Above Phoenix: My First Hike to the Top of Piestewa Peak
January 20th, 2014
Piestewa Peak Summit, Phoenix, Arizona
Today I journeyed to the top of Piestewa Peak. I'd wandered around the lower trails before, usually near dusk, but I'd never made the full climb to the summit. The hike was much more challenging than I imagined.
Fellow hikers were everywhere, just as I'd been warned. Normally, I gravitate toward quieter places and less-traveled trails, but on this day I didn't mind the crowds. I enjoyed the random conversations and occasional cheers that echoed up and down the mountain from others in passing.
"Good job!"
"You can do it!"
"You're almost there!"
...But hmm, I began to wonder... Did I look that in distress? That inexperienced? Did I appear one switchback away from collapse? Or is Piestewa Peak simply that friendly of a hike? Perhaps I'm more accustomed to the less traveled trails. I did stop for plenty of breaks though and at times probably did look like a staggering, dehydrated person in the desert.
Once I made it to the top, I collapsed dramatically and gazed in awe at the panoramic view realizing this peak is smack in the middle of the city. From the top, I could pick out downtown Phoenix, Tempe, Papago Park, Camelback Mountain, Red Mountain, Four Peaks, and countless other desert landmarks stretched across the horizon.
The summit came with its own entertainment.
At one point, someone stood up and let out a loud, drawn-out "Whoaaa."
Immediately, a lady nearby replied, "That is not a good sound to hear on top of a mountain."
Later, I overheard an old man announce, "Gonna have to do a whole bunch more thinkin' on the way down."
These innocent things made me chuckle. ...And the old man was right.
The humans were as interesting as the scenery. I met a couple of guys who proudly told me they reached the summit in 27 minutes. Apparently, they were disappointed because the previous time they had done it in 24.
Impressive.
I also met a helpful man who seemed to know the name of nearly every mountain visible in the distance. I responded with something wonderfully cheesy along the lines of, "I love a man who knows his mountains."
This was an enjoyable hike. It was beautiful, challenging, and a good workout. I shared a number of high-fives and made a few friends, both human and non-human. One fearless little squirrel scavenged around the summit as if hosting everyone in her home, happily posing for photos and accepting the attention of hikers.
While I'm usually drawn to desolation and quiet journeys in the desert, I thoroughly enjoyed the lively human energy of my first climb to the top of Piestewa Peak.
Piestewa Summit View
Know Before You Go
✦ Location: Piestewa Peak is located within the Phoenix Mountains Preserve in central Phoenix, Arizona.
✦ Trail Difficulty: Strenuous. The climb is steep and rocky in many sections.
✦ Bring Water: Even during cooler months, the trail can be demanding. Carry more water than you think you'll need.
✦ Start Early: The trail is extremely popular and parking can fill quickly, especially on weekends.
✦ Expect Crowds: Unlike many remote desert hikes, you'll likely encounter plenty of fellow hikers on the trail and at the summit.
✦ Watch Your Footing: The trail contains loose rock, uneven surfaces, and steep grades.
✦ Wildlife: Keep an eye out for Sonoran Desert wildlife, including birds, lizards, and the surprisingly fearless rock squirrels that frequent the summit.
✦ Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash and help preserve the mountain for future visitors.
