This destination is on the edge of Promontory Butte, providing spectacularly scenic views as part of the Mogollon Rim. There are several old forest roads on the mountain that can serve as trails to the Rim. 4WD and high clearance vehicles are recommended for approaching the trailhead, as this is a very remote destination, and the roads are rocky and not well maintained. Many maintain that this is the best place to look over the forest below the Mogollon Rim.

On the lake's south side, the trail connects Arizona State University's main Tempe campus with Tempe Beach Park, as well as the Tempe Marketplace retail mecca. A newer extension on the trail's eastern end continues the trail behind the Tempe Marketplace and under the State Route 202 and 101 interchange to an end at Riverview Park in Mesa. Sloan Park, the spring training home of Major League Baseball's Chicago Cubs, was recently built in the park, bringing massive crowds to the area on game days. The trail is shorter on the lake's north side, but it serves the Tempe Town Lake Marina and provides a critical connection to the Indian Bend Wash Trail at its eastern end. Trail users can extend their trip by taking that trail north all the way into downtown Scottsdale. Courtesy of traillink.com

Some people still refer to the Peak by its original name of "Squaw Peak" before its name changed to "Piestewa Peak" in honor of Lori Piestewa who died serving her country in the Iraq conflict. The elevation of Piestewa is the second highest peak in Phoenix behind Camelback Mountain which is located nearby and features some difficult treks.Courtesy of arizona-leisure.com

The infamous Piestewa Peak Summit Trail is an out and back trail that rewards successful hikers with a three-hundred-sixty-degree view of the Phoenix metropolitan area. While short in length, a little over one mile, the trail is steep, jagged, and consists of multiple switchbacks and modified steps with integrated sections of gravel and rock. This summit trail has been a Phoenix favorite for several decades and is internationally recognized among hiking communities. Water, parking, and restrooms are available at the base of the trail.Courtesy of phoenix.gov

Although described as moderate to difficult, many kids and older adults do the Summit Trail. It's a climb all the way, and most areas have carved steps and there are two short segments with rails. It took us a little less than an hour to get to the top at a leisurely rate, frequently stopping to enjoy the scenery. If you plan to stay for the sunset, especially in winter months, it is suggested to take a flashlight as some areas become dark soon after sunset.Courtesy of hikingproject.com 

The hike itself takes anywhere from 25 to 60 minutes in fair weather, depending on each hiker's capabilities (higher temperatures and sunny conditions may force the hiker to take up to twice as long). A beginning hiker should allow 60 minutes for a leisurely ascent and 40 for descent. The path is mostly well marked. There are 4 spots that are confusing and hikers who are not familiar with the path will be forced to look around for the designated route. There are a few sections that are technically difficult as they are steep and there are no guard rails.Courtesy of en.wikipedia.org

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. 

If you're looking to: get off the tourist highway trail, enjoy killer South Mountain views, take a rollercoaster for a hike with an easy stroll or jog back to the start - this is a loop you should give a go. This is somewhat of a hidden gem in South Mountain Park, the largest municipal park in the United States, even though it's right there for all to see. The best way to take advantage of this trail is to attack the ridgeline with an intense hiking pace or trail run, connecting it to the National Trail (fire road) and jogging it home to complete the loop. Courtesy of theoutbound.com

The views from the top of Goat Hill are awesome on a clear day as you can enjoy a 360 view. Telegraph Trail is kind of a sidewalk part of the after that a little bit rocky until you reach the summit road. Courtesy of AllTrails.com

Start out at the main entrance to South Mountain and make a left past the vistor's center. Go to the end of the road to the beginning of Holbert Trail. Get to the top and make a right to Dobbins Lookout. This trail is challenging at first. Inclines will definitely get your heart beat going. It is worth it get to the Lookout point. Good views of the city and the television tower on top of the mountain. Courtesy of AllTrails.com