Weather: 100ยบ, sunny
Time: 34 minutes
About this Hike: Now that Labor Day is past and summer is unoffically over (although Phoenix temperatures haven't gotten the memo yet), I wasn't sure what to expect at Camelback today.
Parking wasn't a problem. Trails were a bit busy with what I believe were predominately tourists doing touristy things—complaining about how hard the hike is, cutting switchbacks and creating erosion, stopping at the railing to chat, and of course taking plenty of selfies.
I took numerous water breaks. While I was never overly hot (read my last post from July), my face often felt flushed. I still managed an actual time of 36 minutes. I rounded down by two minutes to account for water breaks, tourist delays, etc.
Four bottles of water proved to be just enough. I like to always have at least one extra bottle on board in case I find someone in need. One time a member of my hiking party (not myself) had failed to bring enough water, and a so-called water angel bailed us out. I want to be prepared to pay it forward should the opportunity arise.
Speaking of water angels, I saw one in person today. He had 'Need Water' written across his chest and I saw him help out a group of girls.
Otherwise, this was a great 'shoulder season' hike. It's still too hot for a lot of people, meaning you can get a decent parking space at Echo Canyon. Soon the droves of tourists, ASU students, and fair-weather friends will descend on Camelback, making anything beyond a mid-week hike nearly impossible.
Time: 34 minutes
About this Hike: Now that Labor Day is past and summer is unoffically over (although Phoenix temperatures haven't gotten the memo yet), I wasn't sure what to expect at Camelback today.
Parking wasn't a problem. Trails were a bit busy with what I believe were predominately tourists doing touristy things—complaining about how hard the hike is, cutting switchbacks and creating erosion, stopping at the railing to chat, and of course taking plenty of selfies.
I took numerous water breaks. While I was never overly hot (read my last post from July), my face often felt flushed. I still managed an actual time of 36 minutes. I rounded down by two minutes to account for water breaks, tourist delays, etc.
Four bottles of water proved to be just enough. I like to always have at least one extra bottle on board in case I find someone in need. One time a member of my hiking party (not myself) had failed to bring enough water, and a so-called water angel bailed us out. I want to be prepared to pay it forward should the opportunity arise.
Speaking of water angels, I saw one in person today. He had 'Need Water' written across his chest and I saw him help out a group of girls.
Otherwise, this was a great 'shoulder season' hike. It's still too hot for a lot of people, meaning you can get a decent parking space at Echo Canyon. Soon the droves of tourists, ASU students, and fair-weather friends will descend on Camelback, making anything beyond a mid-week hike nearly impossible.
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