Camelback Mountain

If you go, take lots of water with you.

A local hiking place.

it was fricking gorgeous. beautiful to see at almost anytime of day. one heck of a hike up from what i’ve heard.

My work has taken me to Phoenix many times over the last six years. I had always seen Camelback Mountain from a distance.

Finally I decided to be adventurous and make the climb.

It was in April. It was hot, but not brutally hot the way that it can be in the summer.

As I made the climb I was rewarded with glimpses of the beautiful variety of plant life which is to be found on the mountain. Many people think of the desert as a barren wasteland, but it harbors an amazingly dense network of plant life. I marveled at the many colors and varieties of flowers which I found; reds, yellows, purples, pinks, and more. Also to be found was an interesting assortment of animal life. In addition to the insects, there were a variety of birds and lizards which could easily be seen.

My decision to climb Camelback was somewhat spontaneous. I had not come fully prepared. Of course I had brought some water, but only about a liter. I had also worn long pants. Shorts would have been much better, to keep cool in the warm desert sun. Being somewhat ill-prepared, I did not make the summit of either of the two peaks. I settled for a spot in the saddle between the peak. But nonetheless, the view was rewarding.

The trail to the top is not technically difficult, but it is somewhat demading due to its steepness and the heat. I shall attempt it again someday, and I will certainly be dressed for the occasion and will have a lot more water with me.

Next time I’ll make it to the top.

I worked five minutes walking from this beautiful Phoenix landmark. It’s totally worth the hike. Now, if you do it in the middle of the summer, make sure you go up VERY early. The temperatures can get very nasty!

This is one of my favorite views in and around Phoenix.