Arizona Trailblazers Hiking Club
Union Hills Loop Day Hike
| when |
Trip Report :
April 2, 2016
|
| |
Trip Report :
January 22, 2011
|
| where |
Phoenix Sonoran Preserve
|
| the hike |
Dixie Mountain Loop was the first new trail, built in 2010, in the Sonoran
Preserve. It is accessible from the Desert Vista Trailhead near I-17 and Jomax.
The terrain is hilly with paloverde, saguaro, cholla, creosote and brittlebush.
You’ll still see some housing developments on some portions of the trail,
but it is a nice way to get some exercise in town without the crowds of the
other city parks. The 6 miles includes both side spurs to the hilltops, which
will add a little extra cardio boost and give us views of Four Peaks in the
distance.
Hikers wanting to extend the loop can also include the Valle Verde Trail, the
Desert Tortoise Trail, and the Hawk’s Nest Trail.
|
| distance |
6 miles |
| time |
3-4 hours |
| EC |
+-1300' elevation change |
| elevations |
1,621' (Desert Vista Trailhead) to 2261' (Dixie Peak) |
| type |
figure-6 |
| starting at |
| Desert Vista Trailhead |
33° 44.463' N, 112° 5.817' W [NAD27]
|
|
| on trail |
100% — Dixie Mountain Loop |
| rating |
"C"
Rate yourself as a hiker. |
| dogs? |
no |
| cost |
Sharing gas expenses with the driver.
The club also allows voluntary contributions of $5 per non-member. |
| weather |
Phoenix |
| meet |
7:00 AM in the
Fry’s parking lot on the SW corner of I-17 & Bell Road.
Park behind Denny’s, near the entrance to the Deer Valley Park & Ride.
|
| drive |
To reach the Desert Vista Trailhead and its connecting paths which are open
to hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders:
| • |
Exit I-17 at Jomax Road and head east until the road ends. |
| • |
Go left on Norterra Parkway about 1.3 miles until the road ends. |
| • |
Turn right on North Valley Parkway drive about a quarter mile
(CVS on the northeast Corner).
|
| • |
Go left on Copperhead Trail, then take the first left to
Melvern Trail. The Fireside clubhouse is on the right.
|
| • |
On Melvern Trail, take the first right, drive straight back
through the gate. Follow the road to the parking lot.
|
| • |
Desert Vista Trail starts at the parking lot. |
| • |
No restrooms or water at this trailhead. |
|