Camelback Mountain, Phoenix, AZ

Camelback Mountain (shown as the isolated peak just to the lower right of center in this picture) is a distinct peak of the Phoenix Mountains that offers fairly strenuous hiking, uniquely beautiful sandstone formations, and great views of the sprawl of America's fifth largest city.

The pictures below were taken on my second summit hike via the Echo Canyon Trail. I made the first trip late on a November day, but I was chased back down the trail by a fast approaching lightning storm. I tried again the following morning and was rewarded with some great views, a more leisurely hike, and a lot less people.

Camelback Mountain's profile looking southwest from the intersection of Scottsdale Road and Indian Bend Road in Scottsdale.

This view looks west down to the Echo Canyon trailhead from the saddle below the camel's head. That small lot in the center right of the picture is all of the parking available on this side of the mountain. Hikers start lining up in their cars (before dawn if necessary) and wait for others to come off the trail in order to get one of the precious spaces. Be aware, the surrounding neighborhoods are NOT the place to park!

Unique sandstone formations and incredible views are found along the trail in many places.

This shot looks up at the first really steep section of the trail. Some people like to walk up this on their own, but many opt for the railing (or the fence) on the left to pull themselves up. The fence is there to keep people from cutting across private property to get to the trail.

A view back down the trail from the top of the railing. Believe me, it's a lot steeper than it looks.

This is the view back down the trail from the top of the second steep section. The top of the first railing is visible at the base of the rock face in the center background.

Onward and upward: After scaling the two steep sections, you then get to rock-hop up this small gully!

I never knew what the inside of a cactus looked like. Now I know.

Warmed up on the small gully? Good, now it's time for some serious rock-hopping!

At the top! This view looks west towards downtown Phoenix, which is visible on the far left side of the picture.

Looking southeast at a clearing storm from just below the summit. This is the remnants of the storm that chased me off the mountain the day before this hike.

Looking northwest at Camelback Mountain's summit shadow at sunrise.

This is a sunrise view from just below Camelback's summit at Piestewa Peak (on the left) and other peaks in the Phoenix Mountains Preserve.

Another view of Piestewa Peak, renamed in 2003 to honor Army Pfc. Lori Ann Piestewa.

All pictures in this post were taken with a 2.0 megapixel Canon Powershot A60 on November 11^th, 2004.