This 2-Mile Trail In Arizona Leads To Breathtaking City And Mountain Views
By Katie Lawrence|Published August 24, 2021
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
It’s always fun to discover hidden gems, but sometimes, the places most worth visiting can be found right in our own backyard. Piestewa Peak Summit Trail, nestled in the heart of the Phoenix Mountain Preserve, is one such destination. Although it’s among the most popular hikes in the Valley, there’s a reason for that: the trail showcases both city and mountain views sure to leave you breathless, and the reward is undeniably worth the challenge.
Piestewa Peak is one of the most popular trails in Arizona, and for good reason.
Short, yet challenging, this 2.1-mile hike in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve takes hardcore adventurers on an unforgettable journey that leads to some of the most dramatic views in the Valley.
With an elevation gain of over 1100 feet, this difficult trek isn't for the faint of heart.
Without having to think twice about which way to go, there's only one thing left for you to do: enjoy the breathtaking scenery that extends far as the eye can see in every direction (after wiping the sweat from your eyes, that is).
Essentially two hikes rolled into one, going up and coming back down the mountain offer entirely different vantage points of the surrounding landscape.
Being this high up, you'll get to watch the exact moment the sun disappears below the horizon. It's a life-changing moment that every Arizonan should experience at least once.
Then, as the last remnants of sunlight fade into darkness, the city comes alive in a blaze of glory.
As you descend the mountain and return to the real world, you'll have a whole new appreciation for both nature and the big city—not many places are capable of producing such a uniquely dichotomous feeling!
To learn more about the Piestewa Peak Summit Trail, visit its page on AllTrails.
Have you ever embarked on this difficult, yet rewarding hike? If so, tell us all about your experience in the comments section below. Don’t forget to check out our previous article for another challenging hike in Arizona that’s worth every drop of sweat!
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