Arizona Trailblazers Hiking Club
Balanced Rock Day Hike
when Trip Report : December 21, 2019
  Trip Report : December 21, 2013
where? McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Scottsdale
the hike Balanced Rock is a beautiful landmark in McDowell Preserve. We will explore this rock by hiking the Granite Mountain Loop. The views and the amazing rock formations along this picturesque hike should make the miles go faster. So bring your camera, and do not forget to bring binoculars if you’re interested in bird watching. If we’re lucky we will see desert tortoises hiding in the bushes.
Required:
•  Sturdy hiking boots
•  At least 3 liters of water
•  Hat, sunblock, sunglasses
Recommended:
•  Lunch or snacks
•  Camera
•  Your smiles  :)
distance 7 miles
time 4-5 hours
EC +-230' elevation change
elevations 2570' at Granite Mountain Trailhead
type Loop
starting at
Granite Mountain Trailhead 33° 46.215' N,  111° 47.179' W  [NAD27]
on trail 100% — Granite Mountain Loop
rating "C"     Rate yourself as a hiker.
dogs allowed no
cost Sharing gas expenses with the driver.
The club also allows voluntary contributions of $5 per non-member.
weather Scottsdale
meet 8:00 AM at Granite Mountain Trailhead.
    This rustic trailhead is open for public use and has limited amenities (parking only, no water or restrooms). It is located on the west side of 136th Street at the Lone Mountain alignment – 2 miles north of Dynamite, where the high voltage powerlines cross 136th Street. This trailhead provides access to the trails in the Granite Mountain area, including the Bootlegger and Granite Mountain Loop Trails. You can also access Balanced Rock from this trailhead.
drive •  Take Loop 101 to Pima Road, Exit 36.
•  Go north on Pima Road 7 miles to Dynamite Blvd.
•  Turn right and go east on Dynamite 8 miles to 136th.
•  Turn left and go north on 136th, 2 miles to Granite Mountain Trailhead.

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updated December 22, 2019 © Copyright 2019, Arizona Trailblazers.  All rights reserved.