Granite and Hawes Trail
![](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-4-2560x633-1.jpg)
Table of contents
The Hawes Trail System is a well-developed mountain biking and hiking route collection near the Salt River in the Tonto National Forest. The Granite and Hawes Trail route makes use of two trails in the system to put together a hike with awesome desert and river scenery. This trail system is mostly used by mountain bikers, so you’ll need to share the trail. Bring more water than you think you’ll need and avoid this trail in the summertime or heat of the day.
Route Description for Granite and Hawes Trail
The Hawes Trail System was developed by the Hawes Trail Alliance, a group of mountain bikers and hikers who worked to expand this network of trails. They built over 45.1 km of new trails and worked to improve 54.7 km of existing trails. Now, this network of routes is used by tons of bikers and hikers from Mesa and beyond. This is primarily a mountain bike trail, but most bikers are happy to slow down and announce themselves while passing. Share the trail and watch out for one another.
Bring more water than you think you’ll need on this hike as some users report struggling with heat exhaustion. If you’re not used to the heat, avoid this hike between June and September or hike very early in the morning.
From the trailhead, take Saguaro Trail to the T junction with Granite Trail, where you’ll turn left. At the next trail split, go left again onto Upper Ridge Trail. Go straight through the next two junctions and then keep right twice onto Saddle Trail. Continue to Hawes Trail, which leads you up to the saddle under Usery Mountain. This is your turnaround point.
Getting to the Granite and Hawes Trail Trailhead
The trailhead for the Granite and Hawes Trail is on N Bush Highway.
Route Information
Backcountry Campground:
No
When to do:
October-May
Pets allowed:
Yes - On Leash
Family friendly:
Yes
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
Moderate
Route Type:
Out and back
Granite and Hawes Trail Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherReviews
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
Let someone else do the hard work, book a custom tour in over 85 countries.
Chat with us on our contact page or fill out the form below!
Nearby Trails
![Usery Mountain Hike](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-1-2560x633-1.jpg)
Usery Mountain Hike
Tonto National Forest
![Hawes Trail to Granite Trail Loop](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-1-2560x633-1.jpg)
Hawes Trail to Granite Trail Loop
Tonto National Forest
![Saguaro, Ridge, and Granite Trail Loop](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-1-2560x633-1.jpg)
Saguaro, Ridge, and Granite Trail Loop
Tonto National Forest
![Twisted Sister to Saguaro Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-1-2560x633-1.jpg)
Twisted Sister to Saguaro Trail
Tonto National Forest
![Horse Tale Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-4-2560x633-1.jpg)
Horse Tale Trail
Tonto National Forest
![Wild Horse Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-2-2560x633-1.jpg)
Wild Horse Trail
Tonto National Forest
![Bulldog Canyon Hike](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-2-2560x633-1.jpg)
Bulldog Canyon Hike
Tonto National Forest
![Pass Mountain Hike](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-1-2560x633-1.jpg)
Pass Mountain Hike
Tonto National Forest
![Saguaro Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-1-2560x633-1.jpg)
Saguaro Trail
Tonto National Forest
![Hawes Ridge Loop](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-3-2560x633-1.jpg)
Hawes Ridge Loop
Tonto National Forest
![Lone Mountain Hike](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-1-2560x633-1.jpg)
Lone Mountain Hike
Tonto National Forest
![Hawes Trail System Loop](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-4-2560x633-1.jpg)
Hawes Trail System Loop
Tonto National Forest