Piestewa Peak Sunset Hike | Arizona - Lovely and Limitless Blog

This sunset hike to Piestewa Peak in Arizona is an excellent place to watch the sun go down over Phoenix. At 2,612 feet, this peak is the second highest in Phoenix. This high elevation makes for a great workout and a spectacular view of the city.

Getting to Piestewa Peak Trailhead

Location

A map can be found below that shows the parking area and trailhead.

Piestewa Peak is located in central Phoenix, north of downtown Phoenix and south of Paradise Valley. The trail is part of the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department.

Parking

Parking is limited during peak months as well as sunset hours. To be sure you get a spot, get there early!

Piestewa Peak Hike Arizona @_ashlee.ann_ — Outfit From Fabletics

Best Time to Hike Piestewa Peak

The best time to hike the Piestewa Peak Summit Trail is best in the spring months or winter months. March through May, or December through February. Arizona’s nickname is the “Valley of the Sun” because around 80% of its days are sunny!

The park is open to guests between 5 a.m. and 7 p.m. and the trail itself closes at 11 p.m.

You’ll want to allow yourself about 45 minutes to get to the top on average.

Don’t forget to bring a flashlight if you’re hiking after sunset!

Piestewa Peak Trail Description

Where did the name “Piestewa Peak” come from?

From 1910-2003 the name of this mountain was actually “Squaw Peak”. It was renamed to Piestewa Peak to honor Army SPC Lori Ann Piestewa. Lori was one of the first know Native American women who died in combat for the U.S. military.

Trail Difficulty

The Piestewa Peak Summit Trail is rated as hard for the reason that there is a steep incline and lots of large rock and loose gravel. Loose gravel, called schist, a sheet-like rock, can be found all along this vertical trail. You’ll want to wear proper hiking shoes or boots on this trail. The workout will be worth the reward – I promise!

Because of the undeveloped and fragile landscape, stick to the main designated trail only as shown above. Leave-No-Trace principals advise to only stand on “durable surfaces”, not the delicate rock and plant life as well.

Note: Dogs are not allowed on the Piestewa Peak Summit Trail.

I write these blog posts in the hope that readers will understand the rules and regulations before they visit these trails. the City of Phoenix’s government website has even more information on their Take a Hike / Do it Right initiative page.

Hiking etiquette is very much a thing! If you’re new to hiking or maybe haven’t visited a crowded trail like this before here are some pointers.

If you are hiking with a group, opt for one in front of the other vs side-by-side. This allows others the proper room to pass.
When using headphones, turn the volume low enough to hear other hikers and animals. ( A good idea considering there are rattlesnakes on the trail sometimes! )
If you need to take a break, step to the side of the trail. Avoid blocking the trail for others. Opt for a durable solid surface as mentioned above and not delicate schist or any plant life.

As the sun sets, it casts a bright orange glow across the mountain. Many people search for the perfect spot facing the west to sit back and enjoy the show. If you look really close in the photo below, there is more than one person in that photo. He really got a tucked-away spot!

Remember to be respectful of others when hiking this one and most of all, have fun! Arizona has so many beautiful trails to explore in the Dreamy Draw Recreation Area and Piestewa Peak Summit Trail is one we’ll always come back to for great sunset views over the valley.