Every morning, hundreds of happy hikers race the sunrise up Phoenix’s most popular mountain — and the view from the top never gets old! Welcome to Piestewa Peak.
Standing 2,610 feet tall inside the Phoenix Mountains Preserve, Piestewa Peak is the city’s beloved ‘fitness mountain.’ The Summit Trail #300 climbs 1.2 miles and about 1,200 feet through rocky switchbacks to a summit with panoramic views of the entire Valley. The peak is named in honor of Army Spc. Lori Piestewa, the first Native American woman to die in combat while serving in the U.S. military — giving this joyful hike a meaningful heart.
It’s ideal for fitness lovers, sunrise and sunset hikers, and proud locals. Practical tip: this is a serious workout — start early, bring at least a liter of water per person, and enjoy the trailhead ramadas for a shaded cool-down. The city park and trail are free.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
