Adventures of PrincessNg

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.

This is an itinerary of my first ever Road Trip in the US of A! Ok, it is more like my first ever to plan on my own and embarked with a friend without any family members. (When I was little, I did remember road-trips my family made in California during the weekends and holidays)

This is for reference. I will highlight each place of interest in seperate entries.

For a more detailed breakdown, CLICK HERE for my itinerary!

DAY 1: Phoenix, AZ - San Diego, CA

The entire day is spent on the road getting to San Diego, CA. A great route that showcases great sceneries: desert landscapes, snow dustings in the mountaineous regions (Kumeyaay Highway), sand dunes (Imperial Sand Dunes) and wind turbines (on Campo Indian Reservation).

DAY 2: Exploring San Diego, CA Exploring San Diego.

Having been to San Diego before, I skipped SeaWorld. I went to explore the lesser known attractions it has to offer. Cabrillo National Monument, Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, Coronado and Silver Strand State Beach..



DAY 3: San Diego, CA - Los Angeles, CA

We thought we could leave later since Los Angeles was a short drive away from San Diego. However, I've always been a klutz.. (Still am!!) Wasted the ENTIRE DAY driving from San Diego to Los Angeles and back to San Diego (to pick up something I left at the motel! I did tip the housekeeping staff who kep my mobile phone safe..) and back to Los Angeles. Stayed off Los Angeles at Valencia.

DAY 4: Six Flag Magic Mountain, Los Angeles, CA

Six Flag Magic Mountain! Didn't want to go to Disneyland as i've been there when I was staying there. I know it changes, but I wanted thrilling rides! Off to the coasters!! And on Christmas Eve, it was EMPTY!!!

DAY 5: Hollywood, CA - Las Vegas, NV

A short walk around Hollywood. The usual: Grauman's Chinese Theatre, Kodak Theatre, seeing the Hollywood sign, etc. And on the road to Las Vegas, NV. A LOOOONG ride.. What essentially was a 5hr drive became far longer due to the MASSIVE traffic (everyone was travelling on Xmas day). Traffic was moving, but it was slooooow..

DAY 6: Las Vegas, NV

Headed to the Las Vegas strip and walked the ENTIRE DAY!! We walked down admiring the Bellagio, Paris, MGM, Sands, Luxor, New York, Caesar's Palace etc.. We walked the entire strip, taking pictures. We went into casinos, had cheap food. Saw tigers, aquariums, etc. Ur senses will go BEZERK. Saw the sun set and the glittering strip twinkled before me.

DAY 7: Las Vegas, NV - Kanab, UT

Outlet SHOPPING!! But alas, a quick one before heading on the road again. Back to the desert landscapes. But I do have to admit that when you cross the border to Utah, you will be amazed at the beauty just by crossing the border. AMAZING!! The most high-strung I've been on a road trip. Be very careful to plan really well. NOBODY should ever get caught like we did. The sun had set and we were driving through Zion National Park to get to the motel. Steep cliff-offs, snow, narrow winding road.. GOSH!!



DAY 8: Zion National Park, UT

Exploring the beautiful national parks the States have to offer. I absolutely love going to their national parks. Got up early to drive to Zion National Park. The first trail we went to was the Canyon Outlook. It was so beautiful seeing the scenery. Amazing. We did 2 more trails and called it a day. Lush greeneries with snow everywhere. It was a winter wonderland!


DAY 9: Kanab, UT - Page, AZ

Driving through, it was amazing the landscape that you see. The way they made their highways are great. Any great scenary can be admired especially with the slip-offs they have. The drive down was a slow and relaxing one. Reached Page, the gateway Arizonian town of Glen Canyon National Recreational Area. Stunning sceneray again.

DAY 10: Glen Canyon National Recreational Area, AZ - Phoenix, AZ

Woke up early to do a tour of the dam. It was FREE, and it was very educational. Wanted to see Antelope Canyon but it was raining for 2 days before. Just my luck!! It's a desert and it rained when I was there. It is where the beautiful pictures are taken of the canyon. So off we went to hike to see the Horseshoe Bend. The national parks is haven for ANY geography teachers. It was a scenery that was just breathtaking. And after, it was back to Phoenix, AZ.