Piestewa Peak

Hike this popular mountain in Arizona.

Phoenix's first city engineer, Dr. Omar Asa Turney first called this mountain "Squaw Peak" and recorded it in 1902-03. Squaw Peak was renamed in 2003 to Piestewa Peak to honor Lori Piestewa, the first Native American woman killed in US military combat during the Iraq War. Piestewa is pronounced "pie-ESS-tuh-wah." This is the second highest point in the Phoenix Mountains at 2,610 feet. Piestewa Peak is located in the Piestewa Peak Recreation Area within the Phoenix Mountain Preserve.

Visitors often come to this recreation area for picnics and other gatherings. You can explore various walking and hiking the trails during your visit. The parking lots fill quickly most days, so plan to arrive early to ensure you'll find a parking space. The Summit Trail is 2.1 miles long and is best used from October to March if you want to beat the Arizona heat. This place offers great views of the Sonoran Desert, and at the summit, you'll be able to see Camelback Mountain, the Dreamy Draw Recreation Area, and the city of Phoenix.