Piestewa Peak is one of Phoenix's defining urban hikes: short on distance, long on gradient, and merciless in summer heat. The Summit Trail climbs through Sonoran desert slopes to a rocky crest with views across the city grid, Camelback Mountain, and the brown ranges that ring the Valley.
Start early, carry more water than you think you need, and turn around without drama if the heat is winning. The trail is busy because it is convenient and genuinely rewarding, but it is still a desert mountain hike, not a casual park path.