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| - This hike isn't for the faint of heart. You will scramble up small boulders. You will need to maintain a death-grip on the handle bar up the steep ledge. Unless you're one of the (impressive) crazies who runs it regularly, you will (probably) have to stop for a breather, and certainly a water break. But, man--the vista at the top is certainly worth it! It's hard to beat the 360 view of the greater Phoenix area!
Back when I lived in the Scottsdale/Tempe area, this hike was a frequent and favorite start to my weekend. I typically tried to hike early, mostly to avoid the warmer temperatures in the afternoons (starting as early as 5:30am in August, and by then it was already in the 90s--not that this will be surprising to the locals). If you got there early enough, there was usually some fruit (apples, oranges) at the start (I'm assuming left by a park ranger) and a spigot to fill up your water bottle or... more appropriately, CamelBak.
Parking was always a bit of a challenge. While there is a lot near the trail's head, it's small and fills up quickly. You'll spend entirely too long waiting for one, too, usually. Might be better off trying to park on a side street and walking from there--it would probably take you just as long, if not even shorter, than trying to find a spot in the lot.
In the end: take your time, enjoy the views, but come prepared. It's a workout, but a fun one.
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