Piestewa Peak is a prominent landmark located less than 10 miles from downtown Phoenix.
The summit trail leading to the top of the peak has been ranked as the number one hike in Phoenix, according to AllTrails.
The Piestewa Peak Summit Trail #300 offers a challenging yet rewarding experience, surrounded by breathtaking desert vistas and an abundance of natural beauty
Whether you live in Arizona or are just visiting, this is the one hike you must do!
Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about hiking the Piestewa Peak Summit Trail.
Piestewa Peak: The #1 Hiking Trail in Phoenix
Table of Contents
- Piestewa Peak Trail Information
- Why is it named Piestewa Peak?
- What to expect when hiking the Piestewa Peak Summit Trail
Piestewa Peak Trail Information
- Is there a fee to hike Piestewa Peak Summit Trail? No
- How long is the Piestewa Peak Summit Trail? 2.4 miles out and back
- How long does it take to hike Piestewa Peak? Plan for about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on how long you plan to spend at the top.
- What is the elevation gain? The total elevation gain is 1,148 feet.
- How hard is Piestewa Peak Summit Trail? The trail is rated by the city of Phoenix as a double black diamond, meaning extremely difficult. However, we personally felt that the trail was challenging, but not extremely difficult.
- Is the trail kid-friendly? I would not recommend this hike for kids under 8-10 years, but it depends on your kids’ ability.
- Can you bring dogs on the Piestewa Peak Summit Trail? No, dogs are not allowed on the trail.
- Are there bathrooms at the trailhead? Yes, there are flush toilets and water fountains located at the parking lot.
- When is the best time to hike the Piestewa Peak Summit Trail? The trail is open year-round, except during excessive heat warnings, but the best time to visit is October through March. Avoid hiking during the summer months.
- What time does the Piestewa Peak Trail close? The gates to the Phoenix Mountains Preserve are open from 5 am to 7 pm.
Why is it named Piestewa Peak?
Piestewa Peak is named in honor of Army Specialist Lori Piestewa from Tuba City, Arizona.
She was the first American military woman to be killed in the 2003 Iraq War. She is also believed to be the first Native American woman to be killed in combat.
The peak’s previous name, Squaw Peak, was changed in 2008 to pay tribute to Piestewa and her contributions. It serves as a lasting testament to her bravery and the enduring Native American spirit.
What to expect when hiking the Piestewa Peak Summit Trail
Despite its close proximity to the city, the Phoenix Mountains Preserve offers an escape from the noise and congestion and a chance to connect with nature.
Here you will find a network of hiking trails, with the most popular being Summit Trail #300.
There are several trailheads leading from the parking lot, so be sure you are on the right one.
There are four different parking lots with ample free parking, but the lots still fill up quickly on the weekends so plan to arrive early in the morning. The gates open at 5 am.
You’ll also find flush toilets and water fountains by the parking lot. The facilities are clean and well-kept, one of the best we’ve seen at a trailhead.
Although the trail is relatively short, it is quite intense. The trail begins an upward ascent right from the parking lot and only intensifies the further you go up.
It reaches an elevation gain of almost 1,200 feet over the span of 1.2 miles.
But the strenuous hike comes with a reward.
The entire trail offers scenic views over the valley with several photo ops along the way.
The path is well-maintained, featuring a series of switchbacks and rock staircases.
There are still plenty of loose rocks, so be sure to wear sturdy hiking boots and watch your step.
You’ll also want to avoid this hike if you have knee problems, you’ll really feel it in your knees as you go down.
Related post: Flatiron is also one of the most challenging and rewarding hikes in Phoenix, click for everything you need to know about Hiking Flatiron!
This hike is the ultimate Stairmaster workout and it keeps getting steeper the higher you go up!
But it will be worth it as you find yourself surrounded by the unique desert landscape, characterized by towering saguaro cacti, vibrant wildflowers, and diverse plant life.
Take breaks as needed to catch your breath and soak in the awe-inspiring vistas of the Phoenix metropolitan area.
Just when you feel like your lungs may explode and your quads are on fire, you’ll reach the summit.
The breathtaking panoramic views over the Phoenix Valley make every challenging step worth it. You can see for miles in every direction.
There are actually several peaks at the top.
To reach the true summit, you’ll need to scramble up the rocks on the left once you reach the top of the trail.
There are a lot of sheer drop-offs, so use extreme caution. The summit also might prove challenging for those with a fear of heights.
We hiked the trail early on a foggy winter morning.
This added a mystical element as we found ourselves high above the clouds.
This trail is also stunning during sunrise or sunset when the sky is streaked with color and the city is wrapped in an ethereal glow.
Just keep in mind that the gates close at 7 pm, so be sure to be out of the park before then.
The trail also gets increasingly crowded as the day goes on, so it is best to come early to avoid the crowds.
You’ll also want to avoid hiking this trail from May through September.
During the summer months, temperatures can soar above 100°F, making the hike challenging and potentially dangerous.
There have been several rescues due to heat stroke and exhaustion, leading the city of Phoenix to close certain trails when an Excessive Heat Warning has been issued.
The trail is exposed the whole way with no shade, so even in the winter it is best to avoid hiking during in the heat of the day when the sun is out. Be sure to bring more water than you think you’ll need!
For more recommended hiking trails, see our guide 7 Awesome Hikes in Phoenix!
And if you’ve worked up an appetite after your hike, see our guide for 13 of the Best Places to Eat in Phoenix.
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I hope this guide will help you discover everything you need to know about hiking the Piestewa Peak Summit Trail!
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[…] You can even spot Piestewa Peak in the distance. The summit trail to the peak is actually ranked as the #1 hike in Phoenix. […]