Squaw Peak (Piestewa) :: my favorite Phoenix Valley hike

After a long hot summer, where most Valley residents stay indoors, the weather is now perfect for outdoor activities. For those of us that live in Phoenix, we now look forward to these late fall through late spring months because it is the perfect time to hike the area trails.

Squaw Peak, located in the North Phoenix Mountain Preserve is my “mountain” and area of preference to get out and enjoy taking desert hikes. Its 1000+ foot elevation gain in just 1.2 miles provides a great workout and the views are stunning.

View looking northeast at the McDowell Range and North Scottsdale

I’ve been taking a route that begins just north of the peak and west of the 51. It is a decent 5+ mile round trip hike that includes hiking to the summit. Access to the park is just off of Dreamy Draw, about a quarter of a mile north of Aunt Chiladas.  The trail access takes you under the 51 and safely into the North Phoenix Preserve.

Once you crest the first hill, there is a valley surrounded by the area mountains and you lose all sense of being in the middle of the nation’s 5th largest city, Phoenix.

The next few pictures were taken on my two hikes into the Squaw Peak area last week. I focused on the Saguaros, my favorite cacti.

The valley just over the first ridge trail from Dreamy Draw.

Steep slopes. Looking west from the summit trail.

I really like the saguaros with their many limbs. Check out the road and parking area below.

It’s nice to know Saguaros are now protected. It takes hundreds of years for them to reach maturity. I’ve been told many were moved to housing developments.

The summit of Squaw Peak! What I really like about this shot is the official summit marker … look closely at the bottom center and you will see the gold colored geological survey marker. Most hike to the peak just north of this. If you haven’t trekked over to the south peak and touched the marker, you haven’t summitted! My friend Steve would call this being elevation inferior.

October 2011. I always celebrate a summit hike.

The coming months offer Phoenix residents a fantastic opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities. Hiking Squaw Peak and the North Mountain Preserve is my favorite area for its convenience, stunning views, and diverse trails.