Trail Descriptions
Mesquite Trailhead (302 Trailhead)
2701 E. Piestewa Peak Dr.
Trailhead Hours - 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Trail Hours - 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Piestewa Peak Freedom Trail -
Difficulty: Difficult
Access: Start at the 302 Trailhead. Proceed to Piestewa Peak Freedom Trail.
Description: The Freedom Trail is an awesome circumference trail that skirts the base of Piestewa Peak. The trail is moderately difficult and has multiple rocky sections. Trail users may encounter a variety of the native wildlife and an occasional coyote is observed on the trail. The southwestern portion of this loop is shared with the Piestewa Summit Trail. This trail provides spectacular views of the Phoenix metropolitan area. This loop around the entire mountain peak offers great views of Piestewa Peak and other secluded areas near the trailhead. A restroom and drinking fountain are located near the trailhead.
Distance: 3.7 miles
Elevation Change:720 feet
Piestewa Peak Summit Trail -
Difficulty: Extremely Difficult
Access: Start at the 302 Trailhead. Proceed to Piestewa Peak Freedom Trail to connect to Piestewa Peak Summit Trail.
Description: The infamous Piestewa Peak Summit Trail is an out and back trail that rewards successful hikers with a three-hundred-sixty-degree view of the Phoenix metropolitan area. While short in length, a little over one mile, the trail is steep, jagged, and consists of multiple switchbacks and modified steps with integrated sections of gravel and rock. This summit trail has been a Phoenix favorite for several decades and is internationally recognized among hiking communities. Water, parking, and restrooms are available at the base of the trail.
Distance: 1.2 miles
Elevation Change: 1,200 feet
304 Trailhead
7200 N. Piestewa Peak Dr.
Trailhead Hours - 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Trail Hours - 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Piestewa Peak Nature Trail -
Difficulty: Moderate
Access: Start at the 304 Trailhead. Proceed to Piestewa Peak Nature Trail.
Description: The Piestewa Nature Trail is a magnificent loop trail that allows hikers the opportunity to escape the urban environment for a true Sonoran Desert experience. The trail is moderately difficult and somewhat rocky. Most of the trail skirts a large, deep, wash that provides a home to an assortment of wildlife. Trail users will observe a wide variety of native Sonoran trees and other plant life on this trail. The Piestewa Nature Trail often provides spectacular springtime wildflower viewing. A restroom and drinking fountain are located near the trailhead.
Distance: 1.4 mi
Elevation Change: 180 ft.
Ruth Hamilton Trail -
Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult
Access:Start at the 304 Trailhead. Proceed to the right on Piestewa Peak Naure Trail. Take another right to proceed to Ruth Hamilton Trail.
Description: The Ruth Hamilton Trail is a short trail that intersects the Quartz Ridge Trail and has a very nice observation bench at the intersection. The western section of this trail offers a number of switchbacks and is moderately rocky. Once the hiker reaches the peak, the trail descends and levels out. Although short, it is moderately popular and offers tremendous views of the downtown corridor and the northern Sonoran mountains. Wildflowers are abundant during the spring.
Distance: 0.9 miles
Elevation Change: 430 feet
VOAZ Trail
Access: Start at the 304 Trailhead. Proceed to Piestewa Nature Trail to connect to Perl Charles Memorial Trail. From there, continue to VOAZ Trail.
Description: The VOAZ Trail Starts from Piestewa Peak and offers the shortest path to connect to Dreamy Draw Recreation Area.
Distance: 0.5 miles
32nd St. Trailhead
6511 E. Sierra Vista Dr.
Trailhead Hours - 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Trail Hours - 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Mojave Trail -
Difficulty: Moderate
Access: Start from 32nd St. Trailhead to connect to to Quartz Ridge Trail. From Quartz Ridge Trail, turn left to proceed to Mojave Connector Trail. From the Connector, proceed to Mojave Trail.
The Mojave Trail is a very popular short out and back trail that climbs a small hill above the Mojave Ramada. The trail is somewhat rocky but is well defined. The Mojave Trail offers wonderful views of the downtown corridor and hikers may observe snakes, rabbits, and a variety of other wildlife. Springtime wildflowers offer a colorful desert experience.
Distance: 0.4 miles
Elevation Change: 308 feet
Mojave Connector Trail -
Difficulty: Moderate
Access: Start from 32nd St. Trailhead to connect to to Quartz Ridge Trail. From Quartz Ridge Trail, turn left to proceed to Mojave Connector Trail.
Description: The Mojave Connector Trail, 202, is a very popular short trail that joins the Mojave Trail, 200, and the Quartz Ridge Trail. This is an out and back trail that allows hikers the opportunity to hike along a wonderful Sonoran Desert trail while providing spectacular downtown scenery. Small wildlife and snakes are occasionally observed on this trail. Trail users will also observe a wide variety of native plants. This is a popular and beautiful trail to hike during the spring wildflower season.
Distance: 1.5 miles
Elevation Change:200 feet
Piestewa Peak Quartz Ridge Trail -
Difficulty: Moderate
Access: Start from 32nd St. Trailhead. Proceed to Piestewa Peak Quartz Ridge Trail.
Description: The Quartz Ridge Trail is a breathtaking out and back trail that crosses rocky Quartz Ridge and ends at the intersection of the L.V. Yates Trail. This trail starts with an easy hike between two small hills but quickly climbs to top of Quartz Ridge. At the top of Quartz Ridge this trail intersects with the Ruth Hamilton Trail. The trail then descends through the beautiful Sonoran Desert to meet with the L.V. Yates Trail. This trail becomes very popular during the spring wildflower season. This trail offers great views of downtown Phoenix and nearby Camelback Mountain. NO restrooms or drinking fountains at the trailhead.
Distance: 1.7 miles
Elevation Change: 500 feet
40th St. Trailhead
9200 N. 40th St.
Trailhead Hours - 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Trail Hours - 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
L.V. Yates Trail -
Difficulty: Moderate
Access: Start at the 40th St. Trailhead. Proceed L.V. Yates Trail.
Description: The L.V. Yates Trail, #8, is a very popular out and back trail that offers amazing views of the north valley and the downtown business corridor. Hikers have the option of incorporating an extended loop at the terminal end of the L.V. Yates Trail. This trail begins at the 40th St. Trailhead and immediately turns south toward several mountains. The L.V. Yates follows an old road and within a half mile the trail intersects with the Charles M. Christiansen Memorial Trail, #100. Once past Trail 100, trail users continue in a southerly direction and soon begin the climb upward between two small knolls. The trail then dips slightly and turns to the west before climbing again. Near the bottom of the dip trail users will encounter the Quarts Ridge Trail, #8A. Hikers desiring a loop may either turn left on the Quartz Ridge Trail or continue westerly on the L.V. Yates Trail. If trail users turn left on the Quartz Ridge Trail they will hike southerly to the Ruth Hamilton Trail, #8B, and turn westerly to the Nature Trail, #304, then hike north along the Nature Trail to the L.V. Yates Trail. If at the junction of the Quartz Ridge Trail, hikers continue west along the L.V. Yates Trail the loop will be opposite. Trail users may encounter wildlife and will observe a variety of Sonoran Desert plant life. Water, restrooms, and a shade ramada are available at the trailhead.
Distance: 2.5 miles
Elevation Change: 220 feet
Dreamy Draw Recreation Area
2421 E. Northern Ave.
Trailhead Hours - 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Trail Hours - 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Dreamy Draw Nature Trail -
Difficulty: Moderate
Access: Start at the 302 Trailhead. Proceed to Piestewa Peak Freedom Trail to connect to Piestewa Peak Summit Trail.
Description: The Dreamy Draw Nature Trail is a short multi-access loop trail that provides a true Sonoran Desert experience. The trail crosses a number of desert washes and, at times, becomes somewhat rocky. Trail users will observe a wide variety of native Sonoran trees and other plant life and may encounter a glance at the resident wildlife. Coyotes and rabbits are commonly observed on this trail. The springtime wildflowers may offer beautiful photo opportunities. This loop trail is part offers great views of Piestewa Peak and other secluded areas near the trailhead. A restroom and drinking fountain are located near the trailhead.
Distance: 1.5 miles
Elevation Change: 180 feet
Myrtle Tunnel Trailhead
1823 E. Myrtle Ave.
Trailhead Hours - 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Trail Hours - 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Perl Charles Memorial Trail (1A) -
Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult
Access: Start at the Myrtle Tunnel Trailhead. Proceed to Perl Charles Memorial Trail.
Description: The Perl Charles Memorial Trail is a dirt/rock trail that forms a loop along the northern base of Piestewa Peak. This trail climbs partially up the northern slope of Piestewa Peak and users are rewarded with amazing views of the northern Sonoran mountain ranges. This trail is particularly spectacular during the spring flower season. Trail users may encounter a variety of wildlife and desert plants. Some sections of this trail are very rocky and users should use caution.
Distance: 5.9 miles
Elevation Change: 86 feet
