Hayden Butte Preserve
About
'A' Mountain - Tempe's Iconic Volcanic Butte
Hayden Butte Preserve - locally known as 'A' Mountain for the 60-foot ASU 'A' on its summit - is a 95-acre volcanic butte rising 200 feet above downtown Tempe. Easy summit hike for spectacular Tempe and ASU campus views.
What Kids Can Do
The summit trail climbs 0.4 miles to the peak through volcanic rock - kids can scramble up easily in 20 minutes. Petroglyphs along the trail show prehistoric Hohokam culture (don't touch). Summit views span downtown Tempe, Tempe Town Lake, ASU campus, and Camelback Mountain on clear days. Pair with Tempe Town Lake visit just below [marked: no shade on trail - go early morning or after 6pm summer months].
What's Included
Free day-use. No fees, no parking lot - street parking on 5th St or Tempe Transportation Center lot.
Experience
Plan 1-1.5 hours. Almost entirely outdoor - bring water (no fountains on trail), sun protection, sturdy shoes (volcanic rock loose). Not stroller-friendly - kids walking only. Just east of downtown Tempe. Paid parking at Tempe Transportation Center.