This route wraps around Brown's Mountain to the west then takes you up to the northern section of trails for great desert vistas before heading back around
Granite Mountain to enjoy the views of Balanced Rock and the Amphitheater. Most of the trails are formed of crushed granite that roll and twist around. There are some fast downhills and no major climbs to contend with.
From the parking lot, head north on the
Brown's Ranch Road. Take your first left onto the
Upper Ranch Trail and follow this all the way behind Brown's Mountain past
Basalt Ridge Trail to
Brown's Ranch Road where you make a left (almost a u-turn). Briefly follow the road until you reach the
Corral Trail, turn right and continue pedaling until the trail reaches an intersection. Turn left here onto the
High Desert Trail.
Up to this point, the trails have been well marked but once you cross over
The Divide Trail, the signs are less frequent.
Continue on
High Desert Trail, passing several sign posts that are not yet marked. Keep the
MTB Project mobile app out as it's easy to make a wrong turn or miss the way. Just before the seven mile mark (about 6.9 miles in) you'll make a turn to the right at an unmarked sign post, heading south on the
Renegade Trail and then soon onto the
Desperado Trail. Keep going past the
Soapberry Wash Trail and turn right at the intersection with the
Coyote Canyon Trail.
This will connect to the
Granite Mountain Loop Trail. Head left at the intersection for a clockwise loop around
Granite Mountain. This section is a little more technical, but still pretty easy, though there is some climbing. At the southwest corner of the looping trail, turn left to the
Balanced Rock Trail to pass the popular Balanced Rock. Proceed straight to travel clockwise along the
Cholla Mountain Loop trail at the next intersection.
Watch for the
Amphitheater Connector as it's a short and very worthwhile detour to an awesome formation of rocks. After you've enjoyed the sights, continue clockwise. At the southwest corner of the
Cholla Mountain Loop, take the
Maverick - Cholla Mountain Connector for a short distance and then head right on the
Maverick Trail. This will take you back to
Brown's Ranch Road and eventually the parking area.
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