Freedom Loop Trail (#302)
Phoenix, Arizona
| Address: | ~Piestewa Peak Summit Trail, Phoenix, AZ 85016, USA |
| GPS: |
33°32'21.9"N 112°1'23.8"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | Arizona |
| Trail Length: | 3.80 miles |
| Trail Type: | Loop |
| Hike Difficulty: | Intermediate |
| Elevation Gain: | 1072 feet |
| Trails/Routes: | 3.8 mi |
Restrooms Picnic Tables Pet Friendly
Hike
Freedom Trail (#302), also known as Piestewa Circumference, is a 3.8 mile, moderate loop trail.
You can access this trail from all the inner trailheads. The easiest and least crowded being the Hopi Trailhead. That's the first left after the Ranger Station. The trail takes off in either direction behind the ramada. Heading clockwise you will encounter the summit trailhead in a quick 0.4 miles. Next you will take the summit trail for a half mile. At the 0.6 mile marker on the summit trail take a left onto the circumference route. This is the only left hand turn you take.Courtesy of hikearizona.com
A lot of the trail is very rocky, but still easily manageable. There's some steep elevation gain over two periods of the hike that give you great views, but can be an intense workout depending on your fitness level. Compared to many of the surrounding trails, this is a quieter, more isolated trail that allows you to avoid the crowds, and enjoy the views of residential Phoenix adjacent to the desert vegetation of Saguaros and cacti.
Dogs and Horses are not allowed on the Summit Trail portion of the hike.
More Information
Be courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.
Read More
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
From Phoenix, Arizona
- Head west on W Washington St toward 1st AveParts of this road may be closed at certain times or days(0.5 mi)
- Turn right onto N 7th Ave (0.8 mi)
- Turn right to merge onto I-10 E toward Tucson (2.3 mi)
- Take exit 147A-147B for AZ-51 N (0.6 mi)
- Continue onto AZ-51 N (4.9 mi)
- Take exit 5 toward Lincoln Dr (0.3 mi)
- Turn right onto E Glendale Ave (0.3 mi)
- Continue onto E Lincoln Dr (0.3 mi)
- Turn left onto E Squaw Peak Dr (0.6 mi)
- Turn left (164 ft)
Trails
Distance ?
3.8 milesReal Ascent ?
1,608 feetReal Descent ?
1,608 feetGrade (-34° to 32°)
-69% to 62%Elevation differences are scaled for emphasis. While the numbers are accurate, the cut-away shown here is not to scale.
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