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Gateway - Bajada Nature Trail - MSP - 6 members in 43 triplogs have rated this an average 2.3 ( 1 to 5 best )
1, 2, 3  Next
43 triplogs
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Mar 08 2024
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 Guides 59
 Routes 1,100
 Photos 1,191
 Triplogs 1,290

male
 Joined Jan 01 2023
 Arizona
Gateway Loop Trail - MSPPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 08 2024
pseudalpineTriplogs 1,290
Hiking6.17 Miles 898 AEG
Hiking6.17 Miles   1 Hour   59 Mns   3.22 mph
898 ft AEG      4 Mns Break
 
no photosets
1st trip
  2 archives
Oct 18 2023
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 Guides 59
 Routes 1,100
 Photos 1,191
 Triplogs 1,290

male
 Joined Jan 01 2023
 Arizona
East End Peak - Loop from Gateway THPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Oct 18 2023
pseudalpineTriplogs 1,290
Hiking14.22 Miles 3,285 AEG
Hiking14.22 Miles   4 Hrs   32 Mns   3.27 mph
3,285 ft AEG      11 Mns Break
 
no photosets
1st trip
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
We decided to start our ascent with the Desert Park Trail because when the gate opens in the morning, ~98% of the hikers simultaneously crush onto the Gateway Loop like greyhounds chasing a hare, which is definitely one of the silly aspects of MSP hiking (it is Snottsdale). : wink :
This hike is essentially the same as the Tom's Thumb Loop off Windgate Pass Trail, except that it omits The Lookout. It seems fatuous that they're almost duplicates. This was Dese's first time at the McDowell's highpoint and only my second. I may have one more highly illegal ascent planned, but that'll be a triplog for another day...
  6 archives
Sep 24 2023
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 Guides 1
 Routes 226
 Photos 1,675
 Triplogs 1,867

65 male
 Joined Oct 17 2008
 Phoenix, AZ
Windgate Bell LoopPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Sep 24 2023
rcorfmanTriplogs 1,867
Hiking10.52 Miles 1,995 AEG
Hiking10.52 Miles   4 Hrs   12 Mns   2.63 mph
1,995 ft AEG      12 Mns Break
 
no photosets
I thought I'd do something a bit different for me this morning. First I walked the Bajada Nature trail, then the Bell Pass Trail to the Windgate Pass Trail to the Gateway Loop trail back to Gateway trailhead.

It was pretty busy until I got a ways up Bell Pass Trail. Once the climbing got serious things thinned out quite a bit and it was pretty quiet until I merged onto the Gateway Loop trail.

The trail is pretty rocky and I was tired and ready to be done near the end, but I did enjoy the time on the trail. Near the end, I heard some birds squawking and realized I hadn't heard any quail all day. I hear and see quail all the time on the trails I normally haunt and thought that was interesting.
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Go find a LonelyCache
 
Jul 14 2023
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 Guides 10
 Routes 673
 Photos 7,281
 Triplogs 4,660

67 female
 Joined Nov 17 2008
 phoenix, az
Windgate Bell LoopPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Jul 14 2023
trekkin_geckoTriplogs 4,660
Hiking10.28 Miles 2,126 AEG
Hiking10.28 Miles   3 Hrs   6 Mns   3.32 mph
2,126 ft AEG
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
did the loop counterclockwise
shade all the way to bell pass, even starting at 0545
saw a total of 12 hikers, just two outside of gateway loop
added inspiration point, saguaro and the nature trail to hit double digits
nice enough morning
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hazhole
 
Oct 03 2022
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 Guides 10
 Routes 673
 Photos 7,281
 Triplogs 4,660

67 female
 Joined Nov 17 2008
 phoenix, az
Windgate Bell LoopPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Oct 03 2022
trekkin_geckoTriplogs 4,660
Hiking10.26 Miles 2,217 AEG
Hiking10.26 Miles   3 Hrs   20 Mns   3.17 mph
2,217 ft AEG      6 Mns Break
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
haven't gone from gateway in months
got going around 0615
mid 70s, had shade up to bell pass, and a good breeze the entire hike
did a few little extras like inspiration point, saguaro loop and the nature trail to hit double digits
saw a nice sunrise and two tarantulas
not that many people out
 Named place
 Named place [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Inspiration Point - McDowell SP
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hazhole
 
Nov 26 2021
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 Guides 1
 Routes 262
 Photos 864
 Triplogs 266

51 male
 Joined Mar 24 2021
 Tucson, AZ
Toms Thumb attempt, AZ 
Toms Thumb attempt, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Nov 26 2021
JackluminousTriplogs 266
Hiking7.17 Miles 1,271 AEG
Hiking7.17 Miles   2 Hrs   23 Mns   3.12 mph
1,271 ft AEG      5 Mns Break
 
no photosets
1st trip
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
First attempt to get to Tom’s Thumb. Ran out of time and had to turn back.
 
Oct 30 2021
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 Guides 3
 Routes 632
 Photos 8,235
 Triplogs 604

54 male
 Joined Apr 13 2011
 Gilbert, AZ
Tom's Thumb Loop off Windgate Pass TrailPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Oct 30 2021
ddgrunningTriplogs 604
Hiking14.31 Miles 3,583 AEG
Hiking14.31 Miles   5 Hrs   42 Mns   2.69 mph
3,583 ft AEG      23 Mns Break
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
First time hiking from the Gateway Trailhead. Unfortunately, I didn't carpool or drive my electric vehicle or bring my groomed poodle, so I wasn't able to park in the fancy "reserved" spots. :lol:

I did arrive early though, and managed to avoid the crowds. Only saw a handful of hikers until I got close to Tom's Thumb.

Took the side trip up to The Lookout. Nice views. Back on the trail for a bit and then some extracurricular exploring.

On the backside of the loop, traffic was once again minimal. On the way back, I decided to bypass Windgate Pass and extend the loop over to the Bell Pass Trail.

Enjoyed the summit and ridgeline views.
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Apr 25 2021
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 Guides 10
 Routes 673
 Photos 7,281
 Triplogs 4,660

67 female
 Joined Nov 17 2008
 phoenix, az
Tom's Thumb Loop off Windgate Pass TrailPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 25 2021
trekkin_geckoTriplogs 4,660
Hiking13.48 Miles 3,400 AEG
Hiking13.48 Miles   4 Hrs   23 Mns   3.13 mph
3,400 ft AEG      5 Mns Break
 
need to be doing double digit hikes on my days off, rather than biking the grand canal like i wanted to :lol:
got a late start at 1130
wouldn't it be better to be finished by then?
anyway
gateway loop, bell pass, east end, the lookout, tom's thumb, windgate pass, gateway loop
added saguaro and nature trails for extra mileage and linkage
good loop; it's been awhile since i've done this combo
more people out than i would expect given the temps, especially on the outer trails
east end was easier than i remember, possibly because i was going slower
the lookout is a nice viewpoint and worth a detour
always enjoy the terrain up near tom's thumb
considered east end, but needed more water and some snacks to add that on
no critters other than a few lizards, no flowers other than a few ratty globemallow

dry Mountain Spring Dry Dry
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hazhole
  1 archive
Mar 18 2018
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 Routes 7
 Photos 273
 Triplogs 234

54 male
 Joined Jul 16 2011
 Phoenix, AZ
Gateway - Bajada Nature Trail - MSPPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 18 2018
EartheistTriplogs 234
Hiking0.88 Miles 72 AEG
Hiking0.88 Miles      24 Mns   2.20 mph
72 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   linked  
Partners none no partners
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Sep 15 2016
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 Photos 5,768
 Triplogs 259

59 female
 Joined Jan 04 2012
 scottsdale, AZ
Gateway Loop Trail - MSPPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
 Hiking avatar Sep 15 2016
New2hykTriplogs 259
 Hiking3.00 Miles 200 AEG
 Hiking3.00 Miles
200 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   linked  
Partners none no partners
Quick stop to see if I can document some sps. Morning was very very quiet without birds. Documented yellow rumped warbler. On ebird, it is listed as rare sps as they usually don't migrate here until October. Interesting that they arrived early.
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  2 archives
Sep 12 2016
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 Photos 5,768
 Triplogs 259

59 female
 Joined Jan 04 2012
 scottsdale, AZ
Gateway - Bajada Nature Trail - MSPPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Sep 12 2016
New2hykTriplogs 259
Hiking0.70 Miles 16 AEG
Hiking0.70 Miles
16 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Quick stop at the trail head to photograph migratory birds. Got 2 sps :y:
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Sep 11 2016
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 Photos 5,768
 Triplogs 259

59 female
 Joined Jan 04 2012
 scottsdale, AZ
Gateway Loop Trail - MSPPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
 Hiking avatar Sep 11 2016
New2hykTriplogs 259
 Hiking3.50 Miles 250 AEG
 Hiking3.50 Miles
250 ft AEG
 no routes
After hearing that some migratory birds were noted here, I managed to hike this morning to see if I can document any . Parking lot was full at 7am as several cars were double parked :o .
Weather was pleasant and saw steady number of people throughout the hike. I saw 2 new species for me :y: . Saw at least 2 more species but couldn't photo document them. Overall great hike.
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  3 archives
Jun 29 2016
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 Guides 69
 Routes 37
 Photos 3,010
 Triplogs 2,387

55 male
 Joined Oct 24 2010
 Phoenix,Az
Gateway - Bajada Nature Trail - MSPPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Jun 29 2016
mt98dewTriplogs 2,387
Hiking5.02 Miles 16 AEG
Hiking5.02 Miles   1 Hour   10 Mns   4.30 mph
16 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Jogged the Gateway Loop and then as a cool down walked this Nature Trail. Win-win situation. Felt great to the Gateway Loop again. Enjoy running that trail. Ideal elevation and distance for a quick afternoon run...though it is a little rocky in spots. Nice to do Nature Trail afterwards as a cool down and...I can now cross it off the get er done list. Only saw 4 people while out there...all solo hikers/joggers. Temps were warm, but there was a nice breeze.
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Mar 06 2016
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 Guides 31
 Routes 135
 Photos 2,699
 Triplogs 615

52 female
 Joined Apr 02 2007
 Scottsdale, AZ
Gateway - Bajada Nature Trail - MSPPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 06 2016
Crzy4AZTriplogs 615
Hiking0.70 Miles 16 AEG
Hiking0.70 Miles
16 ft AEG
 
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners partners
Baby4AZ
LilGuy4AZ
After nap I took my tender chickens and Junior stewards for the Conservancy to Family Sonoran Sunday at Gateway. I am the coordinator this year for the program. Natalie Case presented on plant/animal adaptations from Scottsdale Community College - Center for Native and Urban Wildlife. They have a really cool nature center there with school tours too.

I bought their solitary bee house to put in the backyard. After the talk we took a walk around the Bajada Nature trail. Kids were being so sweet. They are good helpers and enjoy coming to all the Conservancy activities.
 Fauna
 Fauna [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Carpenter Bee
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Feb 07 2016
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 Guides 31
 Routes 135
 Photos 2,699
 Triplogs 615

52 female
 Joined Apr 02 2007
 Scottsdale, AZ
Gateway - Bajada Nature Trail - MSPPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Feb 07 2016
Crzy4AZTriplogs 615
Hiking0.70 Miles 16 AEG
Hiking0.70 Miles
16 ft AEG
 
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners partners
Baby4AZ
LilGuy4AZ
Family Sonoran Sunday with the Conservancy - nature walk with kids - then speaker was Southwest Wildlife.
Caroline and George helped me explain "house rules" before the presentation.
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Jan 26 2016
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 Triplogs 3

74 female
 Joined Jan 05 2016
 Scottsdale, AZ
Gateway - Bajada Nature Trail - MSPPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Jan 26 2016
SpajnkyTriplogs 3
Hiking0.70 Miles 16 AEG
Hiking0.70 Miles   1 Hour      0.70 mph
16 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
My sisters were visiting from CA. They really like to hike, so I brought them to the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy to give them an idea of hikes they can do when they return and have more time. We took this little hike, read all of the plaques and learned more about the life of the desert.

We really enjoyed this hike. It was a beautiful sunny day. We did see a lizard and tried to track down a bird's song. This is a wonderful introduction to the park. I'll bring other visitors here so they can marvel in the beauty. :A1:
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Light
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  1 archive
Dec 15 2015
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 Photos 5,768
 Triplogs 259

59 female
 Joined Jan 04 2012
 scottsdale, AZ
Gateway Loop Trail - MSPPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Dec 15 2015
New2hykTriplogs 259
Hiking3.00 Miles 150 AEG
Hiking3.00 Miles
150 ft AEG10 LBS Pack
 no routes
Patrol hike this morning. Cold but sunny. Frost was present but only on dead wood. Saw lots of verdins, black throated sparrows. Noticed european starlings too. My first at gateway th. usually they are lots of them at quartz th.
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Dec 06 2015
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 Guides 31
 Routes 135
 Photos 2,699
 Triplogs 615

52 female
 Joined Apr 02 2007
 Scottsdale, AZ
Gateway - Bajada Nature Trail - MSPPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Dec 06 2015
Crzy4AZTriplogs 615
Hiking0.70 Miles 16 AEG
Hiking0.70 Miles
16 ft AEG
 
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners partners
Baby4AZ
Sonoran Sunday event at Gateway with McDowell Sonoran Conservancy. Wild at Heart brought 7 birds of prey. Was great event. Caroline held the clicker to count all the people who attended. Big turn out. George stayed home and finished his nap with Brad.
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Nov 07 2014
avatar

 Guides 31
 Routes 135
 Photos 2,699
 Triplogs 615

52 female
 Joined Apr 02 2007
 Scottsdale, AZ
Gateway - Bajada Nature Trail - MSPPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Nov 07 2014
Crzy4AZTriplogs 615
Hiking0.70 Miles 16 AEG
Hiking0.70 Miles
16 ft AEG
 
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners partners
Baby4AZ
LilGuy4AZ
Went to Family Friday Sunset Series lecture at the Gateway with presentation by Southwest Wildlife. Great organization that rescues wildlife and exotic pets that have been released. They brought a skunk and a fox. Lots of kids there. My two were fairly well behaved.

Invited several of their friends to meet us and we walked around the Bajada Nature Trail afterwards.
_____________________
 
Oct 19 2014
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 Guides 31
 Routes 135
 Photos 2,699
 Triplogs 615

52 female
 Joined Apr 02 2007
 Scottsdale, AZ
Gateway - Bajada Nature Trail - MSPPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Oct 19 2014
Crzy4AZTriplogs 615
Hiking1.00 Miles 16 AEG
Hiking1.00 Miles
16 ft AEG
 
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners partners
Sun_Ray
Spent 2.5 hours in the lecture room at Gateway and out on Bajada nature trail learning how to be a Nature Guide with McDowell Sonoran Conservancy (MSC). All kinds of cool classes that you are required to take (but are open to the public also) through Scottsdale Community College on Sonoran Desert geology, flora, fauna, human history. So I've got 4 Saturday mornings' worth of classes to take as "prerequisites" before being ready to lead a nature guide activity. But in the meantime I can be an assistant and learn the ropes. There are also public access YouTube videos (on the MSC channel) that summarize the SCC lectures but they are too short to really teach an adult new material. Fine if you already know it and just need a refresher though.

Grateful to have a kind husband that watches the kids so that I can have grown-up hobbies :D
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average hiking speed 2.06 mph
1, 2, 3  Next

WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.

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