Phoenix Summit Challenge (PSC)

PSC20 Update

To ensure the safety of all participants and team members, we are considering virtual options for PSC20.

Once the event logistics are confirmed we will provide additional updates.

Please check back regularly. - Updated 9/3/2020

To reach the PSC Team, email us at psc@phoenix.gov

#pscspirit19 | psc@phoenix.gov

Download the
Official PSC19 Hiker's Passport

The official PSC19 Hiker's Passport includes all route orders and detailed route maps.

Phoenix Summit Challenge (PSC)

This nationally-recognized hiking event is calling on you to put your physical stamina and mental strength to the test. Whether you are pushing yourself to the limits in the PHX7, ramping things up in the PHX5, tackling your first PSC in the PHX4, or proving there are no barriers you cannot overcome in the PHX All Abilities, there is a challenge waiting for you. The Phoenix Summit Challenge isn't about finishing first, it is about finding the challenge within yourself and inspiring others to reach for new heights.

UROCK Festival

Held at the South Mountain Park/Preserve Activity Complex, the festival provides a way for challenge goers to celebrate the accomplishments of the day. Kick off those hiking shoes, enjoy a delicious dinner, grab a cold beverage and take advantage of a much-deserved massage! The festival begins at 12:30 p.m. and concludes at 6:30 p.m. Guests are welcome and additional dinner and beer tokens can be purchased at the Mandatory Bag Pick-Up and Expo. A limited number of additional dinner and beer tokens will also be available for purchase on the day of the event.

The PSC community is
making a difference

The Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department takes stewardship of the city's 41,000-plus acres of preserve land seriously. It is through events like PSC that it is able to ensure the city's 200-plus miles of trails are safe, accessible and remain one of the metro area's most beloved resources. The support of the hiking community is appreciated.

Questions? Contact the PSC Team at psc@phoenix.gov

Keep a look out for an updated PSC20 Facebook Event listing on the official Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department Facebook page facebook.com/phoenixparks

Additional PSC19 Information:

It will fill up quickly!
Phoenix Summit Challenge is an extremely popular event, and while we would love to allow everyone who is interested to participate, we must put limitations on the number of participants to ensure the safety of the event. The event has historically filled to capacity within minutes of the start of registration. We strongly recommend that you review the registration guidelines in advance.

Registrations are non-refundable and non-transferable
Due to the popularity of the event and limited number of available spots in each challenge, 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 and plan accordingly.

Mandatory Bag Pick-Up and Expo
Join us on Saturday, Nov. 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Longview Neighborhood Recreation Center for the mandatory Bag Pick-Up and Expo. This will be your opportunity to pick-up your official hiker packet, that will include your hiker passport, official event t-shirt, parking wristband(s) and other important event information. Additionally, you can complete your electronic tracking system registration, visit promotional booths of event sponsors, get your State Forty Eight souvenir tank top, and purchase extra meals tickets and beer tokens for guests joining you at the UROCK Festival. The Bag Pick-Up and Expo also provides you the opportunity to visit the REI booth to fill out a raffle ticket for one of six prizes, all of which include a swag bag and guided REI Outdoor Programs experience. Winner need not be present.

No hiker times will be posted
This event is a non-competitive hiking challenge. The electronic timing system is used solely as a safety feature and is meant to help event coordinators track the location of hikers. It will not provide an accurate measure of completion times. Additionally, we will not be tracking the order in which participants finish the challenge. Please note, we will be providing the contracted electronic timing company with the first name, last name, and zip code of each participant.

Piestewa Peak will not be a part of PSC19
Due to an ongoing infrastructure improvement project at the 302 Trailhead, everyone's favorite Piestewa Peak Summit Trail will be excluded from this year's challenge, but don't worry, it will be back.

Note for Team Registrations
By registering a Team, you are consenting to the role of "Team Captain." As Team Captain you will be responsible for all communication with your team members. The PSC event coordinators will contact all Team Captains via e-mail by September 20 with details for submitting your team member information. All team member information will be required by September 30.