Brown's Peak Trail

The trailhead for this route is located within the Four Peaks Wilderness. Be aware that reaching it requires navigating long, bumpy, and unmaintained dirt roads. A high-clearance, 4WD vehicle is strongly recommended to access the trailhead safely.

The trail starts with a well-groomed, narrow path through a pine forest, offering a moderate incline. As you ascend, the terrain becomes sparser. The most challenging part is the final approach to the summit, which involves an "infamous chute"—a steep, class 4 scramble over loose scree and rocks, including sections with nearly vertical walls up to 15 feet high. This section demands careful footing and hand use.

No, this trail is rated as difficult and is not suitable for beginners. The significant elevation gain and especially the dangerous class 4 scramble up the scree chute make it challenging. It's not recommended for those with a fear of heights or limited scrambling experience.

Hikers are treated to diverse and expansive views. Early on, you'll see eastern views of the Tonto Basin and Roosevelt Lake. As you gain elevation, the entire Four Peaks come into view. From the saddle, views extend to the Valley of the Sun, including landmarks like Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak on clear days. The summit offers panoramic vistas encompassing the Superstition Mountains, the Mazatzal Mountains, and even Humphrey's Peak. Don't miss the View from Browns Peak at the top.

The best time to hike is typically in the cooler months, from late fall to early spring, to avoid extreme summer heat. However, be cautious during winter, as ice patches can make the trail very treacherous, especially on the steep sections.

Yes, as this trail is located within the Tonto National Forest's Four Peaks Wilderness, you may need a Tonto Pass for day use or a specific permit for overnight camping. It's always best to check the latest regulations with the Tonto National Forest service before your visit.

While dogs are generally permitted in the Four Peaks Wilderness, the extreme difficulty of this particular trail, especially the class 4 scramble with loose scree and vertical sections, makes it unsuitable for most dogs. It would be very challenging and potentially dangerous for them.

Based on average hiking speeds, this route typically takes around 3 hours and 17 minutes to complete. However, this duration can vary significantly depending on your fitness level, the time spent at the summit, and the challenges presented by the scree chute.

Yes, the route primarily follows the Brown's Peak Trail. However, sections of the route also utilize parts of the Amethyst Mine Trail and the Four Peaks Trail #130.

Given the trail's difficulty and remote location, you should bring plenty of water, sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support, gloves for scrambling, sun protection, and a map or GPS device. Due to the loose scree, trekking poles can be helpful on some sections, but hands-free climbing is essential for the final chute.

This route is an out-and-back trail, meaning you will return along the same path you took to ascend Brown's Peak.