Go here to see Camelback Mountain via the Cholla Trail.
Copyright © 2004 by Bill Qualls. Last updated July 29, 2004.
| This evening I hiked the Echo Canyon Trail to Camelback Mountain. This is hike #1 in Stewart Green's book. Round trip distance 2.3 miles, 1300 feet elevation gain. | |
| To reach the trailhead from Scottsdale, go west on McDonald Drive, south on Echo Canyon Parkway to trailhead. This trail is very popular; I've read that parking can be a problem. But not on this Wednesday evening in July, with temperature of 104 degrees! |
|
| The trail is landscaped for a very short distance. |
|
| Camelback Mountain comes into view after reaching a small saddle at about 1/4 mile. |
|
| There are two stretches which are very, very steep. Footing can be slippery so hand rails are provided. |
|
| More hand rails. |
|
| After the hand rails, the boulder-filled canyons. Like walking up tall, rough, uneven steps from here to the top! |
|
| Pause at a small saddle. |
|
| Same view for those who would prefer it without me. |
|
| Still more boulders. |
|
| View towards Scottsdale. |
|
| View towards downtown Phoenix. |
|
| The descent. At my age, I find going down boulder fields to be much more difficult than going up: my knees and my depth perception aren't what they used to be! |
|
|
One final look back to Camelback Mountain.
Go here to see Camelback Mountain via the Cholla Trail. |
|
|
My Arizona hikes
My home page
Copyright © 2004 by Bill Qualls. Last updated July 29, 2004. | |