Browns Peak- Four Peaks

Browns Peak is the furthest peak to the left

I finally made it to the top of  Browns Peak , the highest peak within the Four Peaks Wilderness.  This hike has been on my hike list for some time.  I would encourage anyone who loves to hike to put this on your list.  The scramble up the chute and the view from on top of the peak is worth the effort. 

Four Peaks is the name of a north-south ridge on the Eastern skyline of the Phoenix Metro area.  The tallest peak, Browns Peak  at 7,657 feet  is the highest elevation in Maricopa County.  The other three summits are only slightly lower in elevation. 

Plan on an entire day for this excursion.  The drive from the east valley to the trail head is about two hours.  However, the drive is part of the fun.  The trail head begins at Lone Pine Saddle and can be reached by two different routes, both dirt road.  A four wheel drive is not necessary unless there has been recent rain; however, a high clearance vehichle with good tires is recommened.  A description of both driving routes is at the end of this post. 

The road ends at the Lone Pine Saddle trailhead and there is ample place to park.  You find yourself high above the desert floor in pine trees and manzanita brush.  The trail starts at the eastern end of the parking lot.  There are two trails that start at this location, Four Peaks Trail to your left and the   the Browns Trail #133 which goes directly straight ahead of you.  Take the Browns Trail.  This will head directly east up the hill.  The trail switchbacks up a gradual incline through pine trees.  You will soon come to a uniquie rock formation, called Woodstock. As it resembles the character from Snoopy.

Continue on the trail and soon you will pass a fork in the trail on your left.  Keep heading straight on the trail you came in on.  Shortly you will come a saddle.  The trail forks again at this location.  Browns Peak is directly to your left.  Follow the trail towards the mountain peak.  The trail route takes you up the chute.  See the picture for reference.

The trail is well worn and marked with a few cairns.  You will come to a spot that you need to scramble up and between a boulder against a large cliff face.  Once you get past this you will be ready to enter the scree chute.  Head straight up the chute.  The rocks are loose, so watch your footing!  Getting a twisted ankle in this location would make for a very unpleasant hike out. Also, beware of rocks falling from hikers above you.  About 3/4's up the chute you will come to a wall.  You can easily pass this wall by heading to your left to go up and around or just scramble up the wall if you feel comfortable.  Once you pass this obstacle you will be near the top.  Continue up until you are on top and recieve the grand 360 degree view around you.  To the north is Roosevelt Lake.  To the southeast are the other three peaks which make up the Four Peaks Wilderness.  You can see Apache Lake, Canyon Lake and Saguaro Lake laid out below the Supersition ridge far below you.

The April day we were on top there were thousands of lady bugs on the peak.  It was amazing.   Head back down the way you came, be careful heading down the loose scree on the chute. 

Do not attempt this hike during poor weather.  The chute is steep and if it is wet will become increasingly dangerous.  Do not attempt during lightning storms, for obvious reasons. 

I would rate this hike easy to the saddle and then the scramble up the chute as moderate to difficult depending on your hiking skills.  Remember the elevation change is substantial from the Phoenix Valley so you will find yourself out of breath easily.

Length: 5 mile (out and back)
Elevation Gain:  1,933 feet
Accumlated Gain: 2,064 feet
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult, depending on hiking level.  Not recommened for novice hikers or those afraid of heights.
Traffic:  Light
Fee:  No fee
Hike Time: 2- 3 hours
Drive Time: 4-5 hours total to and from Mesa.
Season:  Spring through Fall

Directions:

To Lone Pine Trailhead-

Western driving route: FR 143- High Clearance Vehicle

1. Take 87 North (Country Club)
2. Turn right at the Four Peaks Wilderness/Recreation Area. After mile marker 203
3. Follow for 19 miles
4. Continue on the main road ((a long way, High clearance vehicles are recommended, 4 wheel drive is not necessary unless it's rained)) until you come to an awkwardly shaped "T" crossing a cattle guard, at which time take a sharp right. You almost feel as if you are doubling back.
5. Drive 1 mile to Lone Pine Trail Head.

Eastern driving route: El Oso Road- Passenger Car

1. Take 87 North (Country Club)
2. Turn right on Hwy 188
3.  8 miles south of Punkin Center turn right on El Oso Road
4.  Follow well graded, though steep, dirt road 11 miles
5.  Turn Left at sign to Lone Pine Saddle
6.  Drive 1 mile to Lone Pine Trail Head.