Circumference (Freedom / 302) Trail
Click on photograph to enlarge
Total hiking distance covered (accurate to within 21 feet per the GPS) Miles 3.94 (The park says it is 3.74 not GPS measured)
Total time on trail hrs minutes 2 hours 52 minutes Total moving time hours minutes 2 hours 22 minutes
We did this hike at a very moderate pace. It could be done easily in 2 hours.
Maximum elevation feet 1,863' Starting elevation feet 1,495' Total ascent feet 368'
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| Circumference trail |
The Circumference trail, also known as the Freedom Trail or Trail 302 is one of the many trails in the Phoenix Mountain Parks. I have indicated it on the map in blue. The reddish / pink trails are others in the park and the yellow is the top of the Summit Trail. Although well used, some hikers have the problem of losing track of the trail due to it being part of other trails in the park. The trail can be hiked either clockwise or counter-clockwise. Counter-clockwise being the most difficult direction due to long steep switchbacks. There is also a much higher incidence of snakes on this trail during the summer months. Dogs on a leash are allowed on this trail only until it intersects with the Summit trail at point F. This hike was made in the Counter-clockwise direction.
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| The trailhead at the end of Squaw Peak Drive | Enter the wash |
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| Up the trail | (Point "A") The 302 trail (Don't look for the hiker!) |
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| (Point "A") The 1A trail toward Paradise Valley | (Point "B") |
. On Tuesday, September 11, 2006 Carol Marshall and I hiked trail 302. There are two actual starting points for the Circumference Trail. One being at the Summit (300 trail) trailhead, the other, and most preferred being the trailhead at the end of Squaw Peak drive. There is more parking available at that trailhead. This hike is a 3.94 mile hike and should not be attempted without an adequate supply of water. The purpose of this description is to point out some confusing parts of the trail. Though it is well marked, there are junctions to create a problem. On the map, I have labeled these points and will try to clear up any confusion by description as well as pictures. The fundamental thing to remember is when going clockwise; take every fork to the right with the exception of the fork at the junction with the Summit Trail, going counter-clockwise, and every fork to the left with the exception of the fork at the junction with the Summit Trail.
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| (Point "B") The 302 trail | (Point "B") Trail 304 turnoff |
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| Looking into the valley | The second pass. Continue straight ahead |
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| Looking West | The 302 going down |
As we start out from the trailhead at the end of the drive we go down through the wash to the junction. At this point the trail 302 and trail 304 (Nature Trail) are the same trail. We then turn right and start up the trail. At this point the trail is just a gentle climb up through the first pass. Just beyond the first pass we reach a junction A where the 302, 304, and 1A (Purl Charles Trail) come together. We have now entered the part of the Phoenix Mountain preserve that looks like it has never been touched. No vehicles, houses or anything else, just nature. We turn left at the junction and now are on the 302 and 1A trail. The trail now becomes much steeper as we progress to the second pass. Before we have gone too far we come to another junction B and again stay to the left. Now the trail becomes much steeper until we reach the second pass . At this point there are two benches, on each side of the trail. It looks as if we could go to the left but that is not a trail. We proceed straight ahead. As we go down the trail we reach another junction "C" to the right which goes up another rise. Again, we must take the fork to the left to remain on the 302 trail. The trail, still 302 and 1A now becomes a long gentle up and down trail for some time until we arrive at the next junction D where the 1A Trail goes to the right and we go left. There is also a bench at this point. This is also the point where we leave the serenity of the inner valleys of the Mountain Preserve. We continue on in a gentle up and down trail to the base of the switchbacks and another junction E. The trail going to the right is an access trail for the people living in the houses below.
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| (Point "C") The junction to the right Wrong way | (Point "C") Trail 302 |
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| (Point "D") Turn Left, not down the wash | (Point "E") At this sign, turn left up the switchbacks. |
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| (Point "F") the only right turn and down the trail | At the end of the Summit Trail, turn left before going through the wash. |
We turn left and start up the switchbacks. Beyond this point it is not recommended to take dogs. At the top of the switchback there is a sign No Dogs Beyond This Point. The switchbacks are very steep and take some time and energy to accomplish but at the top F we have to make another decision. Do we want to go down and just complete the Circumference Trail, or do we want to add to it by climbing to the summit and add another 1.2 miles bring the total to over 5 miles. If we continue to the summit we turn left and continue up. The Summit Trail is very steep and difficult on the upper half but is worth the climb. If we go down we continue to the Summit Trail Parking lot and pass it just above. Before we pass through the wash the 302 Trail turns left and we continue the rest of the way to where we started. We could also go to through the wash and on to Squaw Peak Drive and follow it back to the car. The Circumference Trail hike is a very worthwhile hike to make. It also gives the hiker the opportunity to evaluate their ability and add the more difficult Summit Trail section to their hike to improve their fitness level.
Larry Wayt (gnhikn@cox.net)