Camelback Mountain dangers

[BIG CATS]

Originally Posted by ElleTea

I do carry my walking stick (a must for me when I hike), but I am using that, it's not just something I have to hold on to.

I use a hiking stick on flat ground, when Im out there with noone else around (can be a great weapon). But when Im hiking steep trails, the hiking stick becomes a hindrance. Many places on Camelback require two hands for scrambling up the rocks, and the hiking stick gets in the way, IMO.

[ElleTea]

Originally Posted by BIG CATS

I use a hiking stick on flat ground, when Im out there with noone else around (can be a great weapon). But when Im hiking steep trails, the hiking stick becomes a hindrance. Many places on Camelback require two hands for scrambling up the rocks, and the hiking stick gets in the way, IMO.

I have knee and lower back issues so going up and down inclines I MUST have my stick. I could not likely navigate without injury without it. If I am going on just a flat walk, I don't take it.

[BIG CATS]

Originally Posted by RubyJune

So, what places do you recommend for a novice? I just moved here a week ago (yay!) and when it cools down a bit, I'm eager to start hiking to experience all the beautiful scenery that enticed me to move here.

I had been looking at this place Gateway Trailhead

Is this a good start? Any other recommendations?

The Phoenix Mountains Preserve has a nice, long, looping trail (trail #101 I believe) that is almost all flat, and will take you through the hills back there. Just be warned, there are always a few spots on the trail that seem to be infested with bees. I dont know if theyre Africanized or not, but I just double back and get the heck out.

[R_Cowgirl]

Originally Posted by ElleTea

There are a lot of places around the valley that list trails based on difficulty, length, and elevation.

For instance, this is McDowell Mt Park's map. http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/mcdowe...owell-8x11.pdf

This is a list of the Maricopa County park maps
Parks & Recreation - Maricopa County

This seems to be a good site after a quick glance
Hiking near Phoenix - Best Hikes, Guides, and Trail Maps | EveryTrail

That's a great list of resources. Thanks!
When I'm asked by visitors where to hike, I usually tell them to try the mountain across from Tapatio on 7th street. They can walk up and down as far as they want and get a feel for hiking in this climate. There are enough other hikers and enough flat spots for them to rest or get help if they overestimated their abilities. I tell them if they can hike that, then they can try some more challenging trails. It's good practice and good exercise.

Hey - we could adopt the TSA color codes for hiking signs. Green is "anyone can walk this," Yellow is, "You need to at least be able to run up a flight of stairs without huffing and puffing," Orange is, "If you try this, give yourself time and have a buddy in better shape than you," Red is "This ain't Everest, but it may as well be in 112º weather... so If we have to rescue you, the fee will be $1,000."

[Colt AZ]

Originally Posted by R_Cowgirl

That's a great list of resources. Thanks!
When I'm asked by visitors where to hike, I usually tell them to try the mountain across from Tapatio on 7th street. They can walk up and down as far as they want and get a feel for hiking in this climate. There are enough other hikers and enough flat spots for them to rest or get help if they overestimated their abilities. I tell them if they can hike that, then they can try some more challenging trails. It's good practice and good exercise.

Hey - we could adopt the TSA color codes for hiking signs. Green is "anyone can walk this," Yellow is, "You need to at least be able to run up a flight of stairs without huffing and puffing," Orange is, "If you try this, give yourself time and have a buddy in better shape than you," Red is "This ain't Everest, but it may as well be in 112º weather... so If we have to rescue you, the fee will be $1,000."

[rgscpat]

Something that might actually be useful...
trail ratings:
Phoenix officials rate mountain trails for difficulty

[Colt AZ]

Originally Posted by rgscpat

Something that might actually be useful...
trail ratings:
Phoenix officials rate mountain trails for difficulty

Agree that having some sort of a rating system for novices is better than none at all.

[BIG CATS]

Originally Posted by rgscpat

Something that might actually be useful...
trail ratings:
Phoenix officials rate mountain trails for difficulty

Good link, thanks! Nice to see Camelback rated as "difficult". Now if we could just prevent people from dying up there, we'd be all good.