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3.1 miles
Distance
622 ft
Climb
-1,019 ft
Descent
00:51:06
Avg time
-397 ft
Altitude change
2,175 ft
Altitude min
3,035 ft
Altitude max
2,572 ft
Altitude start
2,175 ft
Altitude end
-2.41%
Grade
-54.635%
Grade max
47.106%
Grade min
2 miles
Distance climb
1 mile
Distance down
497 ft
Distance flat
00:51:06
Avg time
Windgate Pass Details
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Activities
- Mountain Bike
- Hike
- Trail Running
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Riding AreaMcDowell Sonoran Preserve
Scottsdale, Arizona -
Difficulty Rating
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Voted DifficultyBlack Diamond (3 votes)
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Local Popularity45 in Mountain Biking [+]
- 80 in Trail Running
- 60 in Hiking
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Global Ranking
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Trail TypeSingletrack
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Bike TypeAM, XC
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DirectionBoth Directions
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Climb DifficultyBlack Diamond
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Physical RatingHard
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SeasonYear round
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Dogs AllowedYes
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eBike Allowed
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Land Owner
The three main routes for crossing the McDowells are Tom's Thumb, Windgate Pass, and Bell Pass. Of these, Windgate Pass Trail offers the most climbable trail, though it is by no means easy. It is most often climbed from west to east, mainly because most of the riders come from the west side and driving around through Fountain Hills is time consuming. It is a long climb, taking around an hour to summit from the Gateway trailhead, and there are only a few easy sections to catch your breath. There are 3 or 4 really difficult sections where the pitch increases, loose rocks abound, and most riders dismount for a bit. As a downhill, it is 100% rideable for most riders and easier than the Bell Pass DH. Still, the overall rockiness makes it difficult to get a flow going.
Access Info
Most commonly accessed from Gateway Loop Trail. Alternate entries on the west side include Desert Parks Trail and Tom's Thumb Trail. From the east side, access via Coachwhip, Windmill, East End, or Bell Pass Trails.
Local Trail Association
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trail development & maintenance.
Traditionally Indigenous Territory
Recent Activity on Trail
Past Week
- 0 rides
6 Months
- 5 rides
- 37 miles avg distance
All
- 41 rides
- Last: May 16, 2026
| c1 | c2 | c3 | c4 |
|---|---|---|---|
January | February | March | April |
May | June | July | August |
September | October | November | December |
Windgate Pass Trail Reports
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Trail Conditions
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The colour categories are based on what percentage of riders are riding a trail in its intended direction.
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- Both Directions
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- One Direction
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Directions to windgate-pass trailhead
(33.664860, -111.800130)
Photos
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Routes with this trail
★ 4.0 • 75 km • 2,862 m • 14 • Loop •
This route goes over all the passes & saddles in the McDowell Mtns. including all 3 trails to Tom's...
★ 4.5 • 15 km • 616 m • 7 •
Hike-a-bike to a little downhill to steep uphill to a lotta downhill.
★ 5.0 • 85 km • 1,090 m • 39 • Point to Point •
Proposed route for riding the Maricopa Trail between Usery and MMP
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Nearby Trails
- East End 7 ft
- Bell Pass (north Side) 636 ft
- Prospector 1 mile
- Windmill 1 mile
- To The Top Spur 2 miles
McDowell Sonoran Preserve
- By todd
Trailforks & contributors - #14801 - 5,294 views
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Frequently Asked Questions About Windgate Pass
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Where is Windgate Pass located?
Windgate Pass is located in McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Scottsdale, Arizona, United States. It is part of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve trail network. The trailhead is located at coordinates 33.66486, -111.80013.
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How hard is Windgate Pass?
Windgate Pass is rated as Black Diamond difficulty. The physical rating is Hard. The average grade is 2.41%. The climb difficulty is rated Black Diamond.
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What is the elevation gain for Windgate Pass?
Windgate Pass has 622 ft of elevation gain. The trail has 1,019 ft of elevation descent. The elevation ranges from 2,175 ft to 3,035 ft.
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Is Windgate Pass a point to point trail?
Windgate Pass is not a point to point trail. The direction is Both Directions. The trail type is singletrack.
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