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| Celebrating that "summit" moment! |
EBYD is a blog spot to talk travel and share experiences about places far from home, in the greater Southwest or right in our own backyards.
This time of year is ideal to get outdoors before the high temps of summer arrive. My goal this past month was to be outside and hike as much as possible (and is why I'm finally getting around to another blog post.)
I've been trying to challenge myself and step up the pace and difficulty level. One goal was to hike Piestewa Peak Summit Trail (formerly Squaw Peak) at +Piestewa Peak Park. In late March, a few ladies from our "Hike United" (hiking group at work) set out to reach new heights and finish the summit trail.
Piestewa Peak is located in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve and is named in honor of Army Spc. Lori Ann Piestewa, a Hopi Indian who was the first known Native American woman to die in combat in the U.S. Military. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piestewa_Peak This peak sits at approximately 2,610 feet and has a total elevation gain of just under 1,200 feet to the summit (sources differ on these numbers). It's the second highest peak in Phoenix, behind Camelback Mountain.
The trail (#300) is only 1.2 miles to the summit but you feel it! It's considered a moderate to difficult hike due to the constant "step ups" required to get to the top...it's an outdoor StairMaster! The trail is rocky and as you ascend, the trail becomes steeper.
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| Our adventurous Hike United group stops for a pic |
We kept a good pace, made it to the top and joined the "summit party" (this is one popular hike so if you want a "road less traveled" this is not for you!) We spent some time taking photos sitting in an area that is just shy of the actual tallest peak. The view is stunning!
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| Fellow hiker, Kiana, with an amazing view of the city behind her |
Not long after we arrived, we met a very friendly squirrel who had joined the summit party. You could tell he's there a lot, along with a few other "items." (We wished we had brought a trash bag to do a quick clean up.) We were up and back down in about two hours.
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| It took you THAT long to get to the top?! |
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| Um, did you forget something...your water bottle? Please, don't be a litter bug! |
It felt good to challenge myself, make it to the top, take in the view and check this one off my list. Do you have your hiking and adventure plans for this spring? If not, we invite you to make that list, get outside and Explore Beyond Your Door!
Happy Travels!
~ Chris
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