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    Hawk’s Nest and Dixie Mountain Loop

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Moderate
    Duration
    This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
    2.5-3h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    9.0 km
    Elevation
    This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
    244 m
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
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    Directions to Trailhead

    The Hawk's Nest and Dixie Mountain Loop is a 9.0 km 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.

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    Route Description for Hawk’s Nest and Dixie Mountain Loop

    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.

    Getting to the Hawk’s Nest and Dixie Mountain Loop Trailhead

    The trailhead for the Hawk's Nest and Dixie Mountain Loop is at the end of W Desert Vista Trail.

    Route Information

    • 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 Elevation Graph

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    Hawk’s Nest and Dixie Mountain Loop Reviews

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