Camelback

Camelback Mountain is probably the most well known hike in the Phoenix area, which is why I've never done it. Anyone who knows my family knows we try to stay as far off the beaten path as possible when it comes to hiking. The last time we wanted to hike we drove for several hours on roads that would make even the strongest stomachs car-sick and ended up walking up a paved road to some ruins preserved by the National Park Service.

So, when some friends came into town this weekend and we decided to go for a hike while Ryan was working on Friday, I went for Camelback. It's only about a 40 minute drive from our house and there are a few different trails available for different skill levels. I wanted to take Layla in her backpack, but since I pulled a muscle in my lower back this month, I thought I'd better leave her with a sitter. Good decision.

It certainly wasn't the hardest hike I've ever done, but you gain elevation quickly, and the last 3/4 mile is clambering up large rocks on a steep slope. There is one area where they have rails put up to assist in climbing. Of course, I stayed far away from these on the way up, but on the way down I had to hold on to keep from tumbling down the mountain. Unfortunately, my hiking companions wore their Chacos and had a rough time on the way down, constantly slipping and getting rocks and sand under their feet. To anyone trying this trail, I definitely recommend shoes.



Altogether it was an enjoyable hike. There were tons of other people there, but they were all friendly and didn't bother anyone. The weather was beautiful and there was a light breeze at the top to cool us off. The only disappointment was the view.

Camelback Mountain has the best view of Phoenix outside of a helicopter. But it's Phoenix. Somehow I expected it to look different from up there, more serene or majestic or beautiful. But it was urban, flat Phoenix. It is actually more green this year than most, due to our (relatively) wet winter, but it still looked brown to me.