Granola Bowl

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Granola Bowl is scenic loop along the west face of La Espina Hill, traversing slab rock and singletrack at it climbs to the hill's summit and circles back down to the base. The hill is more challenging when taking on the ascent in a clockwise direction, which is described here.

From the western trail access point, which can be seen in the far northeast corner of the cleared area, the Granola Bowl beats a path directly up the hill. The ascent here, on uncharacteristically smooth rock scattered with desert flora, is steep. The left turnoff to La Espina is two-tenths of a mile up and easy to miss. If the trail flattens out briefly, you went too far.

From here the trail dips briefly before finishing the climb to La Espina Hill's summit and the connection with La Espina Ledge and a shortcut down to Mayberry. Sweeping views to both the west and east can be had here. Granola Bowl then turns southwest along the hillside and begins a descent more gradual than the climb up. From here on out, the trail is often rocky, so step carefully. The trail circles west at the bottom and parallels the cleared area back to the start.

The Franklins are filled with desert wildlife and you'll have the chance to see all sorts of plants and animals on trail. Vegetation is best during the rainy months around summer, when the desert blooms and the plants turn green. Jackrabbits, lizards and roadrunners are common, occasionally snakes will be on or near the trail. Watch for rattlers and give them a wide berth. If you get caught out past sundown, you may hear a few coyotes. Their howls are unnerving, but they generally leave people alone.