Dixie Mountain Loop

Having recently relocated to the desert from the South, the Dixie Mountain Loop sounded like the perfect destination for our Saturday hike. And it sure was. We arrived to a full parking lot at the Desert Vista Trailhead in the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve, a common occurrence at area trails on the weekends, I'm beginning to understand. Fortunately, a few cars were leaving as we were pulling in, so we were happily on the trail without delay.

View from the Dixie Mountain Loop

The Hawk's Nest Trail provides access from the trailhead to the Dixie Mountain Loop. Though it's a steady climb to the junction with the loop trail, it's a gentle grade and serves as a good kick-start for the 5.72-mile hike. The loop trail itself is a pretty easy walk with two short summit spur trails. The Western Vista and Dixie Summit trails are both steep, but at .34 and .22 miles, respectively, you are at the top and enjoying the scenery in a very short time.

Along the Dixie Mountain Loop

Dixie Mountain, as seen from the Western Vista Trail

Reaching the top of Dixie Mountain was, unsurprisingly, the highlight of the day, but the entire hike was superb. Considering the situation we faced in the parking lot, it didn't seem like we encountered a great number of people along the trail. When compared with many of the popular trails around town, the foot traffic here was exceptionally light.

The Western Vista Trail, as seen from Dixie Mountain

We closed the loop and headed back the way we came on the Hawk's Nest Trail to complete another fantastic outing in the warm winter sun. The Dixie Mountain Loop was just what the doctor ordered for this Tennessee transplant with a kidney transplant. Check with your doctor to see if the Dixie Mountain Loop is right for you!

Atop Dixie Mountain