Hike #3
Date: October 13, 2013
Location: Granite Mountain Scottsdale AZ
Hikers: Linda & Jim
Directions: 101 to Pima Road. Take right on Dynamite. 6 miles to 136th Street. Take Lef. Follow 2 miles to the power lines. Lone Mountain is just past the power lines. Park at Granite Mountain Trailhead on the left. (No Water or Toilets)
http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/Assets/Northern+Preserve+Map.pdf
This is a new Trailhead and connects to Brown's Ranch which is also new and officially opening next weekend. It is peaceful and there are not alot of people on the trail, so enjoy it while it lasts.
The weather is beautiful as I drove across Pinnacle Peak to Pima I noticed how beautiful the sunrise was and realized that sometimes I take for granted how beautiful the desert really is.
We took the Bootlegger Trail to the Granite Mountain Loop Trail. We decided we would take the south loop to the west and eventually get to "The Amphitheater" Approx 7.1 miles round trip. The terrain and the desert landscape is awesome. It is similar to Toms Thumb but without the incline. It is a great trail for Mountain Bikers. (there were very few out today).
We picked up the Balanced Rock Trail to the Cholla Mtn Loop. The Balanced Rock was pretty cool. There are several of the balanced rocks throughout the hike. There are many side trails in this area. I recommend you bring a map which is provided at the trailhead. The signs are awesome but it is pretty easy to end up on the wrong trail. It's easy to find your way back.
We took a side route to the Amphitheater vs going to Cathedral Rock. We were almost 4 miles out and knew we would have to head back soon. Rev. Jim gave a brief service at the theater. We took a picture of Pinnacle Peak in the distance and then headed back. It was a really cool hike.
http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/Assets/Northern+Preserve+Map.pdf
The weather is beautiful as I drove across Pinnacle Peak to Pima I noticed how beautiful the sunrise was and realized that sometimes I take for granted how beautiful the desert really is.
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| McDowell Mountains before Sunrise |
We took the Bootlegger Trail to the Granite Mountain Loop Trail. We decided we would take the south loop to the west and eventually get to "The Amphitheater" Approx 7.1 miles round trip. The terrain and the desert landscape is awesome. It is similar to Toms Thumb but without the incline. It is a great trail for Mountain Bikers. (there were very few out today).
We picked up the Balanced Rock Trail to the Cholla Mtn Loop. The Balanced Rock was pretty cool. There are several of the balanced rocks throughout the hike. There are many side trails in this area. I recommend you bring a map which is provided at the trailhead. The signs are awesome but it is pretty easy to end up on the wrong trail. It's easy to find your way back.
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| Balanced Rock |
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| Sunday Church Service in the Amphitheater |
Another great new hike. I really like this area. It is not strenuous but if you are looking for long scenic hikes, this is the place to come. 3 Down - 47 to go!
One Note: If you are using MapMyHike or other GPS tools they work while you are hiking but when you go to save they freeze up. Cell Service in the area is bad. I use AT&T and lost all the data details for this hike.
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