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Hiking Camelback Mountain in Phoenix April 7th 2010
This is where the fun starts...
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Don’t let anyone fool you, even though it is only1.2 miles up, hiking Camelback Mountain in Phoenix can be quite a feat. It is not just that even in April it can be well over 90 degrees outside (only a crazy person would try to do it in the Summer), it is not just that there are portions so steep that I wanted to buy life insurance before attempting them or even that the trail is so crowded that at least you are comforted in the thought that if you did happen to fall off a cliff and have an unfortunate splat below that at least you would leave this life knowing that hundreds of absolute strangers would have in a way shared that moment with you. No, Camelback Mountain is not a difficult hike simply because of any one of these things alone, but instead as a result of all three of them combined.
As anyone who has climbed the mountain anytime after 2am knows, the first part of an ascent up Camelback begins with about an hour of fruitlessly searching for a parking spot. Naturally, after you find one you realize that you forgot your water bottle so you will have to leave the spot you spent the last hour looking for only to come back from the grocery store with overpriced water bottles and start the search for a place to park all over again.
Map of the Overflow Parking Lot: Click for larger Version
Here are just two small pieces of advice for you. One, there is an overflow parking lot just at the point where McDonald Drive turns into North 44th Street. It is about a 25 minute walk to the trailhead but I personally guarantee that it will be a lot shorter then driving around for 30 minutes looking for a place to park in the neighborhoods, eventually giving up on that and waiting in line to park at the trailhead for 30 minutes then finally losing your sanity and parking at the overflow anyway. Just park at the overflow first thing, you are going to end up doing it regardless whether it is the first or last place you look. Second, the closest grocery store to the north is on Tatum and Shea and their bottles of water are actually reasonably priced.
Starting the Hike:
The trail starts out deceptively simple, nothing more that a short 300-500 yards of progressively steeper dirt steps. While most of us, myself included, broke a sweat early on in the hike, by the time you reach the end of this simple portion of Camelback you are starting to think pretty highly of yourself, 500 yards done on a hike that is only a mile and half anyway makes us all feel kind of good but as you turn right around a corner you notice that your accent has not even begun yet. Seeing what is coming up next, after the first 500 yards of simplicity, is sort of like being invited inside the home by a beautiful girl after your date and thinking that you must be doing pretty well, only to see her 6’5 300lbs father cleaning his guns at the kitchen table, needless to say it is a little depressing.
Trust me, it is steeper than it looks!
The first really steep portion is equipped with a mounted metal rail to assist you for over 50 yards as you attempt to climb up what appears to be a scene out of movie cliffhanger. Truly the worst part of this portion of the climb is asking the people that are coming back down how close you are to reaching the top and seeing their snide smiles and hearing their obnoxious laughs. Truth of the matter is that you are nowhere near the top at this point, just don’t tell yourself that and you should be fine.
The nice thing about finishing this first hard climb, apart from finishing the climb, is that you are rewarded with a nice view of the valley. You are starting to get high enough that you actually feel a good deal above the valley
This is probably the first decent view from Camelback
around you and that is a nice experience. The area just after this first steep climb is more of a transition from one part of the mountain to another. Naturally as you make this transition you will be gaining a lot of elevation. The major difference between this part of the hike and the portion before it is that while the portion before, albeit steep, was on relatively firm ground and had an additional handrail for support and guidance. This second part is just as steep but it is done over scattered rock fall and small boulders and there is no handrail to help you feel good about yourself. It is on this second portion of the hike that you will reach your halfway mark, yeah, .75 of a mile down.
The third portion is similar to the second; you will be crawling, sometimes even using your hands, over large rocks as you make your way up a small ravine. As you reach the top of the ravine you will hook to the left to start you final assent on the mountain. Warning, if you do not hook hard enough to the left you will soon find yourself off of the main trail overlooking the southwest valley thinking, “This sure is pretty… I wonder where everyone else went”. If you find yourself in this situation do not despair, you are not the first (it has happened to as least one other person that I know of).
If you see this you are probably lost... find the trail.
A mistake such as this is easily remedied and it will be no time at all until you find yourself inching your way over the final assent of the mountain and are rewarded with the opportunity to rub shoulders with about 100 other hikers, all as sweaty as you, as well as the opportunity to take some wonderful pictures of the valley below. If you are lucky enough you will meet some interesting individuals on the top as well. I was fortunate enough to meet a gentleman from Scotland and had a pleasant conversation, if you are reading this my Scottish Friend; remember
Very happy to arrive at the summit
you were going to send me an email.
Either way you look at it climbing Camelback Mountain in Phoenix, AZ is tough, but it is also worth it. The view from the top is the best in Phoenix, the climb can be invigorating and the company is certainly interesting. I recommend that everyone take the opportunity at least once. As for me, I am just hoping that my next assigned review for Phoenix.org involves a water slide.
If you would like to request a review of a local Valley of the Sun activity please contact Phoenix.org. Thanks for reading!
Troy Hallewell
Staff Writer
Phoenix.org
Top Ten Websites for Phoenix, Arizona
Top Ten Phoenix Information Websites
Top Ten Websites for Phoenix, Arizona
Information runs the internet & Phoenix.org thought that we would put out a list of local Phoenix websites that are rich on information for local residents. While we recognize that some might not think we could be completely unbiased in this choice (and we agree to a point) we like to think that we have taken off our competitive blinders and honestly looked for good websites.
Below you will find a list of what we think are the Top Ten informational websites that serve the metro area. On this list you will find sites with job listings, restaurant reviews, phoenix coupons and discounts, traffic conditions, local up to date news and more. There is no particular order in this top ten. If you know of other sites that you think should be on this list make sure to contact us and we will consider adding it.
Now, with no further adieu, here are the “Top Ten Information Websites for Phoenix, Arizona”, brought to you by Phoenix.org.
AZCentral.com is the official website of the Arizona Republic newspaper. Because of this on the website you will find information on Phoenix as well as other metro areas in Arizona. When it comes to local news there really is not much better than AZCentral.com. New local stories are added on a daily basis. You can also find some local information such as live traffic conditions as well as local jobs listings (using CareerBuilder.com) and some local Arizona “Things to do”.
If you are looking for local Phoenix entertainment news The Phoenix New Times website is a great resource. Their writers cover most of the concerts, plays, and shows that come to town and do a great job of it. The Phoenix New Times is also a great place to find reviews for local restaurants, nightclubs and bars. With entire sections of their site dedicated just to the arts and movies, you can tell that PNT’s knows what’s happening anytime, day or night.
Ok, so I have to admit that I am a little bit biased here. Phoenix.org is the new kid on the block when it comes to local Phoenix information and resources. We are working daily to build up our job listings, business reviews, golf courses section, coupons and more. While Phoenix.org doesn’t carry the bulk that some other local sites do, we like to think that our slim and trim focus allows up to stay up to date on what is going on and keep in the know to the benefit of our readers.
If you are looking to save some cash this weekend try our coupons section, if you just flat out want to know what to do head on over to our local events page.
ArizonaGuide.com naturally focuses on the entire state of Arizona but there is still plenty to do with the Phoenix area. Both their “Things to Do” and their “Event Calendar” can be beneficial to residents of the Valley of the Sun if you make sure to filter out the results that are outside of the Phoenix metro area.
ArizonaGuide.com is also a great place to send friends and family that are looking for information on taking a trip to Arizona. Website visitors can book a hotel if they desire as well as request a free travel brochure. It is the official website of the Arizona Office of Tourism.
VisitPhoenix.com is another travel focused website and a great resource for anyone that is looking to take a trip to the Valley of the Sun. Even if you already live here, VisitPhoenix.com can still provide you with some great information. Their website has a great list of stuff to do in Phoenix, hotels with reviews and an extensive list of restaurants organized by fare.
Ok, so Phoenix.gov doesn’t have much in the way of restaurants, night life, shopping or discounts, but what they do have they do better than any outer site out there. On Phoenix.gov you will find anything and everything government in Phoenix. Just some of the information that they have posted is how to get a business license, trash pick up schedules, information on public transportation, social services and even information on grants. Anytime you have any questions about how Phoenix is run, or when to put your trash cans out on the curb, visit Phoenix.gov, you won’t be disappointed.
About.com is a major informational website that covers hundreds of subjects, Phoenix only being one of them. In spite of this the Phoenix dedicated page at Phoenix.About.com does a great job of keeping its readers up to date on what is going on and when it is happening.
Judy Hedding is the full time contributor and in addition to moderating a forum, writing local articles and keeping readers up to date Judy still manages to find time for consistent updates to her blog, found at http://phoenix.about.com/b/
It has been a while since Seth Chadwick has update his Phoenix restaurant review blog at FeastingInPhoenix.com but that doesn’t lessen the quality of the reviews that he has put up in the past.
In addition to wonderful and creative posts about various restaurants in the valley, Seth also posts lots of great pictures for each of his posts. Some restaurants that he has reviewed on his site are Modern Steak, Aiellos, China Chan, Floyd’s Kitchen, and Bison Witches Bar and Deli. If you are looking for a great and in depth review of eating in Phoenix than make sure to visit FeastingInPhoenix.com.
Phoenix Metromix is a great resource for the more exciting nightlife businesses, bars, nightclubs and more. The site targets a younger demographic then other local Phoenix sites and don’t be surprised to find articles ranging from the best places to find an afterhours party, to the best places to put a butterfly tattoo.
Their hip approach to categorizing the Phoenix nightlife has helped Phoenix Metromix become one of the best sites to find out just where to get the best bang for you buck, or even the best bang all alone, while out on the town.
AZ.gov is very similar to Phoenix.gov. Don’t expect restaurant reviews or exciting nightlife pictures. However, if you are looking for information on Arizona services, licensing, education issues or how to start a business in Arizona, then AZ.gov is a great resource.
Free Things to Do in Phoenix
Japanese Friendship Garden
Free Things to Do in Phoenix
Tight on cash? No problem! Visit Phoenix Hot Spots for FREE! Whether you’re visiting Phoenix for the first time, or have been here for years, you’ll love seeing these sites.
Visiting Phoenix, but wanting to get the most bang for your buck? Well, you’re in luck! Some of the best things in life are free. Phoenix is no different. There are many local treasures that don’t cost a thing. Here are a few of the city’s highlights:
Hiking – It’s easy and FREE. In fact, all of the hikes in Phoenix are free. All you need is a map. There are so many you’re sure to never be bored no matter the length of your stay. A few names to choose from include Camelback Mountain, Piestawa Peak, South Mountain and Papago Park.
Named after the old flour mill, Mill Avenue has the old-town feel, complete with street shops, restaurants and even street performers. Make sure to take the time to walk through the area. While you’re there, visit ASU; it’s just a quick stroll to visit the campus as well.
Scenic flowing streams, a 12-foot waterfall, koi pond and over 50 various plants, make the Japanese Friendship Garden a must see. The free entrance helps the overall ambiance of the garden. It is indeed an oasis in the middle of a hectic city.
The First Friday in downtown Phoenix is host to over 70 local choices of art in the First Friday Art Walk. This free event happens ever fist Friday of the month. Take the opportunity to visit galleries, historic homes, shops, street performers and exhibits. Art work changes every month so you can come back again and again.
Tempe Beach Park
Visiting Phoenix during
the heat? Jump on over to Tempe Beach Park for a jaunt in the splash playground. This park is equipped with everything from a sandy beach to shaded picnic areas. Enjoy the sunshine with friends, families or a Birthday party.
Reasons to Move to Phoenix
Moving to Phoenix?
Reasons to Move to Phoenix
As the Gateway to the Grand Canyon, it is easy to see Phoenix as the outdoor adventure it is. There are numerous areas for hiking, mountain biking, and driving ATVs throughout the area. The landscape surrounding the Phoenix area cannot be duplicated. The stars are brighter, the sky is bigger and the sunsets will take your breath away.
As America’s fifth-largest city, Phoenix is a host to culture and the finery of life. From art museums, a world-class symphony to fine dining and outstanding resorts, Phoenix can cater to any life-style.
Phoenix is also host to stadiums and arenas worthy of top-notch sporting events such as the Arizona Diamondbacks. There is also a rich college rivalry between Arizona State University and the University of Arizona. Phoenix is home to the Fiesta Bowl the FBR Open and two NASCAR races.
Nick-named the Valley of the Sun, the greater Phoenix area is famous for over 300 days of sun. The average temperature of 74 degrees makes Phoenix the perfect place for golfing enthusiasts with courses open year-round.
Phoenix is host to restaurants which accommodate to every way of life. Find any cuisine you can imagine in the Phoenix area from Thai to French. Dine outside with inspiring patio views in the city or enjoy a night out dancing at a club in the suburbs. You can order the country’s best gourmet pizza or order a $10,000 margarita. Find upscale restaurants with the finest cuisine or dine in a familiar chain restaurant. Try a table with an inspiring patio view or eat sitting on the floor in an Asian restaurant.
Enjoy a taste of culture with a visit to the theater, or a concert at Symphony Hall. Visit the world-class Heard Art Museum or the downtown convention center and get there by taking the light-rail.
Anyway you look at it Phoenix is a great place to live with limitless potential to offer.
Downtown Phoenix Public Market
This article is provided by one of Phoenix.org’s guest writers. We are still in the process of finding a local writer to compose our weekly Lifestyle column. If you know of an individual that would like the exposure that will come from a weekly column on the Valley of the Sun’s most trusted resource site then have them contact Phoenix.org.
The Downtown Phoenix Public Market
Located at 721 N. Central, on the Southeast corner of Central Ave. & E. McKinley Street,2 blocks south of Roosevelt
http://www.phoenixpublicmarket.com/
Downtown Phoenix Public Market
The Downtown Phoenix Public Market is a non-profit organization connecting local artisans and farmers with customers, right in the heart of downtown Phoenix. Part grocery store, part farmer’s market, and open year-round rain or shine, the Public Market provides a place for customers to buy locally-grown produce and hand-crafted arts. According to Nathan Logan, the manager of the Market, “The idea is to have a variety and support local vendors.”
Everything sold at the market is grown or made by the person selling it, and there are a variety of items to choose from. You want artisanal ice cream or Arizona honey? It’s at the Market. How about handcrafted jewelry by Navajo artist Marjorie Jensen? At the Market. What about more eclectic stuff, like Raimondo’s low-carb pasta or authentic Dutch poffertjes? You can get them at the Market. About 90 to 95 percent of the produce sold at the Market is grown in Arizona, but you can rest assured that even what’s imported are high-quality, all-natural goods.
In addition to the market itself, there are also classes offered in subjects like permaculture, which emphasizes organic, self-sustaining production. One of the Market’s main education projects is the Slow Food Movement, a back to the basics approach that emphasizes minimal processing and eating in-season organic produce. No pesticides are used on these crops, and animals are not fed anything but natural ingredients – no fillers, no byproducts. The result is a difference you can taste; Nathan Logan says that he loves the produce at the Market because “it reminds me of when I was a kid.”
The Market also boasts a grocery and a wine bar, open Tuesdays through Fridays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Market Café offers ready-to-go soups, salads, and sandwiches made with local ingredients, and there’s also a small coffee shop, Royal at the Market, where you can grab a cup of locally roasted coffee or a lemonade made with local organic lemons. Market Chefs whip up delicious samples from produce sold at various vendors, letting you taste how great the food is before you buy it. Free parking on site means it’s always easy to buy fresh, natural goods.
