.4-mile trail with about 721 feet of elevation gain, offering moderate difficulty and beautiful desert scenery.
The trails are generally well-marked, but it's always wise to have a map or use a navigation app, especially when exploring less common routes.
You might spot various desert creatures, including lizards, birds, and if you're lucky, javelinas or coyotes. Remember to observe from a distance.
Yes, the Bajada Nature Trail is flat and accessible, making it ideal for families. The Gateway Loop can also be managed by older children.
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photography, with golden hues painting the desert landscape.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire preserve offers stunning desert landscapes. Look for iconic saguaro cacti, mountain backdrops, and the unique rock formations. Sunset and sunrise provide magical light.
Higher elevations on trails like Tom's Thumb offer panoramic vistas. Even along the Gateway Loop, keep an eye out for interesting cacti and rock formations.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset are ideal for capturing the desert's beauty with soft, warm light. Midday can be harsh.
Drone usage is typically restricted in natural preserves to protect wildlife and maintain a peaceful environment. Check local regulations before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. A sturdy tripod is helpful for low-light conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 It's perfect for little legs and curious minds. For families with older children, the Gateway Loop Trail offers a more substantial hike with beautiful scenery, but ensure everyone has adequate water and sun protection. Remember to bring plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen. Visiting in the cooler parts of the day, like early morning or late afternoon, will make the experience more enjoyable for everyone. The well-maintained facilities, including restrooms and water fountains, are also a big plus for families.
⛰️ Experienced Hikers
+1 It's comparable to more demanding hikes in other regions. Be prepared for a demanding trek, especially in warmer weather. Start as early as possible to avoid the heat and carry ample water. While the trail is generally well-marked, having a GPS device or a reliable navigation app is always a good idea for longer, more challenging routes.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 The Gateway Loop and trails leading to higher elevations like Tom's Thumb offer sweeping vistas perfect for landscape shots. Bring a versatile lens setup, perhaps a wide-angle for expansive scenes and a telephoto for capturing details or potential wildlife. A tripod can be beneficial for low-light conditions during dawn and dusk. Remember to be mindful of the environment and respect any wildlife you encounter.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Trails
+1For a more accessible experience, the Bajada Nature Trail is a short, flat, and informative path perfect for families or individuals with mobility concerns. It's designed to be educational and engaging.
It's crucial to note that many trails branch off from the main paths, so having a reliable map or using a navigation app like AllTrails is highly recommended to avoid getting disoriented. +1When planning your hike, consider the time of day and year. The desert can be extremely hot, so early morning or late afternoon visits are advised, especially during the warmer months. Sunrise and sunset hikes offer not only cooler temperatures but also spectacular lighting for photography.
+1Wildlife and Desert Flora
Wildlife sightings can include a variety of birds, lizards, and small mammals. With a bit of luck and quiet observation, you might also spot larger animals like javelinas or coyotes. Remember to always maintain a safe distance and never feed the wildlife.
Volunteers from the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy are passionate about protecting this delicate environment and are often present to share their knowledge. Their dedication ensures the preservation of this beautiful landscape for future generations.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit