Hiking, Biking & Trail Guide - 54

Number Three (right)
SOUTH AND NORTH DIABLO TRAILS AT BROWN'S RANCH Advanced, 5+ miles
These trails in the northern section of Scottsdale's McDowell Sonoran Preserve offer a
totally different experience for riding Scottsdale's granite boulders. You can enter at the
south end of South Diablo trail to ride the two trails consecutively or use the access point
where South Diablo ends and North Diablo begins to make your route shorter. Choose
from " difficult " and " more difficult " routes and take the time to session every line -
including slickrock-like drops and options to ride up, down, over, and between the giant
boulders. There are many options to ride to the start and end of the Diablo trails, so you
can make your ride as long as you like.
Number Four
TALIESIN & QUARTZ TRAIL LOOP
Intermediate, 8 miles
Park at the WestWorld Trailhead and warm
up with an easy pedal along a paved trail
and dirt access road before beginning a
steady climb along Taliesin trail. You'll
pass under a bridge and hit the first rocky
features of the trail. Keep pedaling for a
moderate ascent to an intersection with
Quartz trail. Look down and you can pick
out Scottsdale's famous landmarks,
including Camelback Mountain, perfectly
silhouetted in the distance. From here,
advanced riders can opt to make the
technical climb to Taliesin Overlook, (+1
mile), or turn left at the main intersection
to descend the Quartz trail, winding
through a lush desert wash. Small rock
gardens and perfectly banked turns offer
the best combination of flow and
challenge.
54 ExperienceScottsdale.com
Number Five
GRANITE MOUNTAIN FROM 136TH
STREET TRAIL Beginner, 6 miles
Offering incredible scenic views to the
east of Scottsdale, the route around
Granite Mountain is best enjoyed by bike.
Begin at the 136th Street trailhead and
pedal out Bootlegger trail to kick-off a
counterclockwise loop on Granite Mountain
trail. It's easy to appreciate the Dr. Seusslike
geology of Granite Mountain when
navigating between oddly shaped, housesized
boulders punctuated by giant
saguaros and strange, spindly ocotillo
plants. The smooth trail surface allows
your attention to be drawn to the panoramic
views of the Mazatzal Mountains, the
Superstition Wilderness, and Arizona's
iconic Four Peaks on the eastern horizon.
Work on your cornering skills as you pedal
up around the back of the mountain to be
rewarded by a long descent that takes you
nearly back to Bootlegger.

http://www.ExperienceScottsdale.com

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