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This is a great climb trail with a long cruise back in to Scottsdale, or into Fountain Hills.


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Map Key

3.3

Miles

5.3

KM

Singletrack

3,197' 974 m

High

2,021' 616 m

Low

1,187' 362 m

Up

622' 190 m

Down

10%

Avg Grade (6°)

35%

Max Grade (19°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Not Allowed

Description

This trail is normally accessed off the Gateway Loop Trail, ridden a mile or so, then back. However, it can access the Prospector Trail to the Dixie Mine Trail in Fountain Hills. After a mile or so, (in my opinion, at the green storage container before the switchbacks) the trail becomes a steep hike and it's time to turn around... Unless you are a beast and want to power through the next mile of steep switch backs to the saddle. The view is gorgeous at the top.

This trail is great on the way back to McDowell Sonoran Preserve lodge. It's a nice flowing haul back to the parking lot, or wherever you came from if you didn't come up Gateway Loop Trail. So the higher you go, the longer it'll take to cruise back. That is, unless you came over from Fountain Hills via Dixie Mine Trail, to Prospector Trail and then to Bell Pass Trail. This is an epic journey from Fountain Hills. I would recommend a shuttle or driving accommodations, regardless of which direction you decide on.

Recommendations:
-Bring enough water, tubes, etc. This trail can bust your chops.
-Potentially a lot of wildlife. Keep your eyes out.
-Have your big boy or girl panties on, it's like a staircase at the top.

Contacts

Shared By:

B. Miner

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 8 votes

#11028

Overall
  4.0 from 8 votes
5 Star
38%
4 Star
25%
3 Star
38%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#280

in Arizona

#11,028

Overall
14 Views Last Month
1,948 Since Nov 5, 2014
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0%
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75%
25%

Photos

Climbing up towards Bell Pass.
Jan 29, 2018 near Fountai…, AZ
Taking a break on the Bell Pass Trail.
Apr 13, 2017 near Fountai…, AZ
Looking up at Bell Pass from below the switchbacks.
Apr 13, 2017 near Fountai…, AZ
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 20 days ago
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Nov 24, 2019
John Mount
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