Home › Arizona › Phoenix › Piestewa Peak
Piestewa Peak
4.8 ★★★★★ 128 Google reviews · Running trail in Phoenix, Arizona · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of Piestewa Peak yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Short hike offering panoramic views of the Phoenix skyline.
What runners say about Piestewa Peak
“After a vigorous hike, this peak offers gorgeous panoramic city views as well as vistas of the other mountains surrounding Phoenix.”
Great vertical hike. I like hikes that are not flat and this one doesn't disappoint. It is about 1100ft elevation gain and is pretty much climbing up stairs or clambering over rocks. Great view of the city at the top. And the pinnacle is amazing. Most mountains don't have such a sharp point for you to stand on.
The hike is intermediate in some sections, taking approximately 40 minutes without stopping at a brisk pace to reach the summit. Water stations and bathrooms are available near the parking area, which gets crowded anytime after 6:30-7am depending on the day.
Great for sunrise and sunset. Deadly during summer months, it’s just too hot. Go while it’s in the 80-90 outside. Takes about an hour to go up, it’s a challenging hike/ climb, worth it though. Plenty of parking, no dogs 🐶 allowed!
Fun hike and beautiful views of Phoenix once you make it to the top. It can be strenuous for some, but overall it is a moderate hike. The rocks on the top are the best part. This hike is rough on the knees going down.
Trail conditions & character
“After a vigorous hike, this peak offers gorgeous panoramic city views as well as vistas of the other mountains surrounding Phoenix.”
“Water stations and bathrooms are available near the parking area, which gets crowded anytime after 6:30-7am depending on the day.”
“There are a few sections that area bit steep, makinh the hike is a little hard on the joints, so make sure you do some dynamic stretches prior to starting.”
“I like hikes that are not flat and this one doesn't disappoint.”
“Water stations and bathrooms are available near the parking area, which gets crowded anytime after 6:30-7am depending on the day.”
“Water stations and bathrooms are available near the parking area, which gets crowded anytime after 6:30-7am depending on the day.”
Plan your run at Piestewa Peak
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitephoenix.gov
- Phone(602) 261-8318
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near Phoenix
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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