It was my first time doing Piestewa Peak 2 weeks ago. Overall it was a good trail. It wasn't too busy when I went but there is enough room for those going up and going down to make room for each other as paths cross. It is a bit exerting getting all the way to the top. If you are a beginner hiker or have health problems this may not be the hike for you. Definitely listen to your body going up, I went with my brother and his wife, while my brother and I heart rate were in the 130's-150's on the way up his wife was well into the 180 bpm range. So while others may not feel it as tough be mindful of who you are hiking with. Definitely want to wear the proper footwear if you are doing this hike as there are many steep steps and multiple jagged rocks along the way. It is definitely a beautiful hike to do and a wonderful view when you make it to the top! read more

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This is located in Phoenix by Lincoln Road and 24th. It's about 1.2 miles to the top so you can get up and back within an hour. It's fairly easy - if you are used to doing stairs as you'll basically be climbing up a lot of them. When you get to the top, there are great views of the city below. The only thing you'll need to watch out for are people who are racing up and have no intension of stopping to let you get out of the way. If you hate stairs, try the circumference trial instead. Yeah, the name is totally not creative, but it's much easier than the stair one (even kids can do it) and you still get to see the city from way up high. Level: Easy to Moderate read more

Piestewa Peak - The stairs going up the trail. - Parks Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

I've been hiking here for many years. I am addicted to the summit trail and occasionally hike the circumference trail. It's a great workout and offers nice views of Phoenix. The summit trail can get really busy on the weekends. Fortunately, with the warmer weather just around the corner, the crowds should start to thin a bit. When I was on my way down the hill on Monday I saw someone walking up the trail with a pit bull on a leash. I Informed them that there are no dogs allowed on the summit trail and they turned around and went back down to the parking lot. Three things to remember: 1) stay to the right 2) the person going uphill has the right-of-way and 3) no dogs on the summit trail read more

Come early, beat the crowds. I love this hike bc its a steady incline and coming down not as tough as Camelback. I am a slow hiker and climb up and down at a turtles pace but still enjoy trying to make it to the top. There are several trails to choose from and some are dog friendly. read more

Piestewa Peak - Parks Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Very nice views of Phoenix. Not a very challenging hike but very enjoyable. Gets steep at the very top but a couple of hard steps will get you to a nice view read more

Piestewa Peak - Random rock - Parks Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Squaw peak (Piestewa peak) is my go to mountain. This is my 'bae' of mountains in the Phoenix area. Short, sweet, and gives a good work out. If you like stairs, you'll like this mountain. I hike Piestewa with friends usually every weekend in the mornings. There are plenty of parking spots open early on weekends, however they can quickly fill up throughout the day. The length to the top isn't as far as some other places, but it can be strenuous for others. Bring lots of water, stay hydrated, and bring a snack when you get to the top. It can be crowded at times, that's why I prefer going earlier. Some people even do this trail twice in a row. It's definitely possible if you're up for the challenge. The view at the top is great. You can see Downtown Phoenix, the Stadium, and the city on one side. On the other side, it is all land and different views of the valley. Bring friends with you to keep each other motivated until you reach the top. Don't quit! Keep going! Just think one step at a time. It's worth it, I promise. Also, don't forget to touch the 'medallion' at the very top. It's kind of hidden, go find it. read more

Piestewa Peak - At the top on a cloudy day! - Parks Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Ok time for the obligatory annual non-food-related review. Piestewa definitely makes its way to my top 3 for hikes in Phoenix. Setting aside the fact that I've only hiked 3 mountain trails in Phoenix so far, it's actually probably my favorite one to do. 1. Convenience - It's only about a 10 min drive from my apartment, making this the perfect location for people who also live at my apartment complex 2. Going the distance - It's a decently arduous 3 mile hike - 1.5miles up and 1.5 miles back..ish (we had a fit-bit user with us to verify this distance) 3. Workouts & instagrams - It's as intense or leisurely as you make it. Good mixture of incline, rocks, 10ft tall cacti, and a gorgeous 360 degrees of Phoenician cityscape. Unfortunately Piestewa is no hidden jewel and there are droves of people out in full force in every not-summer month. The only time I would guess the parking lots aren't full would be from about 11am-?? I'm not really sure when the evening crowds start their treks as I've only done this hike in the morning. read more

Piestewa Peak - Sacagawea exploring piestewa for the first time - Parks Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Very challenging trail to hike, have not hiked this mountain in over 20 years. Short distance, but huge elevation gain. Such a reward to make it to the top. read more

Piestewa Peak - Parks Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Piestewa is a nice little in-town hike. It isn't long but it has some serious elevation gain for those looking to get in a work out. Very popular (especially in the winter and on weekends) parking is the real limiter here. I hike at a brisk speed and have never had a serious problem with the trail being too crowded but the parking lot is just its own monster. I recommend getting in early or...well, I don't know a better option. Still, if you have company in from out of town, it's a great 'things to do' (if you can get them out of bed early) with a [basically] all skill levels hike and quality 360 views of the valley. There are some sister hikes to the main peak that, admittedly, I've never done. Just not really interested -- maybe one of these days. read more

Piestewa Peak - Parks Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Amazing and fun hike, a bit steep in places, we saw a few older people with walking sticks which is a great idea for stability purposes. If you want a fun day hike with an amazing view of the city definitely check this place out read more

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This peak is pretty steep but fun to climb. Parking is a challenge especially on the weekends. Please don't leave your trash in the park. This was the first park I've been to with the most number of water bottles lying around. read more

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This will always be squaw peak to me. This trail is always overcrowded. There is a reason you can't bring pets on it. Lots of people do this trail without even checking out the rest of the Phoenix Mountain Preserve. There are so many awesome trails around here there is no reason to just do Squaw Peak. My suggestion: Try out the bevy of available trails all over this preserve. We try and go hiking as much as we can and we still havent touched over 70% of them! read more

Plenty of free parking, and restrooms. Trails to Piestewa Peak summit are well marked. well maintained. mostly steady incline, but steep near summit. Great Phoenix and Scottsdale views. Even can see University of Phoenix Statium. David 704-441-2010 read more

Piestewa Peak - View from Piestewa Peak looking south. David 704-441-2010 - Parks Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

I've been hiking the summit trail since I was a kid. It's a nice hike because you get a pretty good cardio work out in a short amount of time. The trail is about 1.2 miles with a 1200 ft elevation gain (the mountain itself is around 2500 ft). The second part of the hike is the hardest as there are lots of elevated switchbacks just before reaching the top. But once you get to the top, you get several beautiful views of the Phoenix area from all different angles. All the major suburbs can be seen. The peak itself isn't very spacious and can get a little crowded on busy days. This is a pretty popular hike and you'll see some of the regulars running up and down it several times in a day. I suggest doing a night hike as Squaw Peak (I still call it that) is open pretty late into the evening. Sadly many out-of-town folks underestimate the heat we have here and don't bring enough water. I personally go through quite a bit of water when hiking it. There are two lots you can park in and there is usually plenty of space. read more

Piestewa Peak - Camelback mountain on the left - Parks Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

This is got to be my favorite hiking trail in Phoenix. I hiked the whole trail which took about 2 1/2 hours. To get to the top is well worth the hike. Warning: This is not a smooth trail like Pinnacle Peak. If you don't mind all the rocks and the heavy traffic. Make sure to wear proper shoes to hike this trail. read more

Wow! What a hike. My boyfriend and I are fairly active but come from a city with no mountains so this was definitely a challenge! We made it through with tennis shoes but hiking boots would for sure be recommended just because of the broken up rock on the path. The view at the top is SO worth it though! read more

Thoughts while on the trail: Nice short hike. Very rocky, uneven surface. Pretty sure half of Phoenix is on the trail with us! So now that I'm off the trail and back home, I've got to say I really enjoyed the hike today. The November weather was perfect and made the climb very pleasant. I took my 7 yr old son with me and he did great. Although the trail is very rocky and rugged (particularly for an "improved" pathway), it is a simple hike. I saw a lot of people wearing running shoes, but I've got to admit there is no way that would have worked for me. It would be super simple to roll an ankle on the jutting rocks. Plus, I would think that the soft sole of a running shoe would expose your feet to the rock points. I wore hiking boots and was happy that I did. I kept reading about having to scramble over rocks and had imagined needing ropes. But the fact is, the only rock climbing we did was no more than running up a staircase two at a time. It really was not a problem. The real negative for me was all the "company" on the trail. All my hiking experience up till now has been in more remote areas. I suppose because Piestewa Peak is located inside a major city I shouldn't be surprised. But I've got to tell you, there are A LOT of people there. A few rude, but most very considerate and nice. Still, hiking like ants in a line is a bit strange. But I am a fan, none the less. read more

Piestewa Peak - No problem! - Parks Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

This hike kicked our butts! It was a really good workout though. When we first arrived it seemed really simple & like a fun hike. However as we began the hike we realized there was a lot more to the hike than we originally saw from the bottom of the trail & we were in for a lot more than we thought. About half way up I wanted to quit but we kept going....it was about 1.25 miles up to the top. It was a really pretty view from the top of the peak. The hike down the trail was much easier & enjoyable. I would recommend bringing plenty of water & maybe a snack :) The whole hike took us about 1.5-2 hours read more

Of the two best hikes in the central part of Phoenix, I would vote Pieatewa peak #1 ahead of Camelback Mountain. Though there are some difficult climbs on Piestiwa, they are less drastic than the more treacherous paths on Camelback. It's busy, so parking can always be a challenge, but they recently updated parking so you can look around even longer for an open spot ;). Great views and a good distance at over 1.5 miles. read more

Piestewa Peak - Parks Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

I hiked the entire Summit Trail in August. Start early and bring lots of water. Parking: I was a little nervous about the parking situation when I pulled in at 6AM on a Saturday morning and saw cars parked in every spot along both sides of the road. Just keep driving forward. There are several parking lots, and I was able to find a spot quite easily. People just try to grab a spot on the shoulder of the road because it minimizes the distance to the Summit trailhead. Funny how people who are there to hike want to minimize their walking. Bathroom: available in the parking lot Summit Trail: There are a couple of trails you can take, but most people come here to climb the Summit Trail. This trail is rated as difficult. While it's rating is the same as Camelback, it is actually an easier trail than either of Camelback's two trails, and as a result, it's decently crowded, even in August. I saw many more families bringing children and senior citizen hikers along the way than I did at Camelback. This doesn't mean that it's an easy hike though. The terrain is a little more even than Camelback and there's a clear trail all the way to the top, but it's still an intense work out. You don't need to be a fitness junkie to make it to the top, but you should be somewhat in shape. For reference, I'm the type of person who only goes to the gym about 3 times a week to hang out on an elliptical. I make some effort to work out but I'm not running a marathon anytime in the near future (or even distant future). The trail is quite scenic, and at 6AM, I was able to get to the top without the sun beating down too hard upon me. The peak is a bit difficult. It's truly a peak in the sense that there's no convenient flat area for you to stand around on. Scramble yourself up onto whatever ledge is available and enjoy the break before climbing down. Total time round trip was about 2 hours. The only downside would be that it's a little crowded and there are a few spots that are narrow enough that you just have to wait for people to pass. read more

Summit Trail is a really great trail that is easily accessible from the city. It's just 1.2 miles total, but had pretty good elevation gain (1200 feet) and thus makes for a pretty good work out. It gets a lot steeper towards the end! However, the trail is really well designed and maintained, with lots of looser rock on the trail for some extra traction. The views are great starting from minute 1 of the hike, and it can be pretty tempting to always look down at your feet when you're hiking to make sure you're not in danger of slipping. But I definitely recommend a few breaks to at least see the awesome views of the city! Also, come prepared with water and/or snacks! The 360 degrees view from the top is worth it! read more

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Great hiking spot in the middle of the city. I have been here a couple times to do the loop plus the peak, which makes for a really nice hike and a good workout. The views are awesome! There is plenty of parking available, and the crowds are much more manageable than some of the other Phoenix trails. Bring a bottle of water and enjoy the views of mountains and the city. read more

Piestewa Peak - Parks Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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One of the most outstanding short distance hikes readily accessible in the Greater Phoenix Area. Piestewa Peak is part of the phoenix preserve area adjacent to Paradise Valley. Camelback Mountain is clearly visible from the peak as is the downtown skyline and the Valley in general. It's less than 1.5 miles with a rapid incline to 1200 ft, might want to bring a bit of water, especially during the summer months. There's a good amount of foot traffic, so be prepared to share the trail. The outstanding views really make this summit peak trail worth checking out! read more

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My boyfriend and I have done this hike twice since moving to Arizona a year ago. Both times were in the early afternoon and It is the perfect hike for getting in REAL exercise but not totally over-doing it. It is considered a difficult hike but, I would really disagree. There trail has many man-made steps that lead all the way to the top. I saw children as young as 6 or 7 booking it to the very top of the mountain. The view from the peak is breath-taking (because I was out of breath). There were many runners on the trail, which I was surprised by. If you go in December, the shade and wind can make it quite cold so bring a jacket. Don't forget water! read more

I'm sure this place is a great hike. However, I've only been to this mountain for the Lori Piestewa Memorial Services. And that is what this review is about. I remember what it was like when Lori Piestewa was declared a prisoner or war and how my family got calls from Hopi inlaws asking us to pray in our way for her safe return. There were many things online, in our newspapers and on tv - we were so afraid. And then the inevitable came, the news we didn't want to hear. I don't know if any of ya'll know this, but Tuba City and the Hopi Nation are small places. Both are tight knit communities where everyone knows one another. And the devistation felt by her loss was incredible. I remember a cousin of mine recalled it as "you could hear the cries in the streets". Every Native in the country probably went to bed hungry that night in honor of her. And as for the name Squaw. I always knew it was bad. It was something you never said, you never needed to say it. It was always something terrible. Once when I asked my grandfather what it meant he said "a terrible, terrible woman who's unfit to get married." I later learned that it meant, to his tribe, a women who was raped as a child and was deemed no longer fit to bear children. That was the interrpretation I grew up with and that is how I equate it today. I know of the mainstream meaning of that word, as a derogitory term for a vagina. But know that different tribes view it differently. but all meanings are terrible. I've only been called a squaw once. and unfortunatly, that person knew what it meant and used it in that context. And inspite of my education, eloquence and empathy - I was nothing but a mere squaw to this person and to this state and so was it's mountian. And I gotta admit, it stung a little to hear Squaw Peak Freeway or Squaw Peak used so... lightly. It was a wonderful day to hear Governor Napalitano decide to change the name to honor Lori Piestewa. I found it ironic and fitting. An elder once said, "Jessica may have gotten a movie, but Lori got a mountain!" And though she lost her life fighting for the freedoms of all Americans, she won a major battle in the war against using hurtful names from Indian Country's past to casually name things such as: mountains, sports teams, etc. This little indian girl who cried when she heard that Woman Warrior died is now a young woman who does what she can to push for change in America - and a big part of what inspires me and other women of color (not just natives) was the renaming of this mountain. This Peak is more than just a place for a great hike, it's the beginning of a movement. I have never forgotten that everytime I've traveled to it's base to honor the woman who inspired the change. And I know this woman, where ever she is, smiles down knowing her daughter doesn't have to live in the same world where she once did - where Native women were constantly being cursed at when asked for directions. Where signs all over a city sliced through you like knives. Where you'd try not to whince whenever a non-native on TV spoke about the traffic. It's a wonderful world, I only wish Lori could see it. read more

I hike this almost every day. Obviously, I love it. I take no breaks. Prisoners, maybe. Here's what you need to know: Parking can be tricky. If you're going at peak times (get it?), the lot at the trail head is usually full and there's typically a line. It's funny how I'll hike with vigor but I hate walking to the hike. Anyway, it's the second lot you come to and the first on the left. The hike gets harder the higher you get. There's really very little danger of "falling off the mountain." Plenty of spots to stop and rest. Bring water. Summer or winter, the rescues are almost always someone who is not acclimated to the heat and thinks they can hike for just a bit. Don't do it. Drink water before you go. The more the better. I strongly recommend hiking boots, or just be super careful on the way down. It's super easy to roll an ankle. You know when you get to the two metal hand bars YOU'RE ALMOST THERE! Good luck and god speed! read more

Next time you're stuck in traffic on the 51 and Glendale, look just off the freeway and you'll see desert mountains flirting with your urge to get outside and spend the day exploring NATURE ... da ba dee da ba doo. (That's right, SNL Robert Goulet reference) When the weather's nice, I spend as much of my time outdoors as I possibly can. I look at it like the camel filling himself with water for his desert hike, or the bear filling his belly with food for a long winter of hibernation because I know that when July and August hits...I'll be merely dreaming about the outdoors. So, Piestewa Peak (formerly known as Squaw Peak) is one of my favorite outdoor destinations. Ok, so there are a couple routes you can take at Piestewa Peak and that's what I love about this area. If you're in the cardio mood, you can climb the peak and get the stair master workout. When you get to the rocky top, it's pretty awesome staring out and seeing the city on one side and a desert preserve on the other. If you're in the mood for a flatter hike through the desert oasis itself, then park in the way back and take the path you see on the north side. Between the saguaros and the rolling peaks and valleys, it's a gorgeous hike. You could easily keep walking until the sun sets so keep an eye on the clock and remember the direction you took. As long as you do that, you're golden. There are several different paths you can take including some with lookouts, some that go deep into the valley and some that explore the ups and downs of the preserve. So be sure to do your research and figure out which path you want to take. Hiker be warned!! You know how they also warn you to never leave the beaten path? Well... I didn't listen...and when I didn't listen, a jumping cactus decided to show me how it earned the name "jumping cactus" by jumping right onto my ankle. With nothing but water and a lone backpack, we had to improvise ways to get the needles out of my ankle. Now here's a little tid bit of knowledge about the jumping cactus...when it attaches to let's say, you're leg, it hooks in and makes it pretty darn hard to get out. Ten painful prick removals later, I was back on board and a little sore, but kept on truckin'. So be warned and keep a solid eye out for any little cacti lying around, because they are everywhere on Piestewa Peak. But don't let that scare you! It's well worth any scrapes you get along the way! read more

So today I felt like pushing myself a little so I decided I would conquer Summit Trail at Piestewa Peak as an appetizer before making the short drive over to Camelback Mountain for my main course. Well the first thing I noticed is that this place is quite different from Camelback Mountain. Unlike Camelback: -There are multiple parking lots. The parking spaces themselves are substantially larger. If you're a "car person" as am I then you giggle like a schoolgirl when you see the perfect space to leave your baby. -There was a considerably lesser amount of hikers on Summit Trail. I suppose this is good if you like the solitude and serenity of man and nature alone. If you're a "people watcher" then I suggest you stick with Camelback. -The terrain of Piestewa Peak is also noticebaly different. There is a vast amount of igneous and metamorphic rock on the trail making it a hell of a lot rougher on the limbs in the event of a fall. Expect a lot of sharp, angular rocks as opposed to the sandy, more rounded sedimentary rock of Camelback. -The grade of the Summit Trail at Piestewa Peak is not as steep as Camelback however it is more windy and there are more trails in totality as opposed to the few Camelback has to offer. For leg work accompanied by cardio I suggest Piestewa Peak. For more of a full body workout accompanied by cardio I suggest Camelback's Echo Canyon trail. By the way, on the walk to the Summit Trail head I encountered a snake. It startled me so I said "Ooh, shit." I guess he could sense my fear as he then stood up and approached me stopping inches from my face. He told me that it was his playground and that he didn't want any nerds on it. I replied that "I was just trying to live my life." He then demanded my lunch money. After I handed it to him he shoved me to the ground knocking my glasses off and ripping my Nirvana t-shirt. The other snakes laughed. It was humiliating. I'm never going back there again! Okay, sorry. In all seriousness today I did encounter a snake (dark green nearly black with a bright yellow pattern on it's back) that was about 4 feet long. As you enter the park the first parking lot is located on the right. I parked here. Across the road from this parking lot is a trail that will allow you to bypass walking on the main road to access the Summit Trail head. I was walking with my shades on when the Man up above told me to remove my shades so I could see where in the hell I was going. Not even a minute later in the gully to the right of this trail the snake slithers out of the wall of this gully. Again, it was about four feet long, which was enough for me to get my ass up to the actual trail head with a little bit more pep in my step than usual. Folks: Do your thing, have fun, but pay attention to your surroundings and please watch your kids and your pets. If you have kids take your cellular on the trail with you; better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. read more

This is a "Yay! I did it. Now I can cross THAT off my list." hike for me. It's very challenging and the summit view is spectacular and it's a cool feeling to take it all in from the jagged rock landing at the tippy top. It's cool to be able to point to this tall peak and say "I've been up there!" I don't, however, like the sucky parking and I hate having people "all up on me" while I'm hugging the side to give them plenty of room to pass. PASS ME already!! I wish there were a few hours carved out of the day, or a day designated just for those of us who can't haul ass up there, so we could enjoy the sense of accomplishment along the way -- kind of like how they have lap swim times at the public pools! :) read more

Summit trail not that bad, way easier than expected. Easy access by bus (slight walk from main road) if you don't have a car. Great view from the top! read more

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I have to say this was an amazing hike that really got my heart pumping. I just started getting back into hiking and I'm far from in shape and even I was able to make it up the mountain. I'm not going to lie, it took me well over an hour and 54 oz of water but I made it without passing out and rolling down the hill like a fat barrel in a game of Donkey Kong, knocking out other hikers along the way. I pushed on to make it because I remembered 3 other yelpers making the comment that, "the juice is worth the squeeze." Kept that in my mind the whole time I was going. The view from the top, it was amazing but I did slightly expect it to be a little bit better. Although I guess what do you expect when you're in the city. Could have been the date and time I went but there were not long distant blue skies like I had seen in other yelper photos. It was a little polluted above phoenix on this day and the view was blurred out a little. I was slightly bummed I risked my heart exploding in my chest for a scene of the pollution. But that will not stop me from checking this place out again the day after a rain when it cleans the air from a good portion of pollution in the sky. Suggestions, I will say to arrive EARLY. I don't know about other times of years but I've gone at sunrise and sunset. Sunrise the parking lot was already packed at 5am and I'm guessing that's because we all had the same idea to avoid the heat. Well, that was their idea at least, mine thoughts were just wanting the least amount of witnesses if I tripped and fell down the mountain. I would prefer sunrise over sunset, only because the one time I went at sunset that seemed to be the time all the creepy crawlies came out. While hiking at night I ran into a baby rattle snake still developing it's rattler, scorpions, tarantulas (which are harmless), and a ton of bugs that were attracted to my headlamp and felt the need to dance on my headlamp and forehead. I haven't ran into anything while hiking the morning so far. Suggestions for anyone out there not in shape like me. A few things that really help cut the heat is to wet your hair and shirt immediately before hiking, they both dry rapidly but it feels so good the first 30 minutes you're hiking up there. Or wet a bandana and wear it. Take a backpack and carry extra water, I could have used 3 bottles of water instead of the 2 I had. I'm telling you AZ heat kills and I see people all the time in the ER and they are usually the ones that are avid hikers caught off guard. I usually freeze two bottles of water and take one normal cold bottle. This way if I feel overheated I can rest the ice bottle on my neck. The heat melts it fast enough I can drink it. Also, take as many breaks as you need. I see a lot of people on the mountain apologizing to their more fit friends for not being as fast and then trying to push themselves. I had to talk them into being slow and steady to win the race or being the idiot on the news who pushed themselves and had to be removed via helicopter. FYI your insurance doesn't cover stupid. Those ER bills and helicopter bills are insane. Just be smart. I'm also not ashamed to take an umbrella. You won't see people do it that often but if you didn't leave early enough in the morning and you're caught in that sun, you'll be grateful for that umbrella blocking the heat from most of your body. I carry a cheap one when I hike in case I ever see someone overheated I will gladly give it to them so they can sit and rest in some shade. I open it and close it as I need it, pack it away in my backpack, no shame and I get a few envious looks from people wishing they had one. Also be kind, move over for the more professional hikers. I know I don't move fast but why should I hold up anyone else's workout. They do appreciate when you move over. I would also suggest good shoes. It's not going up that will kill you, it's coming down and rolling your ankles a thousand times. Be smart, have fun, take your time when you need it and it's a hike well worth it. read more

Iain, Keri, anyone else questioning the name change... PLEASE READ AND THEN RE-READ CHER T.'s REVIEW. It's sincere and heartfelt, and explains about the importance of the name change in a first-hand way that most of us could never know. Piestewa's a pretty cool hiking area, but not really any different than any of the other metro area mountain park systems. Unless you are specifically looking for the previously mentioned "stairmaster effect" the best bet is to avoid the summit trail alltogether and either use the Circumfrence Trail, which goes around the entire base of the mountain, or head to the north end of the parking area and begin at that trailhead. If you want to take your pooch [the kind on a leash, not under your bellybutton] then forget about the Summit trail because no dogs allowed on the summit trail (only). There is still some rock scrambling on these trails, and they don't have the same, well-established cement steps that they do on Summit trail. There are a few choices of looping trails from here [check the map board posted] which will take you up and over one or more of the slightly smaller peaks, and on the other side you are in a large expanse of desert wilderness that seems truly hidden away from the city sights and sounds. You can't even hear the nearby 51 Fwy; the occaisional plane or chopper overhead is all the civilization you are aware of if there aren't other people around. And there are always less people out here than on the stupid Summit trail. You'll see more dogs, horses and bikes out here, though, so mind your right of ways [another thing posted on the sign at the trailhead -- sense a pattern?] If you are prepared with the right stamina and supplies, you can even journey the main trail north from here right into the 32 Street or even the Dreamy Draw and onto North Mountain Park. Just remember: No matter how far you've gone, you're only halfway there -- you still have to come back! and pick up after your dogs read more

Today I journeyed to the top of Piestewa. Previously, I'd only done some wandering around before dusk. The climb to the top was much more challenging than I'd imagined. Fellow hikers were in abundance, as I'd been warned, but on this day I didn't mind. I enjoyed the random conversations and also the occasional cheering from others in passing such as "Good Job," "You can do it," "You're almost there!" ...But hmm I began to wonder... Did I look that in distress? That inexperienced? Or is it just that friendly of a hike? Perhaps I'm just more used to less traveled trails. I definitely had to take breaks though and at times probably did look like a staggering, dehydrated person in the desert. Once I made it to the top, I collapsed dramatically and gazed in awe at the panoramic view realizing this peak is smack in the middle of the city. There are the typical views of downtown Phoenix, Tempe, Papago, Camelback, etc. in addition to Red Mountain, Four Peaks and many others. There was humor at the top... Someone stood up and expressed a loud "Whoaaa." Then I heard a lady say, "That is not a good sound to hear on top of a mountain." Later, I overheard an old man say "Gonna have to do a whole bunch more thinkin' on the way down." These innocent things made me chuckle. ...And the old man was right. The humans were interesting... I met a couple of guys who said they made it to the top in 27 minutes but that the last time they did it in 24. Impressive. There was also a helpful man who new the names of almost all of the mountains in the distance. I said something cheezy to him...something like, "I love a man who knows his mountains." This was an enjoyable hike. Beautiful and a good workout. I got to make some friends...human and non (an adorably fearless squirrel scavenging around at the top) and shared a number of high-fives. While I am more-so drawn to desolation, I absolutely enjoyed the humanly-plentiful energy of my first hike to the top of Piestawa Peak. read more

This hike is TOUGH! It is a windy, steep trail with loose and jagged rocks. I twisted my ankles a couple of times and am surprised I didn't get a sprain. When I made it to the very top, the view was absolutely breathtaking. Here are a few tips that I wish I had known before I went: 1. If you can, go in the middle of the day (weekday) or very early a.m. for parking. I arrived around 2:30 on a Tuesday so had absolutely no troubles parking, but when I got back to my car at 4:30 the lots were completely full. 2. Bring more water than you think you will need. Next time I go I am bringing a Camelbak. 3. Wear really sturdy shoes with good grip. Next time I go I will wear hiking shoes instead of my Nike running shoes. 4. Lots of benches and cool view points along the way to take a breather. I may or may not have stopped to catch my breath several times on the way up :) 5. Allow a solid 2 hours, maybe even longer for the full hike. 6. Bring a camera (or camera phone) for the top. The view is really worth it. Enjoy! read more

If your looking for a trail of enlightenment...a trail of peace and solitude.....a trail that leads to summit of tranquility.....WELL...this is not it. This had the feel Sonoran industrial conveyor belt leading to I must say is a rather picturesque (all be it smoggy) view of the Phoenix valley. When the GF arrived at our vacation getaway, our host suggested this as a secondary hike because the other hill in the valley is known to be very busy. The host referred Piestewa as "Squaw Peak." Other locals we would come into contact with all stated the same. After reading some other thoughtful and insightful yelp reviews. I understand and appreciate the name change. Our host, other locals, and other yelpers talked about the parking situation. This is not to be taken lightly. Given that we visited on a Monday, I assumed the parking was a result of the weekend crowd. Not so. Monday was slammed and with a cosmic roll of the dice, we stumbled on a parking spot as another group of hikers were leaving. I threw on the my Tenzig 6000 w/ about 50 lbs. of additional weight. Up the trail we went. With lungs and legs in semi-perfect order we began our assent. Immediately, I was impressed by the different cross-sections of humanity representing as we stepped off. Some were represented more than once, because they were going up and down, and up and down again...unknown where their turn arounds were. If it was the top and bottom.....it's impressive! As we travelled the trail at time the only missing was Gollum. I felt like it was when he guided Frodo and Sam up the secret path up the stairs of the mountain surrounding Mordor. Fantasy mixed the primal urge to conquer and then a cell phone would ring and snap me back to reality. While almost cresting the summit, a Phoenix PD chopper swooped and buzzed everyone. How I longed to capture that moment but we were only 3/4 of the way there. Upon making the "summit" there were many just milling about. It took little over an hour to reach. Remember...Anger is better than despair. I eyed the true summit, and nudged the GF in the general direction. You will know what I mean when just about everyone stops. The view below is well worth the hike up!! read more

Piestewa Peak - 03/07/16 - Parks Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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I don't climb shit. You people who have written that this peak is a good "workout" and great for "cardio" and get all excited about this "challenge" - I don't fucking get you. Don't get me wrong - I have much respect for you, have a few friends like you, and think you're probably pretty cool. I just think you're f-ing crazy. The only reason why I climbed Piestewa was because a) a friend from overseas came to visit and b) leaving her to do this on her own would've been rude. I mean, she flew 10 hours to come and visit. The least I could have done was spend a couple of hours (shut up) climbing up this thing. It was not easy, nor was it kind. But the view was pretty awesome, and the lack of crowds made it a lot easier for me to dawdle and marvel at how much I didn't want to be walking up a peak that day as I sat and took many breaks along the way. Oh yeah, and from all I've heard and read about the issue, I think it's fantastic that a decision was finally made to honor instead of desecrate an entire culture and people. How few and far between these decisions are. Go Janet. Go hikers. read more

Hiker beware. I was robbed at 3:00pm in the afternoon at one of the most crowded parks in the city. I won't go on and on about my tragedy, just know the police told me 3-4 cars are broken into here every week. I'm so disappointed the park doesn't tell you there are thieves on the park grounds watching the behaviors of hikers with the intention of breaking into their cars. The cash, credit cards, emptying my bank account in the span of an hour is hideous, but taking irreplaceable personal items is heartbreaking. Don't trust the park to watch your car or fellow hikers. read more

A great workout and fun hike, Piestewa Peak is a nice alternative and change of pace from Camelback Mountain. While they are similar in terms of distance and elevation gain, Piestewa doesn't have the sharp inclines or boulder scrambles that make the final ascent on Camelback so challenging. Having said that, it is still a lot of fun and definitely gets your heart pumping and calves burning! TIP #1: If you are going on a weekend, get to the Phoenix Mountain Preserve early. Very early. Like Camelback, parking is limited and the area gets very crowded. I try to arrive around 5:00-5:30am to get a parking spot. The Summit parking lot (the one with all the cars in it!) is on the left side as you're working your way along Squaw Peak Drive. Watch for the sign - it's small. TIP #2: There's an Alternate Summit trail that starts close to the lot before the Summit lot. Worth a try! If you miss it, or if the lot is full, I like to park all the way at the end (Apache lot). If you do this, don't walk along the street to get back to the Summit lot. From the Apache lot, you can hop right into the Circumference Trail (302) that meets up with the Summit Trailhead. It's a great way to add close to another mile (roundtrip) to your hike. It's also a nice level warmup before you hit the incline of the Summit trail. The trail itself is very well-defined and well-maintained. It's a series of jagged, rocky steps all the way up to the top, with some nice switchbacks and terrain variety to make things interesting. There are no boulder scrambles and with the exception of just a few spots, you won't need to rely on your hands to keep you on track. Great views of the city (and Camelback!) from the top. Enjoy! It does get very crowded, so it's important to be respectful of the other hikers. TIP: Dogs are not allowed on the Summit Trail, but they are allowed on the less-traveled trails of PMP. Pace yourself, bring plenty of water, take pictures at the top and enjoy the views along the way. Piestewa Peak is just another reason why Phoenix is a great city for hiking!! read more

I love this mountain because it's not as crowded as some of its sister mountains (i.e. Cambelback). The switchbacks up Piestewa will get you. They're long, rough and just pure angry. But think of how toned your rear end will get!!! This is most definitely a rough trail if you go all the way to the top. You don't have to though. Piestewa rests in the middle of the Phoenix Mountain Preserves. So you can either go partially up Piestewa or opt for one of the smaller neighboring hills instead to get your workout in. read more

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I love how you can go hiking outside..... across ravines, some steep climbs, quick runs, jump or skip across some small boulders, take some gorgeous photos -- all while still within a major metropolitan city! It's great... you don't have to travel too far to get here. Weather has been absolutely gorgeous lately. We started off by parking in the Hopi lot, and then trekking out, over, above and beyond, and back for about 3.5 miles. It was great because when we were climbing up mostly we were in the shade. We encountered several other hikers, runners, runners w/ dogs, and mountain bikers. But it was never crowded. Great outdoor activity to appreciate Phoenix. read more