FITNESS Dixie Mountain Loop - Sonoran Preserve

*** Please read all details before RSVPing! ***

This hike is a rolling bike path just wide enough for socializing, with a short trip to the summit of Dixie Mountain to add some adventure. We begin on the Hawk Nest Trail to access the loop, then traverse North across the desert in and out of some arroyos, with some up and down. There may be baby Owls visible from the Hawk Nest Trail depending on the time of year, and there is always the view of the burned out Ford Explorer further in! After celebrating on the summit of Dixie, we gradually descend South back to the Hawk Nest trail.

This is a fitness hike, and most of our attendees use this hike as part of their exercise regimen. We keep a strong pace, even in the heat of the summer. Don't be offended if some people don't talk as much--they're trying to get their sweat on.

This hike is not recommended for beginners or those just getting back into hiking because of the length and pace. If you haven't been hiking regularly recently, or if you haven't been hiking in the heat (during the summer months), PLEASE attend Sondra's beginning/intermediate hike at Dreamy Draw on Wednesday evening first. This will give you a gauge on your current fitness and heat tolerance levels.

YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY! There is no designated "sweeper" on this hike, meaning if you don't know the trail, you will need to keep up with the group. Honest assessment of your current fitness level and hiking abilities will be the best way to guarantee you have a safe and enjoyable hike.

• If you don't know the trail, please make sure you stay with someone in the group. If the group you're with still happens to get lost, you will be easier to find as a group than as an individual.

DOGS: Please leave the furry friends home for this one.

WHAT TO BRING : Water (2 liters - overestimate your water needs, because there is no place to refill on this trail), sunscreen or long sleeves for sun protection, electrolyte snacks (like Sports Beans, Gatorade gummies, etc), a headlight or flashlight because we can be out after dark!

REMINDER: Begin to HYDRATE throughout the day leading up to the hike. Don't try to take in a bunch of water an hour before hike time! Your body can process only so much water at a time; if you drink a lot the last hour before the hike, all you'll do is make it so you have to hit the bathroom before the hike starts, and you won't really be hydrated.

Meet time: 6:00

Distance: 4.76 miles

Elevation gain: 600'

Terrain: Well maintained bicycle trail with a short/steep hiking trail to the top

Rating: Difficult (pace)

Duration: 1.5 hours

Equipment: Your sturdy hiking shoes and at least some water. Also, a headlight or light source.

Park map (https://www.phoenix.gov/parkssite/Documents/095100.pdf)

Directions: From I-17, exit Jomax and go right (East) to Norterra Parkway. Go left (North) to North Valley Parkway. Turn Right (South) on N Valley Parkway, then go left on Copperhead trail, then left on Melvern, and then right on Desert Vista Trail. The parking area will be at the end. The address above seems to work on Mapquest, not on google. When in doubt, use my directions