Piestewa Peak Trailhead — Attraction in Phoenix

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...

This was the final hike we did on the 3rd day. Having read that the parking lot fills up quickly (with multiple hikes from the lot), we decided to get here by 7:30 to ensure we were able to secure a spot. If you have done or are comparing against the Echo Canyon camelback hike, note that this is much more difficult. It's steep from the beginning so you get out of breath quickly. Additionally, you are hiking next to the edge of the mountain the whole way and it's rocky so you do need to be careful w/ your steps. There are a few areas where railings have been installed to help you up/across the rocks as it's bit tricky without.

The top part is the most difficult and scary. you are basically scaling the back side of the mountain with minimal to no support to hold on to. This is also the worst part of the hike as you climb back down. If you are scared of height, you might struggle a bit here but feel free to climb down (this area of the hike) on your butt - that's what my wife did. it took her about 20 min to climb down the few min of the hike but that's okay b/c she still did it.

If you are debating about doing this hike, it's def. worth it. It's an extremely difficult/tiresome hike but it's well worth it. I would not recommend this hike for any kids under 10 as they do need to be careful in certain areas. Between this and echo canyon, echo canyon is def. more family/kid friendly. This is more of a challenging hike. While the views from both hikes are great, we appreciated the views from Piestewa Peak more. From echo canyon you can see phoenix and the surrounding areas. From Piestewa, you see more of the valley and the mountain peaks around. However, echo canyon has more space for you to sit up top and...

Good gripping shoes for this hike up the mountain. It's rugged and gets steeper after the halfway point. The path splits and a good choice to return or push forward. Christmas Day hike was the best. Lots of families. We scored parking at the trailhead, arrived at noon and waited 15 minutes. The early morning hikers were finished. It takes about 2 hours. The view is lovely. Phoenix from a distance on left and residents on right. Friendly chipmunks will visit if you're still. Water and snacks, hat and sunscreen is a must. Watch for avid locals running 🏃‍♂️ up or down the slope. Families of all different ages happily navigate the trail. Welcome to Phoenix. It's okay if you don't make it to the summit. There's always next time This is a good hike to grow into.

Remember to look up and enjoy the view. Few rest areas with concrete stone benches. 3 levels of pull up bars at the beginning to round up your workout. Excellent clean unisex bathrooms. Sinks with soap on the outside. 2 parking lots and some street parking.

Piestewa Peak is inside residential area. Watch for the signs.

Enjoy and Happy...