Granite Mountain Loop Trail - MSPN • Hike • Arizona • All Triplogs • HikeArizona.COM

Soapberry Wash Trail - MSPN

Cow Poke Trail - MSPN

North Diablo Trail - MSPN

The Divide Trail - MSPN

Cholla Mountain Loop - MSPN

Maverick Trail - MSPN

Partners

none

no partners

Took the fat bike for a ride around Brown's Ranch trails this morning. I really wanted to ride Cow Poke and Soapberry Wash, so I just wandered my over to those and then back to where I started. Accidentally found myself at Balance Rock, which made for a great photo op, and then later at Cathedral Rock. Good balance of hikers and bikers and even some horse riders. All the trails at MSPN are pretty awesome, Cow Poke didn't disappoint and Soapberry Wash was just what the doctor ordered for a fat bike ride. Heavy cloud cover had me a little nervous about the possibility of rain, but I remained dry for the ride.

_____________________

Jan 03 2026

The_Eagle

Guides 42
Routes 1,737
Photos 15,366
Triplogs 2,864

69 male

Joined Jan 20 2009
Far NE Phoenix,

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Jan 03 2026
		The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,864

Hiking	8.35 Miles	659 AEG

Hiking	8.35 Miles	2 Hrs 55 Mns		2.93 mph
	659 ft AEG	4 Mns Break	4 LBS Pack

Linked

linked

Little Granite Mountain - McDowells

Coyote Canyon Loop - MSPN

[ checklist ] Balanced Rock - MSP Little Granite Mountain - MSP North

Partners

partners

Tortoise_Hiker

Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

Denny was not able to join us for the pre NYE hike earlier this week, so we fashioned this one to keep our string of 15 years going.

We started with temps in the 40's, as the sun was rising in the orange sky. We did the CCW loop and saw very very people until the last 2 miles of the hike.

Everything that is normally brown is a lush green. The brittlebush is confused an is in full bloom. Also a smattering of Poppies, Lupine, Desert Globemallow, Penstemon are making an appearance.

We made a stop at the Balanced Rock area to check it out. Getting closer to the TH and later in the morning, the trail started getting busier with bikes, hikers and horses.

Good catching up with the Turtle again and keeping the string alive.

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

Wildflowers Observation Moderate
The brittlebush thinks it's springtime. Some lupine, poppies and other assorted wildflowers.

_____________________

There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry

Jan 03 2026

Tortoise_Hiker

Guides 1
Routes 149
Photos 10,107
Triplogs 3,758

64 male

Joined Apr 02 2005
Mesa, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Jan 03 2026
		Tortoise_Hiker • Triplogs 3,758

Hiking	8.35 Miles	659 AEG

Hiking	8.35 Miles	2 Hrs 55 Mns	2.93 mph
	659 ft AEG	4 Mns Break

no routes

Linked

linked

Little Granite Mountain - McDowells

Coyote Canyon Loop - MSPN

Partners

partners

The_Eagle

I got out for a leg stretcher with Bruce. He picked out a well groomed trail for my sprained ankle. My first hike of the year! Great weather, trail, and company! Thanks Bruce! Like HAZ, you rock!!
Happy belated New Year!!

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Holiday Spirit Humor

Wildflowers Observation Moderate

_____________________

Tortoise Hiking. Stop and smell the Petrichor.

Nov 07 2025

trekkin_gecko

Guides 10
Routes 693
Photos 7,526
Triplogs 4,788

67 female

Joined Nov 17 2008
phoenix, az

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Nov 07 2025
		trekkin_gecko • Triplogs 4,788

Hiking	6.72 Miles	520 AEG

Hiking	6.72 Miles	2 Hrs 13 Mns	3.15 mph
	520 ft AEG	5 Mns Break

Linked

linked

Partners

none

no partners

Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

sue and i got going from granite mountain trailhead at the crack of 1000
we did the loop clockwise, with a detour to see the balanced rock
sue liked the area and the smooth trails
very scenic with large saguaros, granite boulders, little granite and cholla mountains as backdrop
quite a few hikers and mountain bikers out enjoying the nice morning
met up with my brother and his girlfriend at dj's in fountain hills after
good times

_____________________

hazhole

Nov 03 2025

The_Eagle

Guides 42
Routes 1,737
Photos 15,366
Triplogs 2,864

69 male

Joined Jan 20 2009
Far NE Phoenix,

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Nov 03 2025
		The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,864

Hiking	8.35 Miles	585 AEG

Hiking	8.35 Miles	2 Hrs 41 Mns		3.11 mph
	585 ft AEG		2 LBS Pack

Linked

7 linked trail guides

Little Granite Mountain - McDowells

Coyote Canyon Trail - MSPN

Coyote Canyon Loop - MSPN

Cow Poke Trail - MSPN

Granite Mountain Trail - MSPN

Partners

none

no partners

Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

I hadn't been out here in awhile and it's always an enjoyable walk through the boulders. The cloud cover made it even a more enjoyable walk. There were a handful of bikes but mainly hikers out, I maybe passed 10 or so. All the trails are in great shape.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Brittlebush Fairy Duster Sacred Datura Saguaro - Crested

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Little Granite Mountain - MSP North

Wildflowers Observation Moderate

_____________________

There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry

Oct 21 2025

pseudalpine

Guides 72
Routes 1,175
Photos 1,481
Triplogs 1,525

male

Joined Jan 01 2023
Arizona

Little Granite Mtn / Morning Glory Boulders

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Oct 21 2025
		pseudalpine • Triplogs 1,525

Hiking

Hiking

Linked

10 linked trail guides

Little Granite Mtn / Bobcat Boulder

Little Granite Mtn / Loaf The

Little Granite Mtn / Good Bad & Ugly Pin

Little Granite Mtn / Pasta Pinnacle

Little Granite Mtn / Lost Bandana and the Cone

Little Granite Mtn / Harp Wall

Little Granite Mtn / Mogul Wall

[ checklist ] Hayes 4512 - Sierra Estrella McDowell Mountains Piestewa Peak Pinnacle Peak Park Tom's Thumb

Partners

none

no partners

Every approach to each of the crags is considerably longer now but at least the area was preserved. Major props to the old school motorcycle riders that cut many of these area trails that are now enjoyed by so many different user groups.

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Harris Hawk

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

9 archives

Aug 09 2025

DarthStiller

Guides 27
Routes 699
Photos 12,467
Triplogs 883

56 male

Joined Jul 05 2006
Mesa, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Aug 09 2025
		DarthStiller • Triplogs 883

Hiking	11.50 Miles	704 AEG

Hiking	11.50 Miles	4 Hrs 26 Mns	2.62 mph
	704 ft AEG	3 Mns Break

Linked

linked

Watershed Trail - MSPN

Black Hill Trail - MSPN

Partners

partners

adilling

Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

Got Andy to hike with me for the first time since Wally and I broke him on the AZT on Mt. Lemmon. He did a major hike last week, so I figured he could handle this area.

We started very early and headed up Whiskey Bottle Trail, then took Watershed to Branding Iron, south on the Granite Mt. Loop. Along the way we took detours to check out The Amphitheater and then Balanced Rock, which needed straightened

.

Finished up the loop going to the Powerline Trail and then headed back on the Black Hills Trail.

Very cool to start early on, but the last hour or so it got a bit warm. There were one or two breezes later on, but I would not categorize them as cool. Nice to hike with Andy again and get in a decent hike at this time of year without heat exhaustion.

_____________________

Aug 09 2025

adilling

Guides 2
Routes 278
Photos 10,206
Triplogs 418

62 male

Joined Dec 02 2014
Mesa, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Aug 09 2025
		adilling • Triplogs 418

Hiking	11.19 Miles	666 AEG

Hiking	11.19 Miles	4 Hrs 25 Mns	2.59 mph
	666 ft AEG	6 Mns Break

Linked

linked

Watershed Trail #299

Black Hill Trail - MSPN

Partners

partners

DarthStiller

Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

It’s been a while since I hiked with Chris. My hip issues have improved since the last hike I did with him and Wally back in May. This hike looked like a nice way to get in some miles in an area I have never hiked.

We started out at sunrise and got a little color show with the low clouds and haze from the Billy Fire in the east. The infrastructure at the Fraesfield TH was impressive. They have spent some money on the trailheads for sure.

Chris laid out a loop going clockwise up the Whiskey Bottle Trail, up towards “the Amphitheatre”, connecting to the Granite Mountain Loop Trail then back along the Black Hill Trail. We made a few detours and ended up with a little over 11 miles.

The Balanced Rock area was really interesting for sure.

The heat was just starting to get uncomfortable when we got back to the empty trailhead (except for the trailhead Stewart). We encountered a good number of mountain bikers at the start of the hike, but that slowly diminished as we progressed. We came across a few hiker as well.

This area was very scenic. The abundance of granite formations and little peaks was a surprise. The trails were all groomed and smooth. Those mountain bikers need that and I will take it for sure.

It was good to hike with Chris again and I really enjoyed this area.

_____________________

"Jobs fill your pockets, adventures fill your soul."

instagram: @andydilling

2 archives

Jul 19 2025

DarthStiller

Guides 27
Routes 699
Photos 12,467
Triplogs 883

56 male

Joined Jul 05 2006
Mesa, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Jul 19 2025
		DarthStiller • Triplogs 883

Hiking	12.11 Miles	735 AEG

Hiking	12.11 Miles	4 Hrs 21 Mns	2.78 mph
	735 ft AEG

Linked

6 linked trail guides

Turpentine Trail - MSPN

Granite Mountain Trail - MSPN

Yucca Trail - MSPN

Chuckwagon Trail

Partners

none

no partners

Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

Stayed local because it seemed like the monsoon was getting more active to a trip north might be a bit dicey. Started from the Granite Mtn TH and did trails that I haven't done in nearly a decade or more. Took Powerline #2 to Granite Mtn Loop, back down to Powerline, up Balanced Rock, down Chuckwagon, east on Powerline again, south on Yucca then back to the TH on Turpentine. It was a 12 mile figure-8 of sorts.

Clouds to the east kept the weather cooler to start, then had a bit of shade from Granite Mtn on the west side. Got a little warm on the last mile, but overall pretty decent temps. Made very good time, under 21 minutes for almost every mile. Traffic was light, but steady. Only wildlife was a hawk on a powerline tower early on screeching at me until I took out my camera, and then it took off.

_____________________

Mar 20 2025

Oregon_Hiker

Guides 9
Routes 483
Photos 8,569
Triplogs 637

male

Joined Dec 07 2010
Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Mar 20 2025
		Oregon_Hiker • Triplogs 637

Hiking	6.50 Miles	540 AEG

Hiking	6.50 Miles
	540 ft AEG

Linked

linked

Granite Mountain Trail - MSPN

Partners

none

no partners

Another day-hike with my cousin visiting from Washington State. We did the Granite Mountain Loop, including a short side trek to the Balanced Rock, in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve - North. This is one of my favorite hikes in this section of MSP. This time of year there is usually a generous display of wildflowers but not this year. Most of the Brittlebush were still working on growing out their leaves with no sign of flower buds. But the views of distant mountains and the granite rock formations plus good hiking company made for a great hike.

_____________________

Dec 17 2024

LosDosSloFolks

Routes 73
Photos 3,117
Triplogs 618

70 male

Joined Feb 10 2019
Cave Creek, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Dec 17 2024
		LosDosSloFolks • Triplogs 618

Hiking	6.75 Miles	510 AEG

Hiking	6.75 Miles	2 Hrs 47 Mns		2.58 mph
	510 ft AEG	10 Mns Break	6 LBS Pack

Linked

linked

[ checklist ] Balanced Rock - MSP Brown's Mountain - Scottsdale MSP Cholla Mountain 3,406 - MSP North Cone Mountain - MSP Four Peaks Granite Mountain - MSP Little Granite Mountain - MSP North Saddle Mountain 6,535, Mazatzal

Partners

none

no partners

Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

CCW lasso loop starting from the Granite Mountain TH with a detour over to see the Balanced Rock.
It's been a while since I've been on these trails and I'd forgotten how smooth and sticky the tread is.
Everything is decomposed granite like the Tom Thumb and Gateway areas but nothing is loose underfoot. It's nice not having to look down for the duration of the hike. Nothing to trip or slip on.

@Tibber calls it "walk and gawk". Perfect conditions for rehabbing my back and getting some mileage in.

Thirty eight degrees at the start and downright hot after a mile and a half.

Saw a handful of hikers, a few bikers, and a group of equestrians starting out as I was finishing.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Juniper

Geology

Geology [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Granite

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

_____________________

Surely not everyone was Kung Fu fighting?

Dec 12 2024

tdwood

Guides 3
Routes 40
Photos 47
Triplogs 60

male

Joined Jul 04 2016
Phoenix, AZ

Bootlegger-Granite Mtn, AZ

Hiking		Dec 12 2024
		tdwood • Triplogs 60

Hiking	3.00 Miles

Hiking	3.00 Miles	1 Hour 30 Mns	2.00 mph

no routes

no photosets

Linked

linked

Partners

none

no partners

This hike marks what I hope will be a return to consistent hiking after several "off-trail" years spent rebuilding my strength and stamina after an unknown viral infection in 2019.

My purpose was twofold: Determine how well I could manage a three-mile stroll and to see if the guy I'm really smitten with has promise as a hiking partner (it was our second date!).

I chose this hike not only for its low difficulty rating but also because it's always been my favorite for the views, saguaros and granite boulders that fill the route. Today, the light overcast layer burned off just as we arrived at the trailhead and everything was lit up quite nicely. There was minimal haze on the horizon. Mt. Ord and Four Peaks were all clearly visible. We happened upon a covey of quail in a bush and they startled us as much as we did them when they flew away. Near the end, as we approached the parking area, we got to see a roadrunner up close. It was the first one my companion had ever seen in the wild.

All signs point to me being able to sustain this level of activity again. I'll be keeping things on the less-strenuous side for awhile. My backpacking days are likely behind me but I have high hopes for day-hiking to become a regular thing for me once again and that's just fine with me.

And it also looks like I'll continue to be having company

_____________________

Nov 21 2024

Nightstalker

Routes 193
Photos 7,406
Triplogs 1,813

57 male

Joined Apr 25 2011
Goodyear, AZ

Pima Dynamite Loop, AZ

Biking - Mtn		Nov 21 2024
		Nightstalker • Triplogs 1,813

Biking - Mtn	21.60 Miles	1,271 AEG

Biking - Mtn	21.60 Miles	3 Hrs 17 Mns		8.76 mph
	1,271 ft AEG	49 Mns Break	8 LBS Pack

no routes

Linked

12 linked trail guides

Latigo Trail - MSPN

Turpentine Trail - MSPN

Cone Mountain Loop - MSPN

Buckshot Trail - MSPN

Hackamore Trail - MSPN

Axle Grease Trail

Partners

none

no partners

Beautiful day for a loop around Brown's Ranch from Pima Dynamite trailhead with the Bagel Bunch (Bruce, Doug, Jane, Joseph, Ken, Nick, Tommy, John). Plenty of hikers and bikers out on the trails for a weekday.

_____________________

Oct 05 2024

DarthStiller

Guides 27
Routes 699
Photos 12,467
Triplogs 883

56 male

Joined Jul 05 2006
Mesa, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Oct 05 2024
		DarthStiller • Triplogs 883

Hiking	11.75 Miles	479 AEG

Hiking	11.75 Miles	4 Hrs	2.95 mph
	479 ft AEG	1 Min Break

Linked

6 linked trail guides

Dove Valley Trail - MSPN

Cow Poke Trail - MSPN

Turpentine Trail - MSPN

Black Hill Trail - MSPN

Partners

none

no partners

Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

Started from the Fraesfield TH and took the Black Hill Trail to the corner of the park and then headed north on the 136th St. Express, then made a counterclockwise loop with Dove Valley, Cowpoke, Granite Mountain Loop, Bootlegger,Turpentine, and Black Hill again.

Heading south on the Granite Mountain Loop Trail just north of the scenic overlook, there was a biker who stopped. As I got near him he pointed out the diamondback that he was waiting on. It was in the shade, coiled up and now nervous that both of us where near it. There was no way around since the trail is cut into an extremely steep and rough slope at that point. The biker went first, stepping up some rocks on the other side of the trail and using his bike as a shield. I then took the same route without incident.
On the Turpentine Trail I saw a fox but wasn't able to get a picture. I lost it in the brush but had my camera turned on and ready. And then it crossed the trail in front of me in a flash.

Temperature was cool at first, especially in the shade. It warmed up by the time I was done, but not nearly like it's been through the summer. Made very good time and kept up at a pretty good clip at 3mph due to the flat and smooth trails. Got nearly 12 miles done before 10:30am.

_____________________

Apr 08 2024

LindaAnn

Guides 112
Routes 2,385
Photos 9,508
Triplogs 2,736

45 female

Joined Dec 24 2007
Ahwatukee, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Apr 08 2024
		LindaAnn • Triplogs 2,736

Hiking	6.69 Miles	463 AEG

Hiking	6.69 Miles	2 Hrs 58 Mns	2.51 mph
	463 ft AEG	18 Mns Break

Linked

linked

Partners

none

no partners

Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

Easy hike with Jill, and her mom, Kathy, who is visiting from Toronto. I wasn’t entirely certain of Kathy’s hiking/fitness level, so opted for something easy, scenic, and with lots of options.

We first headed towards Balanced Rock, then did Granite Mountain loop clockwise. Kathy enjoyed the scenery and flowers. The highlight for me was watching the eclipse, and I remembered to bring three pairs of viewing glasses.

Decent temps and a pleasant breeze. I was shocked at how much foxtail is growing all over the place. Seems like more than usual. Jill stepped on a patchnose snake, so she was not thrilled. Nice day.

Wildflowers Observation Light

_____________________

Stop crying and just go do the hike.

Feb 14 2024

trekkin_gecko

Guides 10
Routes 693
Photos 7,526
Triplogs 4,788

67 female

Joined Nov 17 2008
phoenix, az

MSPN loop, AZ

Hiking		Feb 14 2024
		trekkin_gecko • Triplogs 4,788

Hiking	11.63 Miles	663 AEG

Hiking	11.63 Miles	3 Hrs 27 Mns	3.44 mph
	663 ft AEG	4 Mns Break

Linked

9 linked trail guides

Cholla Mountain Loop - MSPN

Partners

partners

johnlp

Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

early morning trip to granite mountain trailhead with john
we did a slightly different loop than linda and i did a couple weeks ago
went further west and not as far north, finishing on the 136th street express
visited balanced rock and cathedral rock
beautiful morning, temps probably 35 warming to 60
saw a few mountain bikers and no hikers
two new trails and different parts of old ones
breakfast at butters and some of john's coffee after the hike
good times, thanks lp

_____________________

hazhole

1 archive

Feb 14 2024

johnlp

Guides 1
Routes 15
Photos 7,285
Triplogs 5,250

68 male

Joined Mar 16 2008
chandler,az

MSPN loop, AZ

Hiking		Feb 14 2024
		johnlp • Triplogs 5,250

Hiking	11.81 Miles	663 AEG

Hiking	11.81 Miles	3 Hrs 27 Mns	3.49 mph
	663 ft AEG	4 Mns Break

no routes

Linked

9 linked trail guides

Cholla Mountain Loop - MSPN

Partners

partners

trekkin_gecko

Second time hiking out here this winter. We hiked further north than I had been before. Lots of very smooth trails. A bit of frost early on, warming up nicely as the morning unfolded.
We saw three deer, lots of bunnies and birds, a dozen mountain bikers but no hikers.
Good day. Thanks Kelly.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Saguaro

_____________________

“Good people drink good beer.” Hunter S Thompson

Jan 28 2024

LindaAnn

Guides 112
Routes 2,385
Photos 9,508
Triplogs 2,736

45 female

Joined Dec 24 2007
Ahwatukee, AZ

MSPN Loop, AZ

Hiking		Jan 28 2024
		LindaAnn • Triplogs 2,736

Hiking	13.15 Miles	744 AEG

Hiking	13.15 Miles	3 Hrs 52 Mns	3.51 mph
	744 ft AEG	7 Mns Break

Linked

10 linked trail guides

The Divide Trail - MSPN

Coyote Canyon Trail - MSPN

Desperado Trail - MSPN

Partners

partners

trekkin_gecko

Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

Kelly and I opted for another loop in MSPN, this time starting from the Granite Mtn TH. Got started a little after 0715. Warmer than expected temps, but a nice breeze the entire time made for pleasant hiking weather. Did a large clockwise loop around Granite Mtn and towards the north end of the preserve. Excellent trail conditions the entire way.

Kelly and I both seem to prefer the sections of trail that wind thru the boulders, but the entire loop was pretty nice, with some good views to the north and east. The water tank at the intersection of Dove Vly & High Desert was full of clear water. Saw plenty of bikes, not many hikers until the final few miles, then it was a steady stream of them. Great day with some good mileage!

Bootlegger

Saddlehorn

Granite Mtn Lp

Branding Iron

The Divide

Hawknest

High Desert

Renegade

Desperado

Coyote Canyon

Granite Mtn Lp

Bootlegger

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Saguaro - Crested

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Michelin Man Saguaro

_____________________

Stop crying and just go do the hike.

1 archive

Jan 28 2024

trekkin_gecko

Guides 10
Routes 693
Photos 7,526
Triplogs 4,788

67 female

Joined Nov 17 2008
phoenix, az

MSPN loop, AZ

Hiking		Jan 28 2024
		trekkin_gecko • Triplogs 4,788

Hiking	12.68 Miles	733 AEG

Hiking	12.68 Miles	3 Hrs 52 Mns	3.35 mph
	733 ft AEG	5 Mns Break

Linked

10 linked trail guides

The Divide Trail - MSPN

Coyote Canyon Trail - MSPN

Desperado Trail - MSPN

Partners

partners

LindaAnn

Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

linda suggested another visit to MSPN, and came up with a big loop from granite mountain trailhead
neither of us had been very far north of little granite mountain
we got going around 0715
mid 50s to start, upper 60s by the end
smooth trails, some new scenery
saw a crested saguaro
i like all the granite boulders up this way
the water collection thing near dove valley trail was interesting
pretty busy once we got back on granite mountain loop, nice to be almost done by that point
thanks for the invite, linda - good hike

_____________________

hazhole

Dec 31 2023

Nightstalker

Routes 193
Photos 7,406
Triplogs 1,813

57 male

Joined Apr 25 2011
Goodyear, AZ

Pima Dynamite Shred, AZ

Biking - Mtn		Dec 31 2023
		Nightstalker • Triplogs 1,813

Biking - Mtn	21.50 Miles	1,285 AEG

Biking - Mtn	21.50 Miles	2 Hrs 48 Mns		8.96 mph
	1,285 ft AEG	24 Mns Break	5 LBS Pack

no routes

Linked

7 linked trail guides

Latigo Trail - MSPN

Chuckwagon Trail - MSPN