Trails

Desert Mountain stands head and shoulders above other private clubs in North America.

What adds to our reputation, and in contrast to other communities, is our outdoor recreation and western wilderness adventures. No club has comparable outdoor amenities and programs. The Ranch equestrian center, stacked-loop trail system, luxury tent camp, Kiva presentation circle, and covered picnic ramadas are unique assets, available for the entire community to enjoy.

The Desert Mountain Ranch contains 3,000 wilderness acres.  Within this private preserve, 12 stacked loop trails totaling approximately 20 miles wind through canyons, ascend mountain peaks and traverse lofty ridges.  Among these scenic trails, Desert Mountain hikers enjoy 31 unique routes which, if combined individually, comprise 158 miles.  In 2019, over 16,500 hikes were taken on our award-winning trails.

Desert Mountain has introduced an Interactive Trail Guide, a 55-inch touch-screen monitor mounted at the trail head.  The Interactive Trail Guide shows the weather, hiking rules and tips, outdoor news, the trails’ wildlife and plant life info, upcoming events at Desert Mountain, donor info and – its biggest draw – incredibly detailed information about each trail.  Users can sort 31 commonly taken hikes by distance, estimated time of completion, elevation gain, elevation gain per mile and more. 

People like you and your neighbors have donated the funds to enable us to get all this done.  Thank you!

Hike at Your Own Risk

As a condition of hiking on this trail, you agree to assume the risk of any injury. You are responsible for your safety.

All trails are challenging and should be considered difficult. Please stay on the trails at all times.

Hiking Helpful Tips

Desert Mountain Property Owners, Desert Mountain Club Members and their guests are reminded of the following:

• Be prepared! Bring food, plenty of water and clothing to protect you from dehydration, cold, heat and rain.
• Let others know where you are going and when you expect to be back.
• Always hike with a buddy.
• Take your cell phone with you in case of emergency. Please note, however, you may not receive a signal in some trail areas due to mountainous terrain.
• In case of emergency, and if you have cell phone connectivity, call 911. Then contact Desert Mountain Security at (480) 635-5630 and let Security know what trail you are on so you can be located. The address of the trail head is: 45000 North Chiricahua Pass Road.
• If you have asthma, diabetes, a heart condition, knee or back problems, or any health or medical issues, limit both your exertion and your exposure to the heat. Stay within your physical limitations and abilities. If you have any questions regarding your physical limitations or abilities, please consult with a physician prior to hiking.
• If you come into contact with a bobcat, mountain lion, javelina, rattlesnake or other wildlife while on the trails, do not approach it! Give it a wide berth and slowly back away to safety.
• Desert weather can be severe and change rapidly; be aware and be prepared.
• Pack it in, pack it out. Put all litter in plastic bags and dispose of them in the garbage cans located at the trail head.

Hiking with Pets Tips

Desert Mountain Trails are pet-friendly, but please:

• Keep all pets on a leash, maximum six feet long, to protect it, other hikers, and wildlife.
• Remember to bring plastic bags with you to pick-up your pet's waste. Take the bags with you and do not leave them on the trail for pick-up later. Dispose of the bags in the waste disposal station located at the trail head.
• Bring extra water for your pet.