The Gateway Loop Trail explores the bajadas and foothills of McDowell Sonoran Preserve. This 4.4 mile loop offers a compact introduction to Sonoran desert ecology with route extensions to Bell Pass and Windgate Pass.

Early morning on the Gateway Trail - primetime for area fauna including javelina, bobcat and coyote

Desert cottontail (Sylvilagus audubonii), seen here, are often confused with Jackrabbits

Spring rainstorms results in an explosion of green - providing a life lline for flora and fauna before the oppressive summer heat

Teddy Bear Cholla grow especially well in the nutrient-rich, loosely packed gravel of the McDowell bajadas

Saguaro cacti can store up to 80 pounds pf water per linear foot

Cactus Wren are the largest members of the wren family and known for building multiple nests throughout its range

Teddy Bear Cholla fill the hillsides of the Gateway Trail and are named for their fuzzy, cuddly appearance

Gold poppies will curl up at night during the cold and re-open once the sun rises

Ribs of dead saguaro cacti were used by ancient people for construction

Mature sagauros on the Gateway Trail - sagauro is a columnar cactus which can exceed 50 - 60 feet in height

Spring rainstorms results in an explosion of green - providing a life lline for flora and fauna before the oppressive summer heat