Hayden Butte (A Mountain)
Iconic volcanic hill in Tempe, AZ, featuring ancient petroglyphs and a large 'A' for ASU. Offers stunning panoramic views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Hayden Butte (A Mountain)
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic volcanic hill in Tempe, AZ, featuring ancient petroglyphs and a large 'A' for ASU. Offers stunning panoramic views.
"The view from the summit is totally worth it. A perfect little adventure for a quick outdoor activity."
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The trail can be steep and uneven. Sturdy shoes are a must to navigate the terrain safely .
💧 Stay Hydrated!
Arizona heat is no joke. Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months .
Quick Facts
Rating
4.7 · 150 reviews
Type
Natural Feature
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic 'A' and Summit Views
Summit of Hayden Butte
Reach the top for panoramic views of Tempe, ASU, and the surrounding desert landscape. Don't miss the iconic 'A' marking the mountain.
Ancient Petroglyphs
Various points on the trail
Discover ancient rock carvings left by indigenous peoples, offering a glimpse into the area's rich history.
Sunset Spectacle
Summit of Hayden Butte
Witness breathtaking sunsets painting the sky over the Valley of the Sun. A popular spot for photographers and sunset lovers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for A Mountain
Trail Conditions & Parking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The trail can be steep and uneven. Sturdy shoes are a must to navigate the terrain safely.
💧 Stay Hydrated!
Arizona heat is no joke. Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months.
🚗 Parking Considerations
Parking can be tricky and sometimes costly. Plan ahead and check for available lots.
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic vistas are incredible. Don't forget your camera or phone for stunning photos.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The trail can be steep and uneven. Sturdy shoes are a must to navigate the terrain safely.
💧 Stay Hydrated!
Arizona heat is no joke. Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months.
🚗 Parking Considerations
Parking can be tricky and sometimes costly. Plan ahead and check for available lots.
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic vistas are incredible. Don't forget your camera or phone for stunning photos.
🚶♀️ Stick to the Path
While some unofficial trails exist, sticking to marked paths is safer and preserves the environment.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Hayden Butte (A Mountain) is a popular, short, and steep hike offering rewarding panoramic views of Tempe and the surrounding valley. Visitors appreciate the quick workout and historical petroglyphs. However, some reviews mention concerns about trail maintenance and potential hazards, as well as parking challenges.
"Tempe Butte also known as A mountain is a short and easy hike — it took less than 30 minutes to reach the top! The trail isn’t too tiring, and the view from the summit is totally worth it. You get a great view of Tempe, ASU campus, and the surrounding area. It’s a perfect little adventure if you’re looking for a quick outdoor activity with a rewarding view."
Joyce Fu
"ASU and City of Tempe when contacted about the conditions of the trail, both blamed it on the other. Asu saying it's Tempe's issue and Tempe saying the mountain belongs to ASU so they can't fix it. There are many sections on the trail where hikers have created new trails because the official trail is in such bad shape. The hike itself is a nice hike and doesn't take too long. It just can be difficult for some because of the poor conditions of the trail. I seen numerous people twist, ankles and fall and hurt themselves because of the failure to maintain the trails."
Dean Orcatek-Farrell
"I love going to Tempe to do this hike, as it adds incline to my workouts. The only thing is….. parking. Parking is not always free and for the little time I spend here, it’s not worth the cost of parking. Other than that, it’s a pretty diverse area with tons of shopping a s restaurants."
Latoya Irving
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hayden Butte is conveniently located in Tempe, Arizona, near Arizona State University. You can access it from various points, with parking often available near the base of the mountain. Many visitors find it easily accessible by car or even by bike via the Tempe Town Lake trail system.
Parking can be a challenge, especially during peak times. While some lots are available, they may not always be free, and costs can add up for a short visit. It's advisable to check parking regulations and availability beforehand.
Yes, biking to Hayden Butte is a great option! The Tempe Town Lake trail connects to areas around the mountain, offering scenic routes for casual bikers. It's a good way to combine a bike ride with a hike.
The most direct route to the summit is via the main trail, marked by the large 'A'. While short, it's a steep incline. You can also explore other paths, but be mindful of trail conditions.
Tempe has a robust public transportation system. You can likely reach the vicinity of Hayden Butte via local bus routes, especially those serving the ASU campus. Check with Valley Metro for specific route information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, hiking Hayden Butte (A Mountain) is free and open to the public. There are no admission fees required to access the trails or enjoy the views.
Hayden Butte is generally accessible during daylight hours. While there are no official closing times posted, it's best to visit during safe daylight hours, especially considering potential trail conditions after dark.
There is no entrance fee for Hayden Butte Preserve. The trails and natural beauty are free for everyone to enjoy.
While not officially closed, hiking at night is not recommended due to potential trail hazards and lack of lighting. It's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and to fully appreciate the views.
Generally, no permits are required for personal photography at Hayden Butte. However, if you plan on commercial photography or large-scale events, it's advisable to check with the City of Tempe or ASU for any specific regulations.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The hike to the summit of Hayden Butte is quite short, typically taking less than 30 minutes to reach the top. The entire out-and-back trail is about 0.7 miles, making it a quick and rewarding activity.
The hike is considered short but steep, offering a good incline for a workout. While not technically difficult, the steepness can be challenging for some, and trail conditions can add to the difficulty.
From the summit, you'll enjoy panoramic views of Tempe, the Arizona State University campus, Tempe Town Lake, Papago Park, Scottsdale, and even a distant view of Phoenix.
Restroom facilities are not typically available directly on the hiking trails of Hayden Butte. You may find facilities in nearby parks or public areas in Tempe.
While the hike is short, the steepness and potentially uneven trail conditions might make it challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues. However, older children who can handle a steep climb might enjoy the adventure and views.
📸 📸 Photography
The best times for photography are during the golden hours: sunrise and sunset.
You can capture stunning panoramic landscapes, the iconic 'A' on the mountain, ancient petroglyphs, and the unique desert flora. Sunset and sunrise shots are particularly popular.
The summit offers the most expansive views. The 'A' itself is a popular subject. Keep an eye out for interesting rock formations and the petroglyphs scattered along the trails.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the panoramic views. A tripod can be helpful for sunset shots. For petroglyphs, a macro lens or a good zoom might be useful. Don't forget extra batteries and memory cards!
Drone usage may be restricted in certain areas, especially near ASU or residential zones. It's always best to check with local authorities or park regulations before flying a drone.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit