| when | Saturday, April 17, 2021 | ||
| where | McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Scottsdale | ||
| the hike |
This is a 9.6 mile loop hike in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, starting
from the Gateway Trailhead off Thompson Peak Parkway. We will do a
clockwise loop hike through the heart of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve,
taking in great views of the three highest peaks in the preserve: McDowell,
Thompson, and Drinkwater (named after Scottsdale’s long-time
mayor Herb Drinkwater).
Leaving the Gateway Trailhead, climb up to Windgate Pass via Inspiration View Pointe and make our way to Bell Pass, at 3,204 feet the highest point on the loop trail. We then go down Bell Pass back to Gateway Trailhead. Required: • Sturdy hiking boots • At least 3 liters of water • Rain poncho • Hat, sunblock, sunglasses Recommended: • Lunch or snacks • Camera |
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| distance | 9.6 miles round trip | ||
| time | 5-6 hours | ||
| EC | +- 1,996 feet elevation change | ||
| elevations | 1,720 feet at Gateway Trailhead to 3,204 feet at Bell Pass | ||
| starting at |
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| on trail | 100% | ||
| rating | "B" Rate yourself as a hiker. | ||
| dogs allowed | no | ||
| cost | When car-pooling, pay your share of the cost of gas. The club also accepts voluntary contributions of $5 per non-member. |
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| weather | Scottsdale | ||
| leader | 602-471-6967 Email the leader to confirm. | ||
| meet | 7:00 AM in the Gateway to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve parking area closest to the large Ramada building where restrooms are located (see map). | ||
| drive |
From West Valley: • 101 East to Pima / Princess Drive exit. • After exiting, go straight through the 1st stoplight, which is Pima/Princess Dr. • Go to the 2nd stoplight, which is Bell Road. • Turn left on Bell Rd. • Go about one mile and turn left at the light on Thompson Peak Parkway. There will be a CVS pharmacy on the NW corner of Bell Road and Thompson Peak Parkway. • From Thompson Peak take the first right (about a half-mile north of Bell Rd.), which will be the entrance to the Gateway trailhead (you’ll see a brown trailhead sign). Park close to the large Ramada building. From East Valley: • 101 North to Frank Lloyd Wright / Bell Road exit. • After exiting, go straight through the 1st stoplight, which is Frank Lloyd Wright. • Go to the 2nd stoplight, which is Bell Road. • Turn right on Bell Rd. • Go about one mile and turn left at the light on Thompson Peak Parkway. There will be a CVS pharmacy on the NW corner of Bell Road and Thompson Peak Parkway. • From Thompson Peak take the first right (about a half-mile north of Bell Rd.), which will be the entrance to the Gateway trailhead (you’ll see a brown trailhead sign). Park close to the large Ramada building. |
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| updated March 31, 2021 | © Copyright 2021, Arizona Trailblazers. All rights reserved. |