Granite Falls Trail - Skyline RP, AZ

Overview
Granite Falls Trail drops west from Turnbuckle Trail into a low broad wash. Then gently ascends a ridgeless ridge up before hooking back to Turnbuckle Trail. Signage is excellent throughout.


Lower Latitude Crossover
Typical Sonoran desert flora won't intrigue locals leaving Turnbuckle Trail. This lower crossover segment felt like it would be a blast on a mountain bike and a tedious yawn for instagramers. The orange netting in the flora is Dodder, which is a parasite running rampant in this area. A few quickly crossed ravines on the lower end is traveled most on route to Chuckwalla and Pyrite trails.

Longitude Bridge
After 0.8 mi on GF you come to the lower junction, turn right/north. I had written this off as get-it-over in planning. Soon you cross the broad wash. Then a whisper flat ascent. The trail turns right/east to the upper crossover.

Upper Latitude Crossover
Granite Falls Trail ends with elaborate twists through a ravine before hooking back up with Turnbuckle.

Synopsis
Anticipated a century of good ol' boy jeep and ATV romping. Turned out to be old utility-related access through self-healing washes. Timing is everything. Had extremely low expectations for Granite Falls. It turned out to be one of the better Sonoran Desert hikes ever, thanks to incredible weather. Probably a 1 or 2 out of 5 for most.

Check out the Official Route and Triplogs.

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2020-04-10 joebartels