Piestewa Peak (formerly Squaw Peak, renamed in 2003 for Lori Piestewa) is the second-highest summit in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve and the city's most-hiked trail by a wide margin. It's central — 15 minutes from downtown — short (1.2 miles to the summit), brutally steep (1,200 feet of gain), and the parking lot is reliably full by 7 AM on weekends.
If you only hike one Phoenix peak, most locals will tell you to do Piestewa, not Camelback. Here's why, plus how to actually find parking and which alternate trails are better if you don't want the workout.
Summit Trail #300 — the headline hike
1.2 miles to the summit, 2.4 miles round-trip, 1,200 feet of gain. Most fit hikers do it in 60–90 minutes round-trip. There are several false summits; the real one has a small register box and 360-degree views.
The trail is rocky, sometimes step-like, with no shade. Trekking poles help on the descent. Closed-toe shoes only — the gravel will eat sandals.
Parking — read this before you go
The main lot off Squaw Peak Drive (yes, the road is still named that) is the only one near the Summit Trail. It holds about 80 cars and fills by 6:30 AM on cool-weather weekends. There's no overflow parking and the surrounding neighborhood is signed no-parking. If you arrive after 7, plan to wait or come back at sunset.
Sunset is the underrated time slot — the lot empties out around 4 PM, the heat eases, and the city lights come on as you descend. Bring a headlamp and start your descent before full dark.
Easier alternatives in the same preserve
If the Summit Trail is too much, the Freedom Trail (#302) is a 3.7-mile loop AROUND Piestewa Peak — about 700 feet of gain, more shade, dramatically fewer people. The Nature Trail at the base is a 1.5-mile easy loop with interpretive signs, great for kids or first-timers.
- Summit Trail #300 — 2.4 mi RT, 1,200 ft gain (the famous one)
- Freedom Trail #302 — 3.7 mi loop around the peak, 700 ft gain
- Nature Trail #304 — 1.5 mi easy loop
- Mojave Trail — 1 mi RT, easy ridge with city views
Heat — this is serious
From May through September, Phoenix Mountain Preserve closes trails when temperatures hit 105°F. People die hiking Piestewa in the summer every year. The smart play in the warm half of the year: be off the mountain by 8 AM, or hike at sunset with a headlamp. Bring at least 1 liter of water for the round-trip, more in summer. No water at the trailhead.
Logistics
Free parking. No entrance fee. Dogs allowed on leash. Restrooms at the trailhead. The preserve is open 5 AM–11 PM daily.
Frequently asked questions
How hard is the Piestewa Peak summit hike?
It's short (1.2 mi one way) but very steep — 1,200 feet of gain on rocky, step-like terrain with no shade. Moderately fit hikers do it in 60–90 minutes round-trip; it's harder than the distance suggests.
Is Piestewa Peak harder than Camelback?
Camelback's Echo Canyon trail is harder — more scrambling, longer, and slightly more elevation. Piestewa is steeper per mile but shorter and less technical. Most beginners should do Piestewa first.
When does Piestewa Peak parking fill up?
By 6:30–7:00 AM on cool-weather weekends (October–April). Weekdays are easier. Sunset hikes (start 1.5 hours before sundown) almost always have parking.
