St. Patrick's Day Hike of Gateway Loop Trail @ McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Details
Length: 4.4 mi
Elevation gain: 721 ft
Route type: Loop
Meeting Spot: At the covered trailhead building.
Who to look for: Just look for the tallest guy around (Josh). I will also have a Meetup sign or name tag.
What to bring: (Need more info? Check out the "Helpful Info" section below.)
- Durable, appropriate hiking shoes/boots (NO Sandals or Flip Flops)
- Water, Water, Water (Recommend 2 quarts) / Hydrate early and often
- Sunscreen / Sun Protective Clothing
Experience this 4.4-mile loop trail near Scottsdale, Arizona. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking and mountain biking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are October through May. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
Enjoy expansive desert landscape views on this scenic route through the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. This is a great trail to enjoy in the fall and spring as both seasons bring mild weather and a variety of scenery. The terrain can be rocky and challenging in some sections, and appropriate footwear is suggested.
Helpful Info:
- New to hiking? Not sure what shoe to wear? Check out this video for insight.... Hiking Shoe Guide
- Need advice on choosing a Hydration Pack? Check out this video... Hydration Pack Guide
- New to hiking? Not sure how much water to bring? Check out this video for insight... How Much Water To Bring Guide