Peak 2429 Trail

The Phoenix Mountains, set right in the middle of the city just north of downtown Phoenix, have a seemingly endless amount of trails that connect each peak to another. Some come to summit each one, others come for a simple walk, looping through the flat valley. It's no wonder so many people choose the Phoenix Mountains for exercise - it offers every level of exercise for anyone looking to get into shape. From the rigorous challenges of Piestawa Peak, to the easy going trails meandering in and out of washes, hundreds of people every day flock to the Phoenix Mountains to ironically, escape the city.

One of the more challenging hikes in the preserve is the Peak 2429 Hike, named so for the altitude of that particular peak. With the trail beginning just over 1,400 feet, it provides roughly a 1,000 foot altitude gain over a span of just over a mile. The trail continues along what would be 40th St. from the parking lot heading south, and for a while, is a leisurely walk to get you warmed up. After crossing the #100 trail, a gradual, but steady ascent begins. It continues following the edge of the mountains for about a quarter of a mile until it cuts east heading straight up the side of the mountain. You soon find out that it's time to start climbing.

About 100 yards up, the trail forks and a sign indicates to continue to the right. Most people consider this to be the halfway point; however, the hard part is only just beginning. Two giant saguaro cacti guard the remaining half mile of the trail, leaving switchback after switchback ahead for you to overcome. There's hardly a moment where the trail lets up its climb, but scenic spots are opened up at the edge of a few of the switchbacks for you to catch your breath and admire the view unfolding before you.

With continued climbing, you see the land begin to flatten out as the saddle comes into view. From here, you're offered a fantastic view of Camelback Mountain to the southeast, and Piestawa Peak to the west. The trail also branches off into two different directions. One heads north providing a longer, but more casual route up, another heads northeast going straight up the peak. The latter may remind some people of the steepness associated with Echo Canyon of Camelback. Regardless, the view from the top is outstanding as you have an unobstructed view of the entire city. A neat feature about being up there as well is being able to look the Scottsdale Airpark runway head on.

Though it seems like the climb can take a long time, the whole trail can be ascended in just 30 minutes, depending on how good of shape you're in. Water is available at the trailhead, and while I've seen it crowded, I've never seen the parking lot completely full. To get there, follow 40th St. south from the intersection at Shea, and continue until it dead ends into the parking lot.