Take a break from crowds climbing Piestewa Peak
Looking for a way to enjoy the desert beauty surrounding Piestewa Peak and get a good workout without elbow-toelbow crowds? Try the Quartz Ridge 8A Trail.
Southeast of the extremely popular Piestewa Peak summit trail in the Piestewa Peak-Dreamy Draw Trails section of the Phoenix Mountains Preserve, Trail 8A offers a similar experience in a less congested slice of the craggy hills.
The 1.7-mile path traces gullies and foothills below the distinctive 2,608foot mountain that stands above the skyline a few miles north of downtown Phoenix off State Route 51.
While the trail may be reached via several connected routes, the 32nd Street trailhead offers direct access. Unlike the summit route that goes straight up, Quartz Ridge is a double-hump workout.
The trail starts on a wide, easy grade that parallels a deep, tree-cluttered wash. While making its mild ascent, it passes jagged stone outcroppings
sprinkled with white quartz nodules. These gradually grow in size and scope until the trail meets an enormous ivory boulder at the base of a ridge where quartz chunks spill downhill like tossed confetti.
From this point on, the route dips through washes and climbs exposed ridges revealing ever-expanding views of downtown Phoenix and mountain ranges to the south. About halfway through the hike, a short segment of tight, edge-hugging switchbacks moves trekkers uphill to a scenic saddle near the high point.
Here, vistas to the east and north come into view and a stone bench beckons hikers to take a break and enjoy the sights. The trail then makes a swerving dive into a cliff-bound ravine where saguaro cactus and blooming shrubs thrive on rugged cliffs and sandy washes.
Lumps of quartz stained with orange and ashen veneers reappear in colorful piles and fields of snowy nuggets. After one final dip through a water-worn bend, the trail meets its end in a small, grotto-like area where it intersects with the L.V. Yates Trail.
Make this your turnaround point or consult park maps to customize a longer hike. Either way, with temperatures rapidly approaching the century mark, stay safe by paying attention to the city’s “Take a hike. Do it right.” kiosks posted at trailheads. While accidents do happen, having to be hauled off a trail by search and rescue personnel due to heat-related incidents is easily preventable.