Freedom Trail

Freedom Trail is the route that wraps around Piestewa Peak’s base in its entirety. It’s sometimes called the Circumference Trail in contrast to the trail to the summit, which is called Summit Trail. That’s pretty easy to remember! This trail is much easier than the trek to the summit, so it’s a good pick for hikers who don’t feel ready to climb the whole mountain but who still want to appreciate the scenery of this peak and this part of the Phoenix Mountain Preserve.

Piestewa Peak was originally named Vianom Do’ag by the Tohono O’odham tribe. This name meant “Iron Mountain.” When settlers came, they disregarded the existing name and began calling it Squaw Peak, coming from a derogatory term for Native women. The government renamed the mountain in 2003, choosing Piestewa Peak in honor of Lori Ann Piestewa, an Arizona woman who was killed in action while fighting in Iraq that year. She was the first Native American woman to die in combat in the United States Military.

The trail begins from the parking area. Note that the parking closes at 7 PM, but the trail remains open until 11 PM. You can leave between 7 PM and 11 PM, but you can’t enter after 7 PM. The parking lot tends to fill, so you might have to park at one of the other lots in the park and walk over or wait for someone to leave.

From the trailhead, hike to the junction. Stay left to take the trail to the summit for a short stretch. You’ll soon hit switchbacks with stairs, which continue to the next junction, where you’ll stay left. This is where the route to the summit splits up to the right. Descend through switchbacks over the ridge and then stay right at the next junction.

Your circumnavigation begins, heading north with a view of the mountains ahead of you. At the junction with Perl Charles Trail, stay right to cross the saddle to begin wrapping around the north face of Piestewa Peak. After it rains, you might be treated to brittlebush blooms.

This next part of the hike is where the city noise really disappears and you can fully enjoy the valley beside you. Continue along, looking for Mexican gold poppies on the north-facing slopes. As you approach the northwest saddle, you’ll cross through a gully filled with saguaros.

Continue to the final saddle and begin your southward return to the trailhead. You’ll be heading downhill, encountering the occasional steep descent. Continue making right turns and you’ll soon be back at the parking area.

Hiking Route Highlights

Phoenix Mountain Preserve

The Freedom Trail is part of the Phoenix Mountains Preserve, an urban park system that includes the impressive Camelback Mountain, Piestewa Peak, Shaw Butte, Dreamy Draw Mountain, and more. The preserve also encompasses parks and preserves, so it serves to maintain the unique desert mountains and landscapes of Phoenix for residents and visitors to enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have to pay to hike the Freedom Trail?

No, this hike is free to do.

Can kids hike Piestewa Peak?

Unless your kids are exceptionally active and experienced with hiking, we don’t recommend bringing them to the summit. The Freedom Trail is much better suited to little ones and beginners.

Can you drive up Piestewa Peak?

No, there is no vehicle access beyond the trailhead parking lot.