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Brown's Ranch Perimeter Loop

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate Intermediate
 4.4 (93)
  1. Areas
  2. AZ
  3. …Phoenix Metro
  4. …Scottsdale
  5. McDowell Sonoran Preserve: Northern Region
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“A looped ride around Brown's and Granite Mountain, then back through Balanced Rock and the Amphitheater. ”

Brent Miller
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15.5

Miles

24.9

KM

80%

Singletrack

2,928' 892 m

High

2,651' 808 m

Low

607' 185 m

Up

607' 185 m

Down

1%

Avg Grade (1°)

7%

Max Grade (4°)

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Not Allowed

Overview

This route wraps around Brown's Mountain to the west then takes you up to the northern section of trails for great desert vistas before heading back around Granite Mountain to enjoy the views of Balanced Rock and the Amphitheater. Most of the trails are formed of crushed granite that roll and twist around. There are some fast downhills and no major climbs to contend with.

Description

From the parking lot, head north on the Brown's Ranch Road. Take your first left onto the Upper Ranch Trail and follow this all the way behind Brown's Mountain past Basalt Ridge Trail to Brown's Ranch Road where you make a left (almost a u-turn). Briefly follow the road until you reach the Corral Trail, turn right and continue pedaling until the trail reaches an intersection. Turn left here onto the High Desert Trail.

Continue on High Desert Trail, passing several sign posts that are not yet marked. Keep the MTB Project mobile app out as it's easy to make a wrong turn or miss the way. Just before the seven mile mark (about 6.9 miles in) you'll make a turn to the right at an unmarked sign post, heading south on the Renegade Trail and then soon onto the Desperado Trail. Keep going past the Soapberry Wash Trail and turn right at the intersection with the Coyote Canyon Trail.

This will connect to the Granite Mountain Loop Trail. Head left at the intersection for a clockwise loop around Granite Mountain. This section is a little more technical, but still pretty easy, though there is some climbing. At the southwest corner of the looping trail, turn left to the Balanced Rock Trail to pass the popular Balanced Rock. Proceed straight to travel clockwise along the Cholla Mountain Loop trail at the next intersection.

Watch for the Amphitheater Connector as it's a short and very worthwhile detour to an awesome formation of rocks. After you've enjoyed the sights, continue clockwise. At the southwest corner of the Cholla Mountain Loop, take the Maverick - Cholla Mountain Connector for a short distance and then head right on the Maverick Trail. This will take you back to Brown's Ranch Road and eventually the parking area.

Contacts

Local Club: McDowell Sonoran Conservancy

Aug 19, 2024: The PastFinders: Saving the History of the McDowells

Apr 26, 2024: Mountain Lines Spring 2024

Land Manager: City of Scottsdale

Shared By:

Brent Miller with improvements by ryan reynolds and 4 others
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 93 votes

#1

in McDowell Sonoran Preserve: Northern Region

#97

Overall
  4.4 from 93 votes
5 Star
49%
4 Star
41%
3 Star
9%
2 Star
1%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in McDowell Sonoran Prese…

#7

in Arizona

#97

Overall
450 Views Last Month
42,982 Since May 12, 2016
Intermediate Intermediate
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Photos

Ride past Balanced Rock for a unique and epic experience!
Feb 10, 2017 near Carefree, AZ
Cruise the buff singletrack along the perimeter of Brown's Ranch for a great time!
Feb 7, 2017 near Carefree, AZ
Making the turns on Cholla Mtn Loop.
Jun 2, 2016 near Carefree, AZ
Enjoy a fun-filled, twisty ride with scenic desert vistas in Brown's Ranch.
Feb 27, 2017 near Carefree, AZ
Wildflowers 2020
Mar 19, 2020 near Carefree, AZ
Wildflowers 2020
Mar 19, 2020 near Carefree, AZ

9 Comments

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 21 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Mar 29, 2025
Anonymous
Nov 27, 2024
Tommy Smith
May 5, 2024
Pete Krebill
Lots of good offshoots
Feb 16, 2024
Michael Paul
Feb 1, 2024
Jordan Jackson
Oct 28, 2023
Javi Low on pez
trying it out 5mi
Oct 24, 2023
Atsuko Ohtake
Aug 6, 2023
Rob Thornburg
This whole area is great. Guy at Bike Lab gave me a great loop to do (see paper map). Actually ridden in April 2023 on spring break. 28mi

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