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Gateway Trailhead - McDowell Sonoran Preserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 2,489 Google reviews · Running trail in Scottsdale, Arizona · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- 230 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Gateway Trailhead - McDowell Sonoran Preserve's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Trailhead accessing several hiking & biking trails that vary in skill level & offer scenic views.
What runners say about Gateway Trailhead - McDowell Sonoran Preserve
“It is well maintained, offers activities (like today's owl demonstration) and has a educational path that has a lot of surprizing fact to offer.”
“If you are looking for a relaxed hike in solitude, you will have to get past the crowded first to find the further out trails with great view.”
This place is fantastic. The preserve staff is so helpful and knowledgeable about the trails. This mountain preserve provides so many beautiful trails for all skill levels. Multiple trails with varying elevation gain and distances. It’s a magical place. It is fairly busy but never too busy to where I don’t enjoy it.
Several well maintained trails, allowing loops or in and out hikes of about 4 miles Loop (Saddle trail), about 5.5 miles Round Trip (inspiration point), 7 miles round trip (Bell Pass), a 9.5 mile loop, 11 miles round trip (Tom Thumb) or 14 miles round trip (Thompson Peak).
We spent a couple hours hiking the various trails here. Very beautiful scenery all around! Clean and spacious restrooms and nice and easy/medium hiking trails. Plenty of parking when we were there.
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.
Trail conditions & character
“If you are looking for a relaxed hike in solitude, you will have to get past the crowded first to find the further out trails with great view.”
“We couldn’t finish the loop in 2 hours since the ground was very rocky/unstable that made us a lot slower when walking.”
“Trails are marked well and volunteers at trailhead are very helpful and provide maps and tips!”
“All hikes have good elevation gains ranging from a few hundred feet to a couple of thousand feet (Thompson Peak bit more).”
“7 mile) which seemed hard but if it got too hard we could just turn back.”
“Lower trails are good for families with small children but it does get significantly more rocky the more you progress up the mountain.”
“Denise with the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy cart near the restrooms was a great source of information and provided a trail map of the area.”
“For a quick evening hike with my dog, I prefer less frequented and organized trails.”
Plan your run at Gateway Trailhead - McDowell Sonoran Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Loop distance230 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitescottsdaleaz.gov
- Phone+1 480-312-7013
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–6 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–6 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–6 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–6 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–6 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–6 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–6 pm |
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Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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