Posts
COYOTE CANYON
McDowell Sonoran Preserve
 |
| Crested saguaro on Coyote Canyon Trail |
The next phase of trail
development in Scottsdale's McDowell Sonoran Preserve is underway.
Repurposing of existing social paths and new construction in the far
north corridor that stretches from Dove Valley Road to the border of
Tonto National Forest will continue through 2016. Several fresh
routes have already been opened including the Coyote Canyon Trail which is already becoming a hiker favorite because of its unique features. In addition to
see-forever views of the Cave Creek
 |
| Inside the mini box canyon |
Until additional legal
parking areas are established, the trail must be accessed from the
Granite Mountain trailhead. Here's the most direct circuit. Follow
the 136th Street Express 1.3 miles north and turn left onto the Dove
Valley Trail. Hike 0.9 mile to the Coyote Canyon Trail junction veer
left and trek 1.3 miles to where it ends at the Granite Mountain Loop
Trail. From here, there are many options for your return route
(download the preserve map for details) but the shortest way back to
the trailhead is to turn turn left and go 0.5 mile to the Cow Poke
Trail, follow it 0.6 mile back to Dove Mountain Trail and return the
way you came.
LENGTH: 6.2 miles (as described here)
RATING: easy
ELEVATION: 2,580' – 2,840'
 |
| Entrance to the box canyon |
GETTING THERE:
Granite Mountain Trailhead,
31402 N. 136th
St. Scottsdale.
From Loop 101 in Scottsdale, take the
Princess/Pima exit #36 and go 6.5 miles north on Pima to Dynamite
Blvd./Rio Verde Dr. Turn right and continue 5.9 miles to 136th
St., turn left and go 1.8 miles to the trailhead on the left.
Trailhead is open sunrise to sunset. No facilities.
INFO:
MORE PHOTOS:
