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Piestewa Peak Summit

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Difficult Difficult
 4.2 (51)
  1. Areas
  2. AZ
  3. …Phoenix Metro
  4. Phoenix Mountains Preserve
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“The must-do hike to the top of this famous mountain ”

Kevin Morris
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Map Key

2.2

Miles

3.5

KM

Out and Back

2,466' 752 m

High

1,449' 442 m

Low

1,018' 310 m

Up

1,016' 310 m

Down

18%

Avg Grade (10°)

51%

Max Grade (27°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Views · Wildflowers

Family Friendly Difficult, but not too difficult for most older children. It offers a wonderful challenge for the whole family!

This is a preserve. Taking home rocks or even moving them is prohibited. Leave the wildflowers in place. Only park in designated areas. Do not cut switchbacks.

Overview

Piestewa Peak, along with Camelback Mountain, are commonly called THE must-do hikes in Phoenix. The are both quite tough, but Piestewa is the easier of the two. Despite the difficulty, this peak is doable for most determined hikers. Just make sure you go on a day that won't be too hot, bring plenty of water, and be prepared to hike slower than your normal pace. Take plenty of stops to rest. Surmounting the nearly 1200-foot ascent is rewarding in and of itself, but the panoramic views over Phoenix will immensely add to your accomplishment. Don't take this trail lightly, but don't forget to enjoy yourself, too!

Need to Know

Despite the difficulty, this trail is very popular and almost always crowded. Beat the heat and the crowd by making this a sunrise or a sunset hike. It takes an average of about two hours round trip. Leave yourself plenty of time before the day gets too hot, and bring more water than you think you'll need. Please note that dogs are not allowed on this trail.

Description

If you aren't put off by the difficulty, then you are in for a fun hike and a great workout. Almost entirely uphill, this trail weaves through the smaller hills at the base of the mountain before heading straight up. The terrain is very rocky, with many step-ups well over a foot tall. As you come to the summit, the skyline of downtown Phoenix lines the horizon backed by the South Mountains. Amazing 360-degree views, cooler temperatures, and possibly even a slight breeze await you at the top, making the 1,000-foot climb more than worth it.

Note: Many people choose to do this hike for sunset and descend by the lights of the city, but it's suggested to bring a flashlight because some parts of the trail still get very dark.

Contacts

Land Manager: City of Phoenix - Trails and Desert Preserves

Shared By:

Kevin Morris with improvements by Jesse Weber
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.2 from 51 votes

#1

in Phoenix Mountains Preserve

#256

Overall
  4.2 from 51 votes
5 Star
35%
4 Star
51%
3 Star
14%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Phoenix Mountains Pres…

#14

in Arizona

#256

Overall
154 Views Last Month
13,679 Since Feb 6, 2016
Difficult Difficult
0%
0%
2%
7%
85%
7%
Add a Photo

Photos

Piestewa Peak provides a phenomenal panorama of the Phoenix Metro for all to enjoy.
Mar 10, 2017 near Paradis…, AZ
Almost to the summit, you'll have to navigate this steep, rocky section to reach your prize.
Mar 10, 2017 near Paradis…, AZ
Piestewa Peak.
Feb 6, 2016 near Paradis…, AZ
Alternate Summit Trail
Oct 1, 2020 near Paradis…, AZ
Camelback Just in the Distance
Aug 18, 2019 near Paradis…, AZ
At the top of the Peak, looking southwest.
Dec 13, 2017 near Paradis…, AZ

1 Comment

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Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jun 8, 2024
Andy Demaertelaere
Mar 30, 2024
J Henry
1mi — 1h 00m
Jan 31, 2024
brian ross
Oct 10, 2023
Joey Patrum
Feb 25, 2023
SJ Allen
great Peak. super busy 1.1mi — 2h 00m
Jan 24, 2023
Lou Hibbard
Most people didn't go to true summit 1.1mi
Dec 18, 2022
Dan Shemon
Good hike with Esben while T-38 XC! 2.2mi — 1h 30m
Aug 14, 2022
Amelia Bracewell

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