Little Granite Mountain
Trail
TAKES THE SUNNY SIDE
W
hen you’re looking for a sunny winter hike on a trail that might get a little too sunny in the summer, give the Little Granite Mountain Trail (No. 37 in the Prescott National Forest’s inventory) a chance. It takes you past some spectacular boulders, rock formations and vistas on the western slope of the mountain while connecting with with several trails offering forays into woodsier, more lush terrain on the east side. Beginning your trek at the trailhead at its southern end, just off Iron Springs Road, you take a gradual climb past shrubs and cactuses mixed with low-rise to midsize junipers and pines. This is where you encounter some of the most impressive and improbable boulders you’ll find in the Prescott area, some sprouting like trees out of the ground. After approximately a mile you reach the highest point in the trail and the junction with the Clark Spring Trail 40, which will
be on the right. Continue straight to stay on No. 37 and follow the southwestern rim of the Granite Mountain Wilderness. You’ll see rock-strewn hillsides and find plenty of boulders you might want to scramble on if you’re so inclined, but it’s best to stay on the trail. You’ll see peaks all around you, including Granite and Little Granite Mountain in the immediate east and north, Sugarloaf Mountain in the southwest and the Sierra Prietas to the south. You’re likely to see a wide range of wildlife from snakes and other reptiles to rock squirrels and at the least evidence of larger mammals traveling through the area. Trail No. 37 ends at Blair Pass as it meets Granite Mountain Trail No. 261 — if you keep going straight on 261, after a steep ascent you’ll reach the summit of Granite Mountain. Note that you’ll be entering the wilderness area, which prohibits bicycles along with motorized vehicles.
2 2 PRESCOTT HEALTHY LIVING | VOL . 3 , NO. 2
Trail etiquette is an important part of keeping our trails fun and safe for all trail users
SHARE THE TRAIL
1/17/2014
