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A nice trail encircling Granite Mountain through typical McDowell Mountain desert.


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Map Key

4.5

Miles

7.2

KM

99%

Runnable

2,935' 894 m

High

2,717' 828 m

Low

283' 86 m

Up

283' 86 m

Down

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

10%

Max Grade (6°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

If severe fire danger is present (typically late in the Summer), the preserve may be closed to all access.

Runner Notes

There are slight rolling hills and multiple turns along this well-defined trail making it difficult to get lost if going clockwise as you always bear right at any trail junction. It's fun to run around and catch the views from different aspects.

Description

This nice trail is not as rocky as some of the southern trails in the McDowell Mountains as most of the surface is smooth. In addition, there is not a lot of elevation gain compared to the rest of the preserve - enjoy some respite here!

This trail proves great even in summer, however you'll need to get out early and start in a clockwise direction as the sun will be at your back initially and you may catch shade on the western side of Granite Mountain.

This trail travels through typical desert terrain with some large granite boulders and gravel with very little sand to navigate. It has good firm footing without the hassles of embedded rocks in the terrain like that which exists in the mountains to the south.

Contacts

Shared By:

Todd Streiff

Trail Ratings

  5.0 from 2 votes

#937

Overall
  5.0 from 2 votes
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Trail Rankings

#48

in Arizona

#937

Overall
56 Views Last Month
7,329 Since May 22, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

Lupines and poppies bloom along the Granite Mountain Loop.
Mar 21, 2017 near Carefree, AZ

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 72 days ago
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