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| Hiking | 4.40 Miles |
838 AEG |
| | Hiking | 4.40 Miles | 1 Hour 30 Mns | | 3.11 mph |
| 838 ft AEG | 5 Mns Break | 8 LBS Pack | | |
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| no partners | | Fantastic day to make the Gateway Loop hike. The weather was about 70 degrees with little wind and bright, heavenly sun. I didn't take any of the extra extensions so completed the loop in about 1.5 hours.
The parking lot was packed, although I enjoyed a lot of alone time by the time I reached the Saddle.
No wildlife spotted with the exception of a couple very fast lizards. |
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| Hiking | 3.60 Miles |
541 AEG |
| | Hiking | 3.60 Miles | 3 Hrs 30 Mns | | 1.08 mph |
| 541 ft AEG | 10 Mns Break | 5 LBS Pack | | |
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| no partners | | This was one of my absolute favorite hikes because it offers the best of many pleasures: a challenging cardio at the beginning of the hike, postcard views from the ledges you reach about 1/2 hour into the hike, and the gentle and peaceful surroundings of the forest on the last leg of the hike.
We were fortunate enough to hike this in an absolute perfect day. The outside temp was about 65 degrees with very little wind and crystal clear skies.
The crystal clear skies were the key to the fantastic views of Mitten Ridge and other gorgeous red cliffs.
We did the entire roundtrip hike (trailhead to trailhead) in about 3.5 hours with short breaks for water and views. If cardio is not your thing, begin at the North trail head and venture South. You can turnaround when you reach the Soldier's Pass Trail Sign. You definitely won't get all the views but it will be an enjoyable hike.
The only wildlife we witnessed was a desert blue jay. When we got near she became very vocal and followed us closely. She probably had some young near so we didn't get too near her.
You will love this hike - trust me. |
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Wildflowers Observation Moderate
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| Hiking | 4.40 Miles |
838 AEG |
| | Hiking | 4.40 Miles | 3 Hrs 5 Mns | | 1.51 mph |
| 838 ft AEG | 10 Mns Break | 10 LBS Pack | | |
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| no partners | | This was a great hike to end the year! We also added Inspiration Point which will test your cardio.
I'd like to recommend this hike to those of you who have friends/family in and aren't sure where to go. It's much better than taking an unexperienced and/or not ready for prime time hiker to Camelback and watching them suffer.
You can make this a short or long hike with all the variations of it. The best part is you won't even realize you're in the city after about 1/2 hour on the trail.
Other Plusses: EXTREMELY well maintained bathrooms and very helpful guides. This is truly a Scottsdale gem that should be taken advantage of.
A couple recommendations: Watch the sun. Hike clockwise in the AM so you don't have it in your eyes. Second recommendation: If you like biking and coffee, consider grabbing some java at AJs off North Thompson Peak and Frank Lloyd Wright, then bike the short 4 miles to the Gatewayway Trailhead. I call it the 'Java, Hike, and Bike'. It's a great addition! |
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average hiking speed 1.29 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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