Cayuse Loop

The Cayuse Loop includes West Lake Trail #351, Chimbley Water Trail #348, Willow Trail #347, and Willow Connector Trail #346, and begins at the Cayuse Equestrian Trailhead within the Granite Basin Recreation Area. It offers impressive views of Granite Mountain and the surrounding forested area. Although there is little elevation change along the loop, it travels through both ponderosa forest and chaparral. Due in part to this combination of habitats, the area is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including snakes, lizards, coyotes, foxes, mountain lions, and others.

The Cayuse Loop starts out on West Lake Trail #351, which passes through stands of ponderosa pine and alligator juniper as it travels toward Granite Basin Lake. The trail crosses a creek a number of times. Although the creek is usually dry, its banks are lined with dense vegetation nourished by occasional flows. The loop continues on Chimbley Water Trail #348, which climbs gently over exposed granite for a short distance through chaparral before joining up with Willow Trail #347. The junction is in a forest setting where it is common to encounter various birds and small mammals, such as rabbits. This section of Trail #347 is fairly level and travels south past large granite boulders, some of which stand at unusual, seemingly precarious angles. Farther along, the trail narrows as it traverses an exposed hillside where it meets Willow Connector Trail #346. Trail #346 proceeds downhill and passes through a series of gates before turning north to return to the Cayuse Equestrian Trailhead.

This loop is open to hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bicyclists. Please be considerate of other users—slow down and know when to yield the trail. Dogs must be on leashes; please clean up after pets. Restrooms are available at the parking area. Other amenities at the trailhead include water for horses, hitching posts, and picnic tables.

Printable Resources:

Cayuse Loop Trail Description and Map (727 KB; Black and White; 8.5” X 11”)
Granite Basin Recreation Area Brochure

General Information

Maps:
- USGS Map: 7.5’ quad for Iron Springs
- Prescott National Forest Map, west half
Average hiking time: 1.5 hours, round trip

Year Round

Day-use sites and trailheads:

March 1 - April 30: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
May 1 - September 30: 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
October 1 - February 28 (or 29): 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

$5 for day use (Wednesdays are free)

Getting There

Elevation

5,882 feet

Directions

From its intersection with Willow Creek Road, travel northwest on Iron Springs Road for 3 miles. Turn right onto Granite Basin Road and proceed 2.4 miles to the Cayuse Equestrian Trailhead on the right. Continue 0.1 miles to the parking area. There is ample parking for horse trailers and regular vehicles. Road conditions are paved.