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Brown's Ranch Perimeter Loop

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate
 4.4 (84)
  1. Areas
  2. AZ
  3. …Phoenix Metro
  4. …Scottsdale
  5. McDowell Sonoran Preserve: Northern Region
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“A looped ride around Brown's and Granite Mountain, then back through Balanced Rock and the Amphitheater. ”

Brent Miller
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Map Key

15.5

Miles

24.9

KM

80%

Singletrack

2,928' 892 m

High

2,649' 807 m

Low

629' 192 m

Up

629' 192 m

Down

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

6%

Max Grade (4°)

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Not Allowed

Overview

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.

Description

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.

Contacts

Land Manager: City of Scottsdale

Shared By:

Brent Miller with improvements by ryan reynolds and 1 other
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 84 votes

#1

in McDowell Sonoran Preserve: Northern Region

#67

Overall
  4.4 from 84 votes
5 Star
52%
4 Star
39%
3 Star
8%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in McDowell Sonoran Prese…

#6

in Arizona

#67

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Photos

Ride past Balanced Rock for a unique and epic experience!
Feb 10, 2017 near Carefree, AZ
Cruise the buff singletrack along the perimeter of Brown's Ranch for a great time!
Feb 7, 2017 near Carefree, AZ
Making the turns on Cholla Mtn Loop.
Jun 2, 2016 near Carefree, AZ
Enjoy a fun-filled, twisty ride with scenic desert vistas in Brown's Ranch.
Feb 27, 2017 near Carefree, AZ
Spring wildflowers on Granite Mountain Trail.
May 25, 2017 near Carefree, AZ
Nice singletrack
Mar 19, 2020 near Carefree, AZ

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All Clear 5 days ago
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Check-Ins

Nov 27, 2022
Leah Adams
16mi — 2h 40m
Oct 31, 2022
Atsuko Ohtake
Oct 22, 2022
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16mi — 2h 45m
Oct 22, 2022
Todd Rinaldi
Aug 27, 2022
derrick neu
Jul 8, 2022
Pennie Skrzypek
May 26, 2022
Geoffrey Burch
Apr 14, 2022
Phil Brown
16mi — 3h 30m

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