I had an amazing day hiking with friends around Piestewa this week. We originally had another trail in mind but once we arrived, the group decided on Hike 302 (freedom trail). We went 4.1 miles, 1100 elevation (two summits) and it took us about 3 hours as we took our time. On a weekday; it wasn't too crowded until we got to Piestewa summit for the downhill steps. I time of day gave us sun in the early morning chilly time and shade on the backside of the mountain after a couple miles so that was refreshing. Make sure to bring lots of water; take your time as the rocks can be slippery and a hat is a good idea for the intense sun. Parking can be tight too but people start/end at all sorts of times so just be patient. read more

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This area is a very nice city park with plenty of parking, lots of hiking trails, and great views throughout. We had a great time exploring and enjoying the scenery. Definitely recommend it if you're looking to spend some time outdoors! read more

This was a very nice Birthday hike. It is crowded and we left around 6:30 am. Plenty of parking lots but those were also full, we got lucky a few people were coming down they must have started at 5 am. Such a great glute work out. I would come back and hike here again. read more

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PLEASE DONT BE SILLY PACK WATER! Come prepared especially if you are NOT used to phoenix heat and sun and you are visiting! Definitely great views. The trails is hit and miss on some spots especially if you have shorter legs due to the drop offs. But it's ok to climb a little in certain spots. Only issue is come on people clean up and don't defecate on the summit please for the love of Pete!!! read more

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Such a beautiful hiking trail! The trail is not too difficult (there are some spots that are pretty steep, but most of it is very manageable). The trail is also marked well, so you won't get lost! There is a nice area with rocks at the top of the peak that you can take a rest on. The view is absolutely gorgeous--you get to see all of Phoenix! Ran into a bunch of other hikers, but there is plenty of space on the sides of the trail to let people pass. The parking lot also had plenty of spaces! read more

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I am doing the Phoenix Summit 7 in November and wanted to check out this summit to see how challenging it will be. Picture doing the Stairmaster for an hour and a half straight and you'll have a feel for this summit. On this day we chose to start on Freedom Trail #302 and continue to Summit #300. The weather had cooled down, so we decided on an afternoon hike instead of a morning hike. Not the best idea as it was hot once we got going. There was a constant breeze which helped but there was limited shade on the trail. I tend to drink a lot of water when I am hiking and went through 3 liters. Thankfully, my hiking buddy doesn't drink that much water, and I was able to slurp some of his water. Clean bathrooms Open from 5am -11pm Plenty of free parking read more

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Parking not an issue. WEAR STURDY SHOES. And ankle support is needed. Very slippery. Lots of steps. This trail is basically a stairmaster made out of rocks. Very pretty. Be careful going down is due to slippery rocks. I rolled my ankle a lot. read more

Piestewa Peak - Parks Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

PEAK YOUR INTEREST?? If you like crowded trails, then this one is for you. Good 360 degree views in the heart of the city, but if you are planning for a quiet peaceful hike, Fa getta bout it! This is one of the busiest trails in the valley. Parking gets packed and you will have to stalk people going back to their car. The hike has a lot of steep incline and you may find yourself pausing at resting spots along the way. For some insane reason, people want to run up the narrow, craggy path, causing a lot of dodging and moving out of their way the whole time. And the dresscode while running is to be shirtless or in sports bra apparently. Why not just run bleachers at a track? FYI, no one is impressed. This is the equivalent of drivers revving their engine and speeding off in a parking lot. Also, there's no shade on the mountain, just shade in my review. read more

A really fantastic first exposure to AZ hiking- shortly after arriving in AZ, for a week of adventure exploration, we picked this trail to tackle first Oh quite an excellent challenge; I love a fellow reviewer's description, "the trail is basically a stair master made of rocks"- The hike was a steep incline along a path where some portions were narrow and some required rock scrambling- The view was worth the workout- at 2,608 feet elevation it offered an impressive panoramic view looking over the vast expanse of Phoenix- The parking lot-and with that trail-got crowded- and took a bit of waiting on others to safely navigate, but rewarding trail read more

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Can't beat this hike. So lovely. Parking has improved but super crowded for a reason. Love it. read more

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Piestewa Peak is one of Phoenix's true gems. The trail is a great workout--steep, rocky, and definitely challenging--but the payoff at the top is absolutely worth it. The 360° views of the city and desert landscape are breathtaking, especially around sunrise or sunset. The trail is well-maintained and clearly marked, though it gets crowded, so early mornings are best if you want a quieter experience. Bring plenty of water, good shoes, and be ready for a steady uphill climb--it's not long, but it is intense. Perfect for locals or visitors looking to get in a quick but rewarding hike with incredible views. A must-do Phoenix experience! read more

Piestewa Peak - Best hike ever - Parks Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Great Trail! Difficult / Hard but worth it. This is my favorite hike in Arizona so far, definitely at leg workout. read more

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Hot take: trail 302 - freedom trail is better than trail 300 summit trail IMO. If you want a little easier of a hike, but also longer, tryout the circumference trail! It still has almost 1,000 ft elevation and is still a good workout. It will just take you longer because it is longer in distance in comparison to the summit trail. read more

This is a great local trail in the city! While it's only 2 miles to the summit, the over 1,000 feet of elevation gain will really get your heat rate going! It truly is an outdoor stairmaster. The trail is easy to follow and you will be rewarded with an incredible view over the city from the top. It does get busy though so be prepared to share the trail with others. Parking can fill up but usually there will be some empty spots. There's no fee to hike here. I love doing a sunset hike here after work! read more

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Wonderful time out in Nature! Will definitely be back to enjoy the Trails. Dreamy Draw Loop read more

Piestewa Peak - Dreamy Draw - Parks Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Great views but when I went there was quite a bit of people so trail was busy but everyone was respectful

Awesome collection of trails from Easy to Difficult. Gentle rolling trails to very challenging (Summit Trail). There is one for everyone. Plenty of parking, lots of restrooms and well marked trails. read more

What a neat city park! We hiked the summit trail on an early morning. Nice challenging hike with elevation gain to get your heart ticking. Some flat spots but most of the time you are climbing on this trail. Incredible views from the top. Especially nice view of downtown. Well maintained trail and easy to follow. Lots of people here. Very clean trail considering all the folks hiking. See my summit and park map pics. Large free parking area. Easy to find. Several other trails here, but we did not do them. FYI: Trail is closed on excessive hot days. No dogs permitted here. Bathrooms and drinking fountain are available. All in all hard to find nicer park with such great trails. Enjoy! read more

Piestewa Peak - Summit view - Parks Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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This was a hard hike in 109 degrees (we started at sundown). We are pretty in shape and hike regularly and took our 10yo who is also a seasoned hiker. Brought lots of water but still felt lightheaded about 3/4 up. I recommend great headlamps, lots of water, and slow and steady walking if you choose mid-summer. Bonus though, parking was clear and easy! It was a lovely hike and would love this in the winter. read more

Scaling up the Piestewa Peak summit trail felt like an epic adventure, deserving every single one of its five stars! From the get-go, the trail called out to me with promises of excitement and jaw-dropping views. With each step, I conquered the rocky but well-kept path, fueled by the excitement of what I'd find at the top. And boy, did it deliver! The sprawling vista of Phoenix below blew me away, reminding me why I love nature so much and how awesome it feels to conquer challenges. This hike wasn't just a stroll, especially as I wore my 20lb weighted vest to add to the challenge; it was a personal victory, a memory that'll stick with me forever. Tons of people hiked, and we're able to pull up to a parking spot fairly quickly. Piestewa Peak summit trail isn't just any old trail - it's a five-star thrill ride waiting for anyone up for the challenge! read more

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This trail is pretty strenuous--- literally feels like scaling a mountain. Definitely recommend some good hiking shoes and water. The end of the hike is well worth the effort. Good cardio session + amazing views of the city. Recommend going in the early morning before the burning sun comes out. read more

Piestewa Peak - Parks Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Piestewa Peak is listed as a MUST for hikers in the Phoenix area. After living here almost 17 years I finally can check it off my list as being done. We did the summit trail and the circumference trail. Total of 5 miles with 1700 foot of elevation gain. If you like hiking and are a little advanced you should surely try this one. The views are totally worth it. My only reason for not giving 5 stars is the people. Yes I know it is a popular trail and there are a lot of people on the summit trail, but my issue is with common courtesy. Be respectful of other hikers and hiking etiquette when you are out on the trails! Don't just plow through people or keep your head down and keep pushing through expecting everyone to move for you. Be respectful! read more

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Many different trails to choose in this area. We did the Freedom Trail which is a 3.6 mile loop around the peak. I like trails that loop rather than go out and back. It's not an easy walk as there are several switchback ups and downs as well as rocky terrain. Better to wear hiking boots for stability. The Freedom Trail meets up with those going to the peak. That area was probably my least favorite part of the trail as it was very steep and incredibly busy. Parking is a hot mess but we were lucky and found a spot in the very last parking lot. Beautiful views read more

Piestewa Peak - Parks Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Beautiful city park and hiking trails. Very well maintained. Bathrooms and picnic areas. Great way to start the day when visiting PHX. Bring water if it is hot. Watch your step. Enjoy :) read more

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Lots of trails and the park is well maintained. Incredible views of the valley. The bathrooms are clean and stocked too. I love to hike in the early evening in the summer. The trail around Piestewa peak is very challenging. Lots of other trials to choose from. Make sure you take plenty of water. read more

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It was a nice trail with nice city views mostly. There are no shades so beware, wear sunscreen, have a hat. It is strenious in the sense that the trail mostly consists of uneven steps of rocks. So especially if you have knee or back problems, it might be very painful. It was definitely a fun day for me but I'm not sure if the views were any better at the top. I enjoyed the halfway views much more. Also there are lots of people even around the noon and if you enjoy being alone or hiking super fast without waiting for anyone this one might not be for you. read more

Piestewa Peak - Beginning of the trail - Parks Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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This was our first hike in Arizona and we really enjoyed it. Very well maintained trail with ample parking, restrooms, and drinking fountains. Great level of difficulty and amazing views at the top. Starts as a stair climber and then gradually gets more difficult to some climbing spots but all manageable in my opinion. It's the perfect nature escape from the city and close by! Make sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen! read more

Did a mini hike with my boba sistah Haneen recently on Quartz Ridge Trail (#8A). It's been ages since I went hiking and also since I've exercised but I'm always up for a new adventure so when I had the chance to get some fresh air and take in some beautiful views of the mountain who was I to refuse? This trail parking lot is super tiny and is frequently at capacity. There is a shopping center across the street with parking but there are large signs posted that say you will be towed if you are a hiker that parks and leaves the plaza. The trail was also a little confusing for me to find because I turned onto 32nd to see a gated community straight ahead and saw a sign for the parking lot off to the side saying "Do not enter here." I didn't realize there was a separate entrance right next to the warning sign so I exited only to find out I was in the correct place the first time! The trail itself is between 1.5-2 mi one way but doesn't loop back around so you'll do a little more walking to get back to the parking lot. The total distance you'll hike/walk is probably around 3.5-4 miles when all is said and done. On our journey we saw some quail and little hopping cottontails. The elevation/steepness isn't too bad but there's a bit of loose rock so wearing hiking shoes helps. After this hike I'd love to go back maybe on a less busy time so I can find better parking and try the trail again. Details: - Dog friendly - Moderate elevation (~ 500 ft) - Views of Camelback Mountain and downtown Phoenix from above - No restrooms or drinking fountains at the trailhead - 23 standard parking spots and 2 handicapped spots read more

Piestewa Peak - Large rock on the Quartz Ridge Trail. - Parks Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

I would love to say that I conquered Piestewa Peak, but Piestewa Peak conquered me. Located in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve, Piestewa Peak, aka Sumit Trail, is a difficult hike. The trail takes hikers up a rocky path. Rocky steps throughout the hike. Many of the steps are deep and double tall. A 2.1 mile hike. In 2.1 miles, there is an elevation change of over 1,100 ft. Piestewa Peak is regarded as a challenging/hard trail. The view is supposed to be one of the best views in Phoenix. I say "supposed" because I am unable to confirm. While my hiking companion was happy to proceed onwards and upwards, I was unable to continue. I was done a little more than halfway up. Even on a Wednesday morning, the trail was busy. If the trail was less busy, it may have been easier to take my time. I knew we were not going to make it to the top and back in the time we had alloted. For me, hiking down was harder than going up. The high carved out steps and sharp rocks made finding my footing on the way down more difficult. Next time, I will be better prepared. Next time, I will bring a walking stick. Signs are posted about the trail being closed during excessive heat. Bring plenty of water, anytime of the year. We hiked on a cooler morning. All the movement had me quickly shedding my sweatshirt. If you need a break, take it. There are benches peppered about. It is so frequent that people have to be rescued off the peak, that a rescue helicopter was monitoring the area for about half of our hike. Signs are also posted that dogs are not permitted on this trail. Trash is pack in and pack out. Several parking lots in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve. The parking lot that is closest to the trailhead is along Piestewa Peak Dr. Restrooms are located at the edge of the parking lot. read more

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For the love of hiking, this peak on the Summit trail will test your abilities as a hiker! Make sure you carry water and snacks or fuel up reasonably before the hike. The 1.2 miles is deceivingly short as the it is very steep. The path is rocky and you will think about coming back in your next life as a billy goat! I came out on a tuesday late morning and the main parking lot was pretty much full. Luckily there is another parking lot beyond the main one. I'm glad I had lunch before heading out. I brought two 1L bottles of water but only carried one with me. I also had an orange and an apple. I consumed all of these on my way up. There are benches peppered towards the top. I took a break when my HR were in the high 150s. The trail is busy even for a weekday with locals and out-of-towners. Tomorrow onto Camel Back! read more

Piestewa Peak - Parks Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Wonderful find! So a few different trails here! A great way to stay fit and outdoors! Its pretty packed here but I see why! Nice views from the very top if you choose to go that way! Also not to mention rocks for days! I really enjoyed this place. People are pretty friendly here too! read more

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I used to love hiking in Hong Kong because you could be in this really dense urban area and then a few minutes drive away, you were surrounded by nature. Even as Phoenix emerges as one of the largest metro areas in the United States, it is also one of the few places that I can think of that shares this similarity. Piestewa Peak is right in the heart of Phoenix, but within minutes you could be anywhere in the world. When I pulled into the parking lot and saw a chipmunk I thought, "This is exactly what I was looking for." I was worried that its city proximity may mean that it was nothing more than a city park, but it's not. It's a legit outdoor area packed with wildlife, clean trails, Instagrammable Saguaro cactuses, and fresh air. I saw the hugest roadrunner of my life up here! The hike itself does have its challenging moments and I was so glad that I was experiencing this on a crisp December day. I truly can't imagine doing this in the thick of summer but plenty of people do (and the tourists are usually hungover when they do it after a night out in Old Town). The hardest (scariest?) part for me was coming down. People are always less cautious on the way down because they want to get back and this is usually when accidents occur. Be extra vigilant on the way down. In the end, the views are worth it and I'm not even sure you really NEED to make it all the way to the peak. I was enthralled with what I was experiencing just on the way up. Plan for at least two hours. Pro tip: before or after your hike, have a meal at Aunt Chilada's (they use Yelp Reservations!). One of my favorite hidden gems in Phoenix. The Jalapeno beef fajitas are a must for spice lovers. The complementary chips and salsa are divine. And plenty of great draft beers, mixed drinks, and wine options. One of my favorite places in the city. And it's on the Aunt Chilada menu where you will learn the meaning of the term "Dreamy Draw" that you see throughout this area. Enjoy! read more

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This is my favorite mountain to hike in Phoenix. I lived in AZ in the 90's and would hike here almost every weekend. Back then it was called Squaw Peak but they renamed it to Piestewa Peak in the early 2000's after a female soldier that went overseas for war. Bit of history for you. It's a really cool place to hike because they have a lot of parking at the bottom of the mountain, and several trails for different levels of hikers. There are bathrooms at the base as well as drinking fountains and hand washing stations. It seems to be a safe place especially because it is pretty crowded and lots of people. When you start walking up it's basically like walking up stairs and not too difficult. There are plenty of places to stop and take breaks and even sit down on benches made from the mountain stone. As you get halfway or closer to the top it definitely gets more difficult climbing and in some cases you are actually rock climbing not just hiking. So if you make it that far be safe. Bring plenty of water and take breaks if you ever feel out of breath. I bring 1 water bottle and it sometimes only lasts me to the top and then I have no water on my way down. read more

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Piestewa Peak has some great trails, great views, and great bathrooms! Several trails to choose from, the top of it is great. We came here on a balmy 85-degree Phoenix day, and fighting a sinus infection, the trail was pretty tough, but we managed the 3.5mile trek. The views are definitely worth it. BATHROOM REVIEW: Located before the trail, the bathrooms were surprisingly pretty clean. The stainless steel reminds me of prison, but there's nothing criminal about the cleanliness of the toilets. Sit or squat? Squat... it is a public park bathroom after all. read more

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I haven't hiked here in a few months, so happy for a breezy, overcast afternoon, even if it was 89 degrees. Bonus: the main trail wasn't crowded! Locals know that going in the afternoon (like 12:30 - 3:30) is best at this time of year b/c not a ton of people. Getting some hiking in b/f it's a bajillion degrees ;) read more

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Second highest peak followed by Camelback. Lots of trails and great parking. I enjoyed the summit but so do lots of people so get up early. read more

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Overdue for an update! I do love this mountain and have been exploring a little more this year. I usually do the summit trail, but I've done the 302 circumference trail a few times and have enjoyed it. It takes you around the mountain and it's longer and quieter with less people. Also, this trail links up to the main summit trail so both can be done in the same hike. The parking lot at the end of the preserve is the best place to park and begin this trail. They're still doing construction to create more parking which is appreciated, but there's still lots of places to park. I do recommend getting here early or at off-peak times to secure a spot, and/or carpool if going with someone. Bathrooms available and water as well, but come prepped and enjoy the views. read more

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As the locals will always call it "squaw peak", a true stellar of a park, hiking tails, picnic areas, fun for everyone!! If you're luck you may see some local wildlife! read more

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I absolutely love this hike. Provides a beautiful view no matter what time of day it is. If you're looking for a hike in the Scottsdale area I would definitely recommend Piestewa Peak. Also kid friendly for the most part. Enjoy the stunning scenery and be safe! read more

Piestewa Peak - Parks Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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This was my first time hiking in Arizona, and Piestewa Peak was a great place to start! It's definitely crowded here, so you'll want to come before or around sunset if possible to avoid the crowds. However, there are a few different trials that you can hike, and there are areas you can step to the side and allow people to pass. We arrived around 8:30am on a Sunday, and a lot of the parking lots were already full. We finally found a spot further up the hill and started off on the hike. They have clear trail markers along the way, and you can choose while trail you want to continue following. It took us about 2.5 hours for a leisurely 4.5 mile roundtrip hike, which involved going up and down a couple of hills. The scenery was great, and very Arizona-esque. My only complaint was that the trail was very rocky, and many of the rocks were very loose. I was ok wearing sneakers, but would recommend hiking boots to protect rolling your ankles. Public bathrooms are available in some of the lots, and it looks like they are building a larger rest area. I hope to come back to check out additional trails! read more

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