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Camelback Mountain, technically located in Paradise Valley (Phoenix, AZ) is the city’s most famous landmark. I had always heard what a dangerous hike this can be, and a tough one at that. I thought that was really an exaggeration by the locals. So I prepared for my first hike of Camelback as well as the first use of my new Flip Camcorder.

I thought this hike would be fun, but I clearly underestimated its difficulty! The factors that led this to being one of the more challenging hikes I’ve taken in years lies in the fact that the temperature rose to near 80 degrees, (that’s HOT for me); I did not eat a good breakfast; I did not bring enough water for the conditions (although I saw many who did not have any water) and finally, over the last few years I have not exercised to any degree. (This would clearly qualify me as a “stupid tourist”). That and I’m about 6 months from 50 was a recipe for a tough hike. And for me it was.

Here’s a shot of Camelback Mountain as I drive to the Echo Canyon trail head.

The last hike I did that compares very closely with Camelback would be The Manitou Incline hike in Colorado Springs. I think it was 2004 when I and a friend hiked it. It is a STEEP grade that goes straight up a mountain. Here’s a comparison:

Manitou Incline: Summit is 8600 feet above sea level.
Camelback Mountain: Summit is 2704 feet above sea level.

Manitou Incline: 1.02 miles one way.
Camelback Mountain: 1.2 miles one way.

Manitou Incline: Elevation gain totals 2011+ feet.
Camelback Mountain: Elevation gain totals 1264 feet.

It is recorded at the InclineClub.com that the average grade on the hike is 41% with the steepest part at high as 68%! Camelback has reported grades as steep as 60%.
Here’s a shot where the handrails came in very handy.

This is the biggest difference. The Incline has been built with railroad ties for each step. It’s a different hike. Camelback required more exertion by the whole body.

Here’s a pic from the Incline:

Despite the shared characteristics of these hikes, today’s trail was more challenging for me. I must say it was a lot of fun though. The youngest hiker today was a three year old. Mom and Dad were coaxing her along. She had to try and climb every rock in her path. The oldest were a number of hikers well into there 70s, maybe even older. I was surprised at the number of people hiking this trail. There were even those that were hiking it multiple times! A few passed me three times, up down and back up! It was funny how they all knew each other by name.

On the next page I’ll share some of the pictures I took and tell you about when and if the Flip videos are going to be available.

Here’s a shot of Perry, about the same age and making me look bad. This was an optional trail, and it is that steep. Hey Perry, did you even break a sweat this day?

If I remember correctly, there are about 3 sections like this below and they are slow going. It was hard on my knees coming down these rocky slopes.

I have no explanation on this. I can’t even tell you how they got up there. Your guess is as good as mine.

The views just get better and better on this hike. This was taken about the halfway point looking back to the North.

Here’s where I thought I was going to get that emergency helicopter ride! He came in pretty low.

Lastly, here’s a view from the top. Piestewa Peak (formerly Squaw Peak) is seen here and is one of my next hikes.

Phoenix is the 5th largest city in the nation. Having such wonderful parks such as these is a credit to the planners. In part 2, I will share how the Flip camcorder performed.