Granite Mountain Trailhead

Lifecycle of the Saguaro Education Hike at Granite Mountain Trailhead Native only to the Sonoran Desert, these giant cacti are a sight to see! Join PastFinders Don Brockway and Chris Crum to follow the growth of a Saguaro from seed to skeleton and view multi-armed, old Saguaros. This Moderate hike covers 4 miles in about […]

High Desert Explorer East  Fitness Hike from Granite Mt Trailhead.  This Very Difficult hike explores some of the trails in the remote northeast section of the preserve such as Bootlegger, Granite Mt. Loop and Branding Iron, High Desert, Renegade trails.  For Experienced hikers.  5.5 hours covering 10 miles with lots of rolling hills.  Bathrooms available […]

Hike with Natural Resources Coordinator at Granite Mountain Trailhead  Spend about 2 hours on an easy hike with John Loleit, the Natural Resources Coordinator, as he discusses various pertinent topics while hiking in the desert.  The material will depend on the season, animals, plants, and will cover whatever is happening in this wonderful environment.   Bathrooms […]

Cowpoke-Granite Mtn. & Bootlegger Fitness hike from Granite Mt Trailhead. This Moderate hike covers some beautiful areas of the eastern preserve with some of the most impressive Saguaro stands in the preserve.  4.5 miles over about 3 hours. Bathrooms are available at the trailhead. Bring water and snacks for the trail. No dogs please.  Arrive […]

Granite Mountain and Balanced Rock from Granite Mt Trailhead Join us on this Difficult hike on one of the classic paths in the preserve and a side trip to Balanced Rock. About 3.5 hours to cover 6.5 miles. Bathrooms are available at the trailhead. Bring water and snacks for the trail. No dogs please.  Arrive […]

Crested Saguaro Ride from Granite Mountain Trailhead.   Ever noticed the Crested Saguaros in the preserve?  Come ride with us to see a large number scattered throughout the north.  This 3.5 hour ride will cover more than 10 miles and is rated Advanced Skill and Vigorous Cardio.  A bike with wide knobby tires is required.  Please, […]

Bootlegger/Coyote Canyon Fitness Hike at Granite Mt Trailhead This Difficult hike explores the more remote part of the Preserve via Bootlegger, Granite Mountain Loop, Coyote Canyon, Renegade and 136th St. Express trails. Experienced hikers suggested.  7 miles in about 4.5 hours with rolling ups and downs. There are bathrooms available at the trailhead.  Bring water, […]

Hike with Natural Resources Coordinator at Granite Mountain Trailhead  Spend about 2 hours on an easy hike with John Loleit, the Natural Resources Coordinator, as he discusses various pertinent topics while hiking in the desert.  The material will depend on the season, animals, plants, and will cover whatever is happening in this wonderful environment.   Bathrooms […]

Lifecycle of the Saguaro Education Hike at Granite Mountain Trailhead Native only to the Sonoran Desert, these giant cacti are a sight to see! Join PastFinders Don Brockway and Chris Crum to follow the growth of a Saguaro from seed to skeleton and view multi-armed, old Saguaros. This Moderate hike covers 4 miles in about […]

Women’s Bike Ride from Granite Mountain Trailhead.  This all woman’s bike ride is a Intermediate Skill level ride and Vigorous Cardio around the Granite mountain loop and beyond.   This is again a step up in intensity from the previous Woman’s Ride.   It is a “No Drop” ride meaning no one will be left behind.  Plan […]

Granite Mountain Trailhead to Hawknest Trail Fitness This Very Difficult hike will travel 11 miles over about 5-6 hours from the trailhead to the Preserve’s border with the Tonto National Forest and back. Bring plenty of water and snacks or even a trail-appropriate lunch. Experienced hikers suggested. Bathrooms available at the trailhead. No dogs please.  […]

Bird Walk at Granite Mountain Trailhead Join Kathe Anderson and Rick Pearce on this 2 hour walk for a good chance to see some of our year-round bird residents such as: cactus wren, gila woodpecker, ladder-backed woodpecker, Harris’s hawk, Verdin or Say’s Phoebe - as well as some seasonal arrivals. Bathrooms at trailhead. Bring water […]