Pinnacle Peak

Pinnacle Peak is a popular day hike in the Greater Phoenix Area.  While the hike will not take hikers to the summit of the peak (the peak is made up of cliffs that hikers are unable to scale), they can enjoy their time walking near the peak and enjoying views of the surrounding area. 

The trail starts from the trailhead where there is water and restrooms. Hikers need to make sure they have enough water as there is minimal shade on the route.  The trail starts out with an ascent through a series of moderate switchbacks.   At roughly 0.6 miles hikers will pass the Grandview viewpoint where they can take a break.  The rest has signage that shows hikers what mountains they are looking at in the distance.  The Grandview Point will have views to the north and east.

Hikers will continue along until they reach the high point of the trail roughly 0.7 miles in.  From there they will have an excellent view of the peak.  And can continue along to Owl’s Rest.  Much like Grandview, Owl’s Rest has signage that tells hikers what peaks they are viewing in the distance.  If hikers want a shorter point, Owl’s rest makes a great turnaround spot at roughly 0.8 miles from the trailhead.  But hikers can continue along the trail until the end. 

Hikers will get to a point warning of a steep descent and this final descent leads to the end of the trail.   This point also makes a good turn around point for those who do not wish to descend only to turn around and climb back up the hill.  The trail technically ends at 1.75 miles, but if hikers wish to extend the journey to the nearest road they can expect to add 0.25 miles to make a four mile out and back trip.