One-way Distance: 0.4 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
MTB Skill level:
Elevation: 1564 - 9085 feet
Cellphone: 3-5 bars
Time: 30 mins.
Trailhead: Desert Vista
Fee: none
Attractions: Main connector
The Hawks Nest trail is located in the southern section of the Sonoran Preserve in Phoenix, Arizona. When beginning at the Desert Vista trailhead the Hawks Nest is the starting point for all of the other trails in the southern section of the Preserve. From the trailhead it climbs a moderate but rocky route that leads up to the saddle of a ridge where it connects to the Dixie Mountain Loop. About halfway up the hill it passes the spot where the Desert Tortoise trail branches off on the right.
The Desert Vista trailhead is located at 1900 West Desert Vista Trail. There are restrooms and water available at the trailhead.
All but the last few hundred yards of the trail are visible up ahead as the Hawks Nest trail leaves the parking area.
The trail starts out climbing at a gentle rate.
As it gets further away from the trailhead it begins getting steeper and rockier at the same time.
A few rocky outcrops come up that provide an additional challenge for mountain bikers.
Halfway up the mountain, at the 0.2 mile point from the trailhead, the Desert Tortoise trail branches off on the right.
As the trail continues it has short stretches where it levels off a little that are followed by short stretches that once again get steeper.
The spots that are more level provide just enough of a break for catching your breath if you are on a mountain bike.
