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Easy Owl Fix by Barrett The Phoenix Sonoran Preserve's Hawks Nest Trail starts at the Desert Vista Trailhead, climbing steadily to a Cholla choked saddle that gains access to the Dixie Mountain Loop and the parks interior. What would otherwise be an uneventful half-mile is made eventful by the Great Horned Owl nest located on the northwest side about 0.4 miles up. The nest, like other saguaro nests, was originally constructed by Crows, Ravens, or Red Tailed Hawks and taken over by a yearly nesting of the amazing Owls. The pairs mate in January, and the babies arrive a month later, usually leaving the nest by May. A great view of the nest is possible due to the trail passing close and nearly at the same level. The adults and Owlets can usually be seen during daylight hours during those months, with the adult hunting in the morning and evening. The trail, like others in the park, is relatively smooth, and you will typically see as many bikers as hikers on the weekends. Although a great destination for the very young and old due to it's distance, it's AEG makes it somewhat more challenging for those who are used to flat trails. There's no shade along the way, but the Palo Verde, Creosote, Brittlebush, Saguaro, Barrel Cactus, Buckhorn and Teddybear Cholla make for a decent Sonoran stroll. A popular hike is to use this trail and continue on the Dixie Mountain Loop to create a lasso, bagging the two peaks along the way via spur trails. A good description of this by MEWhiteman can be found under "Union Hills Loop". Check out the Official Route and Triplogs. Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.
One-Way Notice This hike is listed as One-Way. When hiking several trails on a single "hike", log it with a generic name that describes the hike. Then link the trails traveled, check out the example. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.
Most recent of 47 deeper Triplog Reviews
Hawk's Nest Trail - Sonoran Preserve
Started out really humid so I let Rowdy take a few extra breaks.
Once we reached the top the weather really change and we both enjoy it.
The first thing that change was the wind it was a cool breeze going up but all at once it turned cold.
I knew we were in for some more changes and we got the blowing rain. And the last quarter of a mile it just dumped on us.
It has been a while since we hiked in such great weather.
Once we reached the top the weather really change and we both enjoy it.
The first thing that change was the wind it was a cool breeze going up but all at once it turned cold.
I knew we were in for some more changes and we got the blowing rain. And the last quarter of a mile it just dumped on us.
It has been a while since we hiked in such great weather.
2019-09-23 RowdyandMe
Hawk's Nest Trail - Sonoran Preserve
After five plus hours of driving to visit the Ancha on Saturday, we kept it simple and close to home on Sunday. The beautiful hiking weather made up for the stale scenery and the dogs certainly did mind the less than stellar hiking destinations. The trails were busy, but nothing to over whelming and plenty of friendly people out.
2018-02-25 friendofThundergod
Hawk's Nest Trail - Sonoran Preserve
Just a glorified dog walk with the pups. Nice temps and great late afternoon conditions. The trails were a little busy near the trailhead, but still a pleasant walk with the pups. We knocked out Dixie and Union "peaks" along the way, making our own variation of the Dixie Mountain Loop.
2017-12-26 friendofThundergod
Hawk's Nest Trail - Sonoran Preserve
Well this day did not start out well. Rowdy and I were heading to the McDowell Mountain to get in a hike and we hade nothing plan so I figured once we were there I would pick out hike. As we were passing underneath the 51 I had a blowout driver front tire.
My first mistake was trying to change tires. Those lug nuts are on so tight that I hurt my shoulder trying to get them lose. So I gave up and called roadside service which told it would be at least an hour. After it got change it was time to buy a new tire while we waited for that we just kind of checked out some shops along the way. And then on to REI check out a couple of Garmin and was surprised when I asked an employee where would I find men's hiking shorts and she pretty much said that they have hiking pants and only a couple of pair of shorts till next spring.
After that I took Rowdy over to Juan Jaimes for lunch and then home. We did get out a knocked off this short one which is better than nothing.
My first mistake was trying to change tires. Those lug nuts are on so tight that I hurt my shoulder trying to get them lose. So I gave up and called roadside service which told it would be at least an hour. After it got change it was time to buy a new tire while we waited for that we just kind of checked out some shops along the way. And then on to REI check out a couple of Garmin and was surprised when I asked an employee where would I find men's hiking shorts and she pretty much said that they have hiking pants and only a couple of pair of shorts till next spring.
After that I took Rowdy over to Juan Jaimes for lunch and then home. We did get out a knocked off this short one which is better than nothing.
2017-11-28 RowdyandMe
Hawk's Nest Trail - Sonoran Preserve
Phoenix Sonoran Preserve website states that the park is open from 5am to 7pm. Got to the Desert Vista trailhead just before 6am to find a line of cars waiting for the park ranger to open the gate. Crazy humidity made today's hike with harem member Maria quite unpleasant. Someone placed a summit register at Union Peak. Creative Maria left an interesting entry with yesterday's date 
One of my favorite city hikes!
One of my favorite city hikes!2017-09-04 Nightstalker
Hawk's Nest Trail - Sonoran Preserve
After work jog. Went out to the Sonoran South Preserve. Did the Hawk Nest and then did the Dixie Mountian Loop CCW. Always seems like a rougher run than it should be and today was no exception. Weather was a little warm, but there was a nice breeze and the occasional cloud which made it quite pleasant. No wildlife, except for a family of quail.
2017-05-22 mt98dew
Hawk's Nest Trail - Sonoran Preserve
Union Peak Loop-West
A great day to be out on a Trail anywhere. I decided to do this Loop from the west side as I did it from the east side last time.
It is a great way to hit Union Peak from the south. The trail is not as easy as it is from the north. There are more switchbacks going up and really I don't think I will ever hike down it but that's just me.
Wildflowers
Poppies everywhere
It is a great way to hit Union Peak from the south. The trail is not as easy as it is from the north. There are more switchbacks going up and really I don't think I will ever hike down it but that's just me.
Wildflowers
Poppies everywhere
2017-03-02 RowdyandMe
Hawk's Nest Trail - Sonoran Preserve
Cactus Wren-Great Horned Owl Loop
Well it was a wet hike and we never seen anyone until head down Hawks Nest Trail.
With all the rain it is like I am hiking some place else. I am really going to enjoy Spring when it gets here.
There should be a very nice display of flowers this year.
My new insoles seem to help but I still am adjusting to them.
With all the rain it is like I am hiking some place else. I am really going to enjoy Spring when it gets here.
There should be a very nice display of flowers this year.
My new insoles seem to help but I still am adjusting to them.
2017-01-19 RowdyandMe
Hawk's Nest Trail - Sonoran Preserve
It really was great to get out today with Rowdy. I had my granddaughter for the tree day weekend for her 15th birthday. So Rowdy was really glad to be on the trail again.
The really sad part is the way Joe list things on the menu as hiking, run/jog, hang gliding and storm chasing. If he would add sale chasing and mall walking I would have the most miles this month.
When we asked our granddaughter what she wanted to do for her birthday weekend she said shopping and she got an extra day to shop.
Well I think I walk over a hundred miles going back and forth waiting on my wife and granddaughter. They spent over an hour and half in a store called Pink. We shopped a three malls a few shopping centers and my ankle is killing me.
But today's hike was a real relaxer for me. Just Rowdy and me and the desert just the way I like it. When we reached the trailhead there was only one car.
It was not to hot but seemed very humid. I really had to hike in mind we just started hiking and I turn when ever I felt like it. When we reached the trailhead I saw this very beautiful young women and of course her mom. I did ask if I could take her picture and she said no so I let it go. This was the second time I seen a beautiful women on a trail with a wedding dress flowers posing for pictures in the sunset awesome.
Oh and I did talk to another park ranger about my last encounter with another park ranger. She knew who he was and laugh. I showed her that Rowdy was on a leash and that the signs don't say that I have to hold the leash and she laugh again of course Rowdy came over for her to pet him and she did.
I told her about the beer incident with the other ranger and of course he really doesn't know the rules. The signs are all the same everywhere but beer permits are for city parks and not preserves.
Hoping for another good hike tomorrow. Sorry if I bored anyone.
The really sad part is the way Joe list things on the menu as hiking, run/jog, hang gliding and storm chasing. If he would add sale chasing and mall walking I would have the most miles this month.
When we asked our granddaughter what she wanted to do for her birthday weekend she said shopping and she got an extra day to shop.
Well I think I walk over a hundred miles going back and forth waiting on my wife and granddaughter. They spent over an hour and half in a store called Pink. We shopped a three malls a few shopping centers and my ankle is killing me.
But today's hike was a real relaxer for me. Just Rowdy and me and the desert just the way I like it. When we reached the trailhead there was only one car.
It was not to hot but seemed very humid. I really had to hike in mind we just started hiking and I turn when ever I felt like it. When we reached the trailhead I saw this very beautiful young women and of course her mom. I did ask if I could take her picture and she said no so I let it go. This was the second time I seen a beautiful women on a trail with a wedding dress flowers posing for pictures in the sunset awesome.
Oh and I did talk to another park ranger about my last encounter with another park ranger. She knew who he was and laugh. I showed her that Rowdy was on a leash and that the signs don't say that I have to hold the leash and she laugh again of course Rowdy came over for her to pet him and she did.
I told her about the beer incident with the other ranger and of course he really doesn't know the rules. The signs are all the same everywhere but beer permits are for city parks and not preserves.
Hoping for another good hike tomorrow. Sorry if I bored anyone.
2016-09-06 RowdyandMe
Hawk's Nest Trail - Sonoran Preserve
Well again we were the only the only ones at the trailhead and that is nice. We got started just after 11am and it was warm and humid. Rowdy struggled a little with the humidity and so did I. We stopped and took more breaks and longer breaks. I was not on a schedule and no particular place to be so we took it easy.
We got within a half a mile from the end of Cactus Wren Trail and I decided to turn back and get Rowdy home.
We stopped and Rowdy found some nice shade so I put my pack down gave him water. I decided to do a little exploring while Rowdy rested. I did check out a old mine that has been filled in and then walked up what looked like an old road but did not find anything. When I got back Rowdy was ready and I planned on some more breaks for Rowdy but he did not them as the weather change again.
The clouds blocked out the sun which Rowdy loved and as we moved toward the Valle Verde Trail. Once on the Valle Verde Trail the winds picked https://youtu.be/5g ... 9KS0. And shortly after the rains and hail came. I decided to head up to the Dixie Mountain Loop Trail. Once we were on the trail the rains let up and we headed toward the Hawks Nest Trail and by that time the weather improved so I decided to do the loop but as we headed down the trail the rain picked up and then I called it a day and turned around and headed back to the trailhead and then home.
We got within a half a mile from the end of Cactus Wren Trail and I decided to turn back and get Rowdy home.
We stopped and Rowdy found some nice shade so I put my pack down gave him water. I decided to do a little exploring while Rowdy rested. I did check out a old mine that has been filled in and then walked up what looked like an old road but did not find anything. When I got back Rowdy was ready and I planned on some more breaks for Rowdy but he did not them as the weather change again.
The clouds blocked out the sun which Rowdy loved and as we moved toward the Valle Verde Trail. Once on the Valle Verde Trail the winds picked https://youtu.be/5g ... 9KS0. And shortly after the rains and hail came. I decided to head up to the Dixie Mountain Loop Trail. Once we were on the trail the rains let up and we headed toward the Hawks Nest Trail and by that time the weather improved so I decided to do the loop but as we headed down the trail the rain picked up and then I called it a day and turned around and headed back to the trailhead and then home.
2016-08-03 RowdyandMe
