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| Piestewa Peak | |
|---|---|
| Name | Piestewa Peak |
| Other name | Squaw Peak (former) |
| Elevation ft | 2621 |
| Range | Phoenix Mountains |
| Location | Phoenix, Arizona, Maricopa County, Arizona, United States |
Piestewa Peak is a prominent summit in the Phoenix Mountains near downtown Phoenix, Arizona. The peak is a landmark within the Phoenix Mountain Preserve and sits adjacent to Camelback Mountain, Shadow Mountain, and the Desert Botanical Garden area. It is notable for its hiking trails, historical role in local land use, and its renaming to honor Army National Guard soldier Lori Piestewa following the Iraq War.
The area around the peak has prehistoric significance tied to the Hohokam culture and later Pima and Maricopa peoples who inhabited the Salt River Valley. In the 19th century, European-American settlement of the Arizona Territory and incorporation into Maricopa County, Arizona led to mining, ranching, and early recreational use noted in Phoenix (Arizona) history. During the 20th century, the site became part of the emerging Phoenix Mountain Preserve under City of Phoenix stewardship and was commonly called Squaw Peak, a name appearing on maps produced by United States Geological Survey and referenced in Arizona Republic archives. Following the death of Lori Piestewa in 2003 during Iraq War operations with the 101st Airborne Division attachment, the Arizona State Legislature and the City Council of Phoenix undertook renaming; the U.S. Board on Geographic Names later addressed federal nomenclature disputes involving the United States Board on Geographic Names.
The peak rises to about 2,621 feet within the Phoenix Mountains and forms part of the Sonoran Desert landscape near the Salt River basin and Central Arizona Project corridor. Geologically, it is composed primarily of Precambrian and Tertiary igneous and metamorphic rocks similar to those at Camelback Mountain and South Mountain (Phoenix), with exposed granite, schist, and metavolcanic units described in surveys by the United States Geological Survey. Erosional forces from Sonoran Desert climate, monsoon precipitation influenced by the North American Monsoon, and episodic flash flooding have shaped ridgelines and arroyos that feed into the Gila River watershed.
The peak’s former name appeared in regional usage and on federal maps as Squaw Peak; that term drew criticism and calls for change led by Native American organizations such as the Hopi Tribe, Navajo Nation, and advocacy groups including the Arizona Advisory Council on Indian Education. After the 2003 death of Lori Piestewa—a member of the Hopi Tribe serving in the Arizona National Guard—the Arizona State Legislature passed measures and the Phoenix City Council approved renaming the mountain to honor her service. The renaming process involved consultation with the National Congress of American Indians and correspondence with the United States Board on Geographic Names to address federal recognition on maps produced by the United States Geological Survey and in National Geographic publications. Memorial plaques and interpretive signs are maintained by the City of Phoenix and local organizations including the Arizona Historical Society.
The primary ascent is the short but steep Summit Trail maintained by the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department, intersecting with connector routes used by hikers, trail runners, and off-road cyclists permitted on designated paths near Piestewa Peak Recreation Area. The trailhead is accessible from Piestewa Peak Road and lies within reach of transit points such as Camelback Road and State Route 51 (Arizona). Recreational programming and volunteer trail maintenance involve partners like the Arizona Trail Association, Keep Phoenix Beautiful, and the Boy Scouts of America (Grand Canyon Council). Events such as organized trail races and charity hikes have been staged in coordination with the Phoenix Suns Charities and local running clubs, and maps appear in guides by the Arizona Game and Fish Department and regional outdoor publishers.
Vegetation around the peak typifies the Sonoran Desert flora, including iconic species managed by the Arizona Native Plant Society and documented in the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum collections: saguaro cactus, palo verde (Parkinsonia florida), mesquite, creosote bush (Larrea tridentata), and various ocotillo stands. Faunal communities monitored by the Arizona Game and Fish Department and researchers from Arizona State University include desert-adapted mammals and reptiles such as coyote, jackrabbit, desert cottontail, Gila monster, western diamondback rattlesnake, and numerous hummingbird and hawk species. Seasonal monsoon patterns influence migratory birds tracked by organizations like the Audubon Society and local chapters of the Arizona Field Ornithologists.
Access is provided via multiple trailheads with parking managed by the City of Phoenix; public transit connections include nearby stops on the Valley Metro Rail and bus routes operated by Valley Metro (Arizona). Facilities at the trailhead and surrounding preserve include restrooms, water stations (seasonal), interpretive signage, and picnic areas overseen by the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department and volunteer stewards such as the Arizona Clean & Beautiful affiliates. Nearby amenities and emergency services coordinate with Maricopa County Sheriff's Office and City of Phoenix Fire Department for rescue and visitor assistance.
Trail safety guidance is promoted by the City of Phoenix and local nonprofits, emphasizing hydration, heat awareness during Arizona summer temperatures, and wildlife precautions endorsed by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Notable incidents include heat-related rescues and occasional search-and-rescue operations involving the Phoenix Police Department and Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office; the naming controversy prompted administrative hearings and media coverage by outlets like the Arizona Republic and KTAR (AM). Training exercises by Arizona National Guard units and public safety drills have occurred in the preserve to improve response capabilities.
Category:Mountains of Arizona Category:Landmarks in Phoenix, Arizona