David Meek

Greater Phoenix offers hundreds of miles of hiking trails for all skill levels. There is certainly a different trail here for every day of the year. The 365 Phoenix Hikes project is my endeavor to connect our stunning geography with the great surrounding neighborhoods. Homes for sale in Anthem around Daisy Mountain are featured at the bottom of this post.

 See the growing catalog of the best hikes at the 365 Phoenix Hikes page.


 

Daisy Mountain forms the broad-shouldered backdrop of Anthem, Arizona. From this peak looking south, hikers get a commanding view over this suburban community of 23,000. The town of New River and its unmistakable volcanic cone mountain, Gavilan Peak, are to the north (Gavilan is Spanish for “hawk”).

The south shore of Lake Pleasant and its marinas are visible to the west.

Daisy has two nearly identical peaks, north and south, reaching 3,176 feet in elevation. The peaks are separated only by a few hundred yards and are joined by a ridge trail. This loop trail along the ridge allows you to do both summits without backtracking. The north peak is distinguishable from the south because it has a 10-foot tall American flag marker.

Daisy Mountain is on Arizona State Trust Land, not public land, so you will need a permit. Annual permits cost $15 for an individual or $20 for family. Click this link to the Arizona State Land Department permit portal. It is an honor system, as there are no permit checkpoints along the trail, but don’t leave home without it. I have hiked this trail 3 times and have not been asked by anyone to furnish my permit. Recreational permits can be used at multiple hiking locations throughout the state.

Parking inside the Anthem subdivision is limited. There are no painted parking spaces, only a small cul-de-sac. Signs on Navigation Way and Livingstone Way within 200 feet of the trailhead prohibit curbside parking. I avoid parking in front of the homes there and find a space on the street away from the trailhead and houses.

Read more here about Anthem, its real estate profile, statistics and local history.

I like this hike for a number of reasons:

  • great views of Anthem below and Gavilan Peak to the NNW
  • first third of trail is wide, flat and gently meanders
  • Daisy Mountain has twin peaks that are connected by a ridge trail
  • the south end of Lake Pleasant is visible in the distance from either peak
  • temperatures at this elevation are typically 3F to 5F cooler than down in the Phoenix valley
  • never busy and extremely quiet
  • on the southern boundary of the Tonto National Forest mesas
  • accessible within minutes for Anthem, New River and Tramonto residents
  • 1.75 hours to peaks, 1.25 hours down

Distance: 3.3 miles from trailhead to peaks
Difficulty: 6 out of 10
Terrain: Loose gravel at outset to narrowing, rockier trails on the switchbacks

Water: None
Restrooms: None
Dogs: Yes, on a leash
Mountain Bikes: Yes
Park Control: Arizona State Land Department (State Trust Land)
Hours: Sunrise to sunset

Approximate Trailhead Address: 42973 N. Livingstone Way, Anthem, AZ 85086

Have you hiked Daisy Mountain? Leave your comments and trail notes at the bottom of this page.

Remember the rules: Descending hikers yield the trail to ascending hikers when trail narrows. Take plenty of water, wear appropriate shoes and sunscreen. Tell a friend where you are going and when you expect to return. Be awesome to one another.

Local post-hike watering hole: Rookie’s Neighborhood Sports Grill, located at 3668 W Anthem Way, Anthem, AZ 85086 , is about half a mile south of the trailhead. Great neighborhood pub. Try the “Scooby Doo” flatbread with macaroni and cheese, bacon and buffalo sauce to replenish your burned carbs. Zoinks!

Nearby neighborhoods: Anthem Parkside, Anthem Country Club, Arroyo Grande, Arroyo Norte, Desert Foothills, Serenity Villas at Anthem, Tramonto and New River

Homes and Condos For Sale in Anthem

[showcaseidx_hotsheet name=”Anthem_2″]