Take A Hike!
Four Peaks Wilderness
Tonto National Forest

Rising up from the desert floor on Fountain Hills' northeastern horizon is the majestic Four Peaks mountain, crown jewel of the Four Peaks Wilderness. 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 have one of the most dense populations of black bear in all of Arizona. Other wildlife include coyotes, deer, javelins, ring-tailed cats, skunks, bobcats, and mountain lions. Keep an eye out for snakes, tarantulas, and other critters 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.

The highest peak, Brown's Peak, reaches an elevation of approximately 7,657 feet. Brown's Peak is 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. In the summer months of July and August be prepared for the possibility of a desert monsoon storm. In winter there is the occasional possibility hikers could encounter a snow storm.

The mountain also features an Amethyst mine. Four Peaks Amethyst is considered by many to be some of the United States premier Amethyst. The mine is a private claim located between the southern two peaks. 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 15 miles until you see a sign on the right side for Four Peaks Road or 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 Lone Pine Saddle Trailhead. There is plenty of parking here. The trailhead services three trails, Brown's, Pigeon, and Four Peaks Trail.

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

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

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