Camelback Mountain is just begging to be climbed in this exquisite weather here in the Valley of the Sun. The weather is in the 80’s and it’s time to get out and enjoy it!

This is a great summit climb that offers a solid workout. The highest point of “Camelback”, as she is so endearingly referred to, is at 2,704 feet above sea level and a hiker will gain approximately 1,200 feet in elevation on the climb up.

Camelback Mountain is an Arizona landmark with the preservation of the summit spearheaded by Barry Goldwater and finalized in 1968 in a land exchange ceremony attended by President Lyndon Johnson and Secretary of the Interior, Stewart Udall. If you are newbie or visitor to the state of Arizona, you should climb her just so you can say you have.

There are two trails for climbing: Echo Canyon trailhead is located on the west side of the mountain off of McDonald Drive and the Cholla trailhead is on the east side off of Invergordon Road. If you aren’t at the peak of fitness, you’ll want to choose Cholla and be ready to turn back if it gets too rocky or steep. A serious hiker will want to experience both trails since they are completely different. The one commonality of both is the summit views of the Valley and boy are they stunning.

Take water and a snack and give yourself plenty of time to conquer this sleeping giant because it can take anywhere from one hour to three hours for completion, depending on your level of fitness. Getting down can be just as rough as going up, so wear hiking boots or shoes with serious traction.

Aversion to heights? This may not be the hike for you.

Not feeling up to a hike? You can still enjoy the incredible majesty of this gem of a mountain from the patios off of El Chorro Lodge, Marriott’s Camelback Inn, Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia and other surrounding locations while sipping a discreet libation with friends.

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Don Matheson
Realtor | Founder
The Matheson Team – RE/MAX Fine Properties
21000 N. Pima Rd., #100, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
480-351-5359
don@scottsdalerealestate.com