(Virtual) Phoenix Summit Challenge - PSC20 Details
This year's Virtual Phoenix Summit Challenge (PSC20) is a seven-day opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts of all abilities to hike multiple summit trails throughout the city's preserve land. This annual event helps to raise dedicated funding for the more than 41,000 acres of desert park and mountain preserve land located throughout Phoenix. Changes needed to be made to this year’s event due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the spirit of the annual challenge lives on in this revised format.
This year, participants will track their hikes by using the interactive online Walker Tracker application. The application will provide a fun, engaging, self-directed experience through which participants can choose where and when they complete their hikes. Sign up, hike with friends and have a great time on the trails to support a great cause.
The Walker Tracker application (app) will be available after registration is completed. It will need to be downloaded from the app store to a smart phone. A log-in, password and profile will then need to be created. It will provide maps of the seven specific trails. As hikes are completed, the app will keep track of steps and mileage. Hikers will also be able to view the progress of other event participants. There also is a discussion forum where participants can communicate with one another and cheer each other on.
Participants will be able to choose when and where to complete the hikes during the allotted seven-day period. They can complete the seven suggested hikes or any other trails they choose. Anyone can participate, regardless of ability, and may choose to complete their steps on flatter terrain or a treadmill, etc. The challenge will be complete once a pre-determined number of steps are accumulated. The steps translate into mileage which in turn add up to the total distance of the seven suggested hikes. Total mileage of the seven hikes adds up to 25.2 miles with an elevation gain of 5,230 feet.
Trail List (to be completed in any order over the 7-day period):
View and download maps of the trails (PDF)
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Ridgeback Trail at Apache Wash Trailhead (Sonoran Preserve)
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Dixie Mountain Summit Trail at Desert Vista Trailhead (Sonoran Preserve)
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Lookout Mountain Summit Trail 150 at Lookout Mountain (Phoenix Mountains Preserve)
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Shaw Butte Trail 306 at Shaw Butte / North Mountain Visitor Center (Phoenix Mountains Preserve)
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Alta East Trail at South Mountain Park/Preserve
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Holbert Trail at South Mountain Park/Preserve
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Pyramid Trail at South Mountain Park/Preserve
All Abilities - Accessible Trails List (to be completed in any order over the 7-day period):
View and download maps of the trails (PDF)
Ocotillo - Apache Wash - Sidewinder Loop Trails at Apache Wash Trailhead (Sonoran Preserve)
Deem Hills Circumference Trail at Deem Hills Park
Box Canyon and Judith Tunell Trails at South Mountain Park/Preserve
Trail 100 and 101 at North Mountain Visitor Center (Phoenix Mountains Preserve)
Additional PSC Information:
The UROCK Festival will be suspended for PSC20. The festival, which is normally held at the South Mountain Park Activity Complex, has been suspended for PSC20 due to restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The price of the event reflects the update for this year.
Mandatory Bag Pick-Up. Join us on Saturday, Nov. 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the South Mountain Park Activity Complex, 10919 S. Central Ave. This will be your opportunity to pick-up your official hiker packet, that will include your official event t-shirt, and other important event information. Everyone will stay in their vehicle and event supplies will be given out while adhering to physical distancing guidelines. Bag pick-up is mandatory. If you are not able to attend, please arrange for a friend or family member to pick up your items. They will just need a print out of your registration. If you are traveling from out of state, please make arrangements in advance by e-mailing
psc@phoenix.gov.
It will fill up quickly! Phoenix Summit Challenge is an extremely popular event, and while we would like to allow everyone who is interested to participate, we must put limitations on the number to ensure event safety. The event has historically filled to capacity within minutes of the start of registration. We apologize in advance to anyone who is unable to secure a spot during the registration process.
Registrations are non-refundable and non-transferable. Due to the popularity of the event and limited number of available spots, all registrations are strictly first-come, first-served, non-refundable and non-transferable.
This is a rain or shine event.The Phoenix Summit Challenge is an outdoor event that is susceptible to environmental conditions that are often unpredictable and can change quickly. Please review weather conditions as we near the event date range and plan accordingly.
Review “Take a Hike. Do it Right.” safety guidelines.
This event is a non-competitive hiking challenge. The Walker Tracker application provides a leader board to show were you are in relation to other hikers, and a discussion forum where you can interact with other participants. If it is your goal to be the first one done, then you will have to complete all your mileage within the first few days. The event is not designed to be a race, but if you choose, you can challenge yourself in that way.
The PSC community is making a difference. The Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department takes its stewardship of the more than 41,000 acres of desert park and mountain preserve land located throughout the city seriously. It is through events likes PSC that it is able to ensure that the city’s more than 200 miles of trails are safe, accessible and remain one of the region’s most beloved resources. The department appreciates the support of the hiking community.
If you have questions or would like to speak with the PSC Team, please e-mail psc@phoenix.gov.
