About Piestewa Peak Park
Piestewa Peak Park offers a challenging hiking experience with stunning views of Phoenix, making it a unique destination for families who enjoy outdoor activities. However, the trail's difficulty and rocky terrain may not be suitable for all children.
What parents should know
Summarized from real visitor reviews.
Best for: Families looking for a physical challengeOutdoor enthusiasts wanting to enjoy scenic viewsParents wanting to introduce their children to hikingSuitable for older children and teens who are physically activeYounger children may struggle with the trail's challenges
Why families love it
- Stunning views from the summit
- Well-defined trails with multiple options
- Clean and well-maintained facilities including bathrooms
- Variety of trails for different skill levels
- Multiple trails accommodating different skill levels
- Opportunity for social interaction with other hikers
Insider tips
- Bring plenty of water, especially on hot days
- Consider hiking on cloudy days for a more comfortable experience
- Avoid carrying heavy backpacks; a small water bottle is sufficient
- Take breaks as needed, especially for younger or less experienced hikers
Good to know before you go
- Busy weekends when the trail is crowded
- Hot summer days without cloud cover
- Rocky and jagged terrain can be uncomfortable for young hikers
- The trail is very busy, which may not be ideal for families seeking solitude
- Stairs made of rock may be challenging for those with knee issues
- Crowds
- Busy on weekends and holidays, especially during peak hiking hours
- Value
- Free access to the park and trails, with no hidden costs. Comparable to other hiking locations like Camelback Mountain, but with different challenges.
- Food
- No specific food restrictions mentioned, but it's advisable to bring water
- Accessibility
- Trail may not be suitable for strollers or those with mobility issues due to rocky terrain
- Safety
- Well-maintained trails and facilities
What parents say
"2nd highest point in Phoenix but did not find much joy in it. Do it to check it off your bucket list. Would I do it often? No. I hated how jagged each step of the trail was. Very sharp rocks that you feel in every step of the way. It didn't feel natural with how they carved and cemented steps into the trailhead. I love steep climbs but not this one. I prefer climbs without knifes in the arch of my foot on every step. Yes, I had hiking boots on also. It doesnt have a natural feel to it. Out of all the mountains I have been on, this was also the most unfriendly. I love hiking for the social asp"
2 months ago
"Great hike! I did a lap around the freedom trail(clockwise) then made my way up to Piestewa Peak. Approximately 7 miles, 4 hours and 2300ft elevation gain. Many breaks in-between and at least 30min at the summit. I went on a Sunday and there was someone either in-front or behind me the entire freedom trail. The hike to the summit was very busy, with lots of people ascending/descending. Overall, the trail was well defined and the views from the top are stunning!"
4 months ago
"Great hike but MY knees couldn’t finish it, hubby did. If your knees don’t like stairs might want to avoid this one, the entire trail has stairs made of rock. But if your knees are good, this trail is fantastic. Beautiful view of the city and the landscape is quintessential Phoenix!"
a month ago
Reviews sourced from public Google data.
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