On a brisk Sunday morning, five motivated ladies set forth into the vast sonoron beauty of the McDowell Mountains. A concrete “feathered” path lead us to the actual trailhead.

Dixie Mine Trail provided us grand views of the sunrise, as well as majestic Four Peaks and it’s Mazatzal counterparts. As the sun-kissed glow of dawn danced across the surrounding landscape, we hiked our way to the road, immersed in great conversations; then looking up at our ascent to the Thompson Peak summit.

Unless one has travelled this route prior, it is hard to perfect the description: it is a mental and physical challenge, different for everyone.

We had a very motivated group of strong hikers and we conquered our goal: enjoying 360 degree views of awesomeness at the top!

Below Dixie Mine, we took a detour, seeing petroglyphs nestled in the quartz rock wash before returning to the trailhead.

Sonny, it was very nice to hike with you again! Cindy, Amy and Tonya, so glad to meet you! Thank you for sharing one of my favorite valley hikes! YOU GUYS ROCK!

11 miles, +-2000 feet.