The McDowell Sonoran Preserve rests on the edge of greater Phoenix - in Scottsdale, Arizona. Its proximity to civilization combined with beautiful Sonoran landscapes make the preserve a popular destination for hikers, bikers and equestrians. For those seeking to escape the crowds, the Bell Pass - Windgate Pass Loop Trail is an excellent option. This 9.6 mile loop heads counter-clockwise into the preserve, traversing the back side of the park affording views of the Superstition Wilderness, Weavers Needle and the Four Peaks. 

The Tohono O'Odham people believed the saguaro cactus to be another form of humanity - rather than an ordinary plant

The McDowell Sonoran Preserve covers 21,400 acres and hosts a diverse set of flora including Teddy Bear Cholla, Saguaro Cacti, Palo Verde, Ocotillo, Creosote and Brittlebush

Views of Scottsdale from Bell Pass 3,204'

A vein of quartz found its way into a basalt rock during the basalt's cooling period

After Bell Pass, the trail descends the back side of the preserve with views of the Superstition Wilderness

A large quartz vein is visible from the Windgate Trail - this vein is less than 1.4 billion years old and required heat, pressure and tectonic activity in order to have been formed

The back side of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve is very different than the front side - offering wide expanses of Sonoran desert

Cross-section of a barrel cactus - barrel cacti have fish-hook needles that contain harmful bactiera

The Bell Pass Trail showcases Teddy Bear Cholla gardens - also called Jumping Cholla

Flowering creosote - the resin from creosote was used by native peoples to fix pottery and mend arrowheads

Nearing Windgate Pass which lay between McDowell Peak (3995') and The Lookout (3858')

An unusually large hedgehog cactus - named for its resemblance to the animal

Windgate Pass itself is unremarkable - but the views of Phoenix and the Superstitions are worthwhile

The Windgate Pass Trail is laden with basalt outcrops - created during volcanic periods that shaped the entire Preserve

Near the Gateway Trailhead, nature trails lead visitors through the beautiful Sonoran desert understory

Large stands of Prickly Pear grow atop Bell Pass - the pads of the plant were food staples for indigenous peoples and animals alike