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    Piestewa Peak and Freedom Loop Hike

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Hard
    Duration
    This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
    2.5-4h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    7.2 km
    Elevation
    This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
    529 m
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
    Be the first to add a review!
    Directions to Trailhead
    Piestewa Peak and Freedom Loop Hike

    Piestewa Peak is the second-tallest mountain in Phoenix after Camelback. From the top of this peak, you’ll have a jaw-dropping, expansive view of the city below and the mountains that surround it. The Piestewa Peak and Freedom Loop takes you to the top and then around the trail that encircles the mountain, which tends to be a bit less busy and quite scenic. You’ll do best on this hike if you embrace a sense of community, since this is a very popular hike.

    There’s some interesting history behind the name of this mountain; read on to learn. To prepare for this hike, get an early start, stay out of the heat, bring water, and leave dogs and children at home. Expect a tough but beautiful adventure.

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    Route Description for Piestewa Peak and Freedom Loop Hike

    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. 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 was originally named Vianom Do’ag by the Tohono O’odham tribe. 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. 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. She was the first Native American woman to die in combat in the United States Military.

    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. If you manage to catch one of his sessions, you’ll realize the magic of this mountain.

    The two main trails on Piestewa Peak are the Summit Trail and Freedom Trail. This route guide includes both, taking you first up to the summit and then around the mountain on 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.
    Expect a strenuous hike. You’ll gain over 366 m of elevation just on the Summit Trail alone, and then there’s more required on the Freedom Trail. Dogs are not allowed on the trail and it’s not a good fit for kids.

    The trail begins from the parking area. Note that the parking closes at 7 PM, but the trail remains open until 11 PM. You can leave between 7 PM and 11 PM, but you can’t enter after 7 PM.
    From the trailhead, hike to the junction. Stay left to take the trail to the summit. You’ll soon hit switchbacks, which continue to the next junction, where you’ll stay right. The route steepens as you approach the top, quite strenuous and rocky.

    At the top, take in the impressive views of the Valley of the Sun and the mountains in the distance. From here, descend carefully to the junction with the Circumference Trail. Go right here to begin your loop. You’ll descend through a set of steep switchbacks, staying right as the trail levels out.

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

    You’ll return to the trailhead on this route.

    Hiking Route Highlights

    Phoenix Mountain Preserve

    The Piestewa Peak and Freedom Loop hike is part of the Phoenix Mountains Preserve, an urban park system that includes the impressive Camelback Mountain, Piestewa Peak, Shaw Butte, Dreamy Draw Mountain, and more. The preserve also encompasses parks and preserves, so it serves to maintain the unique desert mountains and landscapes of Phoenix for residents and visitors to enjoy.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is Piestewa Peak harder than Camelback?

    Both hikes have similar elevation gain, but the trails up Camelback are longer and a touch more technical, so we’d consider that the more difficult hike.

    Can kids hike Piestewa Peak?

    Unless your kids are exceptionally active and experienced with hiking, we don’t recommend bringing them on this hike.

    Can you drive up Piestewa Peak?

    No, there is no vehicle access beyond the trailhead parking lot.

    Insider Hints for Piestewa Peak and Freedom Loop Hike

    • This trail is closed from 11 AM until 5 PM on days with excessive heat warnings.
    • Bring lots of water! You can fill your bottle at the trailhead.

    Getting to the Piestewa Peak and Freedom Loop Hike Trailhead

    The trailhead for the Piestewa Peak and Freedom Loop hike is on E Piestewa Peak Drive.

    Route Information

    • Backcountry Campground

      No

    • When to do

      October-May

    • Pets allowed

      No

    • Family friendly

      No

    • Route Signage

      Good

    • Crowd Levels

      High

    • Route Type

      Loop

    Piestewa Peak and Freedom Loop Hike Elevation Graph

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    Piestewa Peak and Freedom Loop Hike Reviews

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