Friday Hike – Granite Mountain

We did an 8+ mile route on Friday, March 20 starting at the Granite Mountain Trailhead. We hiked the following trails: Bootlegger, Saddlehorn, (left on) Granite Mountain Loop, Balanced Rock, (right on) Cholla Mountain Loop, Branding Iron, (left on) Granite Mountain Loop, and (back on) Bootlegger.

The Bootlegger Trail passes through these large boulders:

20150320-_DSC2849-Edit-medium

 

A heart shaped rock can be seen from the Bootlegger Trail.  On the way out, you have to turn around to see it. It’s easier to find when returning to the trailhead.  Fortunately, Linda was our guide; she let us know when it was time to look back to see it.

20150320-_DSC2867_8_8_8_9-Edit_copy-medium

Another view from the Bootlegger Trail.  The segment of Bootlegger from the Trailhead to the intersection with Saddlehorn is only about 3/4 mile long and is very scenic.  It makes an excellent mile and a half hike for just about anyone.

20150320-_DSC2872-Edit-medium

I think these photos might have been taken from the Saddlehorn Trail:

20150320-_DSC2876-Edit-medium

20150320-_DSC2879-Edit-medium

This is the intersection of Saddlehorn and the Granite Mountain Loop Trail. We turned left here.

20150320-_DSC2882-Edit-medium

Hiking the Granite Mountain Loop Trail:

20150320-_DSC2894-Edit-medium

Taking a break…

20150320-_DSC2916-Edit-medium

20150320-_DSC2920-Edit-medium

Looking up the mountain.  The rock at the top has a roof upon which is a 5.8 called Pasta Man Unchained.

20150320-_DSC2924-Edit-medium

The yellow flowers are Goldfields:

20150320-_DSC2945-Edit-medium

From left to right are Heather, Janet, Bob, Allen, Nick, Jen, Linda, and Bill.  The dogs are Savannah, Bella, Keena, and Sarge.  Linda took charge of Sarge for the day.

20150320-_DSC2990-Edit-medium

Another view, showing the upper part of Balanced Rock:

20150320-_DSC2993-Edit-medium

Nick and Jen returned to the trailhead at this point.  The rest of us continued on the Balanced Rock Trail.

20150320-_DSC2999-Edit-medium

This is Cholla Mountain:

20150320-_DSC3017-Edit-medium

A view of the northeastern portion of Cholla Mountain:

20150320-_DSC3023-Edit-medium

Globemallow flowers:

20150320-_DSC3053-Edit-medium

Blackfoot Daisy:

20150320-_DSC3065-Edit-medium

I think this is Hackberry Beartongue / Arizona Scarlet Bugler (with Fairy Duster in the background):

20150320-_DSC3068-Edit-medium

Fairy Duster:

20150320-_DSC3071-Edit-medium

Returning on the Granite Mountain Loop Trail:

20150320-_DSC3122-Edit-medium

Views of Weaver’s Needle and the Flatiron in the distance:

20150320-_DSC3137-Edit-medium