| when | Trip Report : September 29, 2022 | ||||
| where | McDowell Sonoran Preserve - Northern Section | ||||
| the hike |
We’re going to take the Bootlegger Trail for 0.7 miles, then turn left on Saddlehorn Trail for 0.2 miles.
Turn left to travel on Granite Mountain Loop Trail clockwise. Follow the trail the circumference of Granite
Mountain through incredible rock formations, a lush canyon and stately saguaros.
We’ll turn left onto Coyote Canyon to enjoy pleasant ups and downs and bends through giant stands of old saguaro. The greenery along the trail's edge is made up of mesquite, cat claw, acacia trees and shrubs. A very special treat on this trail is the double crested saguaro. Shortly after the saguaro, the trail drops into a narrow section where tall, smooth granite walls create a nice secret and shady lane. The narrow sandy path threads its way through a maze of granite. Some boulders seem neatly stacked; others are strewn about with abandon. Stone walls close in, forming a mini-slot canyon. After that the trail is soft and sandy wash with a desert oasis feeling amongst the datura, grasses and reeds. Bring a snack and at least two liters of water. Cool cloths, sunscreen, a hat and mid-rise boots for the sandier areas are recommended. Bring poles, if needed. We’ll return to the Granite Mountain Loop by Cowpoke Trail and from there complete the last of the loop to the parking area |
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| distance | 8 miles (6.1 miles for the circumference trail only) | ||||
| time | 4-5 hours | ||||
| EC | +-380' elevation change | ||||
| starting at |
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| on trail | 100% | ||||
| 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. |
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| weather | Phoenix | ||||
| meet | 6:00 AM at the map near the restrooms. | ||||
| drive |
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| updated October 3, 2022 | © Copyright 2022, Arizona Trailblazers. All rights reserved. |