Weather: 97ยบ, partly cloudy, humid
Time: 27 minutes
About this Hike: Got a bit of a later start today, closer to 11am. The mountain and the parking lot were a ghosttown. Actually, I expected a bigger crowd today, what with temps just under the century mark and a constant nonsoon errr monsoon tease.
This blog is not for my political opinions, but today I may make an exception. Our wonderful liberal mayor of Phoenix has long crusaded that Squaw Peak Drive and other roads he deems offensive are going to be renamed. Well, Squaw Peak Drive hasn't been renamed...yet. But the big, overhead sign at the traffic light just says 'Piestewa Peak' with an arrow toward the mountain. A small, unlit sign denotes the name of the street now. Way to go Mayor Stanton.... Granted, I think the story of Lori Piestewa is fascinating and a worthy person to name this iconic peak after.
In addition to street renaming, there's some construction taking place on the main road. Despite warnings, it didn't seem to impact traffic too much.
Showing posts with label Squaw Peak. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Squaw Peak. Show all posts
Saturday, September 9, 2017
Friday, August 21, 2015
Sunset at Piestewa
Weather: 103°, sunset, breezy
Time: Not taken
About this hike: It's been so long that I decided not to record my time. Especially considering it's a warm August evening. That said, I maintained a steady pace with just a few short stops. I'd say I made it to the top in 30 min. or less.
With monsoons in the high country, I was hoping to see some clouds and thunderheads tonight, but no such luck. Views of the sunset and Valley were beautiful regardless. Coming down it got dark enough I needed my flashlight.
Time: Not taken
About this hike: It's been so long that I decided not to record my time. Especially considering it's a warm August evening. That said, I maintained a steady pace with just a few short stops. I'd say I made it to the top in 30 min. or less.
With monsoons in the high country, I was hoping to see some clouds and thunderheads tonight, but no such luck. Views of the sunset and Valley were beautiful regardless. Coming down it got dark enough I needed my flashlight.
Saturday, March 21, 2015
Squirrely Piestewa Hike
Weather: 75°, sunny—felt HOT in the sun
Time: 26 minutes
About this hike: Back to Piestewa for a second week in a row. Even though Camelback will remain my all-time favorite, I just don't have the energy to fight the parking mess at Echo Canyon this time of year. Parking in the "Beverly Hills" neighborhoods off Squaw Peak Drive is just so convenient.
The mountain was very crowded today and, while I made good time, I had to take quite a few rests. Still, 26 minutes isn't bad.
Some friendly squirrels came to visit me at the summit and one guy threw nuts at them. Hence why they aren't afraid of humans and probably are going to get fat. It was cute to watch.
Time: 26 minutes
About this hike: Back to Piestewa for a second week in a row. Even though Camelback will remain my all-time favorite, I just don't have the energy to fight the parking mess at Echo Canyon this time of year. Parking in the "Beverly Hills" neighborhoods off Squaw Peak Drive is just so convenient.
The mountain was very crowded today and, while I made good time, I had to take quite a few rests. Still, 26 minutes isn't bad.
Some friendly squirrels came to visit me at the summit and one guy threw nuts at them. Hence why they aren't afraid of humans and probably are going to get fat. It was cute to watch.
Saturday, February 7, 2015
Back to Piestewa
Weather: 72°, sunny
Time: 27 minutes
About this hike: My weekends are different now. The predictable Saturday morning hike has been replaced with trips to Tucson and/or sleeping in. But I wouldn't trade a minute of it :)
This weekend is like a throw back to my past life. Normally I'd fight til I got a parking spot at Camelback; today I just didn't have the energy. I opted for Piestewa and the certainty of parking. That said, the queue waiting to get into the main lot was ridiculous. I parked in the "Beverly Hills" neighborhood that I favor, and it too was very full. I was near the top of said hill.
Jake the Juke safely and legally parked, I hoofed it to the trailhead. My ascent time this morning was 27 minutes. Certainly not bad considering:
Time: 27 minutes
About this hike: My weekends are different now. The predictable Saturday morning hike has been replaced with trips to Tucson and/or sleeping in. But I wouldn't trade a minute of it :)
This weekend is like a throw back to my past life. Normally I'd fight til I got a parking spot at Camelback; today I just didn't have the energy. I opted for Piestewa and the certainty of parking. That said, the queue waiting to get into the main lot was ridiculous. I parked in the "Beverly Hills" neighborhood that I favor, and it too was very full. I was near the top of said hill.
Jake the Juke safely and legally parked, I hoofed it to the trailhead. My ascent time this morning was 27 minutes. Certainly not bad considering:
- I haven't done this for a while (read—out of shape)
- It was insanely crowded
- These temps are way too warm for February, even by PHX standards
I relaxed in my favorite spot near the back of the summit and enjoyed the zen of it all. Someone mounted Old Glory at the "other summit" to the east. The throngs of hikers surrounding her reminded me of the famous Iwo Jima photo.
Was a nice Saturday hike.
Saturday, May 17, 2014
Craving for Squaw Peak
Weather: 90°, breezy, sunny
Time: Not taken. Knee is still bothering me from the Grand Canyon last weekend and I wanted to maintain a suitable pace.
About this hike: For whatever reason I had a strong urge to do Squaw Peak. Maybe because I wanted to visit Total Wine afterward? Or maybe I just didn't feel like fighting for a parking space at Camelback. Regardless, I went with my gut feeling. Was an uneventful hike. My right knee, and then eventually my left, are strained and killing me nearly a week after Grand Canyon. I've done no running and have allowed my knees ample time to heal, so no way I'd let this stop me from my Saturday hike. That said, I'm paying for it now.
Time: Not taken. Knee is still bothering me from the Grand Canyon last weekend and I wanted to maintain a suitable pace.
About this hike: For whatever reason I had a strong urge to do Squaw Peak. Maybe because I wanted to visit Total Wine afterward? Or maybe I just didn't feel like fighting for a parking space at Camelback. Regardless, I went with my gut feeling. Was an uneventful hike. My right knee, and then eventually my left, are strained and killing me nearly a week after Grand Canyon. I've done no running and have allowed my knees ample time to heal, so no way I'd let this stop me from my Saturday hike. That said, I'm paying for it now.
Sunday, March 2, 2014
Another Piestewa Peak Record!!
Weather: 67°, very cloudy
Time to summit: 23:16 *NEW RECORD*
About this hike: I planned on Echo Canyon today. The parking lot probably wasn't full, but the park rangers had the "Lot Full" barricade up anyway. They sat at their perch laughing at fools like me who were on the other side, desperate to get in. After several fruitless attempts at circling the area I tried my secret little parking spot up the road. The gate was closed.
Frustrated, I finally gave up and drove along Lincoln over to Squaw/Piestewa Peak. Squaw was not nearly as crowded and parking was easy. This has been an exceptionally bad weekend, and Saturday's downpour didn't make it any better. I think a lot of anger and frustration led to me setting a new record to the summit today.
Time to summit: 23:16 *NEW RECORD*
About this hike: I planned on Echo Canyon today. The parking lot probably wasn't full, but the park rangers had the "Lot Full" barricade up anyway. They sat at their perch laughing at fools like me who were on the other side, desperate to get in. After several fruitless attempts at circling the area I tried my secret little parking spot up the road. The gate was closed.
Frustrated, I finally gave up and drove along Lincoln over to Squaw/Piestewa Peak. Squaw was not nearly as crowded and parking was easy. This has been an exceptionally bad weekend, and Saturday's downpour didn't make it any better. I think a lot of anger and frustration led to me setting a new record to the summit today.
Saturday, February 8, 2014
Saturday at Piestewa
Weather: 65°, sunny
About this hike: Did this one with company so I didn't take the time. We made it to the summit pretty fast though...otherwise uneventful.
About this hike: Did this one with company so I didn't take the time. We made it to the summit pretty fast though...otherwise uneventful.
Saturday, February 1, 2014
Welcome Back...
Weather: 55°, overcast/sun, breezy
About this hike: Saturday Dec. 28, 2013 was the last time I wrote in here—and for a good reason. It was the last time I was able to hike. That evening I had an unfortunate accident that left me with a broken arm/wrist. Thankfully it wasn't a super-serious fracture. Now exactly five weeks later, I'm mostly better and decided it was time to tackle my mountain again. Admittedly, I did go up to Phoenix Mountain Preserve once a couple weeks ago and hike a few of the easier side trails I've always wanted to do—in the past the summit has always beckoned me away.
My arm is still in a removable splint, and so I took it very easy...I'm not sure it's ready to brace a fall (heaven forbid!). I didn't record my time to the summit, but it went by quickly. There were a lot of tourists and I had to park a ways out. The trip down was most annoying as everyone wants to run and I normally take it easy because of myriad tripping hazards. Today I was extra super cautious which meant frequent pull offs from the trail to let whoever was nipping at my heels pass.
Regardless, it was so good to be back. Next week I'll be at six weeks. I hear Echo Canyon has finally reopened...
About this hike: Saturday Dec. 28, 2013 was the last time I wrote in here—and for a good reason. It was the last time I was able to hike. That evening I had an unfortunate accident that left me with a broken arm/wrist. Thankfully it wasn't a super-serious fracture. Now exactly five weeks later, I'm mostly better and decided it was time to tackle my mountain again. Admittedly, I did go up to Phoenix Mountain Preserve once a couple weeks ago and hike a few of the easier side trails I've always wanted to do—in the past the summit has always beckoned me away.
My arm is still in a removable splint, and so I took it very easy...I'm not sure it's ready to brace a fall (heaven forbid!). I didn't record my time to the summit, but it went by quickly. There were a lot of tourists and I had to park a ways out. The trip down was most annoying as everyone wants to run and I normally take it easy because of myriad tripping hazards. Today I was extra super cautious which meant frequent pull offs from the trail to let whoever was nipping at my heels pass.
Regardless, it was so good to be back. Next week I'll be at six weeks. I hear Echo Canyon has finally reopened...
Saturday, December 28, 2013
Piestewa Christmas
Weather: 60°, sun
Time to summit: 25 minutes, 30 seconds
About this hike: No new records here, but it sure felt good to get back to Piestewa Peak after a few weeks off. Was busy this morning, and I ran into several people that I know.
Up until January 2013 when the city closed Camelback Echo Canyon, I never paid much attention to Piestewa. A Christmas tree on top may be tradition, just as it is on Camelback, but I've never seen it before.
After beginning my descent, I heard a loud, booming megaphone voice from the top. I'd like to know what he was saying but couldn't make out the words. Perhaps a mountaintop preacher?
Time to summit: 25 minutes, 30 seconds
About this hike: No new records here, but it sure felt good to get back to Piestewa Peak after a few weeks off. Was busy this morning, and I ran into several people that I know.
Up until January 2013 when the city closed Camelback Echo Canyon, I never paid much attention to Piestewa. A Christmas tree on top may be tradition, just as it is on Camelback, but I've never seen it before.
After beginning my descent, I heard a loud, booming megaphone voice from the top. I'd like to know what he was saying but couldn't make out the words. Perhaps a mountaintop preacher?
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Shattering Records Again!!
Weather: 70°, sun/clouds, wind
Time to summit: 23 minutes, 44 seconds
About this hike: Another exciting new record! Took advantage of a half-day of work, plus some cooler temps to get another hike in. Otherwise the mountain was not too crowded and it made for a nice, uneventful afternoon.
Time to summit: 23 minutes, 44 seconds
About this hike: Another exciting new record! Took advantage of a half-day of work, plus some cooler temps to get another hike in. Otherwise the mountain was not too crowded and it made for a nice, uneventful afternoon.
Sunday, November 24, 2013
Soggy Squaw Peak
Weather: 59°, overcast, record-breaking rain had just ended an hour prior
About this hike: Did not time this hike. Nearly 3 inches of rain from Thursday to Sunday. Surprisingly, the trails weren't muddy at all, and as the clouds began to lift, it was actually crowded on this Sunday afternoon.
The Valley was beautiful with clear, clean air, low clouds over the mountains, and even some snow on Four Peaks. A police chopper flew over low and people waved. The pilots waved back. Was an awesome hike with some different scenery.
About this hike: Did not time this hike. Nearly 3 inches of rain from Thursday to Sunday. Surprisingly, the trails weren't muddy at all, and as the clouds began to lift, it was actually crowded on this Sunday afternoon.
The Valley was beautiful with clear, clean air, low clouds over the mountains, and even some snow on Four Peaks. A police chopper flew over low and people waved. The pilots waved back. Was an awesome hike with some different scenery.
Saturday, November 9, 2013
Nice Saturday at Squaw Peak
Weather: 72°, bright sun, felt very warm!
Time to summit: 24 minutes
About this hike: Tied the old record! No small feat considering the amount of tourists and other "fair-weather" hikers up there today gettin in the way of we year-round diehards! Anyway, for a change I slept good and felt good today, and I had no pressing obligations so it made for an enjoyable hike despite the crowds. Enjoyable, stress-free, uneventful--just the way I like it.
Time to summit: 24 minutes
About this hike: Tied the old record! No small feat considering the amount of tourists and other "fair-weather" hikers up there today gettin in the way of we year-round diehards! Anyway, for a change I slept good and felt good today, and I had no pressing obligations so it made for an enjoyable hike despite the crowds. Enjoyable, stress-free, uneventful--just the way I like it.
Saturday, November 2, 2013
Good to be Back...
Weather: 70°, bright sun, windy
Time to summit: 26 minutes
About this hike: Considering the cooler weather and the fact that I never stopped for a rest break, this time was a disappointment. Mountain was a little crowded, but not so gridlocked you couldn't keep moving. After missing the past two Saturdays--although I enjoyed some amazing hikes/climbs in Sedona & Grand Canyon--it felt good to get back to my old stomping grounds today.
Time to summit: 26 minutes
About this hike: Considering the cooler weather and the fact that I never stopped for a rest break, this time was a disappointment. Mountain was a little crowded, but not so gridlocked you couldn't keep moving. After missing the past two Saturdays--although I enjoyed some amazing hikes/climbs in Sedona & Grand Canyon--it felt good to get back to my old stomping grounds today.
Saturday, October 5, 2013
Piestewa Peak
Weather: 73°, bright sun, breeze
Time to summit: 25 minutes
About this hike: Gettin' very crowded on the trail again...but to be expected now that we're into cooler weather. Today's hike was utterly uneventful, although I did manage to nearly trip twice. Thankfully no injuries and life goes on :-)
Time to summit: 25 minutes
About this hike: Gettin' very crowded on the trail again...but to be expected now that we're into cooler weather. Today's hike was utterly uneventful, although I did manage to nearly trip twice. Thankfully no injuries and life goes on :-)
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Night Hike - Piestewa Peak
Weather: 97°, dark
About this hike: Was an impromptu after-work climb with a friend. I didn't bother taking the time because I knew it wouldn't be my usual fast pace, and rightfully so. I've come down in the dark plenty of times, but at least half the hike up was just after sunset. Glad I remembered my headlamp. Despite the temperature being in the mid-90's it felt pleasant. Overall a nice night hike.
About this hike: Was an impromptu after-work climb with a friend. I didn't bother taking the time because I knew it wouldn't be my usual fast pace, and rightfully so. I've come down in the dark plenty of times, but at least half the hike up was just after sunset. Glad I remembered my headlamp. Despite the temperature being in the mid-90's it felt pleasant. Overall a nice night hike.
Saturday, September 21, 2013
Saturday at Piestewa
Weather: 84°, bright sun, breeze
Time to summit: 25 minutes
About this hike: No record broken, but still a good time. My right knee continues to bother me after my little tumble last Saturday night but not enough to affect my hike...I just made a point of putting weight on the left knee. The weather's getting a little cooler, and that means bigger crowds. Otherwise an uneventful hike.
Time to summit: 25 minutes
About this hike: No record broken, but still a good time. My right knee continues to bother me after my little tumble last Saturday night but not enough to affect my hike...I just made a point of putting weight on the left knee. The weather's getting a little cooler, and that means bigger crowds. Otherwise an uneventful hike.
Saturday, September 14, 2013
Night Hike & My First Injury!
Weather: 99°, warm breeze, sunset
About this hike: Got back from a crazy Hawaii trip on a red-eye flight to PHX this Saturday morning. While I consider myself pretty hardcore, I didn't have any hiking gear in the car, and I was exhausted after no sleep on my flight...needless to say, my Saturday morning tradition didn't happen.
But by 6 pm I was rarin' to get my feet on Piestewa Peak. I didn't take my time for this hike, mainly because I was stiff and sore having spent 10+ cumulative hours crammed into an airplane seat. I knew it wasn't going to be a record-breaker.
What a beautiful evening. I reached the summit just after sunset. A large, puffy white cloud over the McDowell Mountains was shooting out dazzling bolts of lightning. And there was a warm breeze. I stayed up on the zen-like summit for a long time just observing, thinking, reflecting... And then on the way down, all was well (I remembered the headlamp this time!) til near the base when I took a tumble. Not sure how it happened...but I skinned up my hand and knee and hurt my left ankle. None of it bad though, and my injuries haven't stopped me from working out today (not hiking tho!). So after 2+ years of hiking Phoenix's and the surrounding mountains, one minor fall isn't a bad safety record.
About this hike: Got back from a crazy Hawaii trip on a red-eye flight to PHX this Saturday morning. While I consider myself pretty hardcore, I didn't have any hiking gear in the car, and I was exhausted after no sleep on my flight...needless to say, my Saturday morning tradition didn't happen.
But by 6 pm I was rarin' to get my feet on Piestewa Peak. I didn't take my time for this hike, mainly because I was stiff and sore having spent 10+ cumulative hours crammed into an airplane seat. I knew it wasn't going to be a record-breaker.
What a beautiful evening. I reached the summit just after sunset. A large, puffy white cloud over the McDowell Mountains was shooting out dazzling bolts of lightning. And there was a warm breeze. I stayed up on the zen-like summit for a long time just observing, thinking, reflecting... And then on the way down, all was well (I remembered the headlamp this time!) til near the base when I took a tumble. Not sure how it happened...but I skinned up my hand and knee and hurt my left ankle. None of it bad though, and my injuries haven't stopped me from working out today (not hiking tho!). So after 2+ years of hiking Phoenix's and the surrounding mountains, one minor fall isn't a bad safety record.
Saturday, September 7, 2013
Monday, September 2, 2013
Laboring Up Piestewa Peak
Weather: 94°, sun, breezy, dust storm in the distance
Time to summit: 26 minutes
About this hike: No records beat, but despite higher temps, the humidity was a lot lower too. There was a nice breeze, and by the end of my hike it had ushered in an unwelcome dust storm from the south. I contemplated waiting it out at the base of the mountain, but opted to drive home and take my chances. Gratefully, as awful as this one looked, it never really amounted to much.
Time to summit: 26 minutes
About this hike: No records beat, but despite higher temps, the humidity was a lot lower too. There was a nice breeze, and by the end of my hike it had ushered in an unwelcome dust storm from the south. I contemplated waiting it out at the base of the mountain, but opted to drive home and take my chances. Gratefully, as awful as this one looked, it never really amounted to much.
 |
| Dust storm approaching |
Saturday, August 31, 2013
Muggy Saturday Morning
Weather: 84°, sun, very humid
Time to summit: 26.5 minutes
About this hike: Sure didn't set any records today. Was very muggy and rain sprinkled on the drive up to Phoenix Mountains Preserve, but it stopped before I embarked on my hike. A little crowded today, but otherwise a good, uneventful hike.
Time to summit: 26.5 minutes
About this hike: Sure didn't set any records today. Was very muggy and rain sprinkled on the drive up to Phoenix Mountains Preserve, but it stopped before I embarked on my hike. A little crowded today, but otherwise a good, uneventful hike.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)