Piestewa Peak Summit Via Freedom Trail

On the other hand, Piestewa Peak Summit, nestled in the heart of the Phoenix Mountain Preserve, offers a wonderful kind of adventure. Rising 2,610 feet above sea level, the summit provides breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding desert landscape. The trail leading to the summit is a popular hiking destination, challenging outdoor enthusiasts with its steep incline and rocky terrain. Reaching the top rewards hikers with a sense of accomplishment and a chance to soak in the stunning vistas of the Phoenix metropolitan area. 

The main summit trail is only 2.3 miles but packs in 1,150 feet of elevation on the “short” hike.  However, for hikers that want elevation gain and get over 5 miles they can combine the two trails for a stunning and challenging hike. Hikers should park at the trailhead for the summit and can choose to go counter clockwise or clockwise.  For hikers that were to get the bulk of the elevation over with, they should go clockwise.  

For hikers going clockwise, they will follow the Summit Trail (Trail 300) to the summit before linking up with the Freedom Trail.  This portion of trail does not allow dogs due to the traffic and difficulty.  While this trail is well maintained there are portions of the trail that are steep and rocky and hikers will have to be aware of their footing.  

On the descent from the summit, hikers will turn right onto the freedom trail where they will immediately descend a series of switchbacks.  From there hikers will move to the north along the west side of the mountain on the Freedom Trail where they will again climb to a saddle on the north side of the mountain.  This climb is long and gradual but the trail is will maintained which makes for a nice ascent.  The trail moves away from the roads and surrounding houses and has stunning views of rock formations.  

Once hikers reach the saddle, they will descend down the trail for the remainder of the mileage back to where they started their hike.  If parking is full at the summit parking lot, hikers can start from any of the trailheads along the road. They will follow the Freedom trail to the Summit Trail and be able to still end up in their car.  All trailheads have water and flushing toilets.