Piestewa Peak
Piestewa Peak
4.5
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Neighbourhood: Camelback East
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4.5
719 reviews
Excellent
457
Very good
217
Average
36
Poor
7
Terrible
2
Holly K
Lake Forest, IL, United States47 contributions
Mar 2020 • Family
This is a very difficult but rewarding hike. My 24-year-Old son is the only one to make it to the top, the rest of us skipped the last 2 legs due to the steep climb.
GORGEOUS views, but the trail was so rough going down it took almost the same amount of time as going up so plan accordingly! This was our 3rd hike in 4 days and this was by far the most challenging descent.
GORGEOUS views, but the trail was so rough going down it took almost the same amount of time as going up so plan accordingly! This was our 3rd hike in 4 days and this was by far the most challenging descent.
Written 5 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
txgrl011
Austin, TX42 contributions
Aug 2020
I hiked Piestewa Peak for the first time this past weekend. We got there right at 6am to beat the heat and the crowds, but apparently 6am is on the later side, as the parking lots were already full, and were got lucky to grab a spot.
The hike is a straight incline the entire way up, so if you aren't in decent shape, I would not recommend. Especially not in the hot summer. The views are beautiful however, and everyone is friendly on the trail. It was a great workout!
I will say that the trail is very narrow (much more so than Camelback mountain), and you are passing people only a foot away. It made me a little nervous with Covid, so you may want to bring a bandana to put on your face if that's something you're concerned about.
Also, please don't be one of those people we saw with no water out there during the summer. The temps were already in the low 90's when we finished the hike at 7:30am!
It took us exactly 1.5 hours to complete the hike. (For reference, my sister and I are both 37 years old, in good shape, and went at a fairly quick pace).
If you are active and want a great workout with awesome scenery, I would highly recommend.
The hike is a straight incline the entire way up, so if you aren't in decent shape, I would not recommend. Especially not in the hot summer. The views are beautiful however, and everyone is friendly on the trail. It was a great workout!
I will say that the trail is very narrow (much more so than Camelback mountain), and you are passing people only a foot away. It made me a little nervous with Covid, so you may want to bring a bandana to put on your face if that's something you're concerned about.
Also, please don't be one of those people we saw with no water out there during the summer. The temps were already in the low 90's when we finished the hike at 7:30am!
It took us exactly 1.5 hours to complete the hike. (For reference, my sister and I are both 37 years old, in good shape, and went at a fairly quick pace).
If you are active and want a great workout with awesome scenery, I would highly recommend.
Written 18 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
D W
Birmingham, United States57 contributions
Mar 2023 • Family
Very difficult hike to the top. Although it is only 1.5miles one way the elevation change is very challenging. The heat also builds up so I suggest bringing plenty of water especially on warm sunny days.
Slightly to many people for my liking so I suggest doing one of the round trails instead of the peak if you are looking for some nature experience. The parking lot is spacious and had clean facilities.
Slightly to many people for my liking so I suggest doing one of the round trails instead of the peak if you are looking for some nature experience. The parking lot is spacious and had clean facilities.
Written 30 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vistaviewer77
La Vista, NE176 contributions
Feb 2021 • Couples
Fairly short hike but parts are strenuous and rocky. Depending on how good of shape you are in and how crowded it is I would plan on a minimum of 1-2 hours.also depends on how much time you want to spend at the top drinking in the viewsMost of the time you have to stop along the way in order to look around you because of the uneven path. Totally unable to social distance even though you are outdoors. Pretty heavily trafficked even on a weekday. Construction work going on to make more parking areas. Several toilets and an outside washbasin with running water makes it even better. No fees to park/hike, no pets allowed on trail. Wear sturdy shoes and take more than a small bottle of water.
Written 25 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jake
Minneapolis, MN122 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
My wife and I hiked Piestewa Peak in January 2020 and it was great! We hiked Camelback the day before so weren’t sure what to expect. Piestewa was definitely more like stairs. It had a pretty clearly defined path and was a pretty consistent ascent the whole way up, unlike Camelback. There are mostly rocks to step on but there is also gravel too. We didn’t think this was difficult in terms of technique but more so in terms of stamina. You are steadily climbing stairs the whole way up is how my wife described it. The view is fantastic. I thought it was very cool to see Camelback from the peak. There weren’t a ton of good spots to sit at the top because it was rocky and crowded. But my wife and I managed to sit up at the top and have a snack for a bit. She took so many pictures going up and down. We both really liked this hike a lot. We preferred Camelback because it was more challenging and it was constantly different whereas this hike is similar much of the way up. I recommend for sure!
Written 7 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lbleich
Gig Harbor, WA173 contributions
Feb 2020
If you're looking for some great exercise, take time to hike Piestewa Peak. There is a fair amount of parking availability and you will need it as Piestewa Peak is extremely busy, especially on beautiful days so get there early.
The hike itself is gradual and if you are in moderately good shape you should be able to do it with relatively no problems. Just make sure to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate...especially if you are from out of town.
The views all along the way are fabulous and if you are like me you chat it up with fellow hikers along the way. Enjoy!
The hike itself is gradual and if you are in moderately good shape you should be able to do it with relatively no problems. Just make sure to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate...especially if you are from out of town.
The views all along the way are fabulous and if you are like me you chat it up with fellow hikers along the way. Enjoy!
Written 3 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
diangeltravel
Phoenix, AZ1,226 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Great view once you get to the top! It is not an easy hike , although I feel it is easier than hiking the Camelback Mountain! There are stairs made in the rock most of the hike. It took us about 2 hours to get to the top with a few stops to relax. There are quite a few stone benches on the trail that also give you a great view while taking a break! The way coming back took us exactly 45 minutes. Make sure you get water with you , as well as a snack . I did not get any snacks and I got so hungry by the time I got up there...lesson learned. As you get closer to the top , there are parts you have to climb that are a little harder , so they have some handrails installed of you feel like need a little extra help. I have seen any ages hiking , from babies in their dad’s backpack to more elderly people. Once you get to the top , the view is amazing, bonus point if you stay to see the sunset. The temperature was a little cooler up there, so bring a jacket if you are not hiking in the summer. We also got to see some nice yellow flowers and a cute bird ...not sure it’s name though. I am local to Arizona ( for 12 years now ) and I am surprised I have not done this hike till now. Great experience!
Written 24 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrea M.
4 contributions
Nov 2020
My boyfriend and I were told not to hike camelback because it was pretty difficult so we came here instead. Piestewa Peak is still challenging because of the steep incline so you're essentially climbing/descending stairs the entire time. This was not a leisurely hike (at least not for us), but it was beautiful! Definitely bring water. If you work out regularly, you might consider this an intermediate trail. We went at 10am on a Saturday and it was packed. Everyone was friendly though and was courteous to move to the side if we were passing, and we returned the favor when others were going faster than us. I would definitely recommend Piestewa Peak if you're looking to get a workout and some good views.
Written 30 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
4d1n8l
155 contributions
Feb 2020
We did a short hike on our first visit here to get an idea of the trails and layout. Was very impressed with the variety of levels of difficulty and trail options available. There is a lot of parking. The lower parking lots were full, but even then, it didnt seem overcrowded on the trails.
Written 8 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KJS
Minneapolis, MN37 contributions
Jan 2021 • Family
We took our kids (age 6 and 8) and hiked Summit trail. It was more challenging than we anticipated, but the views were incredible. It’s a similar hike to Echo Canyon (Camelback), although a bit easier and not quite as steep. There is some climbing towards the top. The trail is well marked and there were a lot of other hikers, so you do have to be mindful of sharing the trail. Hikers were very friendly and considerate. There are bathrooms and drinking fountains at the trailhead, and parking is free. The hike is 4.5 miles round trip, so bring plenty of water.
Written 16 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mair R
Glendale, Arizona
How Do i need to rsvp a ramada to have a small memorial service.. can i bring some chairs etc..?
I would like to do it at sunset .. dec 5 or 6
About 15 people
Written 10 November 2017
Not sure if the rules have changed much in the past 20 years but it used to be strictly first-come-first served. You can bring your own chairs.
Written 10 November 2017
Are there any hiking trails that can be done with a four month old in tow on my back?
Written 28 January 2015
Desert Vista trail over by Dove Valley is an easy one. I would also recommend the Apache Wash trail.
Written 28 December 2015
Want to hike this trail with a four month old on my back. Can it be done?
Written 26 January 2015
I hike it all the time & cringe when I see an adult w/ a baby/young child on their back or front! It is a challenging hike and one stumble could cause irreparable damage to your little one. So my answer is absolutely not!
Written 27 January 2015
can you hike piestewa peak with a baby in tow(in a snuggly/pouch?
Written 26 January 2015
it is quite steep and crumbly. I personally wouldnt do it with a baby as i am clumsy to begin with.
Written 27 January 2015
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