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Piestewa Peak

Updated
Hiker on Piestewa peak trail
Piestewa peak
Views from the Piestewa peak trail
along the Piestewa peak trail
From the top of Piestewa peak
map: Piestewa peak trail
elevation plot: Piestewa peak

Location

How to Get There
This hike is located Phoenix, AZ.

In the Phoenix area, take state HWY-51 North to the Glendale Avenue exit. Turn right after taking the exit to get on Lincoln Dr. After about 0.5 miles, turn left on Piestewa Peak Drive. Follow this road through the residential area to Piestewa Peak Park.
addressone
Piestewa peak park
city
phoenix
state
az
Region
Phoenix Area and Central Arizona

Hike details

Distance
2.40 [Miles] Total
Hike Distance- Details
2.4 miles to the summit and back
Time
1.50 [Hours]
Time-details
It took us 1.5 hours with a 15 minute stop at the top.
Elevation Change
1,200 Total gain/loss [Feet]
Elevation Details
about 1200 ft gain.
Hike Trail Type
Out and Back

Season

Best Season
  • January
  • February
  • March
  • April
  • October
  • November
  • December
Worst Season
  • July
  • August
Season Details
hike early in the day during the summer
Date Hike completed
January 10, 2010

Solitude

Solitude
Low
Solitude Details
This is not the hike for those seeking solitude. This area is extremely popular during weekends and holidays. Expect to meet 300 other hikers.

Difficulty

Difficulty Rating
Easy
difficulty detail
It's not a difficult climb, but it is steep. As a consolation, the views are good. The problem with this hike is you have to share it with several hundred other people. This is a moderate difficulty hike.

Permits

Be Aware of
crowds

Hike to the top of Piestewa peak in Phoenix, Arizona.

This trail is well marked and right in the middle of the Phoenix area. These two facts make it a very popular trail on weekends. While there are a good number of parking spaces, these spaces have been known to fill up on weekends.

Since there is a large number of people with all different abilities, remember your hiking etiquette. Yield to those people going uphill. Let faster hikers pass you.

The trail detailed here is called the Summit Trail. It is the most direct route to the top of the peak. Animals are not allowed on this trail. The trail is on rock the entire hike. It starts with a series of switchbacks as you climb out of the parking area. The views of the city get larger and larger as you climb higher.

There are a number of benches and various views on the way up if you want to take a breather. Eventually, you will be unable to climb any higher and you will realize you have reached the peak. Take a look around and enjoy the view.

Return the way you came.

Map

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