Mellow+ - Saguro, Granite, Ridge, to Mine trails

This is a new mellow hike in the Tonto National Forest near Usery Mountain. It is an upper end mellow hike and a loop hike. Typical low Sonoran desert foliage with some very good panoramic views of Red Mountain and the Salt River at the high points. Although it is only 4.1 miles, it has an AEG of 530 ft. The hike starts out on the Saguaro trail, then onto the Granite, Ridge, back to the Saguaro and finishes on the Mine. The hike is mostly a steady climb. At it’s highest point we will pause at the entrance of an old gold mine shaft for pictures. After that we will descend on a fairly steep portion of the Mine trail back to the trail head parking lot. Hiking poles are mandatory. A very good workout. Trails are mainly crushed stone with several rocky areas with some loose rocks.
Distance - 4.1 miles AEG 530 ft.
One-Driving distance 34 miles
Drivers fee $6
Hike leader Tim Donovan, (248)393-1297