Tempe Butte
Tempe Butte: A Mountain
Hayden Butte: Tempe's Iconic Landmark
Hike Tempe's iconic Hayden Butte ('A' Mountain) for panoramic city views, ancient petroglyphs, and a touch of ASU spirit.
Hayden Butte, also known as 'A' Mountain, is a prominent landmark in Tempe, Arizona, offering hiking trails with panoramic views of the city, Tempe Town Lake, and surrounding areas. Rich in history, the butte features ancient Hohokam petroglyphs and a large letter 'A' honoring Arizona State University.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Hayden Butte
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
E Rio Salado Pkwy & S Mill Ave, Tempe, AZ, 85281, US
Monday
6 am-10 pm
Tuesday
6 am-10 pm
Wednesday
6 am-10 pm
Thursday
6 am-10 pm
Friday
6 am-10 pm
Saturday
6 am-10 pm
Sunday
6 am-10 pm
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Getting There
Walking
From downtown Tempe, Hayden Butte is easily accessible on foot. Head east on Rio Salado Parkway towards Mill Avenue. Cross Mill Avenue and continue east; the main trailheads are located on the south side of Rio Salado Parkway, behind the Tempe Mission Palms Hotel, and behind the Tempe Transportation Center. The walk from Mill Avenue is less than 10 minutes. Be aware of vehicle traffic when crossing streets.
Public Transport
Valley Metro Rail and numerous bus routes serve the Tempe Transportation Center, which is located near the base of Hayden Butte. From the Transportation Center, walk south towards Rio Salado Parkway, then cross to access the trailheads. A single bus or light rail fare is $2, or a day pass can be purchased for $4. The Orbit neighborhood circulator is a free option that connects Downtown Tempe to surrounding neighborhoods.
Parking
Several parking options are available near Hayden Butte, including metered street parking on Mill Avenue and paid parking lots. The Mission Palms North Lot and Hayden Ferry Lakeside Parking Garage are within a short walking distance. Parking costs vary, with metered street parking typically around $2-3 per hour and garage parking ranging from $12-18 per day. Be aware that parking can be limited, especially during ASU events or weekends.
Local tips
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Hike in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the desert heat, as the trails offer little shade.
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Wear sturdy shoes with good grip, as the trails can be steep and uneven with a mix of dirt, rock, and concrete steps.
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Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially during warmer months.
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Stay on designated trails to protect the fragile desert environment and preserve the ancient petroglyphs.
Discover more about Hayden Butte
Hayden Butte, or 'A' Mountain, stands as a sentinel over Tempe, Arizona, a testament to the area's rich history and natural beauty. Rising 1,500 feet, this volcanic butte has been a significant landmark for centuries, with evidence of human activity dating back to the Hohokam people (A.D. 750-1450). These early inhabitants left behind hundreds of petroglyphs, rock art images, that can still be seen today, marking the butte as a sacred site for the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community.In the late 1800s, Charles Trumbull Hayden, considered the founder of Tempe, established a ferry service and flour mill at the base of the butte, which was subsequently named in his honor. The mountain also boasts a strong connection to Arizona State University, symbolized by the 60-foot golden 'A' that has adorned its slope since 1938. The 'A' has become an icon for the university, though it was once destroyed by vandals in 1952 and rebuilt in 1955.Today, Hayden Butte is a 25-acre preserve offering several hiking trails that lead to the summit. From the top, hikers are rewarded with stunning views of Tempe Town Lake, Sun Devil Stadium, and the surrounding cityscape. The Leonard Monti Trail and Hayden Butte Trail are popular routes, with the former beginning near the Tempe Transportation Center. While the trails are relatively short, they offer a moderate challenge with rewarding views. The city designated the landmark as a preserve in 2002, ensuring the protection of its cultural and natural resources for future generations.
A brief summary to Hayden Butte
Use Hayden Butte as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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