You can see the trail cutting across the ridge straight ahead.  Still a long way to go...

Getting closer to the top of the first ridge. 

Very close now to the top of the first ridge, and Piestewa peak is finally visible on the right. 

Now the trail gets a lot steeper as we start to get higher than all the other mountains in Phoenix (except for Camelback). 

There's the top of the first ridge as we circle around and head up to the summit. 

This is how the trail looks as you wind your away around the first ridge towards the summit.  There are sheer dropoffs here with fatality if you fall. 

It is amazing that even up here on all these rocks you can find saguaro cacti growing. 

More rock formations on the way to the top of the first ridge. 

More spectacular rock crystal formations on the way to the top of the first ridge. 

The trail up here is very rugged and rocky.  Good hiking shoes and strong ankles are essential. 

Getting much higher now as the trail winds around boulder fields and rock formations.  Still not at the top of the first ridge yet. 

There is the 0.75 mile marker and a view looking northwest above all the other mountains in the distance. 

Now we are behind the first ridge and looking straight up at Piestewa Peak on the left. 

The trail levels off as you go around behind the first ridge.  Much easier hiking for a hundred yards or so. 

Looking up to the top of the first ridge.  We still have a ways to go before we can start the real hike to the summit. 

It is not unusual to see healthy younger folks running up and down the trail.

View looking west as I get closer to the top of the first ridge. 

Another view looking west as I get closer to the top of the first ridge. 

This is the view looking down at the top of the first ridge rest area with bench and trees below.  From here you start the steep ascent to the summit.

High Resolution Panorama Looking South East With Camelback Mountain in the Distance
(Click On Image For 3D Panorama Viewer)