23.8 miles
Distance
2,397 ft
Climb
-2,389 ft
Descent
4,740 ft
High Point
8 ft
Altitude change
4,122 ft
Altitude min
4,571 ft
Altitude start
4,580 ft
Altitude end
-42.4%
Grade max
35%
Grade min
11 miles
Distance climb
10 miles
Distance down
3 miles
Distance flat

A fairly difficult loop that has about 6 possible starting points as the loop passes numerous parking areas\trailheads. It really can only be done counter-clockwise unless you are willing to ride up both Ground Control and Bottom Out The loop shown starts at the Aerie parking lot and gives you the 5 Black trails while you are still fresh! Starting at the Girdner trailhead is also good, but doing Bottom Out as the first trail is a bit of a shock to the system and then finishing on Ledge n Airy is hard when you are shot.

Detailed Description
Western Gateway Loop is a 24 mile popular expert route located near Sedona Arizona. This mountain bike only route can be used one direction and has a hard overall physical rating. This route includes 25 trails. This route climbs 2,397 ft with a max elevation of 4,740 ft then descends -2,389 ft.
Tags

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Stats

  • Distance
    24 miles
  • Avg time
    3 hr 21 min
  • Altitude min
    4,122 ft
  • Altitude start
    4,571 ft
  • Altitude end
    4,580 ft
  • Climb
    2,397 ft
  • Descent
    -2,389 ft
  • Grade max
    -42.4%
  • Grade min
    35%
  • Distance climb
    11 miles
  • Distance down
    10 miles
  • Distance flat
    3 miles

129 Reviews & Comments

PGomersall PGomersall
So I rode this for the first time yesterday (November 20th 2020). I thought it was going to feel "easier" than starting at the Girdner Trailhead; now I'm not so sure. A great route though, technical in places and always requiring concentration.

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Trails in Route

Details

  • Riding area
  • Primary Activity
    Mountain Bike
  • Difficulty rating
    Black Diamond
  • Route Type
    Loop
  • eBike Allowed
  • Bike type
    AM
  • Direction
    One Direction
  • Physical rating
    Hard
  • Activity Logs
    71
Avg: 4.75 (4 votes)
close
Trail transparency
  • Singletrack
  • Unpaved
Chuck Wagon MTB Trail Preview | Sedona, Arizona
mtb
Chuck Wagon MTB Trail Preview | Sedona, Arizona
22:33 | 164 | comments: 0 | favs:
Aug 1, 2026
Mescal Trail Preview: Is This Worth the Hype?
mtb
Mescal Trail Preview: Is This Worth the Hype?
trail: Mescal
19:56 | 40 | comments: 0 | favs:
Jul 18, 2026

Recent Trail Reports Along Route

statustraildateconditiondescription
Aerie (Lower)
Oct 13, 2026 @ 1:32pm (America/Phoenix)
Oct 13, 2026
Deadmans Pass
Oct 13, 2026 @ 1:32pm (America/Phoenix)
Oct 13, 2026
Girdner
Oct 13, 2026 @ 1:32pm (America/Phoenix)
Oct 13, 2026
Outer Limits
Oct 13, 2026 @ 1:32pm (America/Phoenix)
Oct 13, 2026
Aerie (Upper)
Oct 13, 2026 @ 1:32pm (America/Phoenix)
Oct 13, 2026
more reports »
  • By PGomersallTF Pro & contributors
  • #25119 - 3,712 views

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