Hey there Super Squaters! We are now six weeks into the challenge – how have you been doing on your jumping (walking?…limping?) lunges? I have been “cheating” if you will and doing them once a week. However! I did something this week that I think more than meets this week’s requirements. I’ll tell you about it, after the jump.
Piestewa Peak is named in honor of Army Spc. Lori Ann Piestewa, the first Native American woman to die in combat in the US military, and the first female soldier to be killed in action in the 2003 Iraq War. It is the second highest point in the Phoenix Mountains, after Camelback Mountain, and the third highest in the city of Phoenix, Arizona. It’s a true Arizona mountain: dirt, jagged rock, cacti, and desert creepy crawlies. If you fall, the results can be really, really bad under the circumstances. The only salvation is that you hopefully do it in front of the many firefighters who regularly hike the moutain.
The Summit Trail is 1.2 miles with an elevation gain of 1,190 feet and is a favorite spot of the locals when there is good weather. There are those who do it year round, no matter what (you can tell by their leathery exterior). While there are a few flat areas where you can run (and I do), the hallmark of this climb are the sets of natural stairs, and there are many…
…many stairs.
Climbs that require railings increase as you near the summit because the trail narrows and is very steep. I was happy to be able to use my arms to help hoist me up.
A view from the one person at a time crevass you must navigate to get to the peak.
Finally, I made it! This is the westward looking view of the Valley of the Sun from the very small peak. Did I mention that I am afraid of heights? Because I am.
A rare weekend of rain allowed for this view to the east from the peak. It took me 45 minutes to get here which is by far not my best time but I haven’t seen this view in years, so I’m happy with my peformance.
And now, back down.
Top Image Courtesy of Al_HikesAZ
All other images are the sole property of Dancing Queen