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Piestewa Peak Trails
4.8 ★★★★★ 280 Google reviews · Running trail in Phoenix, Arizona · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Piestewa Peak Trails' own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. 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.
Hiking area with trails through picturesque desert scenery & striking views of the city skyline.
What runners say about Piestewa Peak Trails
“The trails are quite rocky, so even though they are well maintained, proper footwear is recommended.”
“Beautiful sunrise, valley views, and the moon was full, amazing memory and testimony to what you can accomplish with positive energy.”
A good morning hike. I come back here often and love it every time. At the summit has a city view up front and in the back just a desert view.
Piestewa Peak is such a fun hike with killer views from the top! At 2,608 feet, it’s the second-highest point in Phoenix (just behind Camelback). The trail’s rocky and can be a bit of a workout, but the panoramic views make it all worth it.
There are multiple parking lots. I went all the way down to the very last lot and did the Freedom trail. Clean bathrooms provided. If you’re a beginner hiker then this is the trail for you. Didn’t involve a lot of climbing and wasn’t too challenging. Beautiful views of the mountains and cactus.
Great moderate & challenging hikes right in town. Bathrooms pretty clean. Come early on a weekday to avoid the crowds.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful sunrise, valley views, and the moon was full, amazing memory and testimony to what you can accomplish with positive energy.”
“Make sure GPS takes you to the actual parking lot and not someone’s driveway to climb the mountain.”
“Bonus: there are restrooms available, which is always a plus.”
“The trails are quite rocky, so even though they are well maintained, proper footwear is recommended.”
“They have a drinking fountain with ice cold water at the trail head but you are on your own until you get back down.”
Plan your run at Piestewa Peak Trails
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- 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.
- 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) 495-5458
- 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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