Four Peaks Wilderness

Rising up from the desert floor on Fountain Hills' northeastern horizon is the majestic Four Peaks mountain, crown jewel of the Four Peaks Wilderness. A closer view can be seen by traveling approximately 12 miles up Highway 87 (Beeline Highway) from the Shea Boulevard intersection, pulling off the highway at Four Peaks Road (FR 143) on the right side. Four Peaks road is unpaved but graded. Though the road is passable by passenger car, there can often be rough areas. Good views of the mountain can be seen without leaving the pavement. If you are the adventurous type, the drive up the mountain is quite spectacular. Better yet, the wilderness area offers ample hiking opportunities with some 40 miles of trails.

Unfortunately, the wilderness area and the mountain in particular, suffered extensive ecological damage with the April 1996, "Lone" forest fire. Though the Ponderosa Pine and Douglas Fir were mostly burned, this is no reason to pass up the opportunity to visit the area.

Wildlife viewing is a good possibility in the Four Peaks Wilderness, especially due to the fact that the area is considered to be one of the most densely populated black bear habitats in all of Arizona. Other mammals include coyotes, deer, javelinas, ring-tailed cats, skunks, and mountain lions. Keep an eye out for scorpions, black widow spiders, centipedes and millipedes as well.

From the trailhead, and from several locations throughout the trail system, desert vistas stretch as far as the eye can see. Looking down the eastern slope of the mountain offers great views of Roosevelt Lake and the Tonto Basin.

Elevations vary from approximately 1,900 feet near Apache Lake to 7,657 feet at the tip of Brown's Peak, the northernmost peak of the four. Temperatures on the mountain, though considerably cooler than in Fountain Hills, can still be a bit warm in summer. Water availability is seasonable, so it is best not to depend on natural water sources. Also be prepared in the summer (July and August is desert monsoon season) for the possibility of a lightning storm. In winter there is the additional possibility hikers may encounter a snow storm.

The mountain also features an Amethyst mine. Four Peaks Amethyst is considered by many to be some of the premier Amethyst in the United States. The mine is a private claim located between the third and forth peak. The trail system passes by the entrance to the mine, however, no trespassing postings direct hikers to keep out. After many years of inactivity, the mine was recently sold and reopened by a joint venture between Commercial Mineral Co. and Four Peaks Mining Co.

The wilderness, part of the Tonto National Forest, was established in 1984 and encompasses nearly 60,740 acres. Mesa Ranger Station offers a 20 page Recreational Opportunity Guide of the area with directions to trailheads and descriptions of each trail. Visit the official web site of the Tonto National Forest for further information.

To access the route take Shea Boulevard to the Beeline Highway. At the stoplight turn left. Follow the Beeline for about 12 miles until you see a sign on the right side for Four Peaks Road, FR 143. Here the road is unpaved. Follow FR 143 just under 18 miles and then turn right (south) onto FR 648. Follow this road 1.3 miles to the trailhead. The trailhead offers plenty of parking and services three trails, Brown's, Pigeon, and Four Peaks Trail.

No permits are necessary to hike or camp in the wilderness area, but a 15 person group size limit is enforced year round.

The western slope of Four Peaks as seen from Fountain Hills.

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