Hawes Trail Loops
The Hawes Loops
in North Mesa are some pretty sweet singletrack. I consider this my “backyard trail” because it’s close and I’ve been riding it for years. There’s nothing too steep or technical about it, it’s just great x-country desert riding. The Mine Loop portion has a bit of climbing, but it’s nothing to fear.
The beauty of this trail is that there are several interconnecting loops…There’s Hawes Trail No. 52, Ridge Trail No. 59, Granite Trail No. 54, Saguaro Trail No. 50, and Saddle Trail No. 51. These trails make up the main body of the system. For some additional adventure you can ride the Twisted Sister trail and the Wild Horse trail. These trails are currently unmarked and are part of the Sonoran Desert Trail System Expansion Project that will designate them as official trails that connect Hawes to Pass Mountain.
On Saturdays, I always see other riders, some hammering solo and others in groups (I also see the roadies ride by as the Bush Highway is a popular road ride. Last week I saw the sweetest recumbent rider, he even said hi to me), but weekday mornings at 5:30 AM, the trail is mine. Now it can be yours too. Take a virtual ride through Google Earth, then head on over to the Bush Highway and shred.
Reader Reviews
Review from MTBikeAZ
Time: May 5, 2008, 3:09 pm
Hawes would make excellent XC running. I should try it sometime. I’m working on a detailed map of all the trails in the Hawes ares. There are so many loops, so ways to ride it. In the meantime click on the TOPO button above. Dale Wiggins’ map is great and has the mileage you’re looking for.
Review from Matt
Time: May 5, 2008, 4:16 pm
I am wondering… is it possible to ride up the microwave tower road and drop down the trail that goes west from the towers?
Review from MTBikeAZ
Time: May 5, 2008, 6:28 pm
It’s possible…but the road is private property. I’ve heard stories of riders going up and over though. This thread has the aforementioned ride:
http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?p=3899760&highlight=hawes+microwave
This post has the details:
Review from Joe
Time: May 4, 2008, 9:47 am
Jogged these trails yesterday. Exhilarating and a wonderful change of pace from the canal systems. Does anyone have the mileage sets on these trials?