Located right in the city (Tatum Blvd & MacDonald Dr), it is easy to get to. Camelback Mountain allowed me to escape from the city and be one with nature without having to drive out into the desert wilderness.
Map of Camelback Mountain
I'm not a fitness-nut. But I have to admit that when I was there, I was relatively fit (running and exercising regularly). But be absolutely prepared for what Camelback Mountain has to offer! I thought it would be an easy hike up. And boy was I proven WRONG!!
The Trail tried: Summit Trail (Echo Canyon Trail)
Directions to the trailhead:
Enter Echo Canyon Parkway east of Tatum Blvd. off of McDonald Drive. Parking is often limited. Trail ascends through spectacular sandstone rock formations and stunning views from the summit into Greater Phoenix.
Trail Length: 1.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,264 feet
Summit: 2,704 feet
Difficulty: Strenuous
Open: Sunrise to sunset
** Take note the difficulty, it said STRENUOUS.. If only I came across this info I before I embarked on my "Happy Hiking Day"**
At the trailhead, everything was great. The trail was easy and manageable. There were even wood that cut into the ground to create steps. But that was shortlived! Because I came face to face with a monster! (Yes, I was relatively fit.. But I'm not a seasoned hiker!)
Do you see how STEEP it is!!
That was possibly the worst, but it was relatively steep throughout the entire trail. But there were other sections with the rails, and chains to help poor newbies like me out!
Along the trail, the beauty of the desert can be fully appreciated. There were different cactus to admire, and the view along the way is just spectacular. Here is the infamous Saguaro Cactus that was 3 times the size of me. And seriously it was the only one I was daring enough to go for the photo-op. The rest seemed a little far off the trail.
Look how BIG it is!!
And reaching the top, one can only imagine the wonderful urban+nature view that awaits you.
The escape from the Urban Jungle was GREAT!!
I would definitely recommend just trying the hike because the view is worth all the effort. But be prepared for the strenuous hike! And seasoned fitness nuts using it as a fitness circuit! That means being overtaken tonnes of times by runners (Don't ask me how they run up those steep slopes!).
Check it out if you happen to be in the Phoenix.
0 comments:
Post a Comment