Dome Mountain Hike

Dome Mountain is a rewarding hike that sees relatively little traffic. Easily accessed from the northern reaches of Apache Junction, it’s a quick trip for those in town. Well, as quick as you can contend with the last mile of the hike, which steepens considerably and is prone to overgrowth. Good boots, long pants, and a GPS route are all recommended for this adventure.

Note that it can get extremely hot in this area. We don’t recommend trying this hike in the summertime. Bring lots of water any time you head out on the trails in this region and consider sunscreen and a hat for added sun protection.

The route begins from the end of N Cactus Road. The first two miles aren’t all that exciting, with a flat trail through the desert leading you up to the foot of Doe Mountain. Get through this section of the hike quickly and the fun begins.

The last mile is much steeper. Take your time, avoid the cholla beside the trail, and take breathers to admire the ever-expanding view as you go. At the top, take in the awesome view over the surrounding mountains and the Phoenix area before retracing your steps back down.