Hiking Up Camelback Mountain

The classic hike for the Phoenix area.  Very rugged and tough and there is a steady stream of hikers, particularly in the morning.  The parking lot holds 60 cars with more parked on the road entrance and other cars waiting in a line to take a spot that becomes empty.  Pictured here is the first section.

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Well worn railroad ties mark the early portion of the trail

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The steepest section having an iron rail to assist the climb.

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This might give a better perspective of the challenge. 

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A boulder field with railing for help designates another prominent part of the trail.

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Another boulder field with no discerable trail.  Just pick your way through it as best you can.

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The top at a little over a mile and 1200' of climbing. It took me 30 minutes to climb, slowed a little by taking images.  Strong trail runners do it in 17 minutes. Following me up the trail a couple of days later was Dentist Brad, who was in Phoenix for a seminar and planned to hit the mountain.

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This guy hikes the trail every day except Sunday and he repeats the climb 3 times each day.  Appears to be over 70 and he estimates he has climbed the mountain over 30,000 times.

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