Unity Hiking Group: Great Horned Owl Loop

Saturday, February 1st – De La Cruz Residence to Great Horned Owl Loop

Date/Time: Saturday, February 1, 2025 Meet at the De La Cruzes at 9:00am

Hike Leader: Laurie De La Cruz, please RSVP to groundy@ecorridor.com

Area: Union Hills

Trail Name: Great Horned Owl

Map: (see below)

Distance: 4.75 miles

Elevation Change: 600’

Difficulty: Moderate

Address/Directions: We will start at the home of Frank & Laurie De La Cruz – 26008 N 11th Ave, Phoenix  85085

North on 5th Ave from Happy Valley.  Go .8 miles and turn left on Briles. Go .2 miles and turn left on 11th Ave. (“11 Av” sign on telephone pole).  Go south .1 mile.  Go absolutely straight instead of following the slight left of the black top; turn right onto the dirt road (“26008” sign on the fence).  That road dead ends at Laurie and Frank’s house.

Hike Description: The Great Horned Owl trail makes a big loop around Union Peak. The first part of the loop has a few stretches that are pretty steep and fairly rocky as it climbs along the north side of the peak.

(Optional – TBD when we get to this point – After reaching the Union Peak Trail (UP) – a nice 1/2 mile side trip with several steep switchbacks to the summit. You’re rewarded with excellent views of Deer Valley and in all directions. There is also a book to sign at the summit).  From the Union Peak trail, the trail drops a couple of hundred feet and loops around the southside of Union Peak. Views of the neighborhoods to the south and east are seen as the trail moderates and winds back and forth around the peak. Don’t be fooled however, it still has lots of ups and downs through numerous washes as you round the southwest side of Union Peak.

Dogs: Welcome on a leash