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"A" Mountain (Hayden Butte Preserve)
Mountain, Other Great Outdoors, and Scenic Lookout
Downtown Tempe, Tempe
The sunsets at "A" Mountain (Hayden Butte Preserve) is a can't miss
"This is a great little mountain to get a quick hike in."(7 Tips)
"Easy hike for anyone, and way worth it once you get to the top."(7 Tips)
"Great place for a short hike and the view at the top is beautiful!"(4 Tips)
"Painting the 'A' is a freshman tradition"(4 Tips)
75 Tips and reviewsFilter:
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Michael IuorioFebruary 15, 2013If you really want to feel apart of the ASU campus, check out A Mountain. Go up and visit the yellow A, or even take a hike up to the very top. Either way you are engulfed in ASU culture!
Dak GidFebruary 15, 2013Good place to exercise or catch an awesome view of the sunset and city lights. check out the giant A on the butte. Best view of the Tempe/ ASU area.
Tori PacosMarch 29, 2012Make sure to stop and read the little tid bit of history as you climb the mountain and don't forget to take in the view. If you can check for opportunities to paint the "A" for the different events!- Sara CusickMarch 29, 2012I run this at least 3 times a week and it is the best workout for me. Great scenery, and on a nice day it can be so therapeutic. I always walk to mill for lunch after to reward myself!
Erik WitzigNovember 14, 2013Great way to spend valentines day. Climb A mountain to the too with your lady and nice bottle of Vino. Watch the sunset from up there and your brownie points will go through the roof!!
Ally WalkerNovember 18, 2013Being so close to campus, it is an amazing hike to take to clear your head and get an amazing view of the valley! Not usually busy and a very moderate, easy hike.
Joshua HNovember 18, 2013Almost all freshman paint the 'A' and it's one of the ASU-specific sites that stand out. A great view of campus from the top and a relatively quick 'hike' to the top.
Luke MooneyNovember 15, 2013You can get a nice, steep, little hike in over here. The view is great at the top and it is a fantastic place to people watch. Not a bad place to dog watch either.
Hike A Mountain during the early morning or if you are like me and don’t mind the heat do the hike during the 100+ degree temps. Bring water, a phone, and good shoes.- Marc GrahamApril 12, 2011Go to the top right before sunset or sunrise. It is such a great view. Great trails to walk up with families or friends. Awesome to look at planes fly directly over you when your sitting at the top!
- Kaylyn ParsonsMarch 26, 2011If you're looking for a short, but steep hike, try "A" Mountain. The hike takes less than an hour and you get an awesome view of Tempe! I suggest going early in the morning to beat the AZ heat!
Samantha KookFebruary 15, 2013Hike this either before sunrise or sunset. One of the best views and way less energy needed then Camelback. ASU students often paint the "A" for occasions. Freshman: participate in the white wash.
Walt GarrettNovember 23, 2013Easy hike but offers nice views of the tempe area and is right off Mill Avenue. So after your healthy hike you can walk over to Mill and be unhealthy- asegayMarch 28, 2012A Mountain is a great exercise for the whole family. Please bring a bottle of water and stretch before walking up the mountain. If you have a camera, I would recommend taking it for a nice scenery.
MichaelOctober 12, 2019One of the best 360 views of Tempe after a short steep cardio climb up A mountain. It’s worth it every time!
Jeff SMarch 14, 2011At the beginning of each school year, it is painted white to commemorate the new class of students at ASU. During homecoming, there is also a lantern walk. It's a great place to see the city of Tempe.- Katie OApril 14, 2011This is a great little mountain to get a quick hike in. Ladies beware though! Some of the homeless men climb up there, and some are very creepy. Make sure to keep some pepper spray by your side (just
Annemarie BelterOctober 13, 2010This mountain is close to campus and offers a quick and not too strenuous hike. It is paved most of the way and there are steps you can take to the top where you can get a great view of Phoenix.
Holly HesterOctober 25, 2010This is a great place to go if you are looking to go on a quick hike right around campus. My dog loves hiking here. It has such gorgeous views of the city! I love the slight challenge it offers too.- Mia FeinbergApril 14, 2011Hands down the best views in Tempe! Easy hike for anyone, and way worth it once you get to the top. Try to participate in painting the A one year to show your school spirit!
- Jennifer HayeFebruary 14, 2013Great place for a short hike and the view at the top is beautiful! Especially around sunset, definitely worth waiting for. Very relaxing.
Gary SApril 14, 2011Climb up to the top here. It's a great hike and you'll feel invigorated. There's a great view of the city from the top, so it's worth it. Plus, it makes you have some ASU pride- Alex KayFebruary 22, 2011This is a great quick hike and something that all students should do before graduating. The view is awesome and does not require much of a time commitment. Painting the 'A' is a freshman tradition
- Drew PociaskFebruary 16, 2013If you go to ASU or even just live in Tempe this is a must. It's a great panoramic view of Tempe and the surrounding cities.
Brandon McCollumMarch 29, 2012If you decided to hike up "A" mountain, make sure you do so at night or in the early morning. Don't wanna die form heat stroke. Good view though!
Abby VesterNovember 12, 2010Take the hike up to the top. It is short and the view is always great. I recommend doing it with a friend and then getting a refreshment at the Starbucks on Mill after. So refreshing and fun.- Caroline HallNovember 17, 2013Best place for a quick hike around campus! Has a great view of Tempe and isn't too hard of a hike!
VictoriaNovember 17, 2013Hike the mountain around sunset! You get an amazing view of Tempe and lights just after dark.
Alyssa StrubharFebruary 13, 2013A fun short hike for beginners with beautiful views. Remember to bring sunscreen if you go in the summer!
Shaylin BradaNovember 18, 2013Easy hike. Great hike to do in between classes. The view from the top is amazing
Bryant S.March 29, 2012Easy hike. Best scenery of Tempe from top. Good place for running. Students paint the "A" several times a year. U of A students try to paint it red come rivalry time.- Kyle WinsteadFebruary 14, 2013Sometimes a little congested with people, but a PERFECT short hike if you want a quick workout. Be sure to butt slide down the A.
ASU's Tempe CampusOctober 12, 2012Witness the crowning of your 2012 Homecoming Royalty on Oct. 26 at 8pm at the top of “A” Mountain. Parking will be available in the stadium structure located S. of Sun Devil Stadium and Veterans Way.- amanda TMarch 29, 2012New incoming students should check this out. It is used for different things but the most entertaining is when U OF A (ASU rival) are playing and they come up and try to paint it their colors!
- Cody CallahanAugust 5, 2013Often frequented by ASU students. Groups of freshman often go on short hikes to the summit. Other run up it for exercise. Great views at night!
- Elizabeth DunneNovember 18, 2013Great for a quick hike if you don't have time for Camelback. Sunset is the best.
Lauren WellsNovember 18, 2013Come here in the morning before the heat for a great view and easy hike!
Maile CanlasAugust 5, 2013Good hiking place be sure to bring water. Good place to view phx area and phx airport- Zach BooherApril 8, 2011During the Winter holiday season a star, a menorah, and three "wise" men on camel-back are displayed on the mountainside. At night these installations are lit and visible anywhere on Tempe campus.
Vanessa HeleneNovember 17, 2013What a nice hike and view! & after it's a quick walk to Mill Ave. to great food and drinks!
Angelica PerezFebruary 15, 2013I love this place!! The view is amazing and is perfect for a quick hike.
Jarred SmithApril 10, 2011Great view of ASU and tempe town lake. If you are an ASU student you have to climb A mountain at least once!
Jorge SalazarNovember 11, 2010Take a refreshing hike up the mountain and relax taking in a perfect view of the city . The "A" changes colors throughout the year.
Marquis KowasicApril 12, 2011If you can't get tickets to the concerts at Tempe Beach Park, then hike up A mountain for a larger then life concert experience for free!
Regina FantyFebruary 15, 2013A mountain is a simple hike that provides wonderful views of the entire university!- ASU's Tempe CampusOctober 12, 2012Retrace the steps of all those before you as you climb to the top of A Mountain during the Lantern Walk on Oct. 26 at 8pm.
Arizona State UniversityFebruary 24, 2011Fun fact: In 1952, a bomb blast destroyed the letter "A" on the mounatin. The present "A" stands 60 feet tall and was built of reinforced steel and concrete in 1955.
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"A" Mountain (Hayden Butte Preserve)
Mill Avenue & Rio Salado
Tempe, AZ 85281
United States
Tempe, AZ 85281
United States
The Tempe Normal School class of 1918 was responsible for installing the first letter on Tempe Butte. The school changed its name to Arizona State Teachers College, and in 1938, the letter "A" was installed on the butte.
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