Parking at Piestewa Peak, one of Phoenix’s most popular hiking spots, is significantly reduced with construction of electrical, water and sewer lines.

Availability varies daily, but only about a third of the multiple lots’ approximately 200 spaces were accessible Oct. 13. Some hikers parked in a nearby residential neighborhood or circled while waiting for a spot.

The construction, which began Aug. 28 and is slated to end Nov. 30, is prep work for ramada and other trailhead rebuilds, said Gregg Bach, spokesman for the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department.

Parking availability shifts as construction crews progress, Bach said

“For example, if a certain parking area was inaccessible on Friday due to where the work was focused that day, that doesn’t mean that same parking area wouldn’t be available on Saturday and Sunday when the crews aren’t working,” he said.

Construction takes place on weekdays from about 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., but the ongoing work affects weekend parking.

The trailhead’s construction is part of the first phase of a five-year improvement plan for the Phoenix Mountain Preserve, which also includes Dreamy Draw.

The two available lots were full at 7 a.m. Friday, said Rosalva Rodriguez, who was at the mountain to hike. Rodriguez and hiking partner Carolina Cooper had to wait for an available space.

“(We) got lucky finding a spot,” Cooper said.

Georgia Emma, a hiker, said she had “no problem” with the minor inconvenience, but expressed concern that with improving weather, the parking situation may get “crazy.”

Piestewa can also be accessed from 32nd Street and Dreamy Draw.

Dustin Kirby also had to wait a number of minutes for a space to become available, but didn’t take issue with the inconvenience.

“I came here to hike,” he said, adding that he would have found somewhere else to park regardless of construction.

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