Moderate & Moderate Plus - Piestewa Peak and Freedom Loop

Moderate Plus with option for Moderate
Hike Leader - Jim Bauer
Trail Distance: 5 miles; AEG 1750 feet
Hike Name: - Piestewa Peak Summit and Freedom Loop
Trail Head Elevation: 1438 feet
Driving Distance 60 miles R/T; Driver Fee $5

Hike Description: The Piestewa Peak Summit and Freedom Loop trails are two partially shared trails that summit Piestewa Peak (Summit Trail) and circumnavigate the Peak (Freedom Trail). The hike will begin on the combined trails. From the ramada area we will ascend the initial third of Piestewa Peak. This section is considered a challenging section. At an elevation of around 500 feet the Freedom Trail will branch off and we will continue on the Summit Trail. The Peak Summit Trail is a very difficult out and back trail that rewards with a three-hundred-sixty-degree view of the Phoenix metropolitan area. While short in length, a little over half a mile, the trail is steep, jagged, and consists of multiple switchbacks and modified steps. Upon return from the peak, we will continue along the Freedom Trail. 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. 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. It will take an average of 3 h 10 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking and running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.

The Moderate Plus hike is the complete Peak and Freedom Trail system. Total distance is 5.2 miles with 1750-foot elevation gain.

The Moderate hike is the initial combined portion of the Summit and Freedom trails and then the remainder of the Freedom Trail. Total distance is 3.8 miles with 725-foot elevation change.
Piestewa Peak, formerly Squaw Peak, at 2,610 feet is the second highest point in the Phoenix Mountains, after Camelback Mountain. It is located in the Piestewa Peak Recreation Area within the Phoenix Mountain Preserve.

Directions
Apple and Google Maps: Enter Piestewa Peak Trailhead.

1. Take Riggs to I-10 West. Follow I-10 West for 20 miles to 51 North. Exit and head north on Route 51 for 6 miles to Glendale Ave/Lincoln Dr (exit 5). Exit and turn right on E. Glendale Ave. Take E. Glendale for about .5 miles to E. Piestewa Peak drive. Turn left and follow into Recreational area. Proceed to last parking Ramada. Park on left side if available. Parking is tight so any area will suffice. Do not enter closed road at end of drive.