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Granite Mountain Trailhead: Gateway to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve

4.9 (69)

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

  • 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.
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Getting There

  • 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.

  • 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

Granite Mountain Trailhead serves as a primary entry point to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, a sprawling natural area dedicated to preserving the unique beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Located in North Scottsdale, the trailhead provides access to a network of trails suitable for various activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The area is characterized by dramatic granite rock formations, diverse desert flora, and abundant Saguaro cacti. Among the popular trails accessible from this trailhead are the Granite Mountain Loop Trail, a 6.1-mile path that circles the base of Granite Mountain, and the Balanced Rock Trail, a short side trip leading to the iconic Balanced Rock formation. The trailhead offers amenities such as parking for cars and horse trailers, restrooms, a shade ramada, and interpretive signs. Note that there is no drinking water available at the trailhead, so visitors should bring their own. The preserve is open from sunrise to sunset, and admission is free.

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