Granite Mountain Trail #261

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Spring · Views · Wildlife

A short distance past the trailhead, the trail travels upward through open chaparral and boulders before climbing steeply into pinyon-juniper and ponderosa pine forest. There are a number of remarkable vistas that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding topography.

From its intersection with Willow Creek Road, travel northwest on Iron Springs Road for 3 miles. Turn right onto Granite Basin Road and proceed 3.5 miles to the Metate Parking Area on the left. There is parking for 20 vehicles. Road conditions are paved.

Water available at parking area. Surface water should be treated.

$5 for day use parking (Wednesdays are free).

Visitors are asked to be alert and stay on existing trails when recreating on Granite Mountain as the area recovers from the Doce Fire of 2013. Soil erosion has occurred on portions of the trails, thus exposing more rock, and cross-country travel increases the possibility of encountering rolling rocks, stump and root holes, falling trees, and loose soils from rains.

Gorgeous run on a solid trail. The climb up to Blair Pass is a technical section with steep grades and a few bouldered steps that may require slowing your pace uphill and downhill.

The trail starts off mild with mostly flat or gently sloping sections. Decomposed granite makes up the path under your feet. After the fork with Little Granite Mountain Trail #37, the trail steepens to a series of switchbacks up to Blair Pass. At the pass, continue following the trail up and to the right. Here, the trail disappears a few times as you work your way over granite sections, but a careful eye will spot the trail as it continues ahead. The trail ends at an rocky outcropping overlook with an epic view. High winds up here!

You may see javelina, deer, and foxes along the trail, as well as snakes, lizards, and a variety of Southwestern birds.

Designated by Congress in 1984, this Granite Mountain Wilderness area encompasses over 9,000 acres. Despite its proximity to the city of Prescott, visitors find opportunities for solitude and physical challenge in a remote setting.