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| - I've been a valley resident since 2005, and immediately fell in love with hiking shortly after arriving. Having grown up in Michigan we didn't have much in the way of "hiking", so I started small with things like Lookout Mountain, eventually working my way up to Squaw Peak. Camelback intimidated me for YEARS. I always saw the horror stories on the news, and quite honestly it was terrifying.
Labor Day weekend 2014, a friend and fellow self proclaimed 'crazy hiker' (we're the ones nearly halfway up the mountain by the time the sun comes up) convinced me to tackle Camelback. We did Echo Canyon and I lived, so we did Cholla a few weeks later.
WOW. We got to the trailhead about 20-30 minutes before sunrise, and there were already at least a dozen or more cars parked along Invergordon, so get there EARLY EARLY or prepare yourself for a hike to get to your hike. Also getting there that early puts you high up enough that by the time the sun is poking out you get a spectacular view of it. This is definitely the "easier" side of the mountain, more hiking than climbing until you get near the top.
Be careful and watch for loose gravel, I had a few spills due to this and thus gave a blood sacrifice to the Camelback Mountain gods. :)
We like to hang out on top for 20 minutes or so to rest up for the trip back down. The top is usually buzzing with people, and annoying little 'hoverbees.'
I'm totally addicted to this trail now. I think it's pretty much my favorite in the valley. Don't be dumb though! Wear the right shoes and bring WATER! Get a full camelpak, don't bring some piddly little 12oz water bottle ESPECIALLY in the summer. If you're a newbie take it slow, take your time, and when you get to the top enjoy the amazing views you just earned!
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