Gateway Trailhead - McDowell Sonoran Preserve

About

Trailhead accessing several hiking & biking trails that vary in skill level & offer scenic views.

Visitors rate it highly — 4.8 out of 5 across 2,494 Google reviews. That puts it 1st of the 20 rated parks we list in Phoenix.

It keeps the same hours every day — 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM — which makes planning simple. Parking is the easy part: a free lot, a paid lot and free street parking. And if it does not suit, 19 more parks in Phoenix are listed further down this page.

The quick take

Drawn from this listing's ratings, amenities, hours and how it stacks up against other parks in Phoenix.

What works

Consistently well reviewed
4.8 stars held across 2,494 reviews is not a fluke — people keep going back.
The best-rated in Phoenix
Measured against the 20 rated parks we track in Phoenix.
A genuine local landmark
2,494 reviews is the kind of number a place only reaches when the whole city knows it.
Open every day
The same hours all week (7:00 AM – 6:00 PM), so there is no schedule to memorise.
Dogs welcome
Listed as dog-friendly — bring the leash and waste bags anyway.

Worth knowing first

Popular enough to be busy
2,494 reviews cuts both ways. Weekend afternoons draw a crowd, so go early or go midweek if you want it quiet.
A narrow window to fit it in
Open 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM and no longer — an evening visit is out.

Planning a visit

General guidance for parks, adjusted for what this listing records.

What to expect

Open lawns, paths and benches — the kind of place that works for a twenty-minute break or a whole afternoon, depending on what you bring with you.

A good fit for walkers, picnickers and anyone after a green pause from the surrounding blocks.

When to go

Mornings are the quietest stretch; the lawns fill up in the hours before sunset. The gates are open 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM.

What to bring

Water
A blanket or folding chair
Sunscreen on clear days
Leash and waste bags

Hours

Monday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Amenities

Dogs Allowed

Family Friendly

Parking Available

Featured in

Common questions about Gateway Trailhead - McDowell Sonoran Preserve

What is Gateway Trailhead - McDowell Sonoran Preserve?

Trailhead accessing several hiking & biking trails that vary in skill level & offer scenic views. It is a park in Phoenix, AZ, at 18333 N Thompson Peak Pkwy.

What are the opening hours at Gateway Trailhead - McDowell Sonoran Preserve?

Gateway Trailhead - McDowell Sonoran Preserve is open 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM every day of the week.

Are dogs allowed at Gateway Trailhead - McDowell Sonoran Preserve?

Yes — Gateway Trailhead - McDowell Sonoran Preserve is listed as dog-friendly. Leash rules still vary from area to area, so watch for posted signs.

Is there parking at Gateway Trailhead - McDowell Sonoran Preserve?

Parking options here include a free lot, a paid lot and free street parking.

Is Gateway Trailhead - McDowell Sonoran Preserve good for kids?

Yes — Gateway Trailhead - McDowell Sonoran Preserve is flagged as family-friendly.

How is Gateway Trailhead - McDowell Sonoran Preserve rated?

Gateway Trailhead - McDowell Sonoran Preserve holds 4.8 out of 5 stars from 2,494 Google reviews.

What else is nearby?

Phoenix has 19 other parks listed on AllParx, including Dobbins Lookout, McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park and South Mountain Park and Preserve.