Phoenix Mountains-Squaw Peak Park

Fast Flight Facts

Target Species: Desert Species

Elevation: 1500'

Habitat: Lower Sonoran Desert

Overall Birding Rating: 4

Difficulty: 1-4 (Easy to More Difficult)

Birding Type: Easy to Difficult Hiking

Facilities: Parking, restrooms

Fees/Ownership: None/City of Phoenix

Closest Town or City/How far from Phoenix: Phoenix /7.3 miles northeast of Phoenix

Getting there: Reached by taking Squaw Peak Drive north of Lincoln Drive

Overview: Located in the Phoenix Mountains Preserve, Squaw Peak Park is another good area that will offer birders a nice place to search for desert species. There are many trails to access from the many parking areas, both short and long, and hiking ratings from easy to difficult. This area has washes, canyons, and flat desert to explore. A lot of these desert habitats can be birded from the paved road through the area, or simply a short distance away from the main road. The Summit Trail is a 1.2 mile hike up to the top of Squaw Peak. When hiking on this trail and getting a good workout, birders can listen and visually enjoy the birds of the desert southwest.

Birding Tip: There is great birding activity here right from the paved roads through this park. A few washes run close to the road, which one won't have to hike far at all at this location to see a variety of desert birds.

Directions: From the State Route 51 (Piestewa Freeway), take the Glendale Avenue/Lincoln Drive exit. Head east for 0.5 miles to Squaw Peak Drive. Head north (left turn) and continue on Squaw Peak Drive. The furthest parking spots will be one mile from the turn with good parking all along the way.

Pages:

Squaw Peak Park Maps

Phoenix Mountains Preserve eBird Data

Scenes and Sights from Squaw Peak Park: