Sunday Morning Dreamy Draw Black Diamonds Tour (Difficult)

Come join us for a short, beautiful morning hike that is fairly difficult at Phoenix Mountains Preserve/Dreamy Draw! There is a large amount of elevation gain in a short amount of time, so this hike is not for beginners. This hike includes all the best views and my favorite parts of Dreamy Draw. Most of the city views in every direction from the park are included in the hike. The hike will be at a pace to meet people and enjoy nature, and we'll take breaks for photos and as otherwise needed.

We'll take Perl Charles trail up to Irregular Link 1B where we will start our climb. We'll see gorgeous views of Phoenix and even downtown before we hang a left onto Freedom Trail for a rocky and somewhat difficult ascent. We'll stop and rest at the top of Freedom Trail before we descend the other side. We'll take a left onto VOAZ trail for more views of the city and an old rattlesnake glyph as we descend back to Perl Charles and come back down the mountain via Christiansen and Dreamy Draw Link.

Distance: approx 3.25 miles in and out
Time: approx 2 hours
Elevation gain: 1000-1100 ft
Expected Temps: Mid 70s (start) to Mid 80s (finish)

We’ll meet at the area by the water fountains, which are at the largest structure visible from the parking lot at 7:00 am. We'll leave at 7:10. Keep climbing the stairs until you see the largest pavilion. If you see the trail maps, turn around and you're in the right spot. My phone is 303-596-0206 if you need to reach me.

Trail Composition: Dirt, loose rocks, gravel, with steep and narrow rocky sections.

Bring: WATER (2 liters), hats and sunscreen.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS: The Dreamy Draw Recreation Area is located at the END of Northern, just East of SR-51. The park access gate closes promptly at 7:00 pm but the exit gate is always open. If you are coming either North or Southbound on SR-51, take exit # 7 (Northern).

Please understand, hiking has its dangers. By signing up and attending this, and any 3H events, you are responsible for your own safety, and organizers and their assistants cannot be held responsible for any injuries or other mishaps that may occur.