It’s so convenient to access to Hawknest Trail at this trailhead. Before the trailhead was established in the spring of 2018, people had to hike some miles from different connector trails to the Hawknest Trail if starting at Brown Ranch Trailhead or Granite Trailhead.

We won’t hike the entire 12 miles of the Hawknest Trail today—only 4.5 miles, the most scenic section of Hawknest Trail with interesting photography.

From Pima Dynamite Trailhead we hiked Power Road 0.4 miles to the Hawknest Trail. The trail has many pleasant ups and downs along the way, with views the major mountains such as Browns, Cholla, Cone, Granite. In addition, this trail has a beautiful collection of cacti including saguaro, jumping cholla; large yuccas, and some beautiful outcrop rocks, and big granite boulders.

After hiking the Hawknest Trail 4.4,miles, at the junction with Basalt Ridge Trail, we hiked up to Basalt Ridge Overlook 0.1 mile to enjoy 360° desert view.

We continued on the Basalt Ridge Trail 0.3 miles to the Upper Ranch Trail. Here we turned right, went 0.6 miles, and turned right again on the Cone Mountain trail.

Continuing a mile on the Cone Mountain Trail, we encountered slight elevation changes easy, wide turns, and some scattered granite boulder formations.

Turned right on the Hackamore Trail 0.5 miles to the Latigo Trail, then 2.5 miles back to the trailhead. Latigo Trail is one of the most enjoyable in the McDowell Preserve, with gentle slopes, terrains and expansive views in every direction. It is common to run into many hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians along the trail. With some rains this year, brittlebushes are blooming to brighten the trail.

Thank to all for coming to join my hike. Happy Trails!

From Dave: 10.4 miles, average speed 2.3 mph, average moving speed 2.7 mph, 4 hours 30 minutes, elevation gain 860 feet, min elevation 2295, max elevation 2697.