RUN_HIKE
By Brian Skeet
Tribal Affiliation: Navajo
Major(s): Industrial Design & Design Management
I grew up running the rim of the Grand Canyon. I would run early in the morning, filling my lungs with clean, crisp morning air. Running has always been a way for me to decompress and center myself.
Growing up my parents ingrained in me that staying active and running will keep you strong and healthy. When I moved to Tempe, I found it difficult to find that same connection with running. The heat was the least of my problems; dodging traffic and constantly being surrounded by people was an adjustment for me. I did not want to sacrifice staying strong and healthy, so I did some research and discovered Piestewa Peak — Phoenix Mountain Preserve, Trail 1.
Piestewa Peak is named in honor of Lori Piestewa, a 23-year-old Hopi and Mexican-American mother of two who was the first female to die in the Iraq War. Because the word “Squaw” in the former name Squaw Peak is disparaging toward women, the name was changed to Piestewa Peak in honor of the fallen warrior, Lori Piestewa, and veterans alike. Piestewa Peak is covered with an array of running/ hiking trails that range in fitness levels from easy to difficult. The trails are accessible, and parking is available at the majority of the trailheads. My personal favorite is Trail 1A which starts at Myrtle Tunnel on the West side of SR-51 (see map). Parking is located at Sumida Park or at the end of East Myrtle Ave next to SR-51. The trail goes under and parallels SR-51 until you reach the Phoenix Mountain Preserve. You can run/hike out and back to the E. Dreamy Draw Bikeway, which is about a 2.5-mile round trip. This is a great place to escape the confines of the residence halls and campus life, and to explore something beautiful in this area. Enjoy!
