Experience · Tempe

Morning Views and Hidden Gems

Kick off your outing with an invigorating climb up Hayden Butte for panoramic views of Tempe and the surrounding desert landscape. Afterward, stroll down to Ash Avenue Comics & Books to browse a thoughtfully curated selection of indie graphic novels and local publications. The brisk outdoor hike sets a lively tone before you settle into a quiet, creative neighborhood shop.

A 2-hour Maple-Ash morning plan for friends — Hayden Butte, Ash Avenue Comics & Books.

Duration
2 hrs
Cost
$0–$25
Stops
2 stops
Area
Maple-Ash
Walking
Moderate walking · Total 0.6-mile driving route
Best time
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Ideal for
Friends · Solo
Customize
Morning Views and Hidden Gems

The plan

The plan

  1. 1Hayden Butte(1 hr 30 min)→
  2. 2Ash Avenue Comics & Books(1 hr 30 min)

Why this plan works

Every stop sits in Maple-Ash, so the whole plan happens inside one neighborhood. Hayden Butte is the main event and takes the biggest block of time; the other stops are built around it. Best suited to friends and solo who want a planned Tempe outing without improvising between stops.

The story

Overview

Kick off your outing with an invigorating climb up Hayden Butte for panoramic views of Tempe and the surrounding desert landscape. Afterward, stroll down to Ash Avenue Comics & Books to browse a thoughtfully curated selection of indie graphic novels and local publications. The brisk outdoor hike sets a lively tone before you settle into a quiet, creative neighborhood shop.

The itinerary

2 stops, one great day

  1. Hayden Butte1
    1h 30m
    Hayden Butte

    Outdoors

    Park & popular hiking area, known for a 60-ft. letter "A" representing Arizona State University.

    What to do — Begin your day with a hike up Hayden Butte. Enjoy the scenic views of Tempe Town Lake and the surrounding area. Don't forget to spot the iconic 'A' for Arizona State University!

    Book it · Hayden Butte

    0.6 mi · 12 min walk or 4 min drive

    Then After your refreshing hike, make your way to Ash Avenue Comics & Books for a relaxed browsing experience.

  2. Ash Avenue Comics & Books2
    1h 30m
    Ash Avenue Comics & Books

    Shopping · Maple-Ash

    Laid-back shop filled with comic books, graphic novels & a range of indie publications.

    What to do — Spend some time exploring the unique selection at Ash Avenue Comics & Books. Discover new graphic novels or revisit classic comic book series.

The route

On the map

Open route in Google Maps

Common questions

Planning this outing

Is this a good Tempe itinerary for friends?
Yes. It's built for friends and solo and runs about 2 hrs across 2 stops, starting at Hayden Butte.
How long does this outing take?
Plan on 2 hrs door to door, including time between stops.
How much does this Tempe itinerary cost?
Roughly $0–$25 per person, before parking and tips. Free and low-cost stops are marked on each card.
Is this itinerary walkable?
Yes — every hop is under a mile, about 0.6 miles of walking in total.
Do I need reservations?
No. Every stop on this plan takes walk-ins, though weekends move faster if you arrive early.

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