In 1996 the Prescott National Forest built a system of hiking and riding trails that comprise a part of the redevelopment of the Granite Basin Recreation area. The trails in this area are some of the best maintained on this Forest. Try this loop hike as a good sampling of these trails and some grand views of Granite Mountain.

This is a loop hike of approximately 4.1 miles that begins at the Cayuse Day Use Area and parking lot and uses parts of the West Lake Trail #351, Mint Wash Trail #345 and the Chimbley Water Trail #348. Though other trails in the area provide wider views of Granite Mountain, this one is a more intimate look at the mountain’s southeast approach and an introduction to a most dramatic section of Mint Wash below Granite Basin Lake. I would describe it as an easy hike, even though it's about four miles long. The trail tread is good and there is little elevation variation.

To get there, drive west on Iron Springs Road from Prescott for three miles beyond the intersection with Willow Creek and Miller Valley Roads. Turn right (north) on the road to Granite Basin and travel an additional 2.75 more miles to the turnoff to the Cayuse Day Use Area. There is a conspicuous sign marking this access road. Drive into the area and park. Parking requires either a $2 fee or display of the Golden Age Permit on your dash.

Trail #351 begins just north of the restroom at the parking area. Follow it, paralleling the main road for about a half mile. There you will see a wooden sign showing that Trail #348 goes right (north). Follow it for only 0.1 miles to a second wooden sign at the junction of Trails #348 and #352. Go through the steel gate, designed so that riders don’t have to dismount to open it. Take Trail #352 trail west (left) for just over one mile to Mint Wash. The trail section follows a roller-coaster winding course through stands of pine and juniper and affords views of the east face of the mountain.

After crossing Mint Wash, you will come to a junction you can’t miss. There are no less than five signs here, some of routed wood and the others the usual hard plastic stakes. The right fork goes north on Trail #345 for several miles to a trailhead on Williamson Valley Road. Take the left (south) fork on Trail #345 for 0.7 miles to Granite Basin Lake. As you climb the short steep hill to the dam, a left-branching trail takes you to the continuation of Trail #351 and a 1.2-mile trek back to where you started. An alternative is to continue a few more feet to the dam and lake. When a group of us hiked this trail in early January, there were hundreds of waterfowl on the pond, most submerged with tufts of tail feathers sticking above the water. We quickly identified mallards, widgeons, gadwalls, and redheads. I’m sure there were many more species.

(Ron is the author of  A Guide to Prescott and Central Highlands Trails, available in local book stores and outdoors stores.)