Hiking Piestewa Peak in Phoenix

most of the trail looks like these rocky stairs

unfortnately Phoenix has a brown cloud that covers the city and this can be seen from the summit

Phoenix metro area has some incredible mountains to hike. The most popular and the tallest is Camelback. Piestewa Peak is also a very popular spot to hike in the state of Arizona. With more than 4,000 hikers each week, the Summit Trail is not really a spot to commune with nature but it is an incredible urban hike with fantastic views. Just don't expect solitude.

Piestewa Peak, also known as Squaw Peak, changed it's name in 2003 when Lori Piestewa became the first Native American woman to die in combat in the US military in Iraq. This name change has been a heated debate here in Arizona for years and no doubt will continue to be, but the name was officially (federally) changed this year in April of 2008.

At a little over 2600 feet at the top of the Summit Trail you will be rewarded with a 360 view of the city of Phoenix. You can pat yourself on the back that you made it to the top of a landmark in Phoenix.

This craggy mountain is a workout. The trail is very rocky and is equivilant to walking up a ton of craggy rock stairs. Near the Summit you will have crawl up the side of the rock, otherwise most of this trail is like walking up the stairs. Wear some good hiking shoes, so you don't twist an ankle.

You will see people in all shapes, sizes and ages walking this trail. Personally I wouldn't bring anyone younger than 7 or 8 just because they may not have the stamina to make it back down. But that is really a personal call. I've seen babies and people over 60 huffing up this trail-so your call. Bring water to hydrate yourself. This hike is best early in the morning when it is still cool outside.

Allow 2-3 hours to make the 1.2 mile hike to the top and then back down again.

Urban Sprawl from the summit