Piestewa Peak, Phoenix
Piestewa Peak, a Phoenix Point of Pride, is more than just a craggy crest offering 360-degree views of the Valley of the Sun. It is an icon of the metro area’s outdoor culture. But the trek to the top is not for the casual walker. The 1.2-mile (2 km) Summit Trail boasts an elevation gain of 1,200 feet (366 meters). All steps! The longer 3.75 mile (6 km) Circumference Trail with its more gradual ascent offers families with active, younger children an opportunity to take in the views with less fatigue. No matter which hiking trail you take bring a map and help the kids identify Phoenix peaks. On a clear day Pinnacle Peak, McDowell Mountains, Four Peaks, Superstition Mountains, Mount Lemmon, Tabletop Mountain, Estrella Mountains, Woolsey Peak, White Tanks Mountains, Harquahala Mountains and Bradshaw Mountains are all visible.
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- Piestewa Peak reviews
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Getting there
Piestewa Peak, Phoenix Mountains Park and Dreamy Draw Recreation Area are situated in the community of Glendale. The entrance to Phoenix Mountains Park is located at 2701 E Squaw Peak Drive. Take Arizona 51 (Piestewa Freeway) to Glendale Drive (Exit 6). Of note, Glendale Drive becomes Lincoln Drive as the road curves south. Turn east on Squaw Peak Drive and continue on for ½ mile. The trailhead for Circumference Trail (No. 302) starts at the Apache Picnic Area at the far end of the parking lot. The parking lot for the Summit Trail (No. 300) is just west of the main parking area. This lot is small and fills up quick. For Dreamy Draw take Arizona 51 (Piestewa Freeway) to Northern Avenue. Turn east to the parking area.
Map It!
Google Maps Directions to Phoenix Mountains Park Google Maps Directions to Dreamy Draw Google Maps Getting around
The network of hiking trails in the Phoenix Mountains Park and Dreamy Draw Recreation Area, situated at the base of Piestewa Peak, are ideal for families not wanting to make the trek to the top and several of the trails such as the Quartz Ridge and Nature Trails are graded easy to moderate.
Opening hours
The park is open daily from 5:00 to 23:00. Several of the trailhead parking lots are open from 5:00 to sunset only.
Fees
Entrance to the park is free of charge.
Things to keep in mind
Carry plenty of water. Wear plenty of sunscreen. Watch out for rattlesnakes on the trail. The Summit Trail is extremely crowded on weekends.
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