FREEDOM TRAIL
Piestewa Peak/Dreamy Draw Area, Phoenix
Fed up with elbow-to-elbow hiker hoards on the Piestewa Peak Summit Trail? Yeah, me too. Thankfully, there’s an adjacent trail that provides a similar experience and "FREEDOM" from the traffic. Actually, this trail was not named for its obvious benefit but instead was dubbed in conjunction with the renaming of Squaw Peak in honor of fallen Arizona soldier, Lori Piestewa. Making a wobbly, scenic loop around the second highest summit in Phoenix, Freedom Trail #302 (formerly known as the Circumference Trail) gives a descent workout, showcases beautiful Sonoran desert terrain and gets high enough to frame some nice views of Metro Phoenix. The trail begins at the north end of the parking area. Most hikers prefer to hike counterclockwise because the ascent is more gradual that way. To take this option, go north (straight ahead) at the trailhead sign. Lots of cactuses, desert shrubs, strategically-placed lookout points (with benches!), bizarre geology and the occasional rattlesnake combine for an interesting mix of sights along the way. At roughly 2.75 miles, the trail tops out and joins the Summit Trail, which you’ll follow downhill for half-a-mile to reconnect with trail 302 for the final leg of the loop.
LENGTH: 3.8-mile loop
RATING: moderate
ELEVATION: 1,500 – 2,150 feet
BEST SEASONS: October - April
GETTING THERE: In Phoenix, exit SR 51 (Piestewa Freeway) at Lincoln Drive (exit 5) and continue east 0.5 mile to Squaw Peak Drive. Turn left and go 0.5 mile to the entrance for Phoenix Mountains Park and follow the main road all the way to the end and park at the Apache picnic area.
FACILITIES: restrooms, water
FEES: none now, but that may change in late 2010
DOGS: leashed dogs are allowed on trail 302 but NOT on the Summit Trail.
INFO & MAP: http://phoenix.gov/PARKS/hikephx.html
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FREEDOM TRAIL
Piestewa Peak/Dreamy Draw Area, Phoenix
Fed up with elbow-to-elbow hiker hoards on the Piestewa Peak Summit Trail? Yeah, me too. Thankfully, there’s an adjacent trail that provides a similar experience and "FREEDOM" from the traffic. Actually, this trail was not named for its obvious benefit but instead was dubbed in conjunction with the renaming of Squaw Peak in honor of fallen Arizona soldier, Lori Piestewa. Making a wobbly, scenic loop around the second highest summit in Phoenix, Freedom Trail #302 (formerly known as the Circumference Trail) gives a descent workout, showcases beautiful Sonoran desert terrain and gets high enough to frame some nice views of Metro Phoenix. The trail begins at the north end of the parking area. Most hikers prefer to hike counterclockwise because the ascent is more gradual that way. To take this option, go north (straight ahead) at the trailhead sign. Lots of cactuses, desert shrubs, strategically-placed lookout points (with benches!), bizarre geology and the occasional rattlesnake combine for an interesting mix of sights along the way. At roughly 2.75 miles, the trail tops out and joins the Summit Trail, which you’ll follow downhill for half-a-mile to reconnect with trail 302 for the final leg of the loop.
LENGTH: 3.8-mile loop
RATING: moderate
ELEVATION: 1,500 – 2,150 feet
BEST SEASONS: October - April
GETTING THERE: In Phoenix, exit SR 51 (Piestewa Freeway) at Lincoln Drive (exit 5) and continue east 0.5 mile to Squaw Peak Drive. Turn left and go 0.5 mile to the entrance for Phoenix Mountains Park and follow the main road all the way to the end and park at the Apache picnic area.
FACILITIES: restrooms, water
FEES: none now, but that may change in late 2010
DOGS: leashed dogs are allowed on trail 302 but NOT on the Summit Trail.
INFO & MAP: http://phoenix.gov/PARKS/hikephx.html
1 comment:
This beautiful trail quickly makes you feel like you are in the desert wilderness. The internal valley is quiet, and lush with desert flora. I hike parts of this trail, and it's offshoots, twice a week or so after work. Be warned that the trail is NOT easy to navigate, even with the Phoenix Park & Recreation map. If you are going counter-clockwise, keep the Summit to your left and check In with everyone you meet to ensue that you are on the right trail. I have helped too many people who took a wrong turn and got into trouble I this trail.
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