Gateway to Bell's Pass

Starting at 1800 ft elevation, the trail begins at Gateway Loop. This part of the trail will start off pretty flat and be more crowded than Bell's Pass depending on the day and time you are hiking. If you enjoy running this would be the time to do it before you reach Bell's Pass and the incline in elevation begins. Along this path on the right will be Scottsdale on the left the mountainside. About 1 mile and a half in you will have reached the start to Bell's Pass and have gained 200ft in elevation. From here you will enter into the bottom of the canyon and have vast mountains surrounding you on either side. You will start to gain elevation and there is one steep hill at the very end until you reach the top of the pass. Now you will be at a 3200 ft elevation. There is a beautiful view looking deeply into the McDowell Mountain Reserve and on a clear day you can even see the 4 peaks. Now coming up to about 3.6 miles you can either turn back around and come back on the same path or continue on Bell's Pass which will then loop around the side of the mountain and eventually will meet up to Windgate Pass to Gateway Loop and then lead to the trailhead. If you do the full loop it will take much longer and end up being 9.5 miles, while the other is only around 7.3 miles. Make sure to come prepared and you are bound to have a great time!