Windgate Pass is located 3.8 miles from the Gateway Trailhead in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. The pass spans a broad saddle between McDowell Peak (3,995’) and The Lookout (3,858’). This popular multi-use trail climbs through diversely vegetated bajadas into the sparsely covered uplands of the Preserve.

Cactus Wren are known to destroy the nests and eggs of other birds

Bajadas form as loose rock and soil are washed down from the mountains and pile up at their base

Ocotillo can sprout leaves within 48 hours of a rain

Sunrise over McDowell Peak

There are over 300 species of hummingbirds; about 12 are found in the Sonoran

The lower Sonoran spring begins in mid February and lasts through April

View on the descent from Windgate Pass

Once the dry summer begins, many desert plants shift metabolic activities to the night time

Gambel's quail can adapt to different food types throughout the year, enabing them to survive a range of conditions

Female desert cottontails are larger than males

The Windgate Trail moderates for brief stretches in the upper canyon

Prickly pear is a good source of Calcium and Potassium, and a very good source of Dietary Fiber, Vitamin C and Magnesium

Mistletoe doesn't kill their host, but does weaken and make it susceptible to disease