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East End Peak - Loop from Gateway TH - 3 members in 3 triplogs have rated this an average 3.3 ( 1 to 5 best )
3 triplogs
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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
East End Peak - Loop from Gateway TH
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Oct 18 2023
pseudalpine • Triplogs 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
Linked   10 linked trail guides
Desert Park Trail - MSP
Tom's Thumb Trail - MSP
East End Peak - MSP
East End Trail - MSP
Windgate Pass Trail - MSP
Inspiration Point via Windgate
Gateway Loop Trail - MSP
Saguaro Loop Trail - MSP
Maricopa Trail - Scottsdale/Gateway
Gateway - Bajada Nature Trail - MSP
Partners none no partners
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
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
Tom's Thumb Loop off Windgate Pass Trail
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Oct 30 2021
ddgrunning • Triplogs 604
Hiking14.31 Miles 3,583 AEG
Hiking14.31 Miles   5 Hrs   42 Mns   2.69 mph
3,583 ft AEG      23 Mns Break
 
Linked   10 linked trail guides
Gateway Loop Trail - MSP
East End Peak - Loop from Gateway TH
Windgate Bell Loop
Bell Pass Trail - MSP
East End Peak - MSP
Windgate Pass Trail - MSP
Tom's Thumb Trail - MSP
Saguaro Trail - MSP
Gateway - Bajada Nature Trail - MSP
East End Trail - MSP
Partners none no partners
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.
_____________________
 
Mar 21 2016
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 Guides 73
 Routes 176
 Photos 10,174
 Triplogs 2,324

46 male
 Joined Sep 08 2006
 
Tom's Thumb Loop off Windgate Pass TrailPhoenix, AZ
Tom's Thumb Loop off Windgate Pass Trail
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 21 2016
Jim • Triplogs 2,324
Hiking13.00 Miles 3,125 AEG
Hiking13.00 Miles   5 Hrs      2.79 mph
3,125 ft AEG      20 Mns Break15 LBS Pack
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   linked  
Tom's Thumb Trail - MSP
Lookout Trail - MSP
East End Peak - Loop from Gateway TH
Windgate Pass Trail - MSP
Partners none no partners
I was finally able to get out and explore this local-ish hike. It was interesting, but it wasn't what I hoped for. This is partly because with the low elevation nature of the hike, I won't be doing it in July, and partly because it is Scottsdale, and well, enough said. Also, there were a surprising number of people pretty far out there.

The desert here is very nice, lush, really. The views from the overlook and other areas are great, and it is a pretty nice hike in a scenic appearing range. The trail is just too gentle for my taste, though. Upper Siphon Draw, Camel-hand-bag Mountain from Echo Canyon, Piestewa and maybe some other hills are still likely to be my in town go to hikes, more so when over 100.
 Named place
 Named place [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  The Flatiron
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Moderate
Brittlebush on the east end trail was impressive.

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water 4 out of 5 Mountain Spring Gallon + per minute Gallon + per minute
I was shocked to see water! Flowing very nice at the trail crossing.
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average hiking speed 2.74 mph

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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