Camelback Mountain dangers (Phoenix, Parks, Maricopa: 2015, tax, gardens)

[exit2lef]

Originally Posted by rgscpat

It might be worthwhile to divert marginal hikers to more achievable hills and scenic places... Hayden Butte next to ASU, Papago Park, Piestewa, etc.

Not to mention, the countless miles of trails that have been built at newer parks such as the Sonoran Preserve and the Deem Hills Recreation Area. It amazes me how many people will drive 25 miles to hike Camelback when perfectly good (and safer) trails are much closer to home.

[RJ312]

Camelback is a tough hike, especially near the top. You could really get into trouble up there with a bad step. I'm glad that I have made it to the top there, but the first time I tried to climb it, I didn't make it. I've never been overweight, and my first attempt to get up it was at age 22. After that first failed attempt, I was motivated to get up it. I didn't pack enough water for that first trek.

Piestewa Peak is a little bit of a less strenuous hike. Before I tried Camelback, I had gone up Piestewa a number of times and I thought Camelback was going to be pretty similar to it.

[BIG CATS]

Originally Posted by rgscpat

It might be worthwhile to divert marginal hikers to more achievable hills and scenic places... Hayden Butte next to ASU, Papago Park, Piestewa, etc.

Piestewa would smoke em, too. Thats not an easy trail by any means. Its a bit easier than Camelback, but Id never recommend it to a novice or tourist. The problem with Piestewa is the first half seems to be "steps" cut into the rocks, many of which are ridiculously tall. Talk about a thigh killer!

[stevek64]

Originally Posted by Ponderosa

More wussification! Eventually they'll pave it and put in lighting and water fountains.

Originally Posted by cjseliga

Or a chairlift/gondola lift and charge money!

Originally Posted by Colt Cassidy

What's next, jeep tours?

I agree. Where does it end? Nice tents with water in all the national parks and monuments at all the trail heads, bear spray handouts because people forgot to bring theirs when in bear country? Are you sure you want to hike this/that/the other thing? C'mon....

Put a few signs up at the entrance to the trail is enough in my book. And if people want to tell other people to do this/that, it's a "must hike", I fall on the side of that elusive thing these days called personal responsibility. With the internet/all the info out there on hikes and such, if people don't want to do their due diligence and get stuck/need a rescue, I say send them the rescue bill. Word will get out pretty fast when individuals directly responsible for their life decisions start paying their own bill....I guarantee it.

[Colt AZ]

Originally Posted by stevek64

I agree. Where does it end? Nice tents with water in all the national parks and monuments at all the trail heads, bear spray handouts because people forgot to bring theirs when in bear country? Are you sure you want to hike this/that/the other thing? C'mon....

Put a few signs up at the entrance to the trail is enough in my book. And if people want to tell other people to do this/that, it's a "must hike", I fall on the side of that elusive thing these days called personal responsibility. With the internet/all the info out there on hikes and such, if people don't want to do their due diligence and get stuck/need a rescue, I say send them the rescue bill. Word will get out pretty fast when individuals directly responsible for their life decisions start paying their own bill....I guarantee it.

From all indications, this needs to happen. We've mentioned before that Arizona should come up with a Stupid Hiker Law. It would save lives.

[abotticello]

I read somewhere that on average the same amount of people die on Camelback every year as Everest. The recent earthquake could change that I suppose. Obviously one mountain has many more hikers each year but still surprising to hear if true.

[ElleTea]

Originally Posted by stevek64

I agree. Where does it end? Nice tents with water in all the national parks and monuments at all the trail heads, bear spray handouts because people forgot to bring theirs when in bear country? Are you sure you want to hike this/that/the other thing? C'mon....

Put a few signs up at the entrance to the trail is enough in my book. And if people want to tell other people to do this/that, it's a "must hike", I fall on the side of that elusive thing these days called personal responsibility. With the internet/all the info out there on hikes and such, if people don't want to do their due diligence and get stuck/need a rescue, I say send them the rescue bill. Word will get out pretty fast when individuals directly responsible for their life decisions start paying their own bill....I guarantee it.

Not to mention that a portion of the money saved by not rescuing people is now being spent to staff and stock this "info" tent. I doubt the truly stupid will be thwarted by this, they will still think they can do it even if they can't, and they will still be airlifted out.

[BIG CATS]

Originally Posted by abotticello

I read somewhere that on average the same amount of people die on Camelback every year as Everest. The recent earthquake could change that I suppose. Obviously one mountain has many more hikers each year but still surprising to hear if true.

Obviously the dangers of hiking Everest are far higher, but unlike people who hike Camelback, those that hike Everest are prepared.

Ill never understand why I see people literally running up Camelback in 110 degree heat, carrying nothing but a small water bottle. Boneheads.

[ElleTea]

Originally Posted by BIG CATS

Obviously the dangers of hiking Everest are far higher, but unlike people who hike Camelback, those that hike Everest are prepared.

Ill never understand why I see people literally running up Camelback in 110 degree heat, carrying nothing but a small water bottle. Boneheads.

And who wants to carry that? I love my hydropack! I fill it up with ice and water so it stays cold for the whole hike and my hands stay free.

[ajonesaz]

I heard a few weeks back they were contemplating charging people for their rescues. A nice sign stating it would cost $500 to get airlifted off the mountain might turn some around.

Even a nice sign stating how many people were rescued last year. People need to understand the mountain and the desert are no joke.