Piestewa Peak

The best hike in the Phoenix Mountain Preserves area. And probably the busiest. A lot of people do this trail for the exercise. I do it for the beauty. Mother nature. The animals, rocks, cacti, fresh air, the smell of outdoors, and for the exercise. The most popular trail is the one that goes up to the top, which is great. The view from the top is incredible. But the Perimeter trail, which goes around Piestewa Peak is another great trail. A little longer, and very scenic. A really really nice trail. (See the photos) And from the Perimeter trail you can easily take a number of other trail and go to different areas of the Phoenix Mountain Preserves. LOTS of trails. But be careful, it's easy to get lost. Even though you can't really get lost lost. You're in the middle of the city. Any direction you go will take you to civilization.

Moderate amount of hikers at 6:00 am. Plenty of parking, breath-taking views, clean restrooms and water fountain.

I hiked from the Piestewa trailhead walking 302 Circumference / Freedom trail. Sunny and about 69 degrees with wind. The trail is a little rough with quite a bit of elevation changes especially at the beginning. It's a great hike in the city but there are long stretches where it's seems you're in a far off desert hiking remote trails.

Amazing hike!!! Hiked up for the sunset. Was impressed with how many people were on the trail already it was very cool. Everyone was nice and respectful. Minimal trash. No bathroom on trail but are some at parking lot. Not a lot of room for any trailers. Cars fit fine once people begin showing up though spots disappear quickly. Overall the trail isn’t bad just a lot of elevation and some big steps. The very top could be challenging for some I think most should be ok. A man was at the top playing flute then drums and sang some. No words can describe how amazing it was.

A couple great options- completed the summit trail a few times and always a good time! I definitely recommend carpooling as parking can be full during busy times.

Beautiful and somewhat strenuous hike up Piestewa Peak. I recommend getting there early for a couple of reasons. 1. Easy to find parking and you beat the crowds. 2. You get to see the sun rise over the Phoenix skyline. It very much reminded me of the Manitou Incline in Colorado but not as steep or as difficult but it does give you a great workout.

Fantastic climb, it’s not easy but it’s worth it to be on the top at perfect Sunset.

Great hike for a sunrise or sunset. Parking can be difficult because it is very popular but there is off road parking available if the lots are full.

Nestled within a stunning expanse of desert landscape, this hiking and walking area offers an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in nature's beauty. As you set out on your adventure, the vibrant colors of the desert unfold before you, crimson and orange hues from the sun setting against the rugged rock formations create a breathtaking backdrop. The trails meander gracefully through the arid terrain, inviting you to explore every twist and turn. With each step, you're rewarded with panoramic views that feel like they've been plucked right out of a postcard. The unique geological features--towering cliffs, ancient cacti, and sprawling wildflowers, make for endless photo opportunities and moments of awe. Take your time to appreciate the serenity that surrounds you; the gentle rustle of the wind through the sagebrush and the distant calls of birds create a harmonious soundtrack for your journey. Whether you choose to tackle a challenging incline or opt for a leisurely stroll along the softer paths, you'll find that the inviting atmosphere allows for reflection, rejuvenation, and a deep connection with nature. What makes this spot truly special is the sense of community among fellow hikers. Many seem to share a passion for the outdoors, exchanging friendly smiles and encouraging words as you pass one another. It's not just the beauty of the environment that leaves a lasting impression; it's the warmth and camaraderie of the people that make this experience even more memorable. Feel free to bring along a picnic to enjoy amidst the sweeping views, or simply find a quiet spot to sit and soak in the surroundings. With miles of winding trails ahead and the sun setting gradually over the horizon, you can easily lose track of time, walking for hours and embracing each moment of tranquility in this lesser-known gem of a hiking destination. Whether you're seeking adventure, peace, or a bit of both, this remarkable area promises an unforgettable escape into the heart of the desert's captivating allure.

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

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!

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.

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.

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

Piestewa Peak is such a fun hike with killer views from the top! At 2,608 feet, it's the second-highest point in Phoenix (just behind Camelback). The trail's rocky and can be a bit of a workout, but the panoramic views make it all worth it. Parking is decent, and the trailhead's easy to find, but it's a popular spot, so expect a crowd. Great for soaking up some sunshine, snapping photos, and getting those steps in. Definitely a must-do if you're in the area! Saluti

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!

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.

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

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.

Piestewa Peak offers stunning views of Phoenix from its challenging, scenic hike. The trail is steep but rewarding, making it a favorite for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!

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.

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

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!

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 :)

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.

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

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!

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!

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 ;)

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.

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.

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!

First time EVER going mountain hiking. Easy to get in and out of the parking lot. No tourist BS. You park and start climbing up. I'm 42 and hate tall bridges and my son is 8...I'm in very good shape so cardio was no issue...but saw people sweating and huffing puffing up and down...my son who usually Complains about walking to his buddies houses but had zero complaints as it's a constant adventure. It is tiered for a challenge...wide easy path to start and each "rest stop" with a bench it picks up after...close to the top I felt my scared of heights nerves kick in...but we made it all the way up! Lots of people up and down but I was fine with that as it comforted my nerves...I saw 4 year olds and 84 yea r olds...but it is a challenge for sure. I have no idea what some people were thinking bringing babies...must not go up halfway...the people who jog it are crazy hahaha...one wrong step and bye bye...but this was my sons FAVORITE part of a 4 day stay in Arizona...

Part of the Phoenix Park Preserve this place has trails and climbs for everyone! We did a total of 6 miles of hiking by going around the peak and then the .5 mile climb to the top! It's a strap climb but path is clearly laid out and is like walking steps all the way to the top. The view is amazing and is a fantastic place for sunset! One of my favorite places to hike and climb.

A handful of different trails at various difficulty levels. Bring proper shoes and some water, maybe a few snacks too. These trails are great but some parts the stones can get slippery. There are restrooms at the trailhead and parking. Parking gets full pretty fast so arrive early depending on when you are hiking. Stay hydrated, safe, and fun!!

Fantastic! And SO DAMN challenging! Let me be clear: I am a pudgy person, but I am very active and hike often. I have done Camelback, I have done Sandia Peak/La Luz, I have accidentally done 16 miles in one day after being mislead about the scale of a map without a legend. THIS is the most strenuous hike I have ever done. So be aware. The trailhead that goes to Piestewa Peak (formerly Squaw Peak) is just inside the entrance of the Phoenix Mountains Preserve park area. Not the first trailhead and teeny-tiny parking lot....go just over the small hill and there is a much, much bigger parking lot and the actual trailhead. Now, I knew this was going to take me longer to hike than any random 2.5 mile hike (1.2 miles each way, out and back) because it was climbing a dang mountain. But I didn't realize quite how much of a climb! You go up 1400+ feet in elevation across a mile! It is like...a stairmaster, for more than a mile. And then having to come back down. The trail is very clearly marked and easy to follow. It is mostly fairly wide so it isn't too taxing most of the way for passing people, people passing you, or having two directions of traffic. There are a couple spots where it is narrower, but overall it isn't bad. But do yourself several favors, if you aren't from the area/aren't used to desert hiking/don't do a lot of hiking with intense elevation changes: bring a LOT of water. No, more. Bring what you think will be too much. Be aware of your own abilities and limitations. Take rests when you need to. There is no shame in it at all. And if you don't think you can make it, turn back. The climb is STRENUOUS. I assumed my pace would be half my usual hiking pace, thanks to the climb. (This was important as our group only had one car for our visit, and I was dropped off for my hike and set to be picked up when I was done and my dad wanted to know about how long I expected to be.) It was even slower than that! Thankfully, since you are in the middle of a major metropolitan area, there is pretty reliable cell service. So I was able to let my dad know just how much longer I was going to be. This is an exceptionally taxing hike. I think it is possible for most hikers, provided they give themselves enough time, have the right clothing/footwear, have enough water, and don't push themselves too hard too fast. The views are much lovelier from this hike and peak than Camelback, and it seems to be just as busy and popular. Piestewa has more parking and facilities. If you are in to a good, hard hike....a challenge with wonderful views and an undue sense of accomplishment as payoff....conquering this hike is for you!

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.

This is an absolute gem of a hike so close to DTPHX! It has plenty of parking spots and many entry points to the trail. Also, there is a trail for every level, pick and choose.

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!

Beautiful hike! We did the Summit Trail, that in spite of being "extremely difficult" was very reasonable. My kids (ages 9 and 7) did not have any difficulty walking up. The terrain is uneven, with a lot of loose rock but the trail itself has firm edges (no danger of falling off a cliff). Scenery was beautiful as the elevation gain was rather quick. I think this trail is easier than Camelback. Big parking lot by the trailhead but it was full at 10am on a workday when we got there so we parked in a parking lot before the one by the trailhead and walked extra 5 min.

The new parking lot, bridge, and bathrooms are amazing. They really did a great job updating this and there is more to come! It's a busy park and there is ample parking now! Individual bathrooms, a wash sink, drinking fountains, and aesthetic parking lot and information plaques, it almost looks like the zoo.

It was a 4 miles RT hike. It goes up and up for a long time. It was a tough hike but rewarding. The top has rocks and an awesome view. It's definitely worth it. Take your time getting to the top.

Did this the morning of July 4th! Three parking lots (1st one before the gate, 2nd where trailhead is, and 3rd past the trailhead after the bridge). Parking is really a toss up, but when I arrived at 6:30am there were waves of people leaving - waited about 10 min for a spot. I'd say it was 50/50 for people wearing masks. Started at 6:52am, took 47 mins up (3-4 stops), 37 min down (no stops) [2.2 mi round trip, 1151 ft elevation]. Well-maintained trail, mostly in the form of rock stairs. Once you reach the handrails, you're getting very close to the top :) There are many peaks you can clamber around at the top, all offering beautiful 360 views of Phoenix. Parking lot area is very nice, has water fountains + bathrooms. Would highly recommend summiting before 8am during the summer because it gets HOT. There are some parts which offer shade, but it does get very hot so make sure to have plenty of water. Hope to be back to do a night hike and see the city lights.

Piestewa/Squaw peak is our favorite hike it's a beautiful view from the top.. both mornings and evenings, the hike itself is not very long (1.2 miles) but it takes a while coz it's rocky and steep (1200 ft elevation) Parking lot is decent.It's not as crazy as Camelback in terms of crowds and difficulty. Even if you don't want to do the summit trail you will enjoy walking around or doing other smaller trails. Definitely a great family activity. Don't forget water and snacks. Cheers!

This trail is great if you enjoy the stair master at your local gym. I don't, and the summit trail up to Piestewa Peak is nothing but climbing for an hour. I really don't enjoy such a hike personally. Also do not even think of trying this between 9am and later afternoon in summer, the heat is brutal and shade is very rare. My highlight of the trail was a rainbow colored cactus:) The parking lot, entrance signage and restrooms are under construction. There's a small parking lot and a lot of people park on the side of the road. This is a busy spot.

This review is for Trail 300 - Summit Trail The views from the top are stunning and its a beautiful trail all the way through. If I was a local, I would be doing this hike all of the time! I did this as a sunset hike and the temperatures were cooling down so it was perfect. This trail is rated as 'Difficult' so please be prepared and know your personal limits. Do not look at the short distance and think it's an easy trail. Its only 1.18 miles each way (~2.4 miles round trip) although it has a high elevation gain of 1,168 feet and its very hot, even at night. The terrain is rocky; some parts of the trail have steps leading to the top and each step is a different height and width, so wear appropriate shoes. This trail is awesome as long as you come prepared!

Woohoo! I made the hike up Squaw Peak!! AKA Piestewa. It was a steep incline, (for me) but very manageable! The trail is mostly rock, and is pretty easy to navigate. It was a bit busy when I was there, and everyone was so friendly and considerate on the trail! The hike up is totally worth it!!! Absolutely beautiful view from the top peak! Bring a light backpack, water, and a little snack; bananas, oranges, or a power bar, then sit back and relax on the top of the mountain, before your hike back down! If you're able to go near sunset, it would be a gorgeous view! But make sure you have lighting for the way back down!

Great workout hike and beautiful views of the surrounding area. Got to the top in 30 min. Some People said aloof the trail that they lock the gate olé camelback mountain and you can't get your car out but in actuality some others said you can get in up until 7 pm but after that you can't get in but you can get out until 10 pm. I didn't stay to verify but someone who comes here daily told me that. I did stay til a little after sunset. At camelback, I know they do lock/ ticket and tow. Many people said this to me.

A great hike but not for the faint of heart. The mountain may look small and the trail may seem short but looks are deceiving. The trail is pretty much up hill the entire time and believe me, you'll feel it the next day. It is a really great workout though. The trails are clearly labeled and they're all pretty highly trafficked so you can see where you're supposed to go pretty easily. Make sure you bring enough water...a 16.9 oz bottle isn't going to cut it. I have an 85oz Camelbak and during the warmer parts of fall and spring I'll go through the entire thing. Make sure you wear cooler clothing too and I'd recommend a hat for when you get to the summit, there's no shade. Make sure you wear sunscreen as well. Good hiking shoes are recommended as some of the rocks are slick, so you'll want shoes with good traction. Overall I'd recommend this hike. It's strenuous but a good way to spend a morning or afternoon.