Piestewa Peak

A steep, stair-stepped climb up rock and switchbacks to the 2,608-foot summit of Piestewa Peak, with views across the whole Valley.

Piestewa Peak is the high point of the Phoenix Mountains Preserve and one of the most popular hikes in the city, so expect company the whole way. The Summit Trail gains about 1,100 feet in just over a mile on rock steps, switchbacks and loose gravel, then finishes with an easy scramble and a set of narrow stairs. The top looks out over the Valley and the ranges around it. Dogs are never allowed on this trail, and it closes on Extreme Heat Warning days.

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.
• Steep and jagged the whole way, with rock steps and loose gravel.
• An easy scramble and a set of narrow stairs just below the summit.

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 Sep 24, 2026. Report a change

Photo: Tony the Marine · CC BY-SA 3.0

Where each fact comes from

• Phoenix Mountains Preserve trail map — City of Phoenix (PDF) checked 2026-09-27
• Piestewa Peak / Dreamy Draw — City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation checked 2026-09-24
• Piestewa Peak / Dreamy Draw Trails — City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation checked 2026-09-24
• Piestewa Peak Summit Trail — 10Adventures (updated 2026-09-01) checked 2026-09-24
• Free: the City lists hours, parking and rules for Piestewa but no fee checked 2026-09-24
• Best months: normal high under 90°F, Phoenix Sky Harbor 1991–2020 (NOAA NCEI) checked 2026-09-24