Desert Wonder Tracker Meet Up #3 - Granite Mountain Loop Trail

Calling all Curious Desert Wonder Trackers!

What: Trek around Granite Mountain through a beautiful area of huge boulders and healthy saguaro cactus stands over a fairly smooth trail. We will stop as needed along the way with Sharon leading and Paul following to allow each trekker to set his/her own pace. The trail is 6 miles with very little climbing.

When: Wednesday, March 28 - 3:00 to Sunset

Where: Granite Mountain Loop Trailhead
Directions: East on Dynamite to 136th Street. Turn left onto 136th and travel north to the parking lot for Granite Mountain Trailhead.  The lot aligns with Lone Mountain Rd, is marked by a brown sign and is located right under the power lines seen from 136th Street. Turn left into the parking lot.

What to Bring: We will be traveling over some rocks and loose soil, so good shoes with good tread are a must. Most of the trail is fairly level, but if having a walking stick or poles helps you, bring them. Bring plenty of water and snacks. I encourage trekkers to carry a backpack or fanny pack so that hands are free. I have an extra backpack and we can also pack for each other as needed. Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, camera, binoculars, etc. 

What to Expect: This is a gorgeous untouched stretch of desert and as we circle around the northern edge, it is easy to imagine what this area looked like before development. The trail gently rises and falls with no difficult climbing. We will keep our eyes open for creatures who come out in the golden afternoon light. If we are lucky, we may hear the Elf Owl, who should be returning to the area to nest. No worries, Paul will handle any triangular headed, slit eyed friends we encounter:) Plan to rest as needed, eat, photos, etc. 

So that we know to wait for you, please let me know if you plan to join us for this trek. See you on the trail!  speganydesign@gmail.com

Resources 
McDowell Mountain Preserve - North Area Map

March Desert Wonder Meet Up #1

Calling all Curious Desert Wonder Trackers!

What: Trek to Tom's Thumb through a beautiful area of huge boulders and healthy saguaro cactus stands over a fairly smooth trail. This trail makes a steep elevation climb of about 1,000 feet, but promises wonderful views along the way. We will stop as needed along the way with Sharon leading and Paul following to allow each trekker to set his/her own pace. The trail is nearly 5 miles round trip.

When: Monday, March 5 - 3:30 to Sunset

Where: Tom's Thumb Trailhead 
There are restrooms but NO WATER at the trailhead.
Directions: From Scottsdale Rd or Pima Rd, turn East onto Happy Valley Rd. Proceed about 2 miles past Alma School and turn right (East) onto Ranch Gate. Proceed to the end of Ranch Gate and then turn right (South) onto 128 St and you’ll arrive at the trailhead in less than a mile.

What to Bring: We will be traveling over steep terrain with loose soil, so good shoes with good tread are a must. This trail is a good one for a walking stick or poles to help with stability. Bring plenty of water and snacks. I encourage trekkers to carry a backpack or fanny pack so that hands are free. I have an extra backpack and we can also pack for each other as needed. Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, camera, etc.

What to Expect: The hike starts out gradually climbing toward a canyon where the trail climbs steeply up a series of switchbacks.  There are places to stop and catch your breath while taking in the view. Switchbacks continue on to a section where the trail is fairly level before starting a second series of switchbacks. We will keep a steady pace to reach the monolith (Tom's Thumb) where we can rest and look for Prairie Falcons or Swifts who nest on the area's lofty cliffs and crevices.  

So that we know to wait for you, please let me know if you plan to join us for either trek. See you on the trail!  speganydesign@gmail.com

Resources 
McDowell Sonoran Conservancy - Tom's Thumb
McDowell Mountain Preserve - North Area Map

Desert Tracker Meet Up!

Calling all Curious Desert Wonder Trackers!

What: Trek to Balanced Rock through a beautiful area of huge boulders and healthy saguaro cactus stands over a well-maintained trail. This trail makes a gentle elevation climb of 200-300 feet. We will stop as needed along the way with Sharon leading and Paul following to allow each trekker to set his/her own pace. The trail is 4.5 miles round trip.

When: Thursday, February 22 -1:30 p.m. to Sunset?
 AND/OR Thursday, March 1 -1:30 p.m. to Sunset

Where: Balanced Rock via Granite Mountain Trailhead
Directions: East on Dynamite to 136th Street. Turn left onto 136th and travel north to the parking lot for Granite Mountain Trailhead.  The lot aligns with Lone Mountain Rd, is marked by a brown sign and is located right under the power lines seen from 136th Street. Turn left into the parking lot.

What to Bring: We will be traveling over some rocks and loose soil, so good shoes with good tread are a must. Most of the trail is fairly level, but if having a walking stick or poles helps you, bring them. Bring plenty of water and snacks. I encourage trekkers to carry a backpack or fanny pack so that hands are free. I have an extra backpack and we can also pack for each other as needed. Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, camera, etc.

What to Expect: We will hike out to balanced rock and talk a little about the incredible boulder formations in our area. Since there are so many saguaros along the way, we can talk about them as well.  Hopefully, the recent rain may have encouraged some of the wildflowers to pop. Plan to rest awhile at balanced rock, eat, photos, etc. then we'll start back in the golden light of late afternoon. Gorgeous!

So that we know to wait for you, please let me know if you plan to join us for either trek. See you on the trail!  speganydesign@gmail.com

Resources 

McDowell Mountain Preserve - North Area Map
Arizona Sonora Desert Museum - Saguaro Cactus Fact Sheet
Arizona Geology - Nature's Balanced Seizmometers