This is the final steep ascent to the summit which consists of the rock formations straight ahead. 

The summit is a lot further from here than it looks.  This is the steepest and most dangerous part of the trail.

Even way near the top nestled between all these rock formations we can find the majestic saguaro standing guard. 

Getting much closer to the summit now.  This area is extremely steep, rocky, and has fatal dropoffs. 

You can bet that my legs are burning here after a steep ascent towards the summit. 

The panoramic view really starts to open up as you get closer to the summit.  I would not want to trip and fall here. 

This is where the trail keeps getting steeper and steeper and the summit seems to be getting further away with each step. 

This is the final trail passage as you get to the summit. 

This rock formation is the summit and the highest point of Piestewa Peak. 

There is the view of the actual summit.  It is a challenge to find a comfortable seat among the sharp rocks. 

Now I am standing on the summit and looking out over the city of Phoenix in all directions.  This is the view looking north east. 
The other Phoenix mountains look like mole hills in the distance. 

There's the view looking northwest at North mountain and Shaw Butte which are much lower at the top left. 

Another rock formation at the summit of Piestewa Peak.  View is looking southeast. 

There is one tired and sore hiker sitting on the summit.

Not much chance of survival if you slip and fall off of this ledge at the summit. 

These puppies are really going to be barking tomorrow after this tough hike. 

There is a rescue helicopter flying around the summit.  Every year hikers are stranded or killed up here. 

The rescue copter flies around the summit while the hikers wave and take photos. 

What an incredible sight from the summit of Piestewa Peak. 

There is my final view looking up as I start to make my way down the mountain.

There is my view looking west as I start on the trail back down from the summit. 

Now I can see why this is considered to be a strenuous and difficult hike.  I hope I make it down before dark. 

Those rocks in foreground are the actual "steps" of the trail.  You need the sure footedness of a mountain goat to stay alive here. 

View looking down as I make my way down the ridge below Piestewa Peak. 

Folks resting and relaxing on the trail near the summit

This is how the trail looks along the top of the ridge below the summit. 

Panorama view from the summit of Piestewa Peak.
(Click Image For 3D Viewer) 

Panorama view from the top of first ridge below the summit of Piestewa Peak.
(Click Image For 3D Viewer)