Tempe Butte, Tempe Travel Guide

4.7 (132)

Hike Tempe's iconic 'A Mountain' for panoramic views, rich history, and a touch of ASU spirit in the heart of the city.

Tempe Butte, also known as 'A Mountain,' is a prominent andesite butte located on Arizona State University's Tempe campus. It's a popular hiking spot offering panoramic views of Tempe and the surrounding area, marked by a large, gold-painted 'A' near its summit.

A brief summary to Tempe Butte

Tempe, Arizona, US

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Tempe Butte.

Hike in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat, as the trail is exposed.
Wear sturdy shoes as the trail is rocky with some concrete steps.
Bring water to stay hydrated, especially during warmer months.
Be aware that parking near the mountain can be limited and may require payment.
Consider visiting during off-peak times to avoid crowds, especially at sunrise and sunset.

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Getting There

Walking

From downtown Tempe, the trailhead is easily accessible on foot. Head towards Mill Avenue and Rio Salado Parkway. The Leonard Monti Trail begins behind the Tempe Transportation Center, and the Hayden Butte Trailhead is located behind Tempe Mission Palms Hotel. Follow the signs towards the summit. Allow approximately 20-30 minutes to reach the top.
Public Transport

The Valley Metro Streetcar has several stops near Tempe Butte. The 3rd St/Mill Ave stop connects to the light rail and is about 500 feet from the trail. From the streetcar or light rail stop, walk south towards Rio Salado Parkway and then east towards Mill Avenue to reach the trailhead. A single ride on the streetcar or light rail costs $2.
Taxi/Ride-share

Taxi and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Tempe. Request a ride to the intersection of Mill Avenue and Rio Salado Parkway, near the Tempe Mission Palms Hotel. From there, it's a short walk to the Hayden Butte Trailhead. A short ride from downtown Tempe to the trailhead will typically cost between $7 and $12.
Parking

Several parking garages and lots are available near Tempe Butte, including the Hayden Ferry Lakeside Parking Garage and the 100 Mill Parking Garage. Hourly rates typically range from $3, with daily maximums around $20. Metered street parking is also available, but can be limited. Be sure to check parking options beforehand, as some reviewers mention challenges with paid parking near the site.

Discover more about Tempe Butte

Tempe Butte, rising 1,495 feet above sea level, is a distinctive landmark in the heart of Tempe, Arizona. Commonly referred to as 'A Mountain' by locals, it derives its nickname from the 60-foot-tall gold-painted letter 'A' that adorns its southern face, a symbol of Arizona State University.Geologically, Tempe Butte is an andesite butte of volcanic origin. Its formation is linked to the tilting of strata associated with the creation of South Mountain, with millennia of erosion shaping its unique hogback form. The area around the butte supports diverse desert vegetation, including saguaro cacti, buckhorn cholla, palo verde trees, and mesquite.Historically, the butte has been a significant site for human activity. Signs of early habitation by the Hohokam people, dating back to A.D. 750 to 1450, have been discovered, including petroglyphs etched into the rocks. The local Native Americans called it "ʼOidbaḍ Doʼag," meaning "Dead Field Mountain". In the 1870s, the area west of the butte became known as Hayden's Ferry, a major crossing point on the Salt River. Darrell Duppa, struck by the area's beauty, fancifully compared it to the Vale of Tempe near Mount Olympus in Greece, thus giving the town its present name.The tradition of placing a letter on the butte began in 1918 with an 'N' for Tempe Normal School. Over the years, as the school's name changed, the letter was adapted to a 'T' and eventually an 'A' in 1938. The current 'A,' made of reinforced steel and concrete, was constructed in 1955 after the previous one was destroyed. Guarding the 'A' from rival schools, particularly the University of Arizona, has become an annual ritual, especially during the week leading up to the ASU-UA football game.Today, Tempe Butte is a popular hiking destination, offering trails to the summit with panoramic views of ASU's Tempe campus, downtown Tempe, Tempe Town Lake, and the surrounding valley. The City of Tempe designated the area a preserve in 2002, ensuring its protection and preservation for future generations.