Windgate - Bell Loop
10.2 mi2,553 ft
3,402 ft
1,680 ft
A long loop through the McDowells from the Bell Road trailhead, over Windgate Pass and back across Bell’s Pass.
Photos
The long stretch of Scottsdale mountains
Pink skies in the south betraying a sunrise
On the way to Thompson Peak
Rugged pink outcroppings on the mountains
Getting closer to the radio towers
Drinkwater and McDowell Peaks
A long, winding trail below
Sharp rocks on the trail
Locked box on the pass
Down on distant Camelback
The barest hint of a trail
Looking over at Thompson Peak
Odd light filtering down on the Superstitions
Salt River winding far below
Southern peaks and the Thompson Jeep trail
Messy rocks stacked up on East End
Over to Windgate Pass
Little poem at Inspiration Point
Tough trail to Toms Thumb
Along the way
Mountain 4
- McDowell Peak
- Thompson Peak
- East End
- Tom's Thumb
Saddle 3
- Gateway Saddle
- Windgate Pass
- Bell Pass
Overlook 1
- Inspiration Point
Trailhead 1
- Gateway Trailhead
Junction 1
- Windgate Pass Trail / Bell Pass Trail junction