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.
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.
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.
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
From the start, this trail is scenic and relatively easy. It’s often described as a walk in the woods.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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28 Comments
Lori
This looks like a challenging hike but well worth it!
Sheila
Definitely worth it. It felt great to get to the top and look down from a peak that we often see when we are driving around the city.
Lee Anne
Beautiful photos! I love a good rock scramble!
Sheila
Rock scrambles are fun. Breaks up the hike with a challenge.
Pam
What beautiful pictures! This is a hike I would love to do someday.
Sheila
Thanks. It was a bucket-list item for Kevin for years so he’s thrilled to have finally completed it.
Julie Gazdecki
I really need to get out to Arizona for these hikes. The views are stunning.
Sheila
You should, it is a great hike! The best time of year for this hike is fall or spring. Avoid winter because the chute can get snowy/icy.
Leeanne
There are some wonderful views from the top of the mountain. Some steep climbs as well. The vegetable is lovely in this park. However, coming from the northeast we would call that road a sand road, not a dirt road. Our dirt roads are hard-packed up here. lol
Sheila
You are right, the desert has a lot of blowing sand/dust. It was pretty hard packed in most places. Accessible by car but a high-clearance vehicle is recommended due to the roughness of the road and steep washes that cross the road in several places.
Jennifer |Me and My Traveling Hat
This looks so beautiful, will have to add to our live list!
Sheila
It was a great hike. “Live” list! I like the sound of that.
Jordin
I LOVE hiking! What a gorgeous hike with such rewarding views!
Sheila
Definitely great views from the top. Also some nice views before you reach the summit.
Lori Nielsen
You got some awesome shots on this hike! It sounds like a super fun adventure, especially scrambling up the chute at the end. Next time I go to Phoenix I will give this a shot!
Sheila
Glad to hear that you are going to hike to the top! It is a fun hike. Be sure to bring gloves to protect your hands.
Hera
Great pics! I wanna hike this place. Enjoyed the helpful tips and references too.
Sheila
Thanks for reading. I hope you get a chance to visit Arizona and hike this or some of our other great trails!
Amanda
I’m not sure I would be able to hike all the way, but would love the challenge. Such beautiful views and spotting wildlife in their habitat is always exciting!
Sheila
It is a challenging hike, there are many different hiking trails in and around the Phoenix area. Some less challenging than this that still have great views and interesting wildlife.
Missy
Yes, I would love this trail. I like trails where there is scrambling up the side of a mountain. 🙂 Since I live in the area, I am looking forward to hiking this trail.
Sheila
The scrambling is fun. I hope you enjoy the hike as much as Kevin did!
Lisa
I haven’t been to Arizona besides the airport I hope to go someday.
Sheila
I hope you get a chance to visit. So much to see here in Arizona.
Wendy Robinson
You give really great descriptions and details for those who want to check out this trail too.
Sheila
Thanks Wendy. It is not a trail for beginners but certainly a good trail for adventurous hikers.
Trisha
What an incredible view! That right there would make it all worth it!
Sheila
It was a great feeling to make it to the top!