Hayden Butte — Attraction in Tempe

Hayden Butte, also known as "A" Mountain, is a must-visit spot for anyone spending time in Tempe. The butte is iconic for its large letter "A," which represents Arizona State University and can be seen from all around town. It’s located right near the ASU campus and Tempe Town Lake, making it a central landmark for the city. The accessibility of the trailhead, which is just off the busy streets of downtown Tempe, makes it a convenient hike for locals and visitors alike. The proximity to Mill Avenue means you can easily combine your hike with some shopping or a meal afterward.

The trail itself is relatively short but offers a decent challenge, especially as you approach the top. It's a well-maintained path, but parts of it can get steep, so be prepared for a bit of a workout, especially if you’re not used to hiking. Despite the incline, the hike doesn’t take long—most people can reach the summit in about 20 minutes. It’s an excellent option for a quick outdoor escape in the middle of the city without needing to dedicate hours to the experience. If you’re looking for an accessible urban hike with great views, Hayden Butte delivers.

The views from the top of Hayden Butte are what make the hike worth it. Once you reach the summit, you’re rewarded with panoramic views of Tempe, Phoenix, and the surrounding areas. On clear days, you can see all the way to Camelback Mountain and the distant Superstition Mountains. The view of Tempe Town Lake is especially scenic at sunset, and you can also get a great look at ASU's campus sprawling out below. Whether you're a photographer or just want to take in the landscape, the top of Hayden Butte offers a perfect spot for enjoying the desert skyline.

One of the unique aspects of Hayden Butte is its cultural significance. The butte is home to ancient petroglyphs created by the Hohokam people who lived in the area over 500 years ago. While the "A" on the mountain is a modern symbol, the petroglyphs offer a glimpse into the area’s rich history. These historical markings are scattered along the trail, so if you’re interested in Tempe’s indigenous history, you’ll enjoy spotting them on your way up. It’s an interesting blend of old and new, making the hike more than just a fitness activity—it’s a cultural experience.

However, Hayden Butte does come with a few minor drawbacks. Since it’s located so close to downtown and ASU, the trail can get crowded, especially during peak times like weekends and late afternoons. If you're looking for a more peaceful hiking experience, you might want to visit early in the morning or on a weekday. Additionally, the steep sections of the trail can be tricky for some, particularly in hot weather, so bringing plenty of water is essential. The lack of shade can make the hike uncomfortable in the summer heat, but it’s manageable if you’re prepared.

The convenience of Hayden Butte makes it an ideal spot for both locals and tourists. Whether you’re an ASU student, a local resident, or just visiting Tempe, the butte offers a quick and enjoyable outdoor activity. Its central location means you don’t need to go far to enjoy a bit of nature, and the short duration of the hike makes it easy to fit into a busy day. For those staying in nearby hotels or attending events in Tempe, it’s a perfect way to get some exercise and take in the city’s views without leaving the downtown area.

Overall, Hayden Butte is a great hike with a lot to offer. The combination of beautiful views, historical significance, and easy accessibility makes it one of the top outdoor spots in Tempe. While it can get crowded and hot at times, those minor inconveniences are outweighed by the overall experience. Whether you're hiking for the exercise, the scenery, or the history, Hayden Butte is a fantastic place to spend an hour or two...

What a great climb right in the middle of Tempe. You can see phx airport, so lots of planes go over. Nice benches, garbage cans, (still some garbage on ground), railing to hang on too, staircase to top lookout area, great signage for Newbies and the view was amazing! Parking across the street in the garage was 2 hour only for bottom rows. Pay parking but nice and shady in there. By the lake across from the butte, there are boats for rent and a flat walking, rollerblading, biking, etc. along the Lake. I'm not sure of the cost, but they looked like fun. Paddle boats shaped like rubber ducky and a swan, canoes, and other boats too. We accessed the parking garage from lake side and also Hayden Butte side. Very nice area!!! I would do...

You can park in the Mission Palms North Lot for easiest access to this place. They'll charge you about $2 an hour. Best times to come to this place if you want to avoid the crowd is around sunrise OR you can go after sunset. Come any other time, and you'll run into a few people climbing up and down.

Although the trails aren't too fancy, it will get your heart pumping. My favorite workout here is that concrete trail that runs from the base of the mountain facing Rio Salado and then goes up and then down to a sandy/gravely area. Just do 3 of those and you got a cardio challenge!

The views are amazing too. You can see all of downtown Tempe, and what's really cool too is even when you're halfway up, you can see the Sky Harbor...