There are several ‘moderate’ and ‘difficult’ rated hiking trails located on this iconic mountain range that will offer visitors gorgeous views and a chance to experience desert plants and wildlife at Piestewa Peak. Piestewa Peak was originally called "Vianom Do'ag" by the Tohono O'odham tribe, which meant "Iron Mountain." It wasn't until 2003 when the Arizona government officially changed the name to Piestewa Peak in honor of Lori Ann Piestewa, an Arizona woman who was killed in action in Iraq that same year. Piestewa was the first Native American woman to die in combat in the U.S. military. As a way to pay homage to Piestewa, local taiko drummer and Japanese folk artist Ken Koshio hiked the peak at sunrise every morning to play his taiko drum and flute between 2020-2023.
One of Phoenix’s most popular mountain preserves, South Mountain, with hiking trails that offer 360-degree views of the Sonoran Desert upon reaching the summit. At over 16,000 acres, South Mountain Park and Preserve is one of the largest municipal parks in the country. Hike, bike and ride more than 58 miles of trails, or follow the road to the top of the mountain for spectacular views. Every Sunday, South Mountain observes "Silent Sunday," where the park’s main roadway will be closed to motor vehicle traffic at the one-mile mark into the park from 5 to 10 a.m. on the first, second, third and fifth Sunday; and from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. (park operating hours) on the fourth Sunday. During those times on those days, the park’s roadways are reserved for non-motorized activities such as walking, cycling, jogging, hiking, etc.
Arizona's iconic Salt River has been a source of recreation for Greater Phoenix residents for thousands of years, with the Lower Salt River boasting an especially popular reputation. Spend a day tubing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) the Lower Salt River among some of the most beautiful and serene scenery the Sonoran Desert has to offer. Wild horses, known as mustangs, roam along the banks where visitors often kayak, tube, and SUP. Depending on time of day, the Salt River mustangs can easily be spotted along your route.
