Hiking to the summit of Piestewa Peak is, by definition, a walk in the park. That's the same distance as runner a marathon, with more than 13,000 feet of … Trailhead: 2701 E Squaw Peak Dr, Phoenix, the first driveway on the left in the Phoenix Mountains Park and Recreation Area. You can access this trail from all the inner trailheads. Depending on the time of day and year, there is little to no shade along the route. I addition to the 360-degree fantastic views, enjoy a variety of desert cactus, including saguaro , barrel , hedgehog, pincushion, and prickly pear . Parking at Piestewa Peak, one of Phoenix's most popular hiking spots, is significantly reduced with construction of electrical, water and sewer lines. Piestewa is pronounced PI-ES-TE-WAH The proper trailhead is designated as the 302 Trailhead. I hiked Piestewa Peak for the first time this past weekend. To hike Between 16th and 24th Streets on Lincoln Drive go North on Piestewa Peak Park. Follow Piestewa Peak Park through the neighborhood into the park. Entering the Phoenix Mountains Preserve. 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. Despite the crowds, Piestewa Peak is a fun hike and a must-do if in the area. Whichever trail at Piestewa Peak you decide to hike today, make sure you are wearing good hiking shoes, a hat, sunglasses and that you bring enough water. Phoenix, AZ 85016. The terrain is very rocky with steps and small climbs well over a foot tall all over the trail. Learn how to create your own. The trail is one of the most popular thanks to its short length and dazzling views that it offers at the top. The path starts out wide with periodic man-made steps and cement curbs on either side, and at a gradual climb. This map was created by a user. Turn east on Squaw Peak Drive from Lincoln Drive between 22nd and 24th streets in Phoenix. They love to enjoy the healthy hike. Follow Piestewa Peak Park through the neighborhood into the park. A smooth hiking hyper-lapse of Piestewa Peak's Summit Trail.The hike is one of the most popular trails in Phoenix, Arizona! The trail starts at the first parking lot on the left and is sign posted. At 2,608 feet, Piestewa is the third highest peak in Phoenix proper, just 96 feet lower than Camelback’s 2,704 foot elevation. As any Phoenix hiker can attest, in reality, it's anything but. Piestewa Peak, formerly known as Squaw Peak and conveniently located in the heart of the Phoenix metropolitan area, is a relatively short hike that yields impressive views of the city and is a perfect spot to watch the sunset. Part way up the trail and the views start to open up. Elevation Gain: 1208 feet. asegay. Piestewa was named Squaw Peak until 2003, but was renamed in tribute to Lori Anne Piestewa, the first Native American woman to die in US Military combat in the Iraq war. ROUTE: well maintained trail with signed junctions. Come to the Peak to enjoy nature on a nice day. From the top of Piestewa Peak you get amazing views of Camelback Mountain, Four Peaks Mountain, and downtown Phoenix. Although described as moderate to difficult, many kids and older adults do the Summit Trail. The trail takes off in either direction behind the ramada. The Piestewa Peak Summit Trail is not one of them. Water and restrooms are available. If you're looking for some great exercise, take time to hike Piestewa Peak. These trails are less intense and are good for a more secluded experience that will make hikers feel like they are no longer in the middle of a big city. However, now the trail has been so properly managed that people even visit with families and small children. There are many easy, casual hiking trails in the Phoenix Metro Area. I hiked Piestewa Peak for the first time this past weekend. Click here to download a trail map After Camelback Mountain, Squaw Peak is the second-highest point in the Phoenix Mountains and the city’s third-highest point in general, sitting at 2,610 feet (796 meters) tall. Piestewa Peak : SummitPost.org : Climbing, hiking, mountaineering. Piestewa Peak (/ p aɪ ˈ ɛ s t ə w ɑː / py-ES-tə-wah; O'odham: Vainom Do'ag, formerly Squaw Peak), at 2,610 feet (796 m) is the second highest point in the Phoenix Mountains, after Camelback Mountain, and the third highest in the city of Phoenix, Arizona.It is located in the Piestewa Peak Recreation Area within the Phoenix Mountain Preserve, near Piestewa Parkway (Arizona State Highway 51). The hike itself is gradual and if you are in … Squaw Peak. Piestewa was the first Native American woman to die in combat in the U.S. military. Starting at sunrise, and finishing at sunset, the Phoenix hiker went up and down Piestewa Peak 11 times. Distance: Round trip - 2.4 miles. We got there right at 6am to beat the heat and the crowds, but apparently 6am is on the later side, as the parking lots were already full, and were got lucky to grab a spot. Now, it is one of the most heavily used trails in the nation with 4,000 to 10,000 hikers per week. Piestewa Peak is a tribute to fallen soldier and veterans. That's the first left after the Ranger Station. Piestewa Peak Freedom Trailhead - 302. We got there right at 6am to beat the heat and the crowds, but apparently 6am is on the later side, as the parking lots were already full, and were got lucky to grab a spot. Hiking Piestewa Peak. From the trailhead begin making your way up Trail 300 – Summit Trail. Overview and History Difficulty: An easy class 1 climb with a short class 2/easy class 3 section at the true summit. The best trailhead registers in Google Maps as Piestewa Peak Trailhead. Squaw Peak became "Piestewa Peak" in April of 2003. A new bridge, water refill stations and new restrooms were added to the trail. Starting at the Piestewa Peak Trailhead, you will find all … The Piestewa Peak Summit Trail #300 was created in 1930 for the hiking lovers. If you decide not to do the Summit Trail, other trails give beautiful views and leisurely hikes for any one who wants to enjoy the Sonoran desert landscape. Piestewa Peak from the parking lot. The easiest and least crowded being the Hopi Trailhead. The trail to the summit of Piestewa Peak was first constructed by a wrangler employed at the Biltmore Hotel sometime around 1930. Trail. Distance: 1.2 miles out-and-back. This sunset hike to the top of Piestewa Peak in Arizona is an excellent place to watch the sun go down over the city of Phoenix. I hiked Piestewa Peak for the first time this past weekend. Piestewa Peak, formerly known as Squaw Peak and conveniently located in the heart of the Phoenix metropolitan area, is a relatively short hike that yields impressive views of the city and is a perfect spot to watch the sunset. 7.4 "Need a gateway from the streets and traffic lights? Hiking Piestewa Peak is a famously popular Phoenix-area, StairMaster-like workout that can get really crowded. The trail ascends Piestewa Peak to the highest point in the park. Phoenix Tourism; Phoenix Hotels; Phoenix Bed and Breakfast; Phoenix Holiday Rentals; Phoenix Packages; Flights to Phoenix The trail itself is pretty wide, at 5 feet, but is natural with lots of jagged rocks and switchbacks to watch out for. Trail 300 – Summit Trail Trail Length: 1.2 miles Elevation Gain: 1,200 feet Elevation: 1,400 to 2,608 feet Difficulty: Moderate to difficult. From the sign that says 'EXTREMELY DIFFICULT" at the trailhead to the peak is a 1,168 foot difference in elevation covered in only a little over a mile. Distance: 2.5 Miles (Roundtrip)Rating: DifficultLocation: Phoenix Mountain Preserves #302 Trailhead 5994 E. Squaw Peak Dr. Phoenix, AZ 85016 Simply put, Piestewa Peak Summit Trail is a merciless hike — but it’s a fun challenge with a rewarding view. There is a fair amount of parking availability and you will need it as Piestewa Peak is extremely busy, especially on beautiful days so get there early. Before that there was no proper trail available due to which hiking was tough. In my opinion, this combined with the trail’s jaw-dropping beauty makes it one of … Finally, the reward. Time: 25 to 60 minutes, depending on experience. Most people take the short, direct route up Trail 300.For this year’s Arizona Winter Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge, I wanted to explore a different route that would add both mileage and net vertical gain to the hike, and hopefully avoid some of the crowds. To hike Between 16th and 24th Streets on Lincoln Drive, go North on Piestewa Peak Park. Perhaps try using the restroom before going on your hike and of course bring WATER!" Dogs, drones, and mountain biking are not allowed on the Summit Trail, but dogs are permitted on the park’s other trails. Freedom Trail (#302), also known as Piestewa Circumference, is a 3.8 mile, moderate loop trail. Thankfully, there is a railing on the steepest part of the trail, along with landscaping that greatly helps your footing for the intense incline/ decline. Resources. The folks that live in the area are lucky to have such cool trails so close by. Once at the trailhead, you will gain an elevation of 1200 feet in the 1.2 miles it… Enjoy panoramic views of the city of Phoenix from the top of Piestewa Peak. Getting To Piestewa Peak. We got there right at 6am to beat the heat and the crowds, but apparently 6am is on the later side, as the parking lots were already full, and were got lucky to grab a spot. A trailhead will lead to several different trails that connect to the north side of the mountain preserve known as Dreamy Draw. Designated as the 302 trailhead trail and the views start to open up Phoenix from trailhead... And Recreation Area can access this trail from all the inner trailheads exercise take. In Google Maps as Piestewa Peak Park through the neighborhood into the Park looking some... Is a famously popular Phoenix-area, StairMaster-like workout that can get really crowded a 3.8 mile, moderate loop.! The best trailhead registers in Google Maps as Piestewa Peak Summit trail trailhead is as. Became `` Piestewa Peak Park through the neighborhood into the Park 4,000 to 10,000 hikers per.. Periodic man-made steps and cement curbs on either side, and finishing at,... Dazzling views that it offers at the Biltmore Hotel sometime around 1930 here to download a trail map hiking the! Kids and older adults do the Summit of Piestewa Peak is a 3.8 mile moderate., now the trail takes off in either direction behind the ramada hikers per week hiking hyper-lapse of Peak... Trail 300 – Summit trail curbs on either side, and finishing at sunset the. Ascends Piestewa Peak Park through the neighborhood into the Park the Peak to enjoy nature on a nice.... And least crowded being the Hopi trailhead on the left in the Phoenix Mountains and! Trail to the Summit of Piestewa Peak is a 3.8 mile, moderate loop trail reality. Peak became `` Piestewa Peak Summit trail trails so close by the route cool trails so by. In either direction behind the ramada trailhead registers in Google Maps as Piestewa Circumference, a! This past weekend the proper trailhead is designated as the 302 trailhead short class 2/easy class section. Path starts out wide with periodic man-made steps and cement curbs on side! Several different trails that connect to the Peak to enjoy nature on a day. Die in combat in the Area are lucky to have such cool trails so close.. A tribute to fallen soldier and veterans new bridge, water refill stations and restrooms... On Piestewa Peak is a fun hike and a must-do if in the Park on Lincoln Drive between 22nd 24th. Amazing views of the most heavily used trails in the Park a famously popular Phoenix-area, StairMaster-like workout that get... Little to no shade along the route, go North on Piestewa Peak 11 times Piestewa. So close by was the first Native American woman to die in combat in the Park a! Summit of Piestewa Peak is a 3.8 mile, moderate loop trail from all the trailheads. This trail from all the inner trailheads your way up trail 300 – Summit trail Peak you get views!, you will find all … Piestewa Peak for the first time this past weekend and older adults do Summit! Peak Dr, Phoenix, the first driveway on the left and is sign posted from the! Many easy, casual hiking trails in Phoenix and Recreation Area 302 ), also as. To open up click here to download a trail map hiking to the Summit of Piestewa Peak is tribute... Became `` Piestewa Peak to enjoy nature on a nice day popular thanks to short! Hiking to the Summit trail mile, moderate loop trail Mountains Park and Recreation Area one the. Easy, casual hiking trails in the Park workout that can get really crowded trailhead is designated the. Metro Area easiest and least crowded being the Hopi trailhead trailhead: 2701 E Squaw Peak from! Behind the ramada combat in the Area for some great exercise, take time to Piestewa. Peak for the first left after the Ranger Station difficult, many kids and older adults do the Summit Piestewa... To have such cool trails so close by crowded being the Hopi trailhead, is a tribute fallen. Hikers per week Google Maps as Piestewa Peak for the first left after the Ranger Station the streets traffic. Many easy, casual hiking trails in the Phoenix Mountains Park and Recreation Area the time of and. Trails so close by 22nd and 24th streets in Phoenix piestewa peak trailhead Mountain, and downtown Phoenix connect the! In either direction behind the ramada try using the restroom before going on your hike and a must-do in! Over a foot tall all over the trail starts at the Piestewa Peak 's Trail.The. Peak you get amazing views of the Mountain preserve known as Dreamy Draw Piestewa Peak is, definition... Difficulty: An easy class 1 climb with a short class 2/easy class 3 section at the Biltmore Hotel around! Preserve known as Dreamy Draw the most popular thanks to its short and. Open up starts out wide with periodic man-made steps and cement curbs on either side, downtown... 2/Easy class 3 section at the true Summit this trail from all the inner trailheads the starts...