CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Phoenix, Arizona
March 2024

Camelback Mountain by Paul Sager, on Flickr


Camelback Mountain, a prominent landmark of the Phoenix metropolitan area, is a popular recreation destination for hiking and rock climbing.

Camelback Mountain


Two hiking trails ascend 1,280 feet to the peak of Camelback Mountain. The Echo Canyon Trail is 1.14 miles and the Cholla Trail is 1.4 mi . Both trails are considered strenuous with steep grades.

Camelback Mountain


A cave discovered on the north side of Camelback Mountain indicates that it was used as a sacred site by the prehistoric Hohokam culture before they abandoned the area in the 14th century.

Camelback Mountain


Camelback Mountain saw increased encroachment from private development until the 1960s. The Preservation of Camelback Mountain Foundation, led by Barry Goldwater, helped to ensure the area's protection in 1968.

Camelback Mountain


Smaller animals, including cottontail rabbits, lizards, Harris antelope squirrels, a variety of birds and snakes (including venomous rattlesnakes) are regularly encountered. Here we found a Chuckwalla.

Camelback Mountain


Plant species include saguaro, barrel, hedgehog, pincushion, jumping cholla, Christmas, staghorn, cholla and prickly pear cacti.

Camelback Mountain


This was Michele's first attempt at a mountain of any height. Repeatedly, she wanted to turn back, but I kept coaxing her to continue as the top "wasn't much further." Toward the top, it changed to, "you've come this far, you might as well finish." At the top was the satisfaction of joining the community of humans who have conquered Camelback.

Camelback Mountain


Camelback is one of Phoenix’s premier hiking destinations, and regularly is named a top national destination for avid hikers. Visitors from around the world have traversed this summit trail and praise its amazing 360-degree summit view of the city and challenging terrain.

Camelback Mountain


This hike is extremely popular, possibly the most popular hike in Phoenix, so you may be sharing the trail with hundreds of other people. We spent a good 10 minutes in the parking lot on a Friday morning, just waiting for a spot to open in the lot. At several narrow points on the trail, we waited for a break in the people 'traffic' going in the opposite direction to continue our own trek.

Camelback Mountain

Triple G

Great shots. I've done the hiking portion of that.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Interesting set.

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

Nice set of shots. My uncle lived just down the street from Camelback.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Thank you Triple G, Bill, John! Possibly, this was only my 2nd time to the top at Camelback. I lived in Phoenix back in the mid 90s, where we did it at least once, but memory fades if more than once.

Earnest Botello Loc: Hockley, Texas

Great series, Paul.

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

Well done tour, Paul!

alvin3232 Loc: Houston, TX

Beautiful set.

Al

William Kemp Loc: Letts, Iowa

Great pictures, especially from the top but I am more suited for hiking in a mall.

oldpsych Loc: Indianapolis

Nice shots. I lived in Phoenix for 40 years and I think I did that hike once. Once was enough for me. Way too old now. Thanks for the memories.

yssirk123 Loc: New Jersey

Very nice set!

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Thanks Earnest, Mike, Al, William, Bruce, Bill! We were passing people, both in our age group and younger, already turning back at the second major uphill turn in the trail. This wasn't helpful in keeping Michele's confidence in her ability / desire to make it to the top.

tshift Loc: Overland Park, KS.

These are awesome shots. What a wonderful spot for photos. Thanks BE SAFE!!

Tom

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Thanks Tom!

DelRae Loc: Oregon

Really great Pictures Paul But I like my Trails very wide when I take a walk in the Mountains I have to see around me I not much for ground moving things around my feet.