Piestewa Peak Freedom Trail

A rocky loop around the base of Piestewa Peak from the Mesquite (302) Trailhead, sharing its southwest stretch with the Summit Trail and looking out over central Phoenix.

The Freedom Trail circles the whole of Piestewa Peak instead of climbing it. The City rates it difficult, with several rocky sections, and its southwest stretch is the same trail as the busy Summit Trail. The rest of the loop is quieter, with views of the peak and the Phoenix Mountains Preserve. There's a restroom and drinking fountain near the trailhead and no water on the loop.

Parking

The trailhead lot tends to fill; people park at other lots along Piestewa Peak Dr and walk over. Lots close at 7pm (9pm June–September).

Trailhead: Mesquite Trailhead (302).

Fee

Free

Dogs

No dogs

Shade

Minimal

Hazards

• The City of Phoenix closes this trail 8a–5p on Extreme Heat Warning days.
• Several rocky sections around the loop.
• The southwest stretch is shared with the Summit Trail, the busiest trail in the preserve.

Best months

1. J
2. F
3. M
4. A
5. M
6. J
7. J
8. A
9. S
10. O
11. N
12. D

October to April, when the average high in Phoenix is under 90°F.

Trail map

Phoenix Mountains Preserve trail map · City of Phoenix (PDF)

Sources

6 sources · last verified Oct 16, 2026. Report a change

Photo: Carter Marchant · Pexels License

Where each fact comes from

• Phoenix Mountains Preserve trail map — City of Phoenix (PDF) checked 2026-10-16
• Piestewa Peak / Dreamy Draw — City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation checked 2026-10-16
• Piestewa Peak / Dreamy Draw Trails — City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation checked 2026-10-16
• Piestewa Peak Summit Trail — 10Adventures (updated 2026-09-01) checked 2026-10-16
• Free: the City lists hours, parking and rules for Piestewa but no fee checked 2026-10-16
• Best months: normal high under 90°F, Phoenix Sky Harbor 1991–2020 (NOAA NCEI) checked 2026-10-16