Four Peaks - Summiting Brown's Peak via Scree Chute - Iconic Arizona Mountain - Best Hikes in AZ!

Four Peaks is one of the most iconic mountains in Arizona. It stands prominently to the east of Phoenix and can be seen from all over the city. In fact, during the winter months you can see snow capped peaks while it's 70 degrees F in Phoenix.

Brown's Peak is the highest of the four peaks at 7,659 ft elevation making it the tallest peak of Maricopa county (the county Phoenix resides in). It's a 5 mile hike out and back with about 1,900 ft of elevation gain. The first 2 miles are relatively easy, hiking through woods and shrubs with unique boulder and rock formations along the way - it's a very steady incline.

It's the last half mile that the elevation gain really begins, starting when you reach the saddle. Just beyond the saddle is the famous Scree Chute section of the hike, this is Class 3 rock climbing so be prepared. It's perfect for intermediate hikers and beyond, I would not recommend for beginner hikers. The Scree Chute has significant elevation gain, height exposure, loose rocks, and cactus hiding so be careful where you grip your hands. Not to alarm but falling could result in serious injury or death so be wary that this is a serious hike.

That being said I loved the scree chute, excellent practice for bouldering and rock climbing - focusing on the rock grips for my hands and feet made it like a puzzle trying to find my next placement to elevate myself to the next level toward the peak. I really enjoyed it and to summit such an iconic mountain was extremely awarding! Four Peaks is a seriously fun yet strenuous climb and I highly recommend for intermediate and skilled hikers!

Note this video is my full experience summiting Brown's Peak - the highest of the Four Peaks, I have not done the Motherlode which is the traverse of all four peaks (Brown's, Brother, Sister, and Amethyst). The traverse is supposed to be extremely challenging with plenty of exposure and Class 4 rock climbing. I do want to do this in the future and plan to document a full experience but this video focuses on Brown's Peak summit.

Intro Four Peaks & Brown's Peak Hike: 0:00
Hiking Brown's Trail to the Saddle: 3:14
Reaching the Saddle: 10:30
The Scree Chute: 17:24
The Ridgeline: 27:34
The Summit of Brown's Peak: 29:57
The Descent: 42:40
Back at the Trail Head & Outro: 46:57
Outro Song: 49:26

Outro Song - Explorer's Theme - Written and performed by me on piano.