Granite Mountain Loop

Granite Mountain Loop is a stunning hike in the Northern Unit of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve that is managed by the city of Scottsdale. The trailhead is a newly constructed ramada that provides plenty of shade. While there are plenty of clean restrooms at the trailhead, there is no potable water, so hikers need to have their water bottles filled prior. The hike starts through the desert towards Granite Mountain. Hikers will immediately be immersed by the desert landscape. The boulders provide a magical landscape with cholla, Saguaro, and prickly pear cacti lining the trail. As hikers get closer to the mountain, they will hike through a section of Saguaros that are so tall and so close to the trail it is as if hikers are walking through a forest of cacti. Hikers will start out on the Bootlegger trail and then take a right at the first trail junction to follow the trail counterclockwise. Once they make the turn, they will start to follow signs for the Granite Mountain Loop. Hikers will come upon a scenic lookout where they will have an outstanding view of the Four Peak Wilderness. Hikers will continue along the trail. Approximately 2.9 miles from the start of the trailhead, hikers should keep an eye out for a crested cactus (one of two that can be accessed from the trailhead). A crested cactus is a Saguaro that has a genetic mutation where the cactus forms a crown. It is unknown what causes the formation and a very special site to see. Hikers should use extreme caution around the special cacti. Continuing the loop, hikers will continue to enjoy the views as look for the trail junction to the Bootlegger trail in order to return to the trailhead. The trail will meander to the trailhead. Overall, there is minimal elevation gain and loss and is the perfect for a trail right outside of Phoenix.