Granite Mountain Trailhead: Gateway to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Explore the Sonoran Desert's beauty at Granite Mountain Trailhead: hiking, biking, and stunning rock formations await!
Granite Mountain Trailhead provides access to the northern section of Scottsdale's McDowell Sonoran Preserve, a vast and protected desert habitat. Popular for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, the trailhead offers stunning views, unique rock formations, and access to trails like the Granite Mountain Loop and Balanced Rock Trail.
A brief summary to Granite Mountain Trailhead- balanced rock
- 31402 N 136th St, Scottsdale, Pinnacle Peak, Arizona, 85262, US
- +1480-312-7013
- Visit website
- Monday 6 am-6 pm
- Tuesday 6 am-6 pm
- Wednesday 6 am-6 pm
- Thursday 6 am-6 pm
- Friday 6 am-6 pm
- Saturday 6 am-6 pm
- Sunday 6 am-6 pm
Local tips
- Bring plenty of water, as there is no drinking water available at the trailhead.
- Wear appropriate footwear and sun protection, including a hat and sunscreen.
- Be aware of rattlesnakes and other desert wildlife; stay on marked trails.
- Check the weather forecast before you go, and avoid hiking during extreme heat.
Getting There
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Driving
From Loop 101 in Scottsdale, take the Princess Drive/Pima Road exit and head north on Pima Road for approximately 6.5 miles to Dynamite Boulevard. Turn right onto Dynamite Boulevard (which becomes Rio Verde Drive) and continue for about 5.9 miles to 136th Street. Turn left onto 136th Street and drive for 1.8 miles to the trailhead entrance on the left. Parking is free.
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Ride-Sharing
Request a ride-share from anywhere in Scottsdale to Granite Mountain Trailhead, located at 31402 N 136th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85262. Expect to pay around $20-$30 for a one-way trip from central Scottsdale, depending on demand and time of day.
Discover more about Granite Mountain Trailhead- balanced rock
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