McDowell Sonoran Preserve Hike

Name: McDowell Sonoran Preserve Gateway Trailhead
Address: 18333 N Thompson Peak Pkwy, Scottsdale, AZ, 85255, USA

4.5 miles - Easy Effort
2 Hours (Total)
750 Total Feet of Climbing
Max Elevation of 2,392 feet
Leashed Dogs Allowed

This "best of" McDowell Sonoran Preserve hike offers well-marked trails, easy climbs, nice views, and classic Sonoran desert scenery on the Gateway Loop Trail. The hike is a great intro hike to McDowell Sonoran Preserve and is suitable for all levels of hikers. And unlike Camelback Mountain, McDowell Sonoran Preserve is a peaceful oasis where you can connect with nature and unwind.

In this Guide:

Turn by Turn Hike Directions
McDowell Sonoran Preserve Trail Maps
How to Get to McDowell Sonoran Preserve

Quick Links:
Park Website - NOAA Weather Report - My Apr 2024 Gear

The McDowell Sonoran Preserve was created in 1990 when private citizens and the city of Scottsdale realized that they had to protect this pristine nature from development. They formed the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, a public-private partnership. The preserve is run by and cared for by private volunteers. Very awesome.

Getting to McDowell Sonoran Preserve

Use this trailhead address: 18333 N Thompson Peak Pkwy, Scottsdale, AZ, 85255, USA

The parking lot is huge and you should be okay to find a spot.

Gear for the Hike

You can get away with fitness gear here, but hiking gear works too. Bring lots of water, it can get very hot.

Gear That I Love Right Now

Nothing is sponsored or promoted, just the actual gear that I use.

Garmin InReach Mini 2If you are out of cellphone range the Mini 2 will reliably allow you to hit SOS via satellite. You can see my review here.

HOKA Speedgoat 5These are a great balance of comfort and performance. The high stack height leaves my feet feeling great after a hike.

Check out the complete list here.

McDowell Sonoran Preserve Trail Maps

The trail system is well marked and there are free trail maps at the Gateway Trailhead. The Gateway Trailhead also has water, bathrooms, and volunteers who will answer questions.

Use This Map:
View in CalTopo | PDF Map | GPX File

How Will You Navigate?

Using the Apple Watch for Hiking

Garmin Fenix 7 & Epix Review For Hikers

How To Read a Topographic Map

Garmin GPSMAP 67i Review

McDowell Sonoran Preserve Hike 3d map — The McDowell Sonoran Preserve hike takes the Gateway Loop trail, which climbs up to the Gateway Saddle, then back down.

McDowell Sonoran Preserve Hike elevation — McDowell Sonoran Preserve hike has a few hundred feet of climbing up to the Gateway Saddle. It's a climb, but it isn't too tough.

McDowell Sonoran Preserve Hike Directions

McDowell Sonoran Preserve Hike parking — From the McDowell Sonoran Preserve Gateway Trailhead has a huge parking lot. Head up to the visitors center from here.

The Gateway Trailhead has maps, bathrooms, and water for your hike.

McDowell Sonoran Preserve Hike trail — Hike through the courtyard to and over the metal bridge.

Gateway Loop trail sign — At about 0.4 miles, you come to the Gateway Loop trail. Notice that there are good signs at most of the trail junctions pointing you in the right direction.

McDowell Sonoran Preserve Hike views — As you hike your way up the saddle, look right to see beautiful Sonoran desert landscapes and views into Scottsdale and Phoenix.

At about 2.1 miles you reach Gateway Saddle, the highest point on the hike. Catch your breath and enjoy the view.

The Gateway Saddle sign is a great spot for a selfie. Don’t forget to tag it at McDowell Sonoran Preserve.

Hike down the Gateway Loop Trail. It’s all downhill from here.

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This Guide Was Written by Cris Hazzard

Cris Hazzard 4 Mile Trail Yosemite
Hi, I'm Cris Hazzard, aka Hiking Guy, a professional outdoors guide, hiking expert, and author based in Southern California. I created this website to share all the great hikes I do with everyone else out there. This site is different because it gives detailed directions that even the beginning hiker can follow. I also share what hiking gear works and doesn't so you don't waste money. I don't do sponsored or promoted content; I share only the gear recommendations, hikes, and tips that I would with my family and friends. If you like the website and YouTube channel, please support these free guides (I couldn't do it without folks like you!). You can stay up to date with my new guides by following me on YouTube, Instagram, or by subscribing to my monthly newsletter.