Gateway Trailhead

Gateway Trailhead  to “Silver” Bell Pass Fitness Hike.  Celebrate the coming New Year on this Very Difficult but rewarding hike! Experienced Hikers suggested. The views along this challenging path will make the miles go faster. 7.2 miles in about 4 hours and gains 1,500 ft. Bathrooms available at the trailhead. Bring water, snacks and even […]

Christmas Day Hike Fitness Hike at Gateway Trailhead.  Embrace the spirit of the holiday on this picturesque hike on the Gateway Loop that will take you into the heart of the McDowells. This is a Moderate hike of 4.5 miles in about 2.5 hours with significant elevation gain of 700 ft. Bathrooms available at the […]

Gateway to Tom’s Thumb TT9 Overlook Fitness Hike from Gateway Trailhead.   This Very Difficult hike takes us to the seldom visited vistas west of Tom’s Thumb that makes you think you are in the Grand Canyon.  9.6 miles in about 5-6 hours with a big climb of 2100 ft! Bathrooms at the trailhead.  Bring water […]

Stop by the Trailside Naturalist station at the Gateway Trailhead between 9-11 A.M. to learn about the various predators found in the Preserve.

Master Steward Rich Cochran will present an in-depth talk on some of the fascinating insects and  arachnids that inhabit our Sonoran Desert. An expert on arthropods, Rich will provide an up-close look  at some fun and interesting species from his vast collection, including a Tarantula Wasp, a Giant Desert  Hairy Scorpion, and more.

Sensing the Desert Family Educational Hike at Gateway Trailhead  What do you see?  Can you smell that?  Did you hear something?  Use your senses to make the desert come alive on this fun and active Family Hike.  Be ready to really experience so much of what the desert has to offer.  Allow 1 1/2 to […]

Come join Yvonne Massman for a fun and informative presentation as she gives us “the scoop on poop” and an exploration of animal skulls found in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. You’ll learn to identify various types of scat and discover key differences in the skulls of predators versus prey.

Stop by the Trailside Naturalist station at the Gateway Trailhead between 9-11 A.M. to learn about the various reptiles of the Sonoran Desert, their unique behavior, eating habits, and benefit to the ecosystem.

Desert Park to Gateway Loop Fitness Hike at Gateway Trailhead. This Difficult hike will travel through the Silverleaf community, the Windgate Trail and then a short, steep climb to the Gateway Saddle with its great views. 6.8 miles with elevation gain of 700 ft over about 3.5 hours. For experienced hikers. Bathrooms available at the […]

Inspiration Viewpoint Fitness Hike at Gateway Trailhead.  Get your heart pumping on this Very Difficult hike up to an amazing overlook through gradual inclines with a few steep sections. 6 miles with elevation gain of 900 ft. for about 3.5 hours to trail marker WP5. For experienced hikers.  Bathrooms available at the trailhead. Bring water […]