2020 Legal Notice
The legal non-technical route is 1-2-3-4-3-2-1 as described in MLDV below. Never go on private property without permission.
Summary space is reserved. Triplogs tell the story well.
Warning:
Extreme outing, majority of trek is off trail scrambling to class four ( class three if you choose wisely ) that requires nerves of steel.
Trail data is likely inaccurate. It's unlikely the same route will be taken twice until you get to know the peaks on a personal basis.
For clarification, peaks are noted as North to South:
Brown's Peak 7657(1)
Brother Peak 7642(2)
Sister Peak 7572(3)
Amethyst Peak 7524(4)
The name "Four Peaks Mother Lode" was dubbed in 2003 on a 4-3-2-1 approach. It crosses private property, which is no longer being granted. Stay legal with the 1-2-3-4-3-2-1 approach.
The term MLDV - "Mother Lode Dos Veces" surfaced in 2009. Meaning over the peaks and back (7 summits) 1-2-3-4-3-2-1.
View this graph of the route going backwards starting at (4).
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.
Permit $$
None
Directions
Road
FR / Jeep Road - Car possible when dry
To Lone Pine Trailhead From Scottsdale follow Shea Blvd East to its terminus at SR87. Turn Left onto SR87. Follow SR87(this is the Beeline) to the Four Peaks Turnoff which is FR143. FR143 is well marked. Follow FR143 for about 19 miles of sheer hell in a car to the Mazatzal Divide. Turn right here onto FR648 and follow about 2 miles to the trailhead.
From Mesa by CannondaleKid ( 2018-07-20 ) From Red Mountain 202 & AZ 87/Country Club Dr
5.0 miles = AZ 87/Gilbert Road intersection
11.7 miles = AZ 87/Shea Boulevard intersection
13.7 miles = AZ 87/Fort McDowell (Casino) Road intersection
21.9 miles = AZ 87/Bush Highway overpass
26.7 miles = AZ 87/Four Peaks Road (FR 143) Turn RIGHT
From AZ 87/Beeline Highway & FR 143/Four Peaks Rd
0.81 miles = Four Peaks Recreational Parking Lot Continue straight
1.43 miles = Secondary Recreational Parking Lot Continue straight
2.08 miles = Recreational Parking Lot at Forest Road 401 Bear LEFT
3.38 miles = Forest Road 11 (Great Western Trail) 90-degree RIGHT turn
4.05 miles = Forest Road 1521 90-degree curve LEFT
10.87 miles = Forest Road 143A (Cline TH) Sharp 160-degree RIGHT turn
14.98 miles = Mud Spring TH Bear LEFT and continue
17.75 miles = Cattle Guard/Forest Road 648 Sharp 180-degree RIGHT turn
19.10 miles = Lone Pine Trailhead End of FR 648
From PHX (I-10 & AZ-51) 60.6 mi - about 2 hours 2 mins From TUC (Jct 1-10 & Grant) 159 mi - about 3 hours 21 mins From FLG (Jct I-17 & I-40) 161 mi - about 3 hours 15 mins
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