Hawk's Nest Trail - Sonoran Preserve, AZ

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 interior of the park. 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.


Like other saguaro nests, the nest 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 adults hunting in the morning and evening.Like others in the park, the trail 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 its distance, its AEG makes it somewhat more challenging for those who are used to flat trails. There's no shade along the way, but the Paloverde, Creosote, Brittlebush, Saguaro, Barrel Cactus, Buckhorn and Teddy-bear Cholla make for a decent Sonoran stroll.

A popular hike uses this trail and continues 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.

2014-06-14 Barrett