Freedom Trail

Trail #302, also known as the Freedom Trail, is a 4.9 mil trail located within the Phoenix Mountain Preserve.  This can be combined with the Summit Trail for hikers that wish to summit Piestewa Peak (the second tallest peak in the Phoenix Mountains).  This trail is easy to access with plenty of parking but can still get crowded.  There is water and restrooms at the trailhead as well.  One of the best places to start the Freedom Trail is the same access point as the Summit Trailhead.  

Hikers will start with a steep ascent that climbs 500 feet in 0.6 miles.  Hikers will then come to a trail junction where they will stay left.  If hikers want to summit, they will stay to the right.  After the junction, hikers will take a series of steep switchbacks and descend roughly 400 feet.  The switchbacks are mostly dirt and hikers should be careful not to slip and fall. At this point hikers will be roughly 1 mile into the hike and for the next mile, hikers can enjoy views on Piestewa Peak and surrounding mountains.  While the trail in the center of Phoenix, this portion of the trail feels like hikers are in the wilderness.  

Once hikers have traversed roughly 2.5 miles total the remainder of the trail will be mostly downhill.  Hikers will pass the trailhead for the nature trail and continue downhill until the reach the Summit Trailhead parking area.  In total the loop is four miles and can be completed either clockwise or counter clockwise.  There is minimal shade so hikers should be prepared and avoid the trail during the heat of the day during the summer.  Note:  Dogs are NOT allowed on any portion of the Summit Trail.  This includes the first 0.6 miles of this hike and hikers should plan accordingly if they wish to hike with their dog.