Hikers are saddened after a cherished summit marker disappears from one of Phoenix’s most iconic trails. The theft has left regular visitors disheartened.
Longtime Symbol Missing from Beloved Trail
Piestewa Peak, one of Phoenix’s most popular and challenging hiking destinations, is missing a landmark that meant a lot to its community—its U.S. Geological Survey summit marker.
Hikers Notice the Loss Immediately
Jerry Nelson, a seasoned Phoenix hiker, was among the first to notice. “It’s probably been here 100 years,” he said. “It says it’s illegal to take it.”
Nelson, who estimates he has climbed the trail nearly 2,000 times, said he instantly realized the marker was gone. “I climbed this last Friday. It was there. I climbed it yesterday. It was gone,” he said.
Marker Was Embedded in Rock
According to Nelson, the marker wasn’t easy to remove. “Somebody chipped underneath it and probably just pried it up,” he explained. “Every regular I know bends down and touches that marker when they reach the top. It’s a tradition.”
Personal Connections to the Summit
For visitors like Bill Bobbora, the missing marker is more than a landmark—it’s a memory. Bobbora, a former Nebraska Cornhuskers football player, remembered slapping the plaque with a teammate after the 1990 Fiesta Bowl.
Now on a work trip, Bobbora returned to the trail to honor that friend, who has since passed away. “It was one of the things on my list of things to do when I got here. So that’s just really ridiculous,” he said.
City Confirms Marker Was Stolen
Phoenix Parks and Recreation has confirmed the theft. In a statement, the department emphasized the importance of protecting natural and man-made features within the city’s preserves.
“These natural areas are protected for the enjoyment of all, and represent an important part of Phoenix’s heritage and outdoor lifestyle.”
The department reminded all park visitors to follow the Parks Code of Conduct to keep parks safe and welcoming for everyone.
Community Calls for Respect and Responsibility
As hikers continue to visit the trail, the loss of the summit marker serves as a reminder of the need to respect public spaces. For many, it’s not just a plaque—it’s a piece of history and a symbol of personal achievement.
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