Another in the network of trails serving the Granite Mountain Wilderness, this trail provides the third leg of loop route from Granite Mountain itself back to Granite Lake. Hikers or riders coming south from the mountain can take TR #37 around the west side of Little Granite Mountain, then return to Granite Basin Lake by way of TR #40 and Clark Spring. TR #40 also provides campers at the Granite Basin Recreation Area with a day trip along an attractive riparian corridor to Clark Spring.

The trail is in generally condition and has a smooth surface. From Granite Basin Lake it follows a straight level course to the southwest for about one miles to Clark Spring. It is well traveled between the campground and Clark Spring. Beyond the spring, the trail begins a gradual ascent to the pass between Two Rock Mountain and Little Granite Mountain and its junction with TR # 37. The trail stays just to the east of the boundary of the Granite Mountain Wilderness.

Directions: From Prescott, Take Iron Springs Road for approximately seven miles from downtown Prescott to the turnoff to Granite Basin Lake (FR 374). It is approximately 3.25 miles to the recreation area. As you come into the recreation site, You will pass a group camping area on FR 374D. At the next road junction, bear left on FR 374. Keeping Left on FR 374, you will pass a turnoff to a summer home area (FR 374C). Less than 100 yds. past this turnoff is the trailhead for FR #40. The short road beyond this point will eventually be closed to vehicular traffic and a common junction for TR #40 and TR #261 will be established in this immediate area.

Elevation: 5,600 feet

Ending Elevation: 6,300 feet

Elevation Gain: 700 feet

Distance: 1.7 miles

Usage: Moderate

Difficulty: Moderate

Visitor Information

Contact Wildernet