Dixie Mountain

Dixie Peak is located in Phoenix’s Sonoran Preserve on the North Side of the Metro Area is a 3.4 mile out and back trail.  The Desert Vista Trailhead has limited parking with an additional area for trailer parking.  This is a multiuse trail so hikers can expect to run into mountain bikers on the trail.  The trail starts out on the Hawks Nest Trail and hikers will start ascending gradually as soon as they leave the trailhead. 

It doesn’t take long for hikers to feel removed from the subdivision they just left.  At 0.4 miles hikers will reach a saddle at which point they will turn right along the Dixie Mountain Loop.  Hikers will continue to ascend and the views will continue to manifest.  Hikers will walk through the Saguaros and Teddy Bear Chollas during this portion of the trail.  Hikers will turn a corner and have broad views of the mountains to the north.  The hike continues at a gradual ascent and the trail continues to wind up the side of the mountain. 

The final 0.2 miles of trail Is the steepest and is composted with a series of switchbacks.  There is loose rock and sand on the switchbacks so hikers should take their time going up and down.  Once hikers reach the summit they are rewarded with 360 views of the surrounding desert.  There is plenty of area at the summit to sit down and take a break.

Hikers will return down the switchback and they can turn left at the first intersection and complete the Dixie Mountain Loop.  They can also return the way they came.  This hike is a wonderful way to get away from the city.  The trail feels very remote even though it’s very close to the city.  The trail has little shade so hikers should be prepared for the heat and fill up on water at the trailhead.