I finally got around to hiking Piestewa Peak, probably the most hiked mountain in Phoenix. It is another great hike in the North Mountain Preserve Parks within Phoenix. Formerly known as Squaw Peak, it was renamed after Lori Piestewa, who served and gave her life in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Piestewa Peak is no walk in the park. It is comparable to hiking Camelback Mountain, with a similar elevation gain that is STEEP. There is an approximately 1200 foot gain, with the summit elevation reaching 2608 feet. The trail is only 1.2 miles … and you will feel every foot of it but the views from the top are awesome.

Downtown Phoenix seen as the trail begins.

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Gaining elevation quickly. Here’s a neat view of the valley looking east. Those are the back parking lots in the park. My truck is there some place.

This was maybe half way. Three elevation levels. The road, where the trail began, the lower trail and the current side of a cliff. Steepness! The temperature was rising and my water was being consumed.

This was a very unique view of Camelback Mountain. I actually zoomed in a bit to get a better shot. THAT is a tough mountain climb. Piestewa is very close in distance and elevation gain to the Camelback hike, but the Echo Canyon Trail up Camelback is much tougher.

Continuing to gain in elevation and air is getting thinner =). Note the back parking lot and Camelback.

Here’s a good perspective of the hike. About three quarters there and you can see many taking a break.

The summit of Piestewa Peak! Not a comfortable seat on this rocky top!

Looking North, the 51 below, North Mountain and Shaw Butte are seen in the background.

I really enjoyed hiking Piestewa Peak. I understand why it is so popular.

I have to mention that on the way down, approximately 200 yards up from the start of the trailhead, this guy stops to light up a cigarette! I had to laugh. The looks of disgust from those in front of me were priceless. He seemed oblivious to them. One of them looked back at me and we just laughed. One of those understandings that needed no words.

I hope to do a sunrise hike and take pictures from the Piestewa summit before it gets too hot.