Hiking, Biking & Trail Guide - 29

RECOMMENDED HIKES
BOOTLEGGER, GRANITE MOUNTAIN, SADDLEHORN TRAIL LOOP
This hike passes through magnificent granite boulders along the eastern slope of Granite
Mountain. Be on the lookout for mule deer and Gila monsters that are commonly seen in
the area. The views to the east across the Verde River Valley to the Matazal Mountains are
stunning, especially on cold winter mornings if the distant Matazal's are dusted with snow.
Route: Start off on the Bootlegger Trail, named for the felonious activities that occurred in the area
long ago. Travel approximately 1.3 miles to the intersection with the Granite Mountain Loop Trail. Turn
left and follow the Granite Mountain Loop Trail to the Saddlehorn Trail. Turn left again to return to the
Bootlegger Trail, where a right hand turn will return you to the trailhead.
LENGTH:
ELEVATION CHANGE:
DI FFICULTY:
USE:
2.9mi / 4.7km (loop)
175ft / 53.3m
n Moderate
Hiking, biking, horseback riding
GRANITE MOUNTAIN LOOP TRAIL
This trail loops the boulder-studded slopes of Granite Mountain, affording fabulous
views of the surrounding desert and distant Matazal Mountains. Consider adding a side
trip to Balanced Rock, a molar-shaped giant perched precariously on a slab of igneous
stone (adds approximately 0.75mi / 1.2km to the length given below).
Route: From the trailhead, travel 1.3 miles on the Bootlegger Trail to the Granite Mountain Loop
Trail. Turn right and follow the trail, as you circumnavigate Granite Mountain. You can follow the
loop all the way around the mountain and return to the Bootlegger Trail, or you can use the
Saddlehorn Trail as a short cut back to the Bootlegger Trail where you'll turn right to return to the
trailhead (trims approximately 1.1mi / 1.8km off the length given below).
LENGTH:
ELEVATION CHANGE:
DI FFICULTY:
USE:
6.9mi / 11.1km (loop)
330ft / 100.5m
n Moderate
Hiking, biking, horseback riding
GRANITE MOUNTAIN LOOP W/ EXTENSION THROUGH COYOTE CANYON
The Coyote Canyon Trail passes through a unique narrow canyon rimmed by steep granite
walls. The canyon was given its name by locals who frequently saw coyotes in the area.
Route: Follow the route description for the Granite Mountain Loop above (Bootlegger to Granite
Mountain), then turn right on the Cow Poke Trail, then left on the Dove Valley Trail, then left on the
Coyote Canyon Trail, then right on the Granite Mountain Loop. Trail length below was calculated
using the Saddlehorn Trail shortcut described in the prior Granite Mountain Loop route.
LENGTH:
ELEVATION CHANGE:
DI FFICULTY:
USE:
7.9mi / 12.7km
330ft / 100.5m
u Difficult
Hiking, biking, horseback riding
ExperienceScottsdale.com
29
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Hiking, Biking & Trail Guide

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