Piestewa was a stairclimbing challenge that I will probably never intentionally do unless I want to torture myself, or get in shape. This was the second Arizona Winter Challenge peak that I chose and after completing Camelback Cholla to Echo side, I thought going into it that it would be NOT a difficult since the elevation gain was smaller.

I was wrong. I am wrong. I bow down to those who do it like every day. My knees were aching for another week and I had to “freeze” myself in the pool at the apartment (mid-Dec temps) because I was hurting so bad.

It is always busy, and sometimes overcrowded at times, but the trail can manage to have those going up and down work together. Like I mentioned, there are people who do this hike weekly/daily so make sure you make space when those “trail runners” come through.

Sunny and windy that day, spending time at the summit is absolutely necessary as well as doing a small scramble to the second “peak” to look into the parking lot area. Hiking boots are not required for this, but plenty of water and snacks.