Union Hills Loop • Hike • Arizona • All Triplogs • HikeArizona.COM

Guides 41
Routes 1,627
Photos 14,983
Triplogs 2,762

69 male

Joined Jan 20 2009
Far NE Phoenix,

Union Dixie and one makes Three, AZ

Hiking		Apr 02 2025
		The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,762

Hiking	11.66 Miles	2,175 AEG

Hiking	11.66 Miles	4 Hrs 8 Mns	2.96 mph
	2,175 ft AEG	12 Mns Break

Linked

10 linked trail guides

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Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

9:15 start after dropping my GS off at school. Traveling CW I planned to hit 3 peaks along the way.
Breezy to begin with turning to 40mph winds to finish. I hit unnamed peak 2080 first and continued to Dixie. I saw a smattering of hikers and one biker (That I saw 3 times).

Next up was Union. I almost cut the hike short because of darkening skies to the west. After consulting the radar, it looked like it was going to stay west.

Down from Union (which is my favorite of the 3) I made my was back to the lot. I got sprinkled on a bit hiking and a light rain as I was driving away.

_____________________

There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry

Mar 09 2024

Guides 21
Routes 1,183
Photos 36,909
Triplogs 1,571

69 female

Joined Feb 26 2004
Phoenix, AZ

Dixie Mountain Loop and Peak, AZ

Hiking		Mar 09 2024
		tibber • Triplogs 1,571

Hiking	5.47 Miles	1,022 AEG

Hiking	5.47 Miles	2 Hrs 8 Mns	2.67 mph
	1,022 ft AEG	5 Mns Break

Linked

linked

[ checklist ] Dichelostemma capitatum Brittlebush Coulter's Lupine Fiddleneck Mexican Gold Poppy Owl Clover Strawberry Hedgehog

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My elevation hike of the week. Bonus, getting to do it in the afternoon and the temp was just about right; especially when the sun hid a bit behind the clouds.

Oh the way up Hawk's Nest Trail, I stopped to say hello to the female owl, no babies that I could see. There was also the usual suspects of wildflowers scattered on each side of the trail. Once to the saddle I headed east (counterclockwise) on the Dixie Mountain Loop, as I went the other way the last time I was up here. The trail is wide and eventually goes up to give you a nice view to the valley and beyond.

I continued my way contouring the mountainside as I made my way closer to Dixie Peak. I gave thot to not doing it, but it came up faster than I expected so my feet said, "yes" and up I went. It's not a bad climb except for the last bit when you think you should have topped out and you have a little further to go. There were people on the summit so I didn't stay but a minute to get a picture. On the way up I noticed a lot of panels of some sort over by the TSMC plant; I zoomed to get a closer look.

And now down to continue my way. Here is where I usually run into a few lizards and today was no exception. One little guy was trying to race me, so cute. When I turned the corner and headed north there was more lupine along the trail and that would be the case for much of the hike. Heading west from the saddle I spotted a lot of poppies. They were scattered with only a few groupings so it made it hard to photograph. I noticed a lot more London Rocket, an additional invasive species with the Stinknet. And, of course, if you think wildflowers like rain, these species are even hardier

.

Heading south I would encounter a lot more lupine and poppies so I enjoyed that as I made my way up to Cholla Saddle. The light was slightly filtered so I got some decent pictures. My legs were tired a little ways back but they were snapping out of their funk. That's been happening a couple times. This getting older really sucks. And now to tackle the last long hill. I seemed to do fine so that put a smile on my face. I encountered a few hikers at the saddle with Hawk's Nest, checked in on the owl and completed the hike. I could have added on but there was a beer waiting and it won out, the first "Huck It" of the season.

WATCH 5.11 miles, 2:32-4:43 burning 870 calories. Elevation 1644-2332. 131 avg bpm/161 max with 10% in Zone 4 Anaerobic (149-167 bpm), 39% Zone 3 Aerobic (131-148 bpm) and 49% Zone 2 Weight Control (112-130 bpm). TEMP was a lovely 69.8, filtered sun from time to time and 29% humidity.

Not quite the same as last year around this time as it was the superbloom when I was treated to a stunning show: [ triplog ] (has the videos too).

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Common side-blotched lizard Great Horned Owl

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Cag Shot

Wildflowers Observation Moderate

_____________________

For me, sometimes it's just as much about the journey as the destination.
Oh, and once in awhile, don't forget to look back at the trail you've traveled.

Dec 06 2023

Guides 41
Routes 1,627
Photos 14,983
Triplogs 2,762

69 male

Joined Jan 20 2009
Far NE Phoenix,

Sonoran Preserve Loop, AZ

Hiking		Dec 06 2023
		The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,762

Hiking	5.88 Miles	839 AEG

Hiking	5.88 Miles	1 Hour 50 Mns		3.21 mph
	839 ft AEG		2 LBS Pack

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I needed something not too steep to test out my strained hamstring after all of last weeks AEG. This fit the bill.

A weird coincidence while out there. I was jammin' to some Zeppelin, on the backside of the loop, when I came across a guy hiking with an electric guitar. I've seen backpackers hiking with acoustic guitars, but an electric guitar with a day hiker.... just doesn't make sense. Good temps and clear sailing.

Nice temps out there.

_____________________

There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry

Nov 29 2023

Guides 41
Routes 1,627
Photos 14,983
Triplogs 2,762

69 male

Joined Jan 20 2009
Far NE Phoenix,

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Nov 29 2023
		The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,762

Hiking	6.06 Miles	1,311 AEG

Hiking	6.06 Miles	1 Hour 59 Mns		3.11 mph
	1,311 ft AEG	2 Mns Break	8 LBS Pack

no photosets

Linked

linked

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Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

A quick little leg stretcher after dropping my GS off.

Perfect weather, light breeze, only a few on trail.

_____________________

There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry

1 archive

Nov 19 2023

Guides 21
Routes 1,183
Photos 36,909
Triplogs 1,571

69 female

Joined Feb 26 2004
Phoenix, AZ

Tortoise UP Loop plus - Valle Dixie, AZ

Hiking		Nov 19 2023
		tibber • Triplogs 1,571

Hiking	7.81 Miles	1,077 AEG

Hiking	7.81 Miles	2 Hrs 33 Mns	3.17 mph
	1,077 ft AEG	5 Mns Break

Linked

8 linked trail guides

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Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

Dare I say it, "tibber's back" . What a great hike I had. How great was it? I felt like I could keep going and even do a couple hills... but I got hungry . On top of that, I found new trail and old mine tailings with a rocked up hole.

The gate was closed to the car entrance. There were other cars parked along the street so I did the same. It's a quarter mile hike to the TH from there, so not bad. I figured there probably wouldn't be many people out on the trail because of the gate closure and I was right. With my brand new shoes I headed up the trail to Desert Tortoise Trail. I love the look of my new shoes so I hope, unlike my last new pair, theses would be a good fit for a peak today. The sun played with the clouds most of the day. I made it quite quickly to the junction with the Valle Vista Trail and hung a right.

I continued to make progress as I made my way up to Union Peak. Getting there involves a couple little hills before you start the climb. I still like this climb up Union Peak and felt strong the whole way. I stopped to enjoy the views throughout my hike today. It was a very clear air day. I was happy to see it only took me an hour to get the three miles that almost gets you to the top of the peak. I looked around, enjoyed the view for a moment and then headed back down with a smile on my face as I had done so well. Now the question, how would the shoes do in this downhill? I re-tied one shoe to tighten it a bit and am happy to report, the shoes and me did well.

Now on the Great Horned Owl Trail heading east, it's a cool view as you near the cholla forest. However, the sun did not cooperate so I really couldn't get a good picture. I headed north on the Cactus Wren Trail enjoying the fact that I was feeling good and the air seemed so fresh. I turned west and kept hoping the sun would come out for a cholla photo but it didn't cooperate. As I got close to this huge rock area that you hike by, the trail split. I haven't hiked in this direction as much but I don't recall it. Well I took the trail on the right which was the wrong trail but I ended up having a little adventure.

I noticed what I thought was tailings and so I tracked back a tad and went up the dirt ramp and indeed, it was tailings; as now I could see all the huge rocks covering the hole. From here, you can see where the other trail crosses over and you can see the parallel trail I was taking west. Well I kept thinking this trail would veer to the south so that I could hook back up with the Cactus Wren or Valle Trails. Well, no, not exactly. The trail veered north and I could see bike tracks so I thought, why not. I followed it hoping that I could come to a trail that would veer to the south.

It went north longer than I thought but alas, finally a timid intersection showed a minimal track to the SSW. I noted it with a waypoint here and at the intersection that I would eventually hit with the Valle Trail. The surrounding terrain is a little more bushy over here and it crosses a little wash. The trail back to Valle did have a little cairn but the track is narrow. Well that was fun as it hooked up on the Valle Trail near the intersection with Desert Tortoise.

Feeling satisfied with my little adventure I still felt good at the 6 mile mark as I headed up the Valle Vista Trail. I was glad to get another hill in after being on flat ground for awhile. The light and mixture of clouds made for some nice photos. Before I knew it, I was at the intersection with the Dixie Loop. I really felt good and if I hadn't started to get hungry, I might have went and done Dixie Peak... kidding. I had a route on my mind and it's hard to make my mind change.

On the Dixie Loop I started to run into more people so I figured they must have opened the gate. It was a little breezier up here. The trail is very nice until you hit Hawks Nest Trail where it's a little more rocky and steep as you head down. I noticed a non-hiker with a big camera and then I saw another couple being photographed and figured holiday photos are starting. I was surprised at how many people were coming up at this time, 4:30ish. Now, if you're drinking something, hold on to your hat, I actually jogged

a little part of this trail and the pavement back to where Tonto 3 was waiting. I'm surprised too. I have no idea what caused that... it wasn't long; but it was a jog.

WATCH 2:18-4:51PM, 7.62 miles burning 1033 calories, 1612-2338 elevation. 133 avg bpm/163 max. 35% Zone 5 max, 42% Zone 4 anaerobic, 22% Zone 3 aerobic. Samsung added a new zone desc: zones are based on your max heart rate, which is updated automatically based on your age, height and weight. Temperature was a glorious 69.8 with a breeze and partly cloudy but 47% humidity.

_____________________

For me, sometimes it's just as much about the journey as the destination.
Oh, and once in awhile, don't forget to look back at the trail you've traveled.

Apr 19 2023

Guides 21
Routes 1,183
Photos 36,909
Triplogs 1,571

69 female

Joined Feb 26 2004
Phoenix, AZ

Dixie Peak - Valle - Cactus - Tortoise, AZ

Hiking		Apr 19 2023
		tibber • Triplogs 1,571

Hiking	6.78 Miles	1,039 AEG

Hiking	6.78 Miles	2 Hrs 40 Mns	2.71 mph
	1,039 ft AEG	10 Mns Break

Linked

7 linked trail guides

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Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

Needed to do my

and baby

check up. It's still nice enough I can hang out at the house and have my coffee and do some work before heading out; so I'm taking advantage of the later start. I headed up the Hawk's Nest Trail thinking about my 6-nite backpack at Glacier in early July, hoping that I will be in good enough shape to do that. I got up to the owl nest and she was sitting up pretty tall but no evidence of a little one so I continued up. Off to the right I noticed a pretty cholla that had a Hedgehog blooming brightly right below it, made for a nice photo.

I hung a right at the Dixie Loop Trail. A lot of the cactus had buds, blooms and blossoms but I guess I expected them to be more bloomy. Although most Brittlebush were spent, there were still some blooming and it made for a few nice photos along with the cholla. The ocotillos had some fabulous blossoms and I liked that I could get close up with them. I shot more than my fair share of these plants and tried to include nice backdrops of the area and trail. And now it was to make my way toward Dixie Peak, being as Kelly has me on a roll in that regard

.

I still am fighting a nasal cold that wants to drop down into my chest so that was a bit frustrating as I was trying to breathe getting up the peak. This peak has those little false summits that get me every time because just when you think you're done, there's one more. I did actually sit down for a moment or two and shot a couple photos of the TSMC plant. It's been interesting to watch the progress.

Down I went and I realized my toes were rubbing against the front of my shoe... so I may have to change to a thicker sock to see if that helps. My big toe nails are almost done recovering from several months ago from wearing too short of shoe. It's downhill from here to the northeast saddle. But just as I was enjoying the breeze and view,

buzzed me. It was off to the right and I'm glad I didn't over react like I want to do; and yes, I snapped a picture but was only able to get part of it. Needless to say, I started paying more attention to the trail in front of me. The worst thing is I would be coming back this way but hopefully it will have continued down the hill.

I hiked the east side where the Brittlebush is still blooming along part of the trail and there was also lupine. The lizards are also out enforce and they kept me company for most of the hike. I would see about ten hikers today, most of them couldn't get a "hello" out of their mouths

. At the saddle, Alexa reminded mt to enroll for tomorrow's "Get Strong" class and headed back the way I came. Fortunately it was uneventful other than the few hikers I would see.

I headed down the Valle Vista Trail and enjoyed going thru this valley. The Teddy Cholla are starting to bud and bloom and there was other budding and blooming cactus. I ended up taking more pictures than I anticipated. I was glad that the breeze stayed with me as sometimes when I hike down here, the breeze seems to disappear. Because of that cooling breeze, I decided to stick with my original plan and continued to the Cactus Wren Trail. Here I was delightfully surprised to still see some Owl Clover and Lupine blooming so I got distracted by that. I finished this part of the hike to the GO junction and turned back.

The trail is very nice and leisurely as I retraced my steps and then it was on to the Desert Tortoise Trail. I did encounter a couple hikers here including a gentleman with a big camera. There is still blooming desert flora to shoot so hopefully he found some good subject matter; I know I found some great budding/blooming Buckhorn. And now it was just a matter of finishing off this hike but not before I got to see a bird catch something in its mouth, fly to a creosote and then lose it; still cool to see.
I headed back up the Hawk's Nest Trail to check on the owl. I did manage a couple pictures of her and a white feather ball baby. So it looks like both of my owls only had one baby.

WATCH 9:25AM-12:08PM, 6.73 miles, 1619-2304 elevation. 132 avg bpm/160 max. 28% Zone 5 max, 49% Zone 4 anaerobic, 22% Zone 3 aerobic burning 1084 calories. 68 and sunny and slightly breezy, 19% humidity.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Buckhorn cholla Ocotillo Owl Clover Trixis Unidentified Flora

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Great Horned Owl

Wildflowers Observation Light

_____________________

For me, sometimes it's just as much about the journey as the destination.
Oh, and once in awhile, don't forget to look back at the trail you've traveled.

Feb 19 2023

Guides 21
Routes 1,183
Photos 36,909
Triplogs 1,571

69 female

Joined Feb 26 2004
Phoenix, AZ

Union Peak and Loop, AZ

Hiking		Feb 19 2023
		tibber • Triplogs 1,571

Hiking	7.74 Miles	1,069 AEG

Hiking	7.74 Miles
	1,069 ft AEG

Linked

9 linked trail guides

[ checklist ] Arizona Bladderpod Barrel Cactus - Compass Barrel Dichelostemma capitatum Buckhorn cholla Coulter's Lupine Curvenut combseed Fiddleneck Gordon's bladderpod Hedgehog Cactus Mexican Gold Poppy Narrow-Leaved Popcorn Flower Ocotillo Red Maids Scorpionweed Strawberry Hedgehog Texas stork's bill

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Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

She's home, the owl that is. I wasn't able to get any good pictures as she was facing the wrong way. It was very crowded as I made my way up the Hawk's Nest Trail but after I took a right (east) at the top, the crowds thinned out quite significantly. I was glad I zipped off the bottom of my pants as the temperature was basically Tibberlocks perfect with a slight breeze.

It was green here but not quite like my Irish Lookout Mountain. It also has that same belly flower groundcover with the little white bloom. There was also the same wildflower fare and included some very large Scorpionweed, Fiddleneck and Narrow-Leaf Popcorn Flower. Once I got down to the Valley floor on the Valle Vista, I could feel the leprechauns were dancing among the cactus. Besides the grasses and green groundcover there was also smatterings of what I think is Gordon's or Arizona Bladderpod, which I would see for the rest of the hike.

I decided I would take advantage of the green desert and do extensive filming as we don't know when Ireland will touchdown again. Poppies were also starting to pop up but not in batches which is what I was hoping to find today. It always takes longer than I think to reach the Cactus Wren Trail; an interesing trail due to the history of the area. I would be by myself for the next few miles of my trek. It was really beautiful hiking through here today and the distant surroundings and clouds added to my enjoyment.

Wait, what the heck? I could see coming from the south a large aircraft... four propellers. I grabbed my ZS70 and zoomed into the very bad light. It took a bit for it to focus but I was able to get a few shots. Little did I know I would get two more stabs at filming this giant US Marines C-130 Hercules. And like I need any more distractions but then I came to a fork in the road that goes east and I've always wondered... so I followed it to the crest of the hill where you get a good view of the dam. I think a couple HAZers have taken part of this route GPS :: Sonoran Preserve to the Dam (but he didn't take any photos

). This is the first area where I saw some nice grouping of poppies.

I got back on the Cactus Wren Trail where I had some great views up Union Peak. The old road that the trail crosses a couple times is filled with the golden white grass and it goes pretty far up. Along the way I would see patches of poppies and as I hiked on the Great Horned Owl Trail. The desert floor was very green through here which made the cholla really stand out. As you proceed upward on this great grade of a trail, you pass through a large Teddy forest and they are all fat and happy right now. This is a pretty trail; especially when you take time to look around to the north and east. Maybe that's why the climb seemed so easy; stopping to look and enjoy; oh and take photos and movies.

I encountered a hiker as I reached the junction with the UP Trail (Union Peak). I didn't even hesitate to go up. I guess my leisurely pace made this last climb up the peak even easier. I wish all peak climbs were like this one

. And per usual, when you think you're on top, it's time for the roller coaster to the south side summit. I thot I was filming the first part but I wasn't (I do that occasionally). Anyway, I still filmed some up here and didn't stop to take a break since I was already on a somewhat leisurely pace... reminds me of my old days of hiking. I headed on down and did encounter two hikers and their dog.

I got back on the Great Horned Owl Trail and started hiking west when I hear a helicopter. Alas, another distraction as it was doing some sort of practice above a hill to the north of me. After I zoomed one of my photos, it appears to be a State Trooper helicopter. I filmed it as well. Well after that I continued on and rounded a corner to a complete stop. I think I found the motherlode... of poppies,

OMG! How am I going to shoot all these poppies? and they went all the way up the side of Union Peak. Well I managed to take my fill of pictures... I lie; I could have stayed there longer. The poppies and their surrounding flora was my first for the season so I was very HAPPY!

Ya, I even got the poppy-lined trail for a little bit. I couldn't wipe the smile off my face until I finally got to the junction with the Valle Vista Trail and I returned to the green desert floor with late afternoon light making everything glow. And it was like this all the way to and including the Desert Tortoise Trail. I finally got back to the normal desert hike as I reached the crest of the hill and made my way around the side of the mountain. Here it was just the occasional wildflowers and a few more people. I did film one of my favorite areas (the conglomerate alley) with a nice grouping of Compass Barrel Cactus.

I debated going to check on the owl but decided to take a zoom shot instead. As I got to the intersection with Hawk's Nest Trail it was back to the crowds. As I got to the desert floor near the trailhead, I admired the lower sun's glow on the flora and finished off my hike with a Huckleberry Beer. It really was a fabulous day in so many ways! I was certainly feeling refreshed.

I normally don't post my trip report and way too many photos until I get the movies done but I'm making the exception to let you know this is a good time to get out there. I won't have the movies ready for a couple days.... and I'm interuppting my Sedona trip to work on them. I can't wait to see them myself. I filmed the two aircraft too. I hope I have more hikes like today .

UPDATED 2-26-2023 Here they are and I think they turned out great. I do a lot of narration too and feel free to turn on closed captioning to see what I'm saying. It's rather interesting as it considers my footsteps Applause

.
Hawks Nest and Valle Vista Trails - [ youtube video ]
Cactus Wren and Great Horned Owl Trails - [ youtube video ]
Great Horned Owl and Union Peak Trails - [ youtube video ]
Union Peak and Great Horned Owl Trails - [ youtube video ]
Valle Vista and Desert Tortoise Trails - [ youtube video ]

WATCH: 1:52-5:28PM, 7.28 miles, 3:35:48, 1635-2324 elevation. 129 avg bpm/ 175 max. 22% Zone 5 Max, 47% Zone 4 anaerobic, 28% Zone 3 aerobic burning 1390 calories. Temp 71.5, partly cloudy, 26% humidity

3 Hrs 36 Mns 2.25 mph 10 Mns Break 1,069 ft AEG

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Aircraft Military Aircraft

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Cave Creek Dam

Wildflowers Observation Moderate
Poppy batches are on east Cactus Wren Trail and on west side of Great Horned Owl Trail. Occasional areas of Scorpionweed, Fiddleneck and Narrowleaf Popcorn Flower. Big batches of yellow Bladderpod throughout.

_____________________

For me, sometimes it's just as much about the journey as the destination.
Oh, and once in awhile, don't forget to look back at the trail you've traveled.

2 archives

Feb 07 2023

Guides 41
Routes 1,627
Photos 14,983
Triplogs 2,762

69 male

Joined Jan 20 2009
Far NE Phoenix,

Dixie Mountain Loop, AZ

Hiking		Feb 07 2023
		The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,762

Hiking	6.21 Miles	1,349 AEG

Hiking	6.21 Miles	2 Hrs 23 Mns		2.64 mph
	1,349 ft AEG	2 Mns Break	10 LBS Pack

no photosets

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Ladyeagle

Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

Deb and I got out for a leg stretcher.

Great weather.

Helped 4 seniors that were lost using AllFails.

Brittlebush, Poppies, scorpionweed and lupine are starting to show their colors.

Wildflowers Observation Isolated
A few poppies, Brittle bush and scorpion-weed

_____________________

There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry

Dec 16 2022

Guides 21
Routes 1,183
Photos 36,909
Triplogs 1,571

69 female

Joined Feb 26 2004
Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix Sonoran Preserve S - Vista and Union, AZ

Hiking		Dec 16 2022
		tibber • Triplogs 1,571

Hiking	10.07 Miles	1,685 AEG

Hiking	10.07 Miles	3 Hrs 54 Mns	2.81 mph
	1,685 ft AEG	19 Mns Break

Linked

8 linked trail guides

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trekkin_gecko

Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

Initially the weather, mostly the temperature, didn't look promising. Fortunately the weather was nearly perfect by the time we started hiking as the sun came out

. Peak Day for Kelly. I got two of the three, did one I don't like that much and one I liked. We went clockwise after getting to the top of Hawk's Nest. We saw only one person on this part of the hike.

We headed up Western Vista; I hate the first part of the ascent as it is steep and unforgiving. Once you get up to the tree, it's just fine. We checked out the views in all directions which were pretty clear except the mountains in the south. I was surprised at the size of the walls on the new TSMC plant. There is still a very large crane their among others. It's been fun watching that plant grow.

Heading over to the east side we saw two other hikers and that would be it until we hit the base of Dixie. Here I opted to find a comfortable rock while Kelly rocked up the mountain. I wanted to save my energy for Union. We would see no other hikers until the junction with Hawks Nest. So we headed down Valle and the long approach to Union. We did stop to observe the backlit cholla and the green golf-course looking grass.

And now for that last mile before the Union Peak climb. It wasn't too bad except that last stinkin' hill before the junction. And then follow the sign post instructions: "UP". I like the grade on this let alone the trail itself is pretty awesome. It also has a long ridgeline which Kelly always enjoys. I saw a couple little butterflies. That's the third time I've seen a butterfly couple out.

Still had a couple miles to go on our way back to the Trailhead finishing off on the Desert Tortoise Trail. It was so quiet today and really ideal hiking conditions. The trails are so nice out here. I get so spoiled. It was a very good workout as my legs definitely feel it as I sit here finishing off the report.

I forgot to fire up my watch to Hiking Mode but started it when it beeped me that it detected my automatic walking. And then I realized I forgot to charge it when it started rattling off final stats after we had come off Union so I switched to my phone for stats. I hadn't tried that before but it seems to have worked.

WATCH:
Walking 1:05-1:16PM, 32mi, 128bpm/157 max burning 48 calories. Temp 54.7 degrees, sunny with 30% humidity
Hiking 1:16-4:18PM, 7.04 mi, 1677-2340 feet, 140bpm/172 max. 54% Zone 5, 32% Zone 4, 10% Zone 3 burning 1301 calories
PHONE:
Hiking 4:18-5:01PM, 2.3 mi, 1628-1946 feet (179 ft elevation) but it doesn't break down BPM, burning 212 calories. However, it gives better weather stats: 57.1 sunny, 23% humidity, 5MPH wind at NW.320

TOTALS 9.66 mi, 1628-2340 feet, burned 2060 calories

_____________________

For me, sometimes it's just as much about the journey as the destination.
Oh, and once in awhile, don't forget to look back at the trail you've traveled.

Dec 14 2022

Guides 41
Routes 1,627
Photos 14,983
Triplogs 2,762

69 male

Joined Jan 20 2009
Far NE Phoenix,

Sonoran Preserve - 3 Peaks, AZ

Hiking		Dec 14 2022
		The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,762

Hiking	11.59 Miles	2,032 AEG

Hiking	11.59 Miles	3 Hrs 38 Mns		3.22 mph
	2,032 ft AEG	2 Mns Break	8 LBS Pack

Linked

10 linked trail guides

Partners

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Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

Mid day start waiting for it to warm up. Only a smattering of cars in the lot. I did a CW loop hitting the 2 of the 3 peaks before heading over to Union Peak for my 3rd peak. It'd been 7 years since I'd been up this one and I'd forgotten how enjoyable this climb is. Best views in the area

_____________________

There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry

Nov 30 2021

Guides 21
Routes 1,183
Photos 36,909
Triplogs 1,571

69 female

Joined Feb 26 2004
Phoenix, AZ

Tortoise Owl Union Cactus Valle Hawk Loop, AZ

Hiking		Nov 30 2021
		tibber • Triplogs 1,571

Hiking	7.28 Miles	1,033 AEG

Hiking	7.28 Miles	2 Hrs 27 Mns	3.08 mph
	1,033 ft AEG	5 Mns Break

Linked

8 linked trail guides

Partners

none

no partners

Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

Well Kelly inspired me to get some more elevation; altho I got 800 less feet, but I did get an extra mile and 1/4 . Kelly said to me the best way to be able to do the longer hikes is to practice and I think today, she proved herself right. After out ten miler on Sunday, I nailed this hike. If I had someone to play with and a snack along, I could have done more. Of course, these trails are pretty nice too.

Saw a few people coming back as I started my hike but once I turned on Tortoise, I only saw a few other hikers and one bike rider until the top of Valle Vista. I was happy that I got up Union Peak with relative ease. The views were interesting and pretty. There was that dreaded downtown southern haze. A rather nice cloud formation was up in the sky as well so I would photograph that from time to time using desert foregrounds or mountainous backgrounds. In spite of that haze, it's funny how clear it was as to some of my distant views.

As I rounded what seemed like a long Cactus Wren Trail's northside, I debated a lasso or loop? If there was a breeze, I would do the loop which involved a little extra elevation. There was just enough of a breeze so I continued on Valle to Dixie Loop for my return. I saw one lizard on this part of the route.

And what does one do when they have a great hike, you have a huckleberry beer of course . I took more pictures than I anticipated but it's not my fault the sky was so pretty and the sunlight was making the teddy cholla shine. I also like the rusty fall color of the summer weeds. Tonite I'm going to an ABC (AZ Backpackers Club) meeting on camping in winter; wondering if that would serve much purpose at this point, at least here in the Valley for sure!

WATCH: 7.15 miles (highest point 2279, lowest 1608) avg bpm 129, max 161 (21% at max, 41% at anaerobic, 37% at aerobic) burning 954 calories. Starting temp 60.7 and 29% humidity finishing at 12:02PM

_____________________

For me, sometimes it's just as much about the journey as the destination.
Oh, and once in awhile, don't forget to look back at the trail you've traveled.

Nov 13 2020

Guides 21
Routes 1,183
Photos 36,909
Triplogs 1,571

69 female

Joined Feb 26 2004
Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix Sonoran Preserve Loop Union, AZ

Hiking		Nov 13 2020
		tibber • Triplogs 1,571

Hiking	10.93 Miles	1,708 AEG

Hiking	10.93 Miles	4 Hrs 54 Mns	2.48 mph
	1,708 ft AEG	30 Mns Break

Linked

9 linked trail guides

Partners

partners

LindaAnn

Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

I saw that Linda had been hiking up in my area a couple weeks ago so suggested if she comes up this way again, we could hike together. And then, she took me up on it and I thot "what was I thinking" cuz I'll never be able to keep up with her let alone bag some peaks . She assured me, however, that this would be a talking hike.

We had planned for a week ago but the temps were too hot so we arranged to meet this AM at the TH. I took along my trekking poles to help with the uphill. Surprisingly Linda kept the perfect pace for our climb up Union Peak and I was able to keep up. Quite a bit of haze to the east for our short visit at the top. On the way down we had the option to continue on the Cactus Wren so we went that way. The last I had been on this whole trail was in Jan 2014. But before we got to the bottom we were both surprised to see so much cholla on this side of the mountain and what appeared to be an old road that goes straight up that mountain... to do what?

We both enjoyed the Cactus Wren Trail; especially when we saw some sort of what looks like mining activity that must have taken place back in the day. We explored around this area by what appears to be an old road and noticed similar activity to the west of here on both sides of the trail.

https://sonoraninstitute.org/files/pdf/ ... 312012.pdf USGS Porphyry Tracts Copper, Lead, Zinc Occurrence STUDY. I also found this https://www.phoenix.gov/parkssite/Docum ... 8_Plan.pdf that is pretty interesting actually. It covers the whole valley! One of the things I picked up was: desert restoration is more costly than preservation since natural processes alone take decades to reestablish flora and fauna. Tests done at the Desert Experimental Range in Utah indicate that once damaged, desert plants may take 30 years to improve from poor to good condition and some species never recover (Ginsberg 1976)

But now after all that Rx, I found this on HAZ [ triplog ] , check out the trip report and I think that explains it and maybe some of the other things Linda and I observed along this part of the hike. However, LINDA, you shouldn't probably watch the videos since you're not fond of flying. The area where the aircraft landed starts around the 20 minute video in the second video. I found this as well: http://www.arizonawrecks.com/wrecksfrom ... alley.html

Next up was Dixie Peak for Linda and a break for me; just didn't have it to get up there too. And since this was really Linda's hike I suggested we do Western Vista; I felt I should be able to do that one. Along the way I noticed some trail work had been done to provide for the coming rain to keep the water draining off the trail; would be nice to see it tested out. I climbed 1/2 way up Western Vista and waited at the saddle for Linda to top it off.

From there it was down from Cholla Saddle, the second area where we observed many cholla for the day, and alongside the wash and then up the last long hill to join up with Hawk's Nest and finish off our day... a little longer than I think we anticipated. Linda set a good pace for me and it ends up being my longest hike and AEG of the year... surprised? me neither

Linda agreed to help me drink my Pecan Pie Ale from AZ Wilderness Brewery and then we parted ways.

WATCH: 10.52 miles in 4:53:23 at 2.1 MPH (lowest elev 1586, highest 2227) 129 avg bpm, max 166 bpm (1:26 in Zone 5, 1:23 in Zone 4, 1:27 in Zone 3, 21 min Zone 2) Burned 1855 calories. 51.7 degrees (that can't be right) at 1PM with 35% humidity

_____________________

For me, sometimes it's just as much about the journey as the destination.
Oh, and once in awhile, don't forget to look back at the trail you've traveled.

Nov 13 2020

LindaAnn

Guides 110
Routes 2,248
Photos 8,982
Triplogs 2,602

45 female

Joined Dec 24 2007
Ahwatukee, AZ

Union-Dixie-Western Vista, AZ

Hiking		Nov 13 2020
		LindaAnn • Triplogs 2,602

Hiking	11.32 Miles	1,894 AEG

Hiking	11.32 Miles	4 Hrs 54 Mns	2.41 mph
	1,894 ft AEG	12 Mns Break

Linked

10 linked trail guides

Partners

partners

tibber

Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

Met up with Angela at the Desert Vista TH just after 0800 and we got started. Cool, but no breeze. We headed over to Union Peak first. Hazy views to the east and southeast.

From there, we looped around and headed over towards Dixie Mtn. I was surprised to see several areas with mining evidence along Cactus Wren Trail. Definitely getting warm by the time we reached the turnoff for Dixie Summit. I headed up there real quick, then we continued along the loop. Angela talked me into heading over Western Vista as well.

We headed up Western Vista, which at least had a mild breeze. From there, we finished out the loop back to the trailhead. Angela kindly brought refreshments (thank you!), so we relaxed for a few minutes before heading out. Good to see Angela again, and great conversation. A handful of people on the trails, almost nothing in the way of wildlife.

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Benchmark

_____________________

Stop crying and just go do the hike.

Feb 22 2018

caragruey

Guides 4
Routes 52
Photos 1,303
Triplogs 75

female

Joined Feb 04 2017
Sun City

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Feb 22 2018
		caragruey • Triplogs 75

Hiking	5.80 Miles	1,530 AEG

Hiking	5.80 Miles
	1,530 ft AEG

no photosets

Linked

linked

Partners

none

no partners

Combined trails, hawks nest, dixie loop +summit trail, valle verde, to great horned owl, to peak 2383 aka union peak. Returned same way except took desert tortoise to trailhead. Nice hike for a nice Thursday. The Ocotillo are just starting to bloom.

Wildflowers Observation Light
Ocotillo

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1 archive

Apr 29 2017

knmurphy

Photos 281
Triplogs 222

45 male

Joined Aug 03 2008
Chandler, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Apr 29 2017
		knmurphy • Triplogs 222

Hiking	7.00 Miles	813 AEG

Hiking	7.00 Miles	2 Hrs 35 Mns	3.02 mph
	813 ft AEG	16 Mns Break

no routes

no photosets

Linked

linked

Partners

partners

Dookieshoes

_____________________

Dec 26 2016

jochal

Guides 2
Routes 25
Photos 1,890
Triplogs 604

41 male

Joined Sep 13 2009
Mesa, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Dec 26 2016
		jochal • Triplogs 604

Hiking	7.70 Miles	1,300 AEG

Hiking	7.70 Miles
	1,300 ft AEG

no routes

no photosets

Linked

linked

Bobcat Trail - Sonoran Preserve

Partners

none

no partners

_____________________

Mar 25 2016

JasonCleghorn

Routes 173
Photos 1,613
Triplogs 285

50 male

Joined Nov 11 2014
Manchester, NH

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Mar 25 2016
		JasonCleghorn • Triplogs 285

Hiking	6.12 Miles	924 AEG

Hiking	6.12 Miles
	924 ft AEG

no photosets

Linked

6 linked trail guides

Partners

none

no partners

Nice little Friday morning hike summiting Union Hills Peak and also found a geocache. Two things that I enjoy doing...

Wildflowers Observation Light

_____________________

Follow me on Instagram: hikingjason
"It's not the mountains that we conquer, but ourselves"

2 archives

Jan 02 2016

AZWanderingBear

Guides 27
Routes 61
Photos 2,620
Triplogs 700

69 male

Joined Jan 23 2008
Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Jan 02 2016
		AZWanderingBear • Triplogs 700

Hiking	5.89 Miles	1,304 AEG

Hiking	5.89 Miles	2 Hrs 4 Mns	3.10 mph
	1,304 ft AEG	10 Mns Break

no routes

no photosets

Linked

linked

Partners

none

no partners

Quick hike before heading to the airport. Trails were moderately busy this morning. Nice views from the two summits.

_____________________

All you have is your fire...
And the place you need to reach

2 archives

Dec 31 2015

JasonCleghorn

Routes 173
Photos 1,613
Triplogs 285

50 male

Joined Nov 11 2014
Manchester, NH

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Dec 31 2015
		JasonCleghorn • Triplogs 285

Hiking	5.94 Miles	1,329 AEG

Hiking	5.94 Miles	1 Hour 48 Mns	3.46 mph
	1,329 ft AEG	5 Mns Break

no photosets

Linked

linked

Partners

none

no partners

Bagged Dixie Mountain and Peak 2090 on my last hike of the year. Pretty nice loop. Funnily enough IMO Peak 2090 is more difficult than Dixie Mtn at 2277 feet.

_____________________

Follow me on Instagram: hikingjason
"It's not the mountains that we conquer, but ourselves"

Oct 31 2015

SpiderLegs

Guides 2
Routes 10
Photos 42
Triplogs 894

58 male

Joined Jul 12 2012
Oro Valley, AZ