Camelback Phoenix: October 2012

CAMELBACK ADVENTURE

Camelback Mountain is the best mountain on the planet. It's a world-class wonder right in the middle of the USA's 5th largest city -- our city. Hiking it is tough exercise that's never boring. Several spectacular rock-climbing routes (and several more sketchy-but-fun adventure lines) can be found on the western flanks. I've stood on the summit more than a thousand times, marched up the trails at 110-plus degrees and scraped skin on the crags. The rugged city park is one of my favorite places on Earth. For me and tens of thousands of fellow hikers, Camelback is an escape, a place of beauty, physical challenge and adventure.

Echo Canyon has a deliciously steep incline, ascending 1,400 feet over 1.14 miles of trail. Cholla Trail (currently closed) is a bit longer and requires fun scrambling near the top. Both are like mini-mountaineering missions.

To put it simply: Camelback rocks.

So welcome to my Web site, Camelback Phoenix. Here, I'll share with you my enjoyment of the place and the many experiences I've had and continue to have at Camelback. You'll find Camelback news, history, facts, Web links, stories about my own adventures and mentions of other folks' adventures published on the Internet. (All pictures on this site are my own, except where otherwise noted.)

A FEW WORDS ABOUT SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT

Several people a year find themselves in serious trouble on Camelback Mountain. Dangers include steep drop-offs, slippery sections, crumbly rock, killer heat and killer bees. Most of the accidents at Camelback can be prevented. Know your limits, and prepare accordingly for your adventure.

Whether you're hiking, bouldering, climbing, BASE jumping, or picnicking in one of the ramadas, please keep your impact to a minimum for the future enjoyment of others. Camelback Mountain is literally being "loved to death." Its trails erode noticeably over time as millions of footsteps wear it down and disturb its rocks. Actual wildlife make homes here, from falcons to bobcats. Off-trail areas, if you visit them at all (and you probably shouldn't), should be treated with care and respect.

Camelback Phoenix

Sunday, October 21, 2012

Copenhaver Castle: Going Medieval on Camelback Mountain

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The castle protected Hohokam royalty from attack by conquistadors until the infamous Siege of 1312...