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Long, technical climbs with short, downhill sprints until you reach the Bell Pass Trail summit; then send it!


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Map Key

10.4

Miles

16.7

KM

40%

Singletrack

3,193' 973 m

High

1,695' 517 m

Low

1,981' 604 m

Up

1,982' 604 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

41%

Max Grade (22°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Not Allowed

Overview

The easiest way to access this trail is from the parking lot at 104th St and Bell Rd. From there, the 104th St. Trail will take you out to the beginning of Gateway Loop Trail. Catch your breath, stretch your legs and say a prayer. This loop knows no mercy. Expect and prepare for lots of loose, jagged/sharp rocks (read: flat tires), rolling switchbacks, and hike-a-bike sections. Lots of excellent views as well.

Need to Know

Gear recommendation: helmet, elbow & knee pads, gloves.

Description

This is not for the faint of heart. Keep an eye out for trail markers. They are well marked and easy to read!

104th St. Trail --> North onto Gateway Loop Trail --> Straight onto Windgate Pass Trail --> South (right) onto Bell Pass Trail --> Left at the junction for Gateway Loop Trail --> 104th St. Trail and back to the parking lot.

You're going to work for this one. It's about six miles of MOSTLY technical climbing until you reach the summit of Bell Pass Trail and begin the three-mile downhill.

Once at the summit, a water and snack break is suggested. Stretch your legs some more. INSPECT YOUR BIKE for anything that may be loose. This point offers a great view of the McDowell Mountain Regional Park to the east along with a view of the famous Fountain Hills fountain. The descent is 80% singletrack, very steep with lots of switchbacks, and loose rocks. The price of failure will be painful to say the least.

Once you get back on the Gateway Loop Trail, the trail opens up but you need to keep watch for hikers. Early morning and late afternoon there will be tons of them. Enjoy!

Contacts

Shared By:

Tom B with improvements by Zander Göpfert

Trail Ratings

  2.8 from 21 votes

#3237

Overall
  2.8 from 21 votes
5 Star
10%
4 Star
29%
3 Star
10%
2 Star
33%
1 Star
19%
Recommended Route Rankings

#125

in Arizona

#3,237

Overall
44 Views Last Month
5,287 Since Feb 13, 2017
Difficult Difficult

0%
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0%
76%
24%

Photos

Looking towards Scottsdale from Windgate Pass.
Jan 29, 2018 near Fountai…, AZ
Top of Windgate Pass.
Jan 29, 2018 near Fountai…, AZ
Climbing up towards Bell Pass.
Jan 29, 2018 near Fountai…, AZ
Enjoy this view from the top of the pass looking east along the Windgate Pass Trail.
Jan 29, 2017 near Fountai…, AZ
Bask in the scenic views from the top of the pass as you take a break and prepare for your next move!
Jan 29, 2017 near Fountai…, AZ
An early morning on the Windgate Pass Trail.
Apr 13, 2017 near Fountai…, AZ
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Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 25 days ago
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