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| - This isn't your average hike. This review is for 1st timers. I don't want to come off brazen, but visitors find out real quick and usually are not prepared to handle this beast of a mountain. I think the local concierge's and hotels do a disservice when they encourage people to hike it. Especially if they haven't had any hiking experience.
So if you are reading this and haven't done Camelback before or really hiked here's what I suggest:
1)There are 2 trails: Echo Canyon and Cholla Trail. Do the Cholla Trail as it's the less strenuous of the 2. Currently Echo Canyon trail is closed until late October or November I believe.
2)Be prepared to commit 2+ hours going all the way to the top and back down...and that's on the Cholla Trail. Experienced hikers in amazing shape usually take 35 min to 1 hour just to get to the top.
3)Water-if you don't have a Camelbak water pack, I'd suggest buying one of those waist band water holders. You will need to climb and use your hands and you can't do that with a bottle of water in your hands. Plan on at least 60+ oz of water. You'll thank me I assure you. It's a mountain..there's not water fountains along the way or even at the beginning of trail head on Cholla Trail side. So buy water ahead of time to last you.
4)Currently the Cholla Trail is only one available. Everyone parks off Invergordon Rd on the street and then you'll have to walk up through a residential neighborhood just to get the trail entryway. If you are very winded by the time you even get to the trail head, I recommend you don't attempt to do go all the way to the top. Go for as long as you can and no shame tackling it another time when ready.
5)Bring your camera in a pack or use your cell phone camera-There are some amazing views of Paradise Valley Mansions, golf courses and resorts (Phoenician, Camelback Resort, Sanctuary, Mountain Shadow, and at the top a 360 view of entire valley)
6)Respect other hikers-People going up the trail have the right away. So stop if you are coming down and let them pass if the trail is too narrow.
7)Don't be a hero-Last I checked there wasn't an event in Olympics of fastest down the mountain. I've seen many people fall and even one guy go off the mountain and was in real bad shape stabbed by lots of cactus needles. Until you get really experienced, and even then, I wouldn't recommend running down Camelback. Too dangerous and breaking a leg or spraining an ankle for what?
8)Use the bathroom before you even get there. There are no bathrooms at Cholla Trail side. So make sure you are all good to go beforehand. The Echo Canyon side once open I believe will have bathrooms.
9)Sunscreen-Wear it...bring some with you. It's usually always sunny here so make sure you use some.
10)Shoes-I can't stress this enough. While if you are only planning on hiking the trail 1 time, running shoes should suffice, but go slow..they are slippery spots and they aren't the ideal for the conditions. If you have the cash, go to sporting goods store and get either trail hiker athletic shoes or hiking boots, depending on your style. I'm more athletic and like to get after it more so I use the spiked rubber Adidas brand. Talk to shoe guy there who will likely be in the know as well.
11)Attire-You will be sweating greatly. Guys-shorts, workout shirt. Girls-shorts or yoga pants/capris. This isn't a nice leasurely stroll where you can wear jeans and tennis shoes. (or in 1 case I saw a woman in dress boots and a long jean skirt...really?) Many people wear visors or hats as well and sunglasses. Up to you but I don't like sunglasses because I'm always wiping sweat out of my eyes. I've seen many people with bandannas as well.
12)Enjoy yourself and don't push yourself too hard!-It's a great mountain to stop and look around and get pictures and videos and talk to other hikers along the way.
13)Follow the dots-There are blue dots and signs along the way. If in doubt, wait for other hikers to show you the way. It can be very confusing and even life threatening if you go the wrong way. So be aware of where you are going.
14)Don't go off trail-that's where rattlesnakes and other problems can happen. Don't disturb the natural habitat there on the mountain and treat it with respect. Do not litter!
15)Car/Valuables-Should be a no brainer but lock your car doors and do not leave valuables in plain sight in your car while you hike. I've seen shattered glass along Invergordon from peoples cars being broken into. So put all valuables in trunk or don't bring them at all. Yes, even in broad daylight. Thieves know you are on the mountain and can easily smash and grab and take off in seconds.
I hope this review is helpful and at the end of the day enjoy yourself! It's paradise out here in Scottsdale! Enjoy!
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