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the Hawes Trail Alliance
What is the Hawes Trail Alliance?
Hawes Trail Alliance is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization in Mesa, AZ. HTA was formed to help build, maintain and enhance the Hawes Trail System to be enjoyed by bikers, hikers, and all outdoor enthusiasts for generations to come.
View this profile on InstagramHawes Trail Alliance (@hawestrailalliance) • Instagram photos and videos
How to Support HTA
- Volunteer and Participate in Events
- Donate
- Buy Swag or become a Member
- Have your Business or Company Donate to the HTA 501-(c)3.
- Use the Trails, keep them clean.
- Smile at Trail Users
Tonto NF approves Hawes system parking upgrades - Mesa Tribune

The Tonto National Forest is addressing parking issues on the public lands just north of Mesa and boosting the city’s credentials as a mountain biking destination with the recent approval of new parking lots to serve the Hawes Trail System.
The Hawes Trail Alliance now has 501 (c)(3) status.

Sometimes the IRS brings good news –
“We’re pleased to tell you we determined you’re exempt from federal income tax under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 501 (c)(3). Donors can deduct contributions they make to you under IRC Section 170. You’re also qualified to receive tax deductible bequests, devises, transfers or gifts under Section 2055, 2106, or 2522.” Whoo Hoo!
Hawes Trail Alliance Adds Board of Directors Member

MESA, Ariz. – Hawes Trail Alliance (“HTA”) is excited to announce changes to its Board of Directors. On May 18, 2022, Dave Welsh became HTA’s newest Board of Directors member, joining the three Founding Board Members, Michael Norberg, Tom Stapley and Grant Taylor, along with last year’s addition, Crystal Petrocelli.
MESA, Ariz.– The Hawes Trail Alliance (HTA) is thrilled to announce a three-year partnership with M.R. Tanner Construction that will focus on maintaining, enhancing, and expanding the Hawes Trail System to be enjoyed by residents of Mesa, Maricopa, and Pinal counties, as well as outdoor enthusiasts everywhere. As a Title Sponsor, MR Tanner Construction will provide $50,000 a year (a total gift of $150,000) to be the catalyst for developing new trails and trailheads, expanding and improving parking lots; and improving signage, safety, and user education.
By: Shanti Lerner, Arizona Republic
Sometimes it takes bold action by one small group to improve the quality of life for the wider community. That’s the story of the Hawes Trail Alliance, a nonprofit organization formed in 2018 in partnership with Tonto National Forest to help maintain and expand the Hawes Trail, a vast recreational trail system in northeast Mesa.
The group is headed by founders Grant D. Taylor, Thomas Stapley, Crystal Petrocelli and Michael Norberg, all Mesa residents. Over the past three years it has built over 28 miles of new trails in the Hawes Trail System, maintained and upgraded 34 miles of existing trails and created new trailheads. Hundreds of volunteers have logged over 55,000 hours and raised over $350,000…..

“We are both ecstatic and grateful for Invitation Homes and their leadership team, to see the need and value of becoming a Title Sponsor of Hawes Trail Alliance. Invitation Homes is not only contributing significant funds to help build out the Master Trail Plan vision but also will be involving their employees and residents with the opportunity to individually give back to their community through service and volunteer workdays,” said Grant Taylor, chairman of the board for HTA…
Hawes Trail Alliance was formed in December 2018 and we’ve been on the go ever since! In just over two years, we have created a Hawes Master Trail Plan, organized nearly 5,000 hours of volunteer time and raised nearly $100,000 in donations. Today, HTA is excited to announce changes to its Board of Directors. As of February 1, 2021, Crystal Petrocelli, became HTA’s newest Board of Directors member, joining the three Founding Board Members, Michael Norberg, Tom Stapley and Grant Taylor. Additionally, Grant has been appointed as Chairman of the Board. Grant has been the guiding force behind the 501 (c) organization and the addition of Crystal will allow him to continue to keep HTA moving forward with its vision into the future.
Crystal has been an integral part of HTA from its inception, serving on the Advisory Board in many capacities. She brings added enthusiasm, local knowledge, and passion. Crystal will help manage and implement the recently approved “Master Trail Plan” for Hawes with specific responsibilities over trail building, trail maintenance and trail sustainability. She will be working closely with other key HTA Trail Advisory Board Members and volunteers to create the best trail system in the state of Arizona. Crystal will also oversee HTA’s social media presence with the assistance of other Advisory Board Members.
HTA is fortunate to have so many dedicated volunteers and passionate supporters who have helped make Hawes better and better. A quick recap of some of what has been accomplished since HTA was formed:
- 23 Total trails built rolling out 27.62 new miles of track!
- We still plan to add over 7.2 miles across 8 different trails!
HTA continues to march forward with the implementation of the Master Plan, focusing on the buildout of the remaining trails, trail and user safety, designated trailheads, real parking solutions, signage, trail etiquette/awareness, and education.
Lastly, we want to thank our army of volunteers and supporters who collectively donated almost $100,000 as well as thousands of hours of time all during a pandemic! INCREDIBLE!!! It is our volunteers who not only have helped start the construction and realization of this shared vision of the expanded and improved Hawes Trails, but they have become part of something outside themselves, something greater; they have become part of the HTA Family! They aren’t necessarily donors, as much as investors in The Hawes Trails. Thank you for the blood, sweat, money, time, and efforts. This is the true magic of HTA.
“Life is an echo. What you send out comes back. What you sow you reap. What you give you get. What you see in others exists in you.” ― Zig Ziglar
Join The April 2022 Virtual Strava Race
Mountain Bike Events:
April 2022
Post your Ride on STRAVA
We Have Approved the Master Trail Plan!
Explore Hawes
Take a peek inside our Wonderworld with the Hawes Trail Alliance
Total Approved 25.2
Total Social 12.8
Total Proposed 16.7
Total Hawes Trail System Miles 54.7

News And Events
- Trail Conditions - Epic Year Round
- News Articles
- Trail Maps
Nobody in The Hawes Trail Alliance is Paid for Their Work - We are all Volunteers!
Likewise, as you explore this website you will find that we are all volunteers. However, we love the Hawes Trail System we sometimes act like we get paid. Most of us use these trails more than once a week, therefore, they are a big part of our life. We want you to learn more about what we do so we can raise awareness, gather volunteers, and raise money for safe trail heads, parking lots, signs, and approve and build new trails.
Business That Have Donated to HTA
Proud donation members of the HTA also own local businesses that we love to support and promote throughout our community of riders, runners, and trail enthusiasts.
Some of the businesses that have donated are:
Invitation Homes- Check them out for local Home listings, home leases, and awesome communities across the Valley.
PRI Graphics and Designs- Can help you with any screen printing, banner creation, and awesome graphic or logo branding!
Hawes House – Local Bike shop with the best bike products, and bike repair team in the valley. We couldn’t do this without their help and support.
We are happy to support and promote your business with the help of some donations. Learn how to donate to your local community trails below.