February 9th, 2020
Length: 2.2 miles
Route Type: Out & Back
Elevation Gain: 1,151 ft
Dog Friendly: No
Fee: No
Restrooms at trailhead: No
Trail Hours: 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
HOW TO GET THERE:
Getting to Piestewa Peak is fairly simple these days whether you’re using Google Maps or Apple Maps. You can type in Piestewa Peak Trailhead and most mapping systems should take you there from wherever you are in the Valley. No matter where you’re coming from in Phoenix, you can only access Squaw Peak Drive from Lincoln Road. You’ll see signs at the intersection and head east on Squaw Peak Dr through what is at first a neighborhood nestled up to the base of the City’s Phoenix Mountain Preserve Park. The address is 5994 E Squaw Peak Dr. There are multiple lots in the area. The main one right at the base of the trailhead is recently remodeled. Grabbing a spot there might be dependent on how busy the day is, but the other lots and parking options are not too far away.
Parking/Entrance Hours:
5 a.m. to 7 p.m.*
*Extended summer hours in effect annually from June 1 to September 30 at Piestewa Peak Trailheads. Trailheads open until 9 p.m.
THE HIKE:
Piestewa Peak is centrally located and is one of the most popular hikes in the Phoenix area. Since it is centrally located it is usually pretty crowded most times of the year. One of the great things about this hike is you get an amazing 360 view of the valley and on a clear day you can easily identify landmarks such as Arizona Cardinals Stadium, West World, and ASU. One of my favorite things about Piestewa Peak is that it is open for night hiking, unlike Camelback Mountain. The trail hours are 5:00am to 11:00pm. If you want to get an amazing sunset picture I recommend hiking 30 to 45 minutes before the sun is supposed to set. On nights when there is a full moon you may not need a headlamp, but I would recommend to have more than just your phone light. However, we always hike with our headlamp and an additional flashlight to be safe.
Piestewa Peak isn’t a super long hike, but it is a very steep hike. It is never flat, it’s steep from the very beginning. I would recommend to wear hiking shoes or shoes with a supportive bottom because of the jagged rocks. It can be painful if you aren’t wearing proper shoes. This trail is mainly switchbacks until you get near the summit. The trail is very easy to follow and there will be rails at points to hold on to once you get closer to the summit. Once you are about to approach the summit it turns into a very narrow steep hike that takes you to the top. The summit has very jagged rocks, which can make trying to find a comfy seat hard, but the view of the valley is worth it.
