Reviewed by: spongebob squarepants ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
There is a *great* loop out by Granite Mountain. It feels flat on the way out and downhill all the way back. Magic if you ask me. There are some technical sections on the way out but most riders could clean them and they are few and far between. This trail is all about smooth speed. This trail would be fun for anyone, beginer to expert. At the halfway point you hit the Granite Basin Lake and get a nice view of the cliffs on Granite Mountain. The way back is steady downhill with some great turns and jumps. You can average 20 mph almost the whole way down. The trail is hard packed with the occasional patch of sand or loose stuff. You are in the pines almost the whole time with the occational wash/stream crossing. This is one of my favorite loops. Watch out for horses because they also use this trail. Total loop is around 9 miles.

Recommended Route:
Park at the Williamson Valley trailhead. It is 10 miles or so out Williamson Valley road after passing Pioneer Parkway. Watch for the brown sign on the right side of the road and the trailhead/parking lot is on the left. It should say Granite Mountain something on the sign. As you pass through the trailhead gate bear left and continue on for about a mile. You will come across another gate on your left. Pass through it and bear right. You will head down Mint Wash trail. It is pretty obvious and there are signs marking the way. Follow the signs towards Granite Basin Lake. When you reach the lake you will see some pavement. Follow the short road up to the paved loop. It is a one way loop and you will want to go against traffic. Don't worry, it is only for a couple hundred yards. You will see a crosswalk on the road and a trail on your left. Take it. It will immediately cross a wash and dead end in a T. You will take a right. Follow this trail and any signs that lead you back to the Williamson Valley trailhead. This is where the fun begins. It is a little climb up and then down fast all the way back to the car. Make sure your bike horn is tuned up cus you are gonna be hauling a$$.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Spruce mountain, Lynx Lake, Sedona

Reviewed by: ZG ,  Weekend Warrior

Summary:
I visit the area every six months or so, because my father lives out that way. I guess I'm just lucky.

If you don't like to climb, this is a great trail. Not to say that you won't be riding both up and down, but there are no sustained climbs of more than a few minutes.

Last time I was there was 5/03. Since I'm normally heading out alone (on vacation), I won't hit the techie trails... but there was a race at the site that same weekend, so I knew I wouldn't be alone.

I hit the trailhead by some campground, also the staging area for the race. The trail was a mix of rock/hardpack/and occasional sand. Nothing that would suprise someone used to riding the southwest.

Many parts are nice and twisty, not overly techinical, by any stretch of the imagination. Some little drops here and there and some baby heads rolling around, but if you consider yourself and upper level beginner, both technically and physically, you'll do fine and maybe have to dismount once or twice for obstacles.

It can be difficult to find a rythm on much of the trail, because it is so twisty and many of the turns and shrubs shield the view of the next obstacle.

I am looking forward to hitting up more stuff with some other people next time I'm out there, there's got to be some great technical stuff with all the boulders strewn about. I just won't do any of that riding solo.

Next time.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Thumb butte is a nice area to hit. Lots of trails all over the place, pick your poison. Climb to the top on some loose ST or cruise around it entirely, sticking to the fireroad.