This part of the hike is usually less busy than the Summit Trail. Most of the gains and losses on this loop are gradual, save for the occasional quick set of switchbacks.

You’ll descend through a set of steep switchbacks, staying right as the trail levels out. From here, descend carefully to the junction with the Circumference Trail. The route steepens as you approach the top, quite strenuous and rocky.Īt the top, take in the impressive views of the Valley of the Sun and the mountains in the distance. You’ll soon hit switchbacks, which continue to the next junction, where you’ll stay right. Stay left to take the trail to the summit. You can leave between 7 PM and 11 PM, but you can’t enter after 7 PM.įrom the trailhead, hike to the junction. Note that the parking closes at 7 PM, but the trail remains open until 11 PM. Dogs are not allowed on the trail and it’s not a good fit for kids. You’ll gain over 366 m of elevation just on the Summit Trail alone, and then there’s more required on the Freedom Trail. Freedom Trail is a worthwhile addition for hikers who feel energetic enough to add it on as it’s often less busy than the main trail and it allows you to view the mountain and its surroundings from all angles.Įxpect a strenuous hike. This route guide includes both, taking you first up to the summit and then around the mountain on Freedom Trail. The two main trails on Piestewa Peak are the Summit Trail and Freedom Trail. If you manage to catch one of his sessions, you’ll realize the magic of this mountain. Taiko drummer and Japanese folk artist Ken Koshio often plays drums and the flute atop the mountain in the mornings to honor Lori Ann Piestewa.

She was the first Native American woman to die in combat in the United States Military. Thankfully, the government renamed the mountain in 2003, choosing Piestewa Peak in honor of Lori Ann Piestewa, an Arizona woman who was killed in action while fighting in Iraq that year. This name meant “Iron Mountain.” When settlers came, they disregarded the existing name and began calling it Squaw Peak, coming from a derogatory term for Native women. Piestewa Peak was originally named Vianom Do’ag by the Tohono O’odham tribe. Part of the Phoenix Mountain Preserve, the hiking trails on this mountain provide locals and visitors with the chance to challenge themselves in exchange for incredible views of the city and the mountains that surround it. Piestewa Peak is one of the defining mountains of Phoenix’s skyline, rising 795 m up to claim the title of the second-tallest mountain in the city. This trail can be used to create a killer loop between the Mojave Trail #200 and Quartz Ridge 8A.Īs a note, this hike is sometimes referred to as Mohave instead of Mojave.Route Description for Piestewa Peak and Freedom Loop Hike When you start, most of your sights will be of Piestewa Peak and downtown Phoenix, but as you make your way around some corners and up the ridgeline, the views open up to the East - where you will see Papago Park and Camelback Mountain and the famous Echo Canyon Hike. The beauty of this hike is the different viewpoints you are awarded with around each bend. Head left at the saddle and begin a rapid ascent up switchbacks to a small flattened summit area. 4 miles, you will hit the junction and stating point for the Mojave Connector Trail. The best starting point to access this hike is parking at the Mojave Picnic Area and heading up the Mojave Trail #200. A, it packs enough punch to serve as the reason you head out today! Although Mojave Connector Trail #202 (aka Mohave Connector Trail #202) is technically just a connector path between the Mojave Trail #200 and Quartz Ridge 8.

Piestewa peak freedom trail map