You say the stair master is too boring? Have you finally decided to go out and get some exercise? Thousands of people know where you can go. Some people go there every morning before work. It is right in the middle of Phoenix. Surrounded by highways, neighborhoods, and resorts, you’ll find one of Phoenix’s most popular hiking destinations – Piestewa Peak. This area was renamed and used to be known as Squaw Peak. The new name was given in memory of Lori Piestewa, a soldier from Tuba City, Arizona, who gave her life in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003.
The name is pronounced: py- ess – tuh-wah.
There are two main attractions at Piestewa Peak: the Summit Trail and the Circumference Trail. The Summit Trail is by far the busiest. It is about 1.2 miles to the top. The trail itself is rocky and has a ladder effect. There are convenient stops along the way for those of us who need to take a breath or those of us who want a breathtaking view of the city. The views of the city are wonderful, and you don’t have to climb very high to see them. The Summit Trail offers a decent workout even for those seasoned hikers.
It is rated as a moderate hike. At the highest point it is at 2,608 feet, the total elevation gain is 1,190 feet.
The circumference trail at Piestewa Peak is longer at about 3.75 miles and is a much more gradual ascent. It takes longer, of course, but the kids can do this and the views are just as good. It’s also less crowded than Summit, which sometimes appears to be the interstate at rush hour. To get to the circumference trail, pass the Summit trail parking area and head to the last ramada. Whichever trail on Piestewa Peak you decide to do today, be sure to pack good walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and bring plenty of water.
In addition to the fantastic 360-degree views, enjoy a variety of desert cacti, including saguaro, barrel, hedgehog, pincushion, and prickly pear. Be especially vigilant around the cholla; those thorns are painful to remove once they adhere to your body.
Piestewa Peak is part of the Phoenix Mountains Preserve, a point of pride of Phoenix. There are a total of 31 Phoenix Pride Points that have been designated as such by a Phoenix Pride Commission. According to the Commission, “The Pride Points consist of parks, cultural facilities, historic residences and mountain peaks. All of these unique places are within the Phoenix city limits and contribute to the quality of life in the Valley. ”
The Piestewa Peak Recreation Area is located at 2701 E. Squaw Peak Drive, which is near 24th Street and Lincoln. The park is open from 6 am to 10 pm Dogs are not allowed.
