Dixie Mountain Loop
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Dixie Mountain Loop
Difficulty Rating:
The Dixie Mountain Loop is a 4.6mi moderate hike in Phoenix’s Sonoran Desert Preserve. This hike is suitable for strong beginners. It leads you through rolling hills dotted with saguaro, cholla, and nesting birds of prey. This loop shows off much of the preserve after leading you up Dixie Mountain, allowing you to see the scenery both from a vantage point and from the ground. Expect heavy traffic on this hike.
Getting there
The trailhead for the 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 | High |
| Route Type | Loop |
Dixie Mountain Loop
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Dixie Mountain Loop Description
The 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 up to the top of Dixie Mountain and then 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 Hawk’s Nest Trail, staying left at the first fork. The second fork is where the loop splits. Go right onto Dixie Mountain Loop. stay left at the next fork and then take a left to climb uphill on the trail to the summit. Take a moment to appreciate this vantage point before making your way down the mountain.
Stay left at the fork to continue on the Dixie Mountain Loop as it travels northwest. The route will turn south, weaving between the hills. Continue along the trail until it returns you to the trailhead.
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