Now blooming: Phoenix Sonoran Preserve

UNION PEAK-DESERT TORTOISE LOOP
Phoenix Sonoran Preserve

Summit of Union Peak

Some friends just sent me photos of their hike yesterday in this northwest Valley preserve, , and WOW.  Now is the time to go see the wild poppies covering the slopes around Union Peak and Dixie Mountain!

Mexican Gold Poppy

Blackfoot daisy

chuparosa a.k.a. hummingbird plant

LENGTH: many trails, refer to trailhead sign for options RATING: easy-moderate ELEVATION:  1,600' – 2,200' DOGS: dogs must be on leash and handlers must pack out poo
KID FRIENDLY: yes
FACILITIES: no restroom or water. plenty of parking, trail map sign, and there’s a special lot for horse trailers
HOURS: 6 a.m to 7 p.m.  GETTING THERE: 

Desert Vista Trailhead:
From Phoenix, go north on I-17 to Jomax exit.  Go 0.2 mile on Jomax to Norterra Parkway, turn left (north) and continue 1.2 miles to North Valley Parkway.  Turn right (south) and go 0.2 miles to Copperhead Trail.  Turn left and go just a few yards  to Melvern Trail.  Turn left on Melvern and go 0.1 mile  to Desert Vista Trail on the right .  Follow Desert Vista through a gate that leads to the trailhead..

INFO: City of Phoenix, Phoenix Sonoran Preserve

 http://phoenix.gov/parks/trails/locations/sonoran/index.html