Windgate Pass

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.