Hayden Butte

Hayden Butte, known locally as A-Mountain, is a volcanic andesite peak rising just north of downtown Tempe, Arizona. At about 1,499 feet (457 meters), it towers roughly 351 feet (107 meters) above its surroundings and forms a striking backdrop for the adjacent Sun Devil Stadium. You can reach the summit via the Leonard Monti Trail, which approaches from the south. The butte is not only a scenic landmark but also a place with deep historical roots. Petroglyphs and pottery shards left by the prehistoric Hohokam culture can be found here. In more recent times, the butte served as a quarry for local buildings and for a time was home to a radio tower, which was removed in 2019. The south face is best known for the big "A" that represents Arizona State University. The symbol has a colorful history of name changes and vandalism, before being installed in its current form in 1965. Today, the butte is a popular destination for hikers and a central landmark in Tempe's city life.