"Bike & Hike" in Granite Dells East Storm Trails

This will be Prescott Hiking group's second "Bike & Hike" event! We will start with a short bike ride (about 2.5 miles) up the Iron King trail into the East Granite Dells, at which point we'll lock up our bikes and do a loop hike of about 5 miles up to the Candy Loop, down the Rattler Trail into the East Storm trails including the Yabba-Dabba View and Balancing Boulder, back down Elizabeth Creek trail, then get back on the bikes to return to the parking area. The walking part of this adventure will include some slick-rock face climbing, and a steep downhill on the Rattler which can be slippery, so I would consider it to be an "intermediate level" hike. All in all a total of about 10 miles - 5 miles biking and 5 walking.

For those of you unfamiliar with Iron King, it's a wide dirt and gravel path (similar to the Peavine trail) and easily navigated by bicycle. The hike will consist of easy to moderate hiking, mostly single-track with a bit of rock climbing.

For the ride, I recommend a bike with either mountain or "hybrid" tires at least 1.5" wide (I have seen people ride this trail on road bikes, but do so at your own risk). Also a bike lock is mandatory! A helmet is also recommended but up to you depending on your skill level on the bike.

We are starting early to avoid the mid-morning heat. The most strenuous part of the hike is the first mile or so, and the final stretch is partially shaded. As always, bring sufficient water to stay hydrated.

We will meet at 9:00am at the northeast corner of Santa Fe Loop Road and Granville Fairway in Prescott Valley (see map). From Prescott, take Hwy 69 to Glassford Hill Road in PV, turn left and travel 2.3 miles, then turn left on Santa Fe Loop. (Alternatively, take Hwy 89A to the Glassford Hill exit, turn right and travel 1.2 miles, then turn right Santa Fe Loop. Once on Santa Fe Loop, travel about 0.6 miles and park on the right side of the road, off the pavement.