Gooseneck-Pemberton Lollipop

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Not Allowed

Features Views

This is a lollipop loop using the Gooseneck Trail, part of the Pemberton Trail and the Saguaro Nest Trail. The trails are nice, well-groomed singletrack (mostly decomposed granite surface) without any difficult obstacles and with lots of twists. The scenery of the Tom's Thumb area is beautiful.

The Fraesfield Trailhead has free parking and restrooms, but no water. The route begins at the north end of the trailhead area, near the shade structure.

The route begins at the Fraesfield Trailhead and follows the Gooseneck Trail south and then west before crossing Rio Verde Dr. (watch for traffic.) The Gooseneck Trail meanders south, then east, and then south some more heading towards the Tom's Thumb Trail. Sunlight reflecting off the cars at the trailhead are visible in the distance much of the way.

After 6.5 miles, the Gooseneck Trail ends at the Rock Knob Trail. The Tom's Thumb Trailhead is to the right. The route goes to the left and follows the Rock Knob Trail downhill to intersect the Pemberton Trail.

The route follows the Pemberton Trail north for 2.25 miles to Granite Tank (also known as Jackass Junction). From here, the County Park Connector Trail goes NNW for 0.5 miles to intersect with the Saguaro Nest Trail. The route turns right and follows the Saguaro Nest Trail north, then west, then SW, until it arrives back at the Gooseneck Trail.

From here, the route is back the way it came, mostly gently downhill back to the trailhead.