MODERATE: Dixie Mountain Loop with Summit

Moderate Hike: Dixie Mountain Loop with Summit
Date: December 29, 2025
Hike Leader - Paul Feeney (480-843-9547)
Trail Distance: 5.2 miles; AEG 960 feet
Dixie Mountain Loop in Phoenix Sonoran Desert Preserve
Trail Head Elevation: 1566 feet
105 miles R/T; Driver Fee $9
Meetup: 7:45 Cottonwood parking lot

Hike Description: The Phoenix Sonoran Desert Preserve is a large area north of Phoenix that contains several trails. A popular one is the Dixie Mountain Loop Trail. It is a lollipop trail that starts with a 0.4 mile stick. That stick is a 300’ climb that includes a great horned owl nest. It then loops with gradual elevation changes while winding around hills and through saddle points to the offshoot for the Dixie Mountain peak. A relatively short but steep section climbs 250’ to the 2277’ peak, which yields great 360 degree views of the whole area. After descending from the peak, the loop continues through more hills and saddles back to the stick and then the parking lot. Be prepared for few sections of shade. All sections of the trail are well-maintained.

Driving Directions: From Cottonwood to the Desert Vista Trailhead
Leave Cottonwood parking lot and turn right onto Riggs Road for 0.5 miles. Turn left onto Alma School Road for 5 miles. Turn left onto 202 W ramp for 2 miles. Take exit 50A to 101 N for 37 miles. Take exit 23 BC to 17 N for 5 miles. Take exit 219 for Jomax Road. Turn right onto Jomax Road for 0.5 miles. Turn left onto Norterra Parkway for 1.3 miles. Turn right onto N Valley Parkway for 0.2 miles. Turn left onto W Copper Head Trail for 0.2 miles. Turn left onto Melvern trail for 0.2 miles. And finally, turn right onto W Desert Vista Trail for 0.3 miles. There are lots of signs for the trailhead once you get close, but is most easily found by entering the Desert Vista Trailhead into Google maps. The trailhead has a nice parking lot with bathroom facilities.