Hiking Camelback Mountain

Camelback Mountain is one of the most distinct mountains in the Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe area.  The Arizona mountain got it's name for resembling the side profile of a Camel (Shocker), if you know what a Camel looks like you'll have no problem spotting this mountain when your in the valley.  This amazing mountain that is about 2700ft tall at the summit is right in the heart of the Phoenix area making it extremely accesible to anyone in the Phoenix area. 

I hiked up the mountain today starting at Echo Canyon Park, which has limited free parking, if the lot is full just keep circling around you'll get a spot within 10-30 minutes.  When you get out of your car and start hiking up the mountain you'll notice the enormous red rocks that look absolutely amazing with a deep blue sky in the background.  The first 15 minutes of the hike are really pretty easy the trail is loaded with stairs that blend right into the mountain, a few of them are really pretty big, but a nice little warm up before it gets more intense.

After you've gotten past the stairs the remainder of the hike is just as you would expect, a trail covered in rocks that you may have to use all 4 limbs to climb up certain parts, steeper and fun.  There are two really pretty steep parts of the hike on these two parts there is a handrail that got installed that you don't necessarily have to use on the way up, but it's a big help on the way down if you or people in your group get a little winded.

The hike took about 2 1/2 hours roundtrip I wasn't racing up or down just taking in the panoramic views and trying to snap a few pics with my iPhone.  (Follow us on Instagram @theskimonster) If you're in the area this is something you really should do.  Remember you're in the desert so bring plenty of water, slap on some sun screen, and bring a camera you'll get some awesome pictures.