Loading...

Distance:
3.1 Miles
Type:
Out-and-Back
Difficulty:
Strenuous
Time to Hike:
1 hour, ~33 minutes
Features:
Surface Type:
Dirt
Park:
Phoenix Mountain Preserve
Town:
Phoenix, Arizona
Directions:
33.539007, -112.023054
3
Added:
January 10, 2019
Updated:
January 11, 2019

The Peistewa Peak Hike at the Phoenix Mountain Preserve in Phoenix, Arizona is a very popular and strenuous 3.1 mile out-and-back trek to the top of Piestewa Peak. From the top of Piestewa Peak you get amazing views of Camelback Mountain, Four Peaks Mountain, and downtown Phoenix. Note that this trail is listed as a double black diamond difficulty rating.

This recording starts off at the end of East Squaw Peak Drive and follows the Freedom Trail, aka the Circumference Trail (302), for a half mile before reaching the Summit Trail (300). You can completely skip the Freedom Trail segment if you plan to just hike straight up the Summit Trail, as it'll be a slightly shorter hike.

Once you reach the Summit Trail the hike becomes almost all uphill until you reach Piestewa Peak. The trail itself consists of what feels like an endless supply of rock steps as you make your way up the 1,200 foot ascent.

Just before the last climb to the summit is a trail junction - stay right at the junction to stay on the Summit Trail.

Summit: The Summit of Piestewa Peak consists of jagged rock that you'll need to somewhat scale to get to the top; however, it's not very difficult. Just before the peak is where the trail becomes a bit more dangerous considering the cliff edges to the sides of the trail and the peak itself. Watch your step and take your time climbing up and down from the peak.

Views: Aside from the top of Piestewa Peak, you get views of Phoenix along almost the entire Summit Trail. There are a few benches placed along the trail as well to help with the climb and to take in the views.

Trail traffic: This trail can be very busy even in the early morning on weekdays.

Parking: The parking coordinates provided will bring you to the Summit Trail, but this recording started off at the end of East Squaw Peak Drive, so you can pick and choose where you want to park. As of January 2019, there's construction going on at the main Summit Trail parking lot, so parking can be found along the road.

Dogs are not allowed on this trail.

Explore 13 trails near Phoenix, AZ

Hazards

Snakes

Seasons

All
Loading...
Loading...
1,155 '

Total Change
1,225 '

Ascent
1,348 '

Descent
Piestewa Peak Hike default picture

Photo Albums

1 Trip Report

No Star-Ratings
Trail added
January 10, 2019
Updated on
January 11, 2019

Find Hiking Trails Near Me:

Map of MyHikes' trails in North America

Weather Forecast

In Phoenix, AZ
Find your quest with MyHikes

Explore Hiking Trails

New Hikes

1
Upheaval Dome Trail
1.4 Miles
Moderate Out-and-Back
1
Mt. Minsi via Appalachian Trail
4.7 Miles
Moderate Loop
1
Mesa Arch Trail
0.7 Miles
Easy Loop
1
Mt. Kearsarge Loop
2.7 Miles
Moderate Loop

Before you leave...

MyHikes is an indie web platform aimed to make exploring public trails easier for everyone. The site has no investors and is owned and operated by one person, Dave Miller / Admin. As the main contributor and doer-of-all-things for MyHikes, I share my experiences from hikes and backpacking trips on MyHikes for fun on a volunteer basis and I believe that public trail information should be available to everyone.

It takes a lot of time 🕦, money 💰, and effort (including espresso shots ☕) to run MyHikes, including hiking , mapping , writing , and publishing new trails with high-quality content... along with building new features, moderating, and site maintainance . I simply ask that if you find our content helpful or useful when planning your next adventure that you consider making a small donation to help keep the site running.

You can become a Supporter* (*MyHikes user account required) to unlock perks for as little as $0.83/month with a 1-time non-recurring payment 👍 Or you can simply Donate any amount without a MyHikes user account. Otherwise, telling your friends about MyHikes is the next-best thing to a donation - both quick and free 😄

Thanks for visiting MyHikes and have a great hike! ✌

Admin user profile picture

Dave Miller
MyHikes Founder & Admin