Gateway Trailhead - McDowell Sonoran Preserve — Attraction in Scottsdale

I have to start off by saying this place is like a little hidden gem. I have worked out in the Scottsdale area for many years and have always noticed these trailheads that are labeled on Google maps. I finally looked this place up on my all trails app and it showed that this place is frequently height and has a lot of good reviews. To start this place cost no money to hike has free parking and has a nice facility with volunteers that help with questions. It has working restrooms and they probably are the best restrooms that I've ever seen at a hiking base. There's also a drinking water and a dog friendly water bowl.

I took the Gateway Loop trailhead clockwise, and I'm glad I did that way because it was a little bit more steep and rockier with a quicker incline. It gives you a good workout in the beginning and it makes it level off for an easy second half of your hike. There's a lot of saguaro cactus and beautiful scenery. You just have to be careful because there's A lot of choya cactus which can be very disastrous if you get it on you. Everyone seemed friendly and cleanliness was a 10. I would definitely hike this again and I would probably take my kids because it's not too hard of a hike it's just enough to get a good workout and...

Hats off to City of Scottsdale for providing a great lot app setup for FREE. As a Navy Veteran I can't get day use Pass for free in the state of Az. I have one in Or. Additionally, the city has done a great job with all the trails. Great signs helping you, it's clear they are prepared for emergency situations on McDowell mountains with larger locked up metal boxes and since they are so heavy, I'm sure a helo was used to help put them in the different locations Thank you for caring enough about us to ensure a quicker and safer way down With this said, it drives my nuts to watch hikes bring the dogs and watch them poop without putting it up. It's only a few who are going to cause this privilege to go away. There are bags at each trail entrance for you to grab if you forget your. Stop leaving dog poop on the trails please. This hike is not for the beginner. Wear good boots and it's easy to slip any where on the trail if you don't pay attention. Eat a gas meal the night before and have a few bars or what ever you like to eat, you'll need it....

First time hiking at this place. Excellent experience. There are knowledgeable staff(?volunteers) at the entrance to recommend which trail to take based on what you’re looking for that day. The couple ahead of us had a stroller, so she recommended a flat path for them. For us, we wanted a moderate climb, so she recommended the gateway loop. Their assessment of the trail was spot on - it was moderate difficulty with some steeper parts but no hands-and-knees climbing. We are rookies and were able to do it without any dramas, but definitely bring water with. The trail was 4.5 miles and took us around 2.5 hours with stopping for the views and water. The trail felt safe but still a moderate challenge. Some loose gravel here and there but nothing crazy. The one thing is that is was a bit busy, as it was a Saturday, but nothing too crowded. Views were excellent and well worth the journey up. The facilities are good - there are bathrooms at the trail head and places to fill up water. The map was clear and the trail is very well marked. I...