Dixie Peak from 40th St. Trailhead

Dogs Leashed

Features Views · Wildflowers

Dixie Peak is a less-crowded alternate to nearby Piestewa, providing a different vantage point over the Phoenix Mountains and metro area. You'll enjoy views of both Camelback and Piestewa from the summit, but you'll really have to earn them with the steep switchbacks that scale its rocky slopes.

From the 40th Street Trailhead, start out on L.V. Yates Trail that leads due south. You'll soon cross Trail 100 - Charles M. Christiansen Memorial Trail and keep going. There are no signs marking the way to Dixie Peak, and several trails crisscross each other, so pay attention to your map and try to keep your bearings. The quickest way is on L.V. Yates Access trail (not signed) that heads due south from T100 as a wide path.

Eventually this trail makes a sharp hook to the east, toward the mountain, and narrower trail branches off to head up a gully. This steeper trail is the one to take. This is where the grueling switchbacks begin, but they'll be over soon enough. First you'll reach a saddle at the top of the gully and get views of Piestewa and Camelback. There's still the final push to the summit, but 360-degree views at the top are worth it. When you've had your fill of the vista, return to the trailhead the way you came or branch out to explore other trails within the park.