From the parking lot go up the hill to the bike path. When on the bike path proceed toward Phoenix (South). About two hundred yards down the bike path you will see a Parks and Recreation map of the area. A trail leads off from the sign and heads toward the mountains. You will also see a direction sign that says "to the 1A trail" When you arrive at the junction of the 1A trail you have the option of going to the left or to the right. Go to the right and parallel the bike path (and 51 Freeway) toward Phoenix. After about three-quarters of a mile the 1A trail again splits. Take the left y up into the mountains. After going over the first hill you will go down into a small valley where you can see homes. Do not go into the homes but look up the hill to the left and you will see the continuation of the 1A trail. Proceed up and over the summit and at the crest you will see Squaw Peak off to the right. As you proceed to the bottom of the hill you will be paralleling a wash to the right. As you go along the trail you will see another 1A sign indicating that the trail goes down into the wash. Do not go ahead, but follow the sing down into the wash and up the other side. Once you continue up the base of Squaw Peak you will arrive at another junction. The junction of the 1A and 302 trails. There is a bench at that location.  (Continued below map)

Take the 302 trail to the left and head east. As long as you take each fork in the trail to the right, you will end up in the Squaw Peak Recreational Area. You will go through isolated valleys and in about 2 miles enter Squaw Peak park. Proceed through the park on the East Side of Squaw Peak to the Summit Trail trailhead. I would recommend that you refill your water supply at that time.

You then proceed up the Squaw Peak Summit Trail all the way to the top of the mountain. On your return down you would stop at the ‘6 mile (halfway) benches. There you would take a U-turn and proceed down the 302 trail again. At the bottom of the switchbacks there is another fork in the trail. You would then go to the right and proceed along the West Side of Squaw Peak. After about three-quarters of a mile you will see the bench at the junction of the 302 and 1A trail. Do not go straight but take the left fork back into the wash area. From that point on you are retracing your tracks back to the Dreamy Draw Recreational Area. The only time on this hike that you will see many other people is on the Squaw Peak Summit Trail so let someone know that you are taking this hike should you get into trouble. Rattlesnakes could be quite common on the 1A and 302 trails during the warmer weather so be alert to your surroundings. This is an enjoyable hike and I highly recommend it.