Near Windgate to Bell Pass Loop
Destination...Tom Thumb
Near Windgate to Bell Pass Loop
Mid hike
Near Windgate to Bell Pass Loop
Lookout Point
Near Windgate to Bell Pass Loop
Looking up at Tom's Thumb from the Windgate Pass Trail...another day...
Near Windgate to Bell Pass Loop
Inspiration Point

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Driving Directions
Hike Route

Windgate to Bell Pass Loop

4.4 (18 Ratings)
An awesome and challenging 10 mile loop starting at the DC Ranch Village Parking Lot.
10.2
mi
Distance
2,071
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
BirdingViewsWildflowersWildlife
Access Issues
Daylight only.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
10.22mi
Distance
2,071ft
Elevation Gain
2,071ft
Elevation Loss
70%
Max Grade
3,212ft
High Point
1,686ft
Low Point
Path Type
Loop
Description
From the Village, head down the Horseshoe Trail past the Desert Park Trail to for about 3/4 mile where it ties into the Gateway Loop Trail. Go north (left) to hit Windgate first. Hike about 1/4 mile to the base of the first minor climb and then roll for a couple miles to the next signed split. Straight (east) is the start of the Windgate Trail. Make your way past the Horseshoe Trail tie in and Tom's Thumb to reach Inspiration Point, a great place for sunrise viewing. Keep truckin' up to the pass and you'll understand the name.Head back down to the desert floor on some fun downhill rollers before turning right onto the Bell Pass Trail. Don't worry, you can't miss the signs. Climb again for about a mile and a half and you'll reach the Bell Pass waypoint. From there on, hold onto your socks as the downhill hiking makes for either an incredibly fast run, or a stumbling hike on the switchbacks to the Gateway Loop Trail. Turn left (south) at the Gateway Loop Trail at follow around clockwise past the Gateway Trailhead. Turn off to the Horseshoe Trail which takes you back to the Village. Breathe hard. Its good for you.

Route Conditions

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Contributors
Tom Dobson