So this weekend I met up with Tommy to do some hiking at Piestewa Peak. Both of us haven't had much luck with Piestewa, but this weekend we were up to the challenge. The last time I went up that trail, officials had the peak closed off for restoration. People leave a lot of shit up there, which is unfortunate. However, talk about an excellent workout. This mountain packs a punch for being in the middle of a major city. Practically a twin of Camelback Mountain (in Scottsdale), Piestewa is only 100 ft shy of its breathren. On our way up, we befriended Becky, a local out for a workout. We all ended up at the same pace and enjoyed the success of reaching the summit together.
Piestewa Peak (formerly Squaw Peak) is located in the Phoenix Mountains Preserve close to downtown Phoenix in the Biltmore area of the city. Piestewa has been surrounded by controversy due to its old name. Squaw is a derrogatory word among Native Americans and the battle over the mountain's name had gone on for years. It wasn't until recently (not federally until April of 2008) that Governor Janet Napolitano put an abrupt end to the whole debate. The order was given to rename the peak to Piestewa, after Lori Ann Piestewa, the first US woman soldier to be killed in the 2003 Iraq war, the first Native American woman to die in combat in the US military, and a member of Arizon's Hopi Nation.
Our hike was amazing. You get a full cardio workout, lots of leg work and some spectacular views of Phoenix. On clear days you can have a view of Pinnacle Peak, Four Peaks, the White Tanks, and beyond. The trail is consistently uphill and winding. Be prepared for lots of "climbing". The trail is designed like stairs for most of the way up the mountain, with many of the steps far apart due to traffic and erosion. You'll be feeling those steps in your calves and buns. ;)
One of the perks of Piestewa, over Camelback, is the ample parking and less crowds. If you're out for some sun and a good workout, I'd recommend Piestewa over Camelback. If you'd like some people watching mixed in with your workout, I'd recommend Camelback's Echo Canyon trail. You won't be disappointed either way. Both mountains have spectacular views and offer kickass workouts.
Check out a few pictures of the trip. Definitely a trail to check out!
Piestewa Peak (formerly Squaw Peak) is located in the Phoenix Mountains Preserve close to downtown Phoenix in the Biltmore area of the city. Piestewa has been surrounded by controversy due to its old name. Squaw is a derrogatory word among Native Americans and the battle over the mountain's name had gone on for years. It wasn't until recently (not federally until April of 2008) that Governor Janet Napolitano put an abrupt end to the whole debate. The order was given to rename the peak to Piestewa, after Lori Ann Piestewa, the first US woman soldier to be killed in the 2003 Iraq war, the first Native American woman to die in combat in the US military, and a member of Arizon's Hopi Nation.Our hike was amazing. You get a full cardio workout, lots of leg work and some spectacular views of Phoenix. On clear days you can have a view of Pinnacle Peak, Four Peaks, the White Tanks, and beyond. The trail is consistently uphill and winding. Be prepared for lots of "climbing". The trail is designed like stairs for most of the way up the mountain, with many of the steps far apart due to traffic and erosion. You'll be feeling those steps in your calves and buns. ;)
One of the perks of Piestewa, over Camelback, is the ample parking and less crowds. If you're out for some sun and a good workout, I'd recommend Piestewa over Camelback. If you'd like some people watching mixed in with your workout, I'd recommend Camelback's Echo Canyon trail. You won't be disappointed either way. Both mountains have spectacular views and offer kickass workouts.
Check out a few pictures of the trip. Definitely a trail to check out!
No comments:
Post a Comment