Phoenix is know for its beautiful year round weather and with that comes many outdoor activities to take part it. One of which is the fabulous hiking that can be found in the North Scottsdale Homes for Sale areas. Probably the most popular mountain hike in our great city is Camelback Mountain.
Located in the heart of the Phoenix/Scottsdale area, this majestic mountain which gets its name from the shape it has, a camel with humps, is a landmark in town. It has become a part of the skyline and landscape. The peak of Camelback Mountain is 2,704 ft above sea level and has 4 different hiking trails. A little known fact about this mountain is that it was used as a prehistoric site by the Hohokam Indians prior to the 14th century. There is a cave off of the Echo Canyon Trail that can still be accessed that shows signs of this culture using the mountain as a “sacred mountain”.
The four trails that one can hike to see the beautiful views of the North Scottsdale Homes For Sale neighborhoods are Echo Canyon at 1.2 miles, Cholla Trail at 1.5 miles, Bobby’s Rock at .25 miles and Ramada Loop at .125 miles. The most difficult of the hikes is Echo Canyon also know as the Summit Trail. Although 1.2 miles does not sound far the elevation gain is 1,264. I have hiked this trail ( and I am not a hiker) it was hard!!! I did not expect the hike to be as strenuous or dare I say a little scary. There is a section that you need to hold on to a railing to go up as it is extremely steep. Needless to say I went slowly, which did not make for the more experienced hikers behind me very happy but it was well worth it once I got to the top. Awesome views and a sense of accomplishment and exhaustion. It was then I realized I had to get down too. Lets just say I was quite sore the next day and had to call in sick to work because I could not walk. I might suggest one of the more easy trails when starting out such as Bobby’s Rock or the Ramada Loop.
Parking is not an easy task when going for a hike on Camelback because of it’s popularity. There is a small parking lot located off of McDonald Dr for the Echo Canyon Trail. Street parking is prohibited in the surrounding neighborhoods as the folks living there don’t like all the traffic and noise and I can say I don’t blame them. If you are going to live in the North Scottsdale Homes for Sale area you want some peace and quiet! There is much more parking by the trail head for the Cholla Trail off of 64th street by the Phoenician Golf Course but you will have to walk a bit to get to the trail. Remember a few things about hiking, always stay hydrated. Bring plenty of water or gatorade and even a snack in your backpack. Try to go with a buddy and don’t go when it’s dark or close to being dark out. Many hikers have been injured or worse hiking Camelback so go at your own pace and level of experience.
Leslie Allison/Guest Blogger
The Sibbach Team of North Scottsdale
Realty One Group
jeff@sibbach.com
480-500-1738
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