Camelback Mountain

Rising above Phoenix, Arizona is Camelback Mountain at 2,706 feet. This mountain was named for its resemblance to a camel's back with a hump and a head of a kneeling camel. As a landmark there are plenty of attractions for locals and visitors to Phoenix to enjoy. Camelback Mountain Echo Canyon Recreation Area is one place for hiking and rock climbing.

Scientists discovered a cave on the north side of the mountain, which indicates that a 14th century culture, Hohokam, used it as a sacred site. In 1879, Hayes decided 1 million acres should be devoted to the Salt River Pima and Maricopa American Indian Tribes, which also included Camelback Mountain. It was decided Camelback Mountain needed to be preserved forming a park in the 1910s. In the 1960s the area was mostly sold to private residents and a road was eventually made, which runs from Scottsdale to Camelback Mountain.

For recreation there are two hiking trails to the summit that have an elevation gain of 1280 feet. Echo Canyon Trail is 1.2 miles, while Cholla Trail is 1.4 miles. The trails are steep with dirt, gravel and boulders making the terrain difficult. A round trip hike takes 1.5 to 3 hours depending on the hiker.