Granite Mountain Trailhead: Gateway to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve

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.