Four Peaks in the Distance viewed across the Salt River
Arizona,  Hiking,  Products We Love,  Travel

Hike to the Top of Four Peaks

Hiking to the top of Four Peaks is a challenging Arizona hike that is worth the effort. From the backyard of our home in the Valley of the Sun, we can occasionally see Four Peaks. If we are lucky and the snow level drops low enough, during the winter, these are snow-capped peaks rising above the desert in Maricopa County, Arizona.

Snow capped Four Peaks Mountains

Description of Four Peaks Hike

Four Peaks is the highest point in the county, and Browns Peak stands the highest of the four at 7,657 feet. Hiking to the top of Four Peaks is an adventure my hiking buddy and I have both wanted to do for years. The hike is rated as “hard” by AllTrails. Attempting to reach the top of the peak is not recommended for novice or inexperienced hikers. It is 4.7 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 1,909 feet.  Read on for details about this exciting hike.

Getting to the Trailhead

The dirt road leading to the trailhead is located about one hour east of Phoenix. Enter the coordinates 33.70541, -111.33790 into your mapping program for precise directions.

Map to Browns Peak Trailhead

The most common route to Browns Trail Number 133 is a rough dirt road winding 10 miles from State Route 87 (also known as the Beeline Highway) through Tonto National Forest and the Four Peaks Wilderness. With four-wheel drive or at least a high clearance vehicle, those 10 miles take a little over an hour.

Car on dirt road heading to browns peak trailhead

Some make the trek in a sedan or minivan, and those 10 miles take two-plus hours. The drive to the trailhead is a picturesque drive that quickly gains some elevation, so you enjoy Saguaro Cactus then Ponderosa Pine and Douglas Fir, as well as some Aspen. A smoother dirt road begins near Roosevelt Lake, but your travel distance increases to 18 miles to reach the trailhead.  

Start of the Browns Peak Trail

Wooden trail sign showing browns trail number 133

From the start, this trail is scenic and relatively easy. It’s often described as a walk in the woods.

Large boulder over browns peak trail

You gradually begin your mountain climb on a clear, easy to follow trail among shade trees, evergreens, and huge boulders often catching pretty views looking out toward Roosevelt Lake.

Evergreens on a mountain at four peaks

This hike is not recommended in the summer since there is not much shade on most of the trail. Midway into this hike, you reach Browns saddle and get your first glimpse of the Chute!

Hiker on Browns Trail at Four Peaks

Browns Saddle is still reasonably easy hiking, but it gets a little steeper, fewer shady spots, and eventually, you find yourself a little exposed hiking on trails with dangerous drops on one side.

Continuing up the Browns Peak Chute

The most challenging and fun part of this hike is scrambling up the Chute! The Chute is a scree-filled collier (class 3 hike). Gloves are highly recommended to improve your grip and protect your hands from rough rock and small cactus that grow in the tiniest cracks in the rock. You will often require two solid handholds and two solid toeholds to make this ascent safely. Be careful! It is fun but challenging, and a fall could cause serious injury.

Scrambling up the scree-filled chute on browns peak trail

View from the Summit

After the Chute, you climb upon some boulders and know you’re at the top. You can see for many miles in all directions. You notice you are higher than the other three peaks.

HIker looking out at summit of Browns Peak

There were some clouds on our climb but, if it is a clear day, you might enjoy views of the San Francisco Peaks located far away in Flagstaff. The incredible views you experience will rival your sense of accomplishment. Hiking to the top of Four Peaks is not a hike for everyone. This hike is a full-body workout that requires some thinking to get yourself up and down safely.

Return Trip

This is an out-and-back trail. Your return trip is back the way you came. The good news is you get the hard stuff done first, then enjoy your easy hike back through the woods before reaching your vehicle in the dirt parking lot steps from the trailhead.

Fall color and succulents on trail in four peaks

Fees and Facilities

There is no fee for the use of the Four Peaks Wilderness Area. There are no restroom facilities, nor is there any water. Camping is free, dispersed, and requires no permit. Leave no trace principles should be observed. Pack out what you pack in.

Wildflowers growing from a crack in the rock

Precautions and Supplies

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Bring plenty of water, some food, first aid supplies, and protection from the weather. I like to use a hydration pack so that I have easy access to water and my hands are free for scrambling. I always carry a few extra supplies in the event something goes wrong, and I need to shelter overnight or hike/climb out in the dark (bivy sack, firestarter, flashlight). Be aware of and possibly enjoy the wildlife in the Four Peaks Wilderness that include Mountain Lion, Ring Tail Cat, Coyotes, Deer, and the densest population of Black Bear within the State of Arizona. Of course, different species of Rattlesnake are found here, as well as Scorpions. This trip, we spotted a deer and a coyote.

Looking for an Arizona hike that is not quite so challenging?  Take a look at some of these options in Flagstaff or Sedona.

What do you think?  Would you enjoy this hike?

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Pinterest Pin showing hiker at summit of four peaks

 

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