Distance: 1.2 miles out-and-back. The path starts out wide with periodic man-made steps and cement curbs on either side, and at a gradual climb. 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. Phoenix, AZ 85016. The Piestewa Peak Summit Trail is not one of them. The Piestewa Peak Summit Trail #300 was created in 1930 for the hiking lovers. They love to enjoy the healthy hike. From the trailhead begin making your way up Trail 300 – Summit Trail. At 2,608 feet, Piestewa is the third highest peak in Phoenix proper, just 96 feet lower than Camelback’s 2,704 foot elevation. 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. 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. Hiking Piestewa Peak. Depending on the time of day and year, there is little to no shade along the route. Piestewa Peak from the parking lot. I hiked Piestewa Peak for the first time this past weekend. Starting at sunrise, and finishing at sunset, the Phoenix hiker went up and down Piestewa Peak 11 times. 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. Despite the crowds, Piestewa Peak is a fun hike and a must-do if in the area. Come to the Peak to enjoy nature on a nice day. A trailhead will lead to several different trails that connect to the north side of the mountain preserve known as Dreamy Draw. 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). Hiking Piestewa Peak is a famously popular Phoenix-area, StairMaster-like workout that can get really crowded. 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. Trail. 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. Dogs, drones, and mountain biking are not allowed on the Summit Trail, but dogs are permitted on the park’s other trails. The trail ascends Piestewa Peak to the highest point in the park. 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. Getting To Piestewa Peak. 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. That's the same distance as runner a marathon, with more than 13,000 feet of … Click here to download a trail map Part way up the trail and the views start to open up. Parking at Piestewa Peak, one of Phoenix's most popular hiking spots, is significantly reduced with construction of electrical, water and sewer lines. As any Phoenix hiker can attest, in reality, it's anything but. You can access this trail from all the inner trailheads. Piestewa Peak Freedom Trailhead - 302. The folks that live in the area are lucky to have such cool trails so close by. From the top of Piestewa Peak you get amazing views of Camelback Mountain, Four Peaks Mountain, and downtown Phoenix. Once at the trailhead, you will gain an elevation of 1200 feet in the 1.2 miles it… Before that there was no proper trail available due to which hiking was tough. Follow Piestewa Peak Park through the neighborhood into the park. 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. The trail starts at the first parking lot on the left and is sign posted. Follow Piestewa Peak Park through the neighborhood into the park. Enjoy panoramic views of the city of Phoenix from the top of Piestewa Peak. Entering the Phoenix Mountains Preserve. Freedom Trail (#302), also known as Piestewa Circumference, is a 3.8 mile, moderate loop trail. 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. Perhaps try using the restroom before going on your hike and of course bring WATER!" asegay. To hike Between 16th and 24th Streets on Lincoln Drive, go North on Piestewa Peak Park. Elevation Gain: 1208 feet. If you're looking for some great exercise, take time to hike Piestewa Peak. ROUTE: well maintained trail with signed junctions. Squaw Peak became "Piestewa Peak" in April of 2003. Piestewa is pronounced PI-ES-TE-WAH Distance: Round trip - 2.4 miles. A smooth hiking hyper-lapse of Piestewa Peak's Summit Trail.The hike is one of the most popular trails in Phoenix, Arizona! The proper trailhead is designated as the 302 Trailhead. This map was created by a user. The easiest and least crowded being the Hopi Trailhead. I hiked Piestewa Peak for the first time this past weekend. Hiking to the summit of Piestewa Peak is, by definition, a walk in the park. The trail takes off in either direction behind the ramada. Turn east on Squaw Peak Drive from Lincoln Drive between 22nd and 24th streets in Phoenix. Starting at the Piestewa Peak Trailhead, you will find all … The best trailhead registers in Google Maps as Piestewa Peak Trailhead. Finally, the reward. The terrain is very rocky with steps and small climbs well over a foot tall all over the trail. The trail itself is pretty wide, at 5 feet, but is natural with lots of jagged rocks and switchbacks to watch out for. That's the first left after the Ranger Station. Now, it is one of the most heavily used trails in the nation with 4,000 to 10,000 hikers per week. Time: 25 to 60 minutes, depending on experience. The trail is one of the most popular thanks to its short length and dazzling views that it offers at the top. 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. In my opinion, this combined with the trail’s jaw-dropping beauty makes it one of … The trail to the summit of Piestewa Peak was first constructed by a wrangler employed at the Biltmore Hotel sometime around 1930. 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. Piestewa Peak : SummitPost.org : Climbing, hiking, mountaineering. 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. 7.4 "Need a gateway from the streets and traffic lights? Resources. A new bridge, water refill stations and new restrooms were added to the trail. Trailhead: 2701 E Squaw Peak Dr, Phoenix, the first driveway on the left in the Phoenix Mountains Park and Recreation Area. Piestewa was the first Native American woman to die in combat in the U.S. military. Phoenix Tourism; Phoenix Hotels; Phoenix Bed and Breakfast; Phoenix Holiday Rentals; Phoenix Packages; Flights to Phoenix 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. 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. I addition to the 360-degree fantastic views, enjoy a variety of desert cactus, including saguaro , barrel , hedgehog, pincushion, and prickly pear . 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