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Piestewa Peak via East Squaw Peak Drive

based on 184 tracks & routes #1 hike out of 30 in
2.4 mi
Distance
57 min
Time
terrain
1,069 ft
Elev Gain

Overview

This is a fun and challenging out and back trail in Phoenix Mountains Park.

Getting Started

Piestewa Peak is a short but challenging trail in the heart of Phoenix that will reward you with great views of the city when you reach the summit. The trailhead is very close to the parking lot and the trail will take you up a stair step path to the top. At the top of the trail you can choose to do a fun little scramble to the very top of the peak and take in the views of the city before heading back down. This is a popular trail and very busy on the weekends. Parking can be a challenge so it’s best to get there early. Dogs are not allowed on this trail because of the amount of foot traffic but they are allowed on other trails in the park.

Taking Children

There are many who take their children on this hike but please bring enough water and make sure they are in shape for the hike.


Sights to See


    Rate this Hike

    user_profile
    2 years, 10 months ago
    My daughter (13) and I did this hike on January 28th (Saturday) and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Gaia lists this hike as "Easy", and the sign at the start of the trail says it's "Extremely Difficult" but I'll rate it as moderate. The hike is challenging because of the steep elevation gain, but people in reasonably good shape can do this hike. The views from the trail and at the peak are amazing. The workout you get from the climb feels great! The only downside is the crowds. We arrived around 11:00 AM and every parking spot was filled. We ended up parking in the neighborhood a couple of blocks from the entrance to the park. There were lots of people on the trail but considering this trail is in the middle of a large city, this shouldn't come as a big surprise. Bring water and sunscreen!
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    5 years, 8 months ago
    I hike it couple days a week I find it difficult but fun, I use the benches as waypoints try to increase my time. I am averaging per week 5.3 a day.
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    6 years, 2 months ago
    Very quick but challenging hike. Pretty crowded as well.
    ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    6 years, 6 months ago
    Definitely a great hike, challenging and a quick elevation gain. Did this trail at night to watch the sunset and there are amazing views, you’ll have to work for them though. Gave this a 4 only for the fact that wildlife wasn’t too prevalent. Other than that it’s a solid 5.
    ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    6 years, 8 months ago
    This is not an easy trail - more on the hard side of moderate. . Not sure who rated it but it’s pretty steep and rocky. Not a bad hike but very busy - lots of waiting for opposite direction traffic as it’s narrow in many places.
    ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    7 years, 1 month ago
    Love this hike. Best hour long hike in central Phx in my opinion. Avoid this on weekends though it’s too crowded.
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    8 months, 3 weeks ago

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    8 months, 3 weeks ago
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    1 year, 8 months ago

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    1 year, 9 months ago
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    3 years, 10 months ago
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    4 years, 8 months ago
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Public Tracks

user_profile
kbruce1515 9 years, 1 month ago
Squaw Peak, Phoenix, AZ, USA
Nice hike, get there early as there is limited parking. We got there at 6am and lot was almost full
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Steve Blackwell 3 months ago
Phoenix Trail Run
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/20284538759
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Me Name 9 months, 3 weeks ago
Phoenix Mountain Preserve Hike
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/18285925917
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Kristine Charette 1 year ago
Phoenix Trail Run
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/17551764224
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LightGale9167 3 years, 11 months ago
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Harrison Hood 6 days, 20 hours ago
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