Circumference Trail

by Chris 5/28/2000

The Circumference Trail (302) is Squaw Peak's longest and most surprisingly rewarding trail. It makes a wide 3.75 mile loop around the circumference of Squaw Peak. Both beautiful and peaceful, this trail is one of urban Phoenix's best kept secrets. While your less-informed compadres willfully battle one another for space on Squaw Peak's Summit Trail, you can spread out and relax on this less exerting trail.

Start at the "Summit Trail" sign at the Navajo Ramada parking area. It will take a stroke of good luck to actually park here, so you may need to park further north and make a short stroll back here to get started. Once you get the starting point, Summit Trail (300) goes left and Circumference Trail (this is the one you want to be on) heads right. So follow right (got it?) and watch for the signs that identify the trail as 302.

A half mile into the trail you will cross the Nature Trail. There is also a plethora of plantlife and even a bench which inexplicably reads "In Memory of Janet - When you get to the top, keep climbing. Catch you on the other side." At the 3.2 mile mark, when you re-encounter Summit Trail, you can choose to climb to the remaining 500 feet to the top (adding a mile to your total hiking distance), or opt to hike straight back down to your starting point.

Getting There: From the Squaw Peak Parkway, take the Lincoln exit and head east to the signed entrance to Squaw Peak Mountain Preserve. Drive into the park and take the second left turn into the Navajo Ramada parking lot.