Granite Basin Loop Hike

The Granite Basin Recreation area offers lots of things to do around the dominant presence of Granite Mountain. The trail system is extensive, and several loops are possible by combining two or more designated trails. A great first choice for an easy to moderate hike combines portions of four numbered trails into a 3-mile loop with nice views and gentle grades. Starting at the boat ramp parking area at Granite Basin Lake, head north past the dam on the Mint Wash Trail (#345), which follows the wash at the foot of Granite Mountain and borders the wilderness area. There are occassional distant views down the wash to the snow-capped San Francisco peaks in the distance. After three-quarters of a mile, take the right fork at the junction to the Mint Wash Connector Trail (#352), cross the wash, and begin the ascent of the hill to the east. There are a few switchbacks, but the trail is good and not too steep. Many spots offer excellent views of Granite Mountain. Climbing the hillside, the ponderosa pine forest gives way to pinyon pine and manzanita, with some cacti sprinkled in. Trail #352 eventually curves east and tops the ridge with glimpses of the distant hills. At the next junction, turn right onto trail #348 for just a quarter mile, then right onto the West Lake Trail (#351) which gradually drops down to close the loop at the lake parking lot. This is not a trail with spectacular scenery or unusual features, but it is a very pleasant walk through a typical northern Arizona pine and manzanita forest, and it is not likely to be very crowded.