NEW TIMES 2023 BOWL GUIDE SPECIAL RETAIL SECTION Dec 21st–Dec 27th, 2023 phoenixnewtimes.com PHOENIX NEW TIMES 27 Hit the Trail 8 great hikes around metro Phoenix. BY SARA PALMER F rom mysteries of lost gold and trails leading to bits of history left behind, to summit views that will take your breath away, metro Phoenix is brimming with places to explore. You’ll find streams, beautiful canyons, waterfalls and spectac- ular views of the city and surrounding desert beauty. You’ll find all that and more hiking these eight great trails the Valley has to offer. Piestewa Circumference – Freedom Trail #302 Distance: 3.8 miles round trip Level of Difficulty: Moderate Average Time: 1 to 2 hours While Phoenix’s Piestewa Peak is widely known for its ever-popular Summit Trail, the lesser-known Freedom Trail offers a closer look at and a more intimate expe- rience with the desert landscape. Threaded around the base of the peak, this area holds some of the most abundant vari- eties of desert flora in the preserve. Even better, part of this trail syncs up with the Nature Trail, which offers informational plaques detailing various flora. The trail begins at the north end of the park and will immediately take you across a dry, rocky creek bed, before meeting up with the Freedom Trail Loop. Because this is a circumference hike, you can choose to take either direction. Something to consider, however, is whether you would like a steep climb at the beginning of your hike. If not, take a right at the intersection. At just under 4 miles, there are some mild elevation gains throughout the hike that typically conclude alongside one of several memorial benches. These are nice oppor- tunities to stop and take in your surround- ings: the Phoenix skyline, the peaks around you or the splendor of a close encounter with some fantastic desert terrain. Picketpost Mountain Distance: 4.3 miles round trip Level of Difficulty: Difficult Average Time: 3 to 4 hours At just under 2,000 feet of elevation gain, the Picketpost Mountain hike is one that will keep you coming back for more. It offers a brief jaunt on the Arizona Trail before ascending a series of switchbacks that, in less than 1 mile, have you looking down toward the Valley floor from 2,800 feet. From here, the trail gets a bit tech- nical as it bends, hugging the cliff walls and crossing precarious ledges before entering a narrow ravine. This section will definitely test your courage (stay focused and just breathe), and it should be taken with caution. From the ravine, the trail begins an upward set of switchbacks and some fun boulder-hopping to the upper plateau and finally the summit. Be sure to stop and take in your surroundings as you ascend — it’s amazing how quickly the views change. At 4,375 feet, the panorama is nothing less than incredible, from the neighboring Superstition Mountains to Four Peaks and Weaver’s Needle. Not to mention that on a clear day, you’ll have a great view of the Catalina Mountains, just north of Tucson. Did we forget to mention that there is a mailbox on top of the mountain? The orig- inal red mailbox was removed several years ago and replaced with a new black one. It’s a unique trail register for sure, but you’ve probably already heard about that. Tom’s Thumb Distance: 4 miles round trip Level Of Difficulty: Moderate Average Time: 3 hours At just under 2,000 feet of elevation gain, the Tom’s Thumb sits at 140 feet and can be seen throughout most of Scottsdale and the East Valley. Fun fact: This local landmark, previously called “the dork” by local climbers, has since been named for a patriarch of the climbing scene here in Phoenix, Tom Kreuser. But not to worry, you don’t need to be a climber to enjoy the sheer wonder of this jutting protrusion. Within the first half-mile, you’ll ascend a steep series of switchbacks. The views are amazing and help in keeping the mind off the work you’re putting in. You can look forward to stunning views of Bartlett Lake, Four Peaks and the A hike on Piestewa Peak’s Freedom Trail will last up to two hours. (Photo by tedeytan/Flickr/CC) >> p 29
