Hawk's Nest and Dixie Mountain Loop
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Hawk's Nest and Dixie Mountain Loop
Difficulty Rating:
The Hawk's Nest and Dixie Mountain Loop is a 5.6mi moderate hike in Phoenix’s Sonoran Desert Preserve. This hike leads you through rolling hills covered with saguaro, cholla, and nesting birds of prey. This loop shows off much of the preserve, making it a fun, varied adventure. Wear good boots to help with rocky sections and expect moderate traffic.
Getting there
The trailhead for the Hawk's Nest and Dixie Mountain Loop is at the end of W Desert Vista Trail.
About
| Backcountry Campground | No |
| When to do | October-May |
| Pets allowed | Yes - On Leash |
| Family friendly | Yes |
| Route Signage | Average |
| Crowd Levels | Moderate |
| Route Type | Loop |
Hawk's Nest and Dixie Mountain Loop
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Hawk's Nest and Dixie Mountain Loop Description
The Hawk’s Nest and Dixie Mountain Loop is a hike in Phoenix’s Sonoran Desert Preserve that shows off the beauty of the Sonoran Desert. This hike is lined by saguaro (sometimes with nesting owls perched in their arms), lots of teddy bear cholla, and rolling mountain peaks. This loop leads you all around the preserve, offering a delightfully varied view.
This hike is moderate and we’d consider it suitable for strong beginners and better. As with all hikes in the Phoenix area, make sure you bring lots of water with you and consider wearing sun protection. Time your hike outside of the heat of the day.
From the trailhead, our route travels counterclockwise. You’ll hike on Desert Tortoise Trail, going right at the first fork. Continue on this trail until you reach the junction with Dixie Mountain Loop and take a right. If you wanted to add on an ascent of Dixie Mountain, go left up the summit trail and then return to the fork. Hike around the base of the mountain and its foothills, following Dixie Mountain Loop as it travels through the preserve. It will eventually lead you back to the trailhead.
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