Quartz Ridge Trail

PIESTEWA PEAK QUARTZ RIDGE TRAIL 8A

Downtown Phoenix viewed from Quartz Ridge

Looking for a way to enjoy the desert beauty surrounding Piestewa Peak and get a good workout without elbow-to-elbow crowds?  Try the Quartz Ridge 8A trail. 

A massive quartz block on Quartz Ridge trail

Located southeast of the extremely popular Piestewa Peak summit trail in the Piestewa Peak-Dreamy Draw Trails section of the

Phoenix Mountains Preserve, trail 8A offers a similar experience in a less congested slice of the craggy hills.  The 1.7-mile path traces gullies and foothills below the distinctive 2,608-foot hill that stand high above the skyline just a few miles north of downtown Phoenix off State Route 51.

Creosote grows along Quartz Ridge trail

Edgy switchbacks ascend Quartz Ridge

While the trail may be reached via several connected routes, the 32^nd Street trailhead offers direct access.  Unlike the summit route which goes straight up, Quartz Ridge is a double-hump workout.  The trail starts on a wide, easy grade that parallels a deep, tree-cluttered wash. 

The route makes several wash crossings

While making its mild ascent, the trail passes by jagged stone outcroppings sprinkled with white quartz nodules that gradually grow in size and scope until the it meets an enormous ivory boulder at the base of a ridge where quartz chunks spill downhill like tossed confetti. 

Phoenix Mountains Preserve trails are well-signed

From this point on, the route dips through washes and climbs exposed ridges exposing ever-expanding views of downtown Phoenix and mountain ranges to the south.  About halfway through the hike, a short segment of tight, edge-hugging switchbacks move trekkers uphill to a scenic saddle near the highpoint. 

Hike ends at the L.V. Yates trail junction

Here, east and north Valley vistas come into view and a stone bench beckons hikers to take a break and enjoy the sights. The trail then makes a swerving dive into a cliff-bound ravine where saguaro cacti and blooming shrubs thrive on rugged cliffs and sandy washes. 

Trixis shrubs grow in wash areas

Don't be a statistic. Heed this advise.

Lumps of quartz stained with orange and ashen veneers reappear in colorful piles and fields of snowy nuggets.  After one final dip through a water-worn bend, the trail meets its end in a small, grotto-like area where it intersects with the L.V. Yates trail. 

North Valley views sen from Quartz Ridge

Strawberry hedgehog cacti add color to the hike

Make this your turnaround point or consult park maps to customize a longer hike.  Either way, with Valley temperatures rapidly approaching the century mark, stay safe by paying attention to the city’s “Take a hike. Do it right.” kiosks posted at trailheads.  While accidents do happen, having to be hauled off a trail by search and rescue personnel due to heat-related incidents is easily preventable.

LENGTH: 3.4 miles up-and-back

RATING: moderate

ELEVATION: 1,358 – 1,842 feet (888 feet accumulated elevation change)

GETTING THERE:

32^nd Street Trailhead:

6511 E. Sierra Vista Dr., Phoenix

Hours: 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.

INFO: City of Phoenix

https://www.phoenix.gov/parks/trails/locations/piestewa-peak/hiking-trail-map

PENNY HOWE TRAIL

PENNY HOWE BARRIER FREE NATURE TRAIL

Phoenix Mountains Preserve

One of the greatest benefits of living in the Valley of the Sun is its plethora of  parks and recreation sites.  Phoenix is already home to many municipal parks and on going acqusition of additional lands for public use demonstrates the city's commitment to providing residents and visitors with superlative access to outdoor activities.  The current 35,000 acres of parks and preserves is laced with more than 100 miles of hiking trails ranging in difficulty from grueling to painless. In the painless category is the Penny Howe Nature Trail.  Fully paved and built on a joint-friendly slope, the trail is set at the base of craggy North Mountain with close access to water, shade and restrooms.  The stroll is enriched with informational plaques spaced at convenient intervals along the walkway. Each plaque on the self-guided tour  adds  educational tidbits about  desert flora and fauna to an easy leg stretch that's accessible to all.

LENGTH:  0.3 mile

RATING: paved, barrier-free

ELEVATION: 1420' - 1380'

FACILITIES: restrooms, water, shaded picnic ramadas

GETTING THERE: North Mountain Park, 10600 N. 7th St., Phoenix.

(7th Ave. & Peoria)

Trail beigns in the northwest corner of the Havasupai parking lot.

INFO: City of Phoenix, 602-262-7901

http://phoenix.gov/parks/trails/locations/north/hiking/

Shadow Mountain

SHADOW MOUNTAIN

Phoenix Mountains Preserve

Summit of Shadow Mountain

This under-appreciated gem of a mountain in the least traveled corner of Phoenix Mountains Preserve  offers hikers a straight-off-the-suburban-sidewalk entre into a pristine pocket of Sonoran desert. The summit trail is unmitigated by switchbacks, ascending the peak on upright rock faces and loose gravel with dizzying exposure---it's not a trek for acrophobics. 

Those who brave the climb will find views of ball-field-checkered neigborhoods creeping up against an undeveloped swath of cactus and brittlebush.  An unusual-looking reservoir and high-rent properties fill the foreground of a 360-degree  cityscape panorama ringed by mountains, cotton fields and hazy spaces.  Even without making the woozy climb, hikers can enjoy this desert haven by following the lazy loop trails circling the base of the peak.

Lookout Mountain in the distance

LENGTH:

Big Loop: 1.6 miles

Small Loop: 0.8 mile

RATING: moderate/difficult

ELEVATION: 1550' - 1645' or 1810' (with summit spur)

HOURS: sunrise to sunset or 7 p.m. whichever comes first

FACILITES: water fountain and horse water tank

GETTING THERE:

Exit SR51 at Greenway and go west to Cave Creek Road.  Turn south and continue to Claire Dr.

Follow Claire past 25th St. and take the next right onto 25th Place (unmarked road). The trailhead is at the corner of 25th Place and Acoma. Park along the retaining wall. 

INFO: City of Phoenix, 602-262-7901

http://phoenix.gov/parks/trails/locations/lookout/

Piestewa Peak

PIESTEWA PEAK SUMMIT TRAIL

Phoenix Mountains Preserve

Summit of Piestewa Peak

A famously fabulous and infamously crowded hike, the Piestewa Peak summit trail ranks second in elevation among the "Seven Summits of Phoenix. Camelback Mountain, at 2704' is the tallest. Because of its central location and easy access, the vertical, switchbacking route sees a lot of action.  Elbow-to-elbow foot traffic is common, especially on weekends when athletes in training and casual hikers alike jockey for position on the stony path worn smooth by years of heavy use.  Rising over 1200 feet, the strenuous trek rewards with sweeping views of  Metro Phoenix peaks and valleys. The mountain is named for fallen Arizona soldier Lori Piestewa who was killed in 2003 during the same Iraqi attack that wounded Jessica Lynch who became well known because of her dramatic rescue by fellow soldiers.  The base of the peak has been the site of memorial services that have been attended by Ms. Lynch and members of Piestewa's Hopi Nation to pay tribute to the first Native American woman to die in combat while serving in the U.S. military.

View from the Summit Trail

LENGTH: 1.2 miles 1-way

RATING: difficult

ELEVATION:  1,400' - 2,608'

FACILITIES: restrooms, water

NOTE: dogs and bikes are not permitted

GETTING THERE:

2701 E. Squaw Peak Dr., Phoenix 85016.

From Phoenix, go north on SR 51 to Lincoln Dr exit.  Follow Lincoln to Squaw Peak Drive, turn left and follow the signs to the parking area.

INFO: City of Phoenix

http://phoenix.gov/parks/trails/locations/piestewapeak/hikingmap/index.html

NORTH MOUNTAIN

NORTH MOUNTAIN

Phoenix Mountains Preserve

Descending along the south ridge

Known locally as one of the "Seven Summits of Phoenix", North Mountain National Trail #44 is an urban hiking treasure that's also part of the annual Phoenix Summit Challenge competition held each November.  Its central location, trailhead amenities and easy access from major travel routes contribute to this trail's popularity.  The ascent begins on a set of rough-hewn stone stairs worn ragged by the constant pounding of hiking boots and running shoes. This vertical segment deposits hikers on a cracked asphalt road hacked out of the mountain’s slope that climbs 600 feet in just under a mile.  Although the tower-cluttered summit is where many trekkers turn and head back the way they came, it's not the end of the trail. Beyond the hardware jungle, trail #44 continues down the south ridge through creosote, cactus and crumbling schist, descending steeply on a less crowded, unpaved path.

Looking north from the paved road

LENGTH: 1.6 miles 

RATING: moderate

ELEVATION: 1490' - 2104'

HOURS: 5:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. (trails open until 11:00 p.m.)

FACILITIES: restrooms, water, picnic tables

GETTING THERE: North Mountain Park, 10600 N. 7th Street, Phoenix (7^th Street & Peoria).

Trail begins at the Maricopa picnic area.

INFO & MAPS: City of Phoenix, (602) 262-7901

http://phoenix.gov/parks/trails/locations/north/index.html

MORE PHOTOS:

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FREEDOM TRAIL

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

Phoenix Councilman Sal DiCiccio's Take on the City's New Trailhead Parking Fees

UPDATE 9-16-10: THE VOTE ON TRAILHEAD PARKING FEES HAS BEEN MOVED TO OCTOBER 6, 2010. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR REPRESENTATIVE TO REGISTER YOUR CONCERNS: http://copwww05.phoenix.gov/mydistrict/ The latest citizen sacrifice: Hikers The city of Phoenix is getting ready to bleed yet another passionate segment of its citizenry, hitting them up for a few more dollars because they truly care about a narrow aspect of city life and are willing to pay more for it. Then the city will turn around and give that money to its employees. There is insufficient backbone to say no. This time it’s the hikers who will pay. You’ve seen this movie before: Threaten to kill or severely cut some service with passionate (or desperate) supporters. Offer up a disaster scenario if more money isn’t produced. Then, after the initial wailing and public apoplexy, come up with a slightly lesser fleecing of this group to gain public compliance. Hey, it’s only a few bucks and it will keep our (fill in the blank) hiking trails, softball fields, library hours, etc. etc. etc. The Oscar for this performance came during the budget hearings, where police, firemen, libraries and seniors centers were offered up as sacrifices to the fiscal gods if the public didn’t approve a $50 million food tax. Take a wild guess where all the public hearings were held? Libraries and senior centers, naturally. The ugly truth is that the $100 million in new taxes and fees Phoenix has already imposed on its citizenry in the past seven months is not necessary to keep those services and protections. It’s to find enough money to pay for 14,000-plus union-represented employees who average $100,000 a year in compensation. Yes, it was easier for Phoenix to cut after-school programs -- and send more than half of our at-risk kids back on the street, along with significant cuts to seniors -- than it was to look internally and take the significant steps to cut labor costs. By simply getting city employees to make the exact same compensation as you, the boss, we could save more than $300 million a year. Let me repeat this: If we can get public workers to make exactly what you make, we save hundreds of millions of dollars a year. Read on. That average compensation for all employees has gone up $17,000 during the past five years, which means that while you were struggling to survive the worst recession in most of our lifetimes, Phoenix employees got $17,000 in raises. Did you get that? I hope so, because you’re paying for theirs. And you’re going to pay more – for a lower service level – unless citizens rise up and shout “ENOUGH.” The parking fee – at trails you already pay for three ways – is a great place to start. This came about after the city drastically cut services and hours for parks, then gave the parks board the notion that if it didn’t raise money for the general fund, much more would be cut. That’s where the $5 a day parking fee came up (later reduced to $2 – hey, a comparative bargain). Then the city management promised that all the new dollars would go to parks. First off, management can’t promise that. Even the Council can’t promise that, because it can’t commit a future Council. And because both the Council and management already have swept parks funds this year, creating this artificial crisis, you know they’re willing and capable of doing it again. But more importantly, where’s the attention to the real drain, public employee labor costs? Everyone raised Cain when it was discovered that Bell, California, paid its top three employees hundreds of thousands of dollars. How about 14,000-plus employees averaging $100,000? (No, they don’t all make that, but the private sector compensation average for the Valley is $57,000, a difference of more than $40,000.) Connect these dots, and Phoenix is heading for the same cliff as Los Angeles, Detroit, California, Greece and General Motors. And not only does the city not have a plan to deal with labor costs, it doesn’t even plan to have a plan, other than continuing to bleed you. On Sept. 15, the Phoenix City Council will be asked to approve enforcing this latest rummage through your pockets. No Council approval, no new fee. I say it’s time to separate the taxing and spending addict from its drug, which is your money. Doing so would force Phoenix to grow a backbone and restructure its operations for today’s fiscal reality. Doing so requires you citizens demanding that it be so. Councilman Sal DiCiccio represents District 6, which includes Ahwatukee, Arcadia, Biltmore, East Camelback and North Central. He can be reached at council.district.6@phoenix.gov. LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD, SEND AN EMAIL TO YOUR REP:http://copwww05.phoenix.gov/mydistrict/

PHOENIX CITY PARKS ACCESS FEES

GET READY TO OPEN YOUR WALLET (AGAIN)! CITY OF PHOENIX PARKS & RECREATION BOARD APPROVES NEW PARKING FEE PROGRAM Budget shortfalls, layoffs, tanking stocks, earthquakes, floods, fires, plague---now this. Set to roll out in “early fall” 2010, a new City of Phoenix fee program will require visitors at five gated parking areas in South Mountain Park and Phoenix Mountains Preserve to purchase parking passes. Whoa---whoa---let’s keep our whining to a minimum, because the fees will only apply to the busiest and most congested access points, where heavy traffic results in higher maintenance costs. The fees will go toward supporting city parks & recreation programs, keeping access open and affordable and, of course, cleaning up after sloppy dummyheads and their beer cans. Soon, park rangers will begin hosting “meet & greet” events to communicate these changes. Until then---- HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: WHEN: begins in early fall 2010 WHICH LOCATIONS WILL REQUIRE THE FEE: Although more than 30 access/parking areas will remain FREE, the 5 most popular locations will require a fee to park. They are: Pima Canyon, Echo Canyon-Camelback Mountain, Piestewa Peak, Dreamy Draw, North Mountain COST: annual pass: $75, 6-month pass: $50, daily pass: $2 WHERE TO PURCHASE: pass will be available online and at City of Phoenix recreation and community centers. The city has plans to install self-pay kiosks in future. WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DON'T PAY UP?: for the first few introductory months, nothing---after that though, you may be fined. INFORMATION: http://phoenix.gov/PRL/passupdate.html

LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN SUMMIT

LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN Phoenix Mountains Preserve Hard-core hikers are easy to spot. They’re the ones finishing up when casual trekkers are just showing up at the trailhead. They also know the “good spots” and the best times to visit them. In addition to having unobstructed sunrise views, Lookout Mountain trail is usually much less crowded than nearby Camelback and Piestewa Peak trails. LENGTH: 1 mile roundtrip RATING: moderate ELEVATION: 1,579 - 2,054 feet GETTING THERE: the trailhead is located on 16th Street south of Greenway Parkway in Phoenix INFORMATION: ci.phoenix.az.us/PARKS/hikelook.html

QUARTZ RIDGE

QUARTZ RIDGE TRAIL #8 Phoenix Mountains Preserve Meandering in the arid foothills and washes beneath Piestewa Peak, the Quartz Ridge trail leads to great views of the Valley--without a lot of uphill climbing. The jewel of this short but interesting trail in the Phoenix Mountains Preserve is a minivan-size chunk of glistening, white quartz nestled in gully full of stony rubble. The crumbling rocks in the area are among the oldest on earth. Some date back billions of years to the era when our planet was transitioning from a mass of molten lava into solidified landmasses that would eventually become the continents. Flecks of mica imbedded in the decomposing stone act like tiny mirrors bouncing sunlight off the spindly palo verde trees, cactuses and creosote bushes that line the path, which tops out at on a sunny, open ridgeline. There, in the shadow of the second highest peak in Phoenix, a breath-taking panorama of a sprawling desert city melts into the horizon. LENGTH: 5 miles round-trip ELEVATION GAIN: 220 feet RATING: easy-moderate GETTING THERE: From Shea Boulevard in North Phoenix, turn south on 40th Street and continue to the end of the road and the trailhead parking area. The trailhead is open daily from 5 a.m. to sunset. Information: Vist, ci.phoenix.az.us/PARKS/hikphgud.html or call (602) 262-7901