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Mojave Connector

Rating: 
One-way Distance: 0.9 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
MTB Skill level:
Elevation: 1417 - 1593 feet
Cellphone: 3-5 bars
Time: 45 mins.
Trailhead: Mojave
Fee: none
Attractions: Scenic mountains




The Mojave Connector is located in the Piestewa Peak area of the Phoenix Mountains Preserve in Phoenix, Arizona. The trail begins off of the Mojave trail where it travels around the mountain for almost a mile before descending from a ridge and coming to an end at the Quartz Ridge trail. There are several unmarked trails that branch off of it and lead up the mountains where there are panoramic vistas of the surrounding area.


This post begins at the Mojave trailhead off of Squaw Peak Drive by following the Mojave trail from the parking area..


The Mojave Connector begins near the quarter mile point of the Mojave trail.


Right before the Mojave Connector drops off of the ridge there is an unmarked trail that continues to the left that climbs higher up the mountain.


After dropping off the ridge the Mojave Connector begins working its way down a draw.


Before reaching the bottom of the draw where there are homes built up against the border of the Preserve the trail turns and begins wrapping around the side of the mountain. Off in the distance the hills around Papago Park and Hole in the Rock come into view.


As the trail continues around the mountain you can begin catching glimpses of Camelback Mountain.


The trail slowly climbs the contours near the foot of the mountain as it enters the next drainage.


A more moderate climb leads on up to the saddle of a ridge where there are unmarked trails that branch off to the left and to the right.


The trail gets extremely rocky as it descends from the ridge down the east side of the mountain.


Just before reaching the one mile point the Mojave Connector meets up with the Quartz Ridge trail and comes to an end. From here you can go to the right for a quarter mile to reach the 32nd Street trailhead or you can go to the left to continue up the very scenic Quartz Ridge trail where there are a few more options for looping back to the Mojave trailhead. By itself the Mojave Connector is a worthy hike but parts of it are probably way too rough for all but the most expert mountain bikers. If you would like to see it for yourself then all you have to do is 'Take a hike'.