Valle Verde Loop
This route is a loop hike in the Sonoran Desert Preserve that shows off Dixie Mountain and Union Peak in addition to a quick ascent of Union Peak. The desert scenery is great and the difficulty level is fairly accessible, making it a good hike for families, beginners, and more advanced hikers who want a more laid-back adventure. Expect light traffic on this route.
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Route Description for Valle Verde Loop
This hike leads you through the hills and up to the top of Union Peak in the Phoenix Sonoran Desert Preserve. From the top of this little peak, you’ll have a great view of nearby Dixie Mountain and the rest of the hills in this area. This route is good for all skill levels and generally isn’t very busy. Try it in the evening when the golden hour glow warms up the desert landscape.
As with all hikes in the Phoenix area, plan to bring water with you, consider wearing sun protection, and avoid hiking during the heat of the day.
From the trailhead, take Hawk’s Nest Trail to where the loop splits. Stay right onto Desert Tortoise Trail. When you reach the next two junctions, which are back-to-back, stay right through both onto Valle Verde Trail. At the next loop split, go left to stay on this trail. You’ll head up to the top of Union Peak and back down, taking two left on Cactus Wren Trail. Continue back to Valle Verde and then left onto Desert Tortoise. Take this back to Hawk’s Nest and the trailhead.
Getting to the Valle Verde Loop Trailhead
The trailhead for this hike is at the end of W Desert Vista Trail.
Route Information
Valle Verde Loop Elevation Graph
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