Hike | McDowell Gateway Loop Trail | Scottsdale, AZ — Arizona Hikers Guide

Gateway Loop is an easy trail fit for all ages, sizes, and creatures! Dog and kid friendly, you get a decent workout while looping around one of Scottdale’s most well-known mountains, McDowell Mountain.

This trail is heavily trafficked and is regularly cleaned by the city. Gateway Loop Trail is accessible year round and is a great trail for beginner hikers.

The trail itself is an easy trek with some great views of the city! You will see multi-colored (blue, green, red, etc.) rocks along the way, too. As far as wildlife is concerned, this trail is too heavily trafficked to see any kind of wildlife other than your regular rabbit or lizard.

This is a great trail for visitors to Phoenix who have never hiked before, but want to get a good view of the metropolitan area.

TRAIL STATS

• Length: 4.5 miles
• Trail Type: Loop
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Elevation Gain: 685FT
• Kid Friendly: Yes
• Dog-Friendly: Yes (leash on!)