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| Hiking | 11.85 Miles |
2,313 AEG |
| | Hiking | 11.85 Miles | 5 Hrs 19 Mns | | 2.24 mph |
| 2,313 ft AEG | 1 Min Break | | | |
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| partners | | It's been a long time since I've hiked in this area. The last time was at least 10 years ago and it was going up to Tom's Thumb via Gateway Loop Trail. When Chris told me he was thinking of doing a loop in the area, I thought it would be nice to visit these trails again.
The plan was to start up the Gateway/Windgate Trail and then cross-over to the Bell Pass Trail and complete the loop. We arrived about 6am and the gate for the trailhead was closed and we found ourselves in a long line of vehicles waiting to get in. We didn't wait long and the gate opened up. I guess we weren't the only ones with a plan to start early.
I have done so many remote trails lately (with the exception of the Flatiron last month), it felt kinda odd starting off on a hike with a 100 or so of my fellow humans along for the hike. As we started up, there was some space between groups, but Chris and I are hardly "speed hikers" and groups younger and healthier folks passed us by.
When we got to the Gateway Pass turn off, the crowds thinned out. I have never been on this section of the trail and the rest of the hike was new to me with the exception of the bits of the Gateway Trail we used to return. Gateway Pass was nice, but once we turned on to the Bell Pass Trail, that was the nicest part of the hike for sure. The gloomy, cloudy skies opened up a little and the sun shined through every once in a while. The higher up we went, the nicer the scenery. We came across groups of hikers going up and a couple going down.
Once on the saddle and starting down, the landscape changes. The saguaros, cholla, ocotillo and palo verde disappeared and it was mostly grassy hillsides. The views on the way down were nice though. Fountain Hills, Four Peak, the Superstitions were all visible, albeit obscured by the hazy conditions. We encountered a group of mountain bikers and a large pack of kids in a youth group in the area. Once we made the turn to head up to Windgate Pass the number of hikers diminished.
Getting up to Windgate Pass was a more up/down path than I was expecting. Bell Pass was all up. And, once we made it to the saddle, the trail hugged the hillside and also had a little up and down. The scenery on the west slope improved as well. More saguaro and blooming ocotillo. Nice view of the mansions in the area too. Someone has a lot of money for sure.
When we made it to the Gateway Trail, Chris suggested we take the Desert Park Trail back to the trailhead. This trail was mostly flat and zip-zagged a wash in between a golf course and houses. Not the most scenic trail, but it nicer on my feet and hip than the Gateway Trail for sure.
A good day in the McDowells/MSP area. I am still a Superstition snob and will stick with what I know, but it was nice to explore a new area and it's always good to hike with Chris. Thanks for the invite! |
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"Jobs fill your pockets, adventures fill your soul."
instagram: @andydilling |
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Route Editor
Route Scout
Route 
I digress, but at 5:41am the mindless greyhounds all crushed onto the Gateway Loop Trail, so I chose the more mellow Desert Park start. The rat race was avoided because none of them were seen again for the rest of my hike and double T solo. The East End ascent was hot and humid, then some nice breezes and cloud cover helped immensely. I need to remember that the Tom's Thumb TH doesn't have water because two liters was slightly inadequate. 
I have a love/hate relationship with this trail. I love the back section past the pass and although hate is a harsh word for any trail, the front section from the trailhead to the pass is one of my less favorites in the MSP. It is just way to crowded for me to get any enjoyment while hiking in a train. The turnoff to the Desert Park Trail couldn't come quick enough.
People were having a great time and though I don't like being around that many people, who could blame them. It was fun to see their smiles; heck I was even grinning ear to ear at all the snow-bathed beauty.
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