(Not) a Twisted Ankle at Camelback

Weather: 78º, sunny

Time: 30 minutes

About this Hike:  Echo Canyon parking was full this morning.  I got into the lot, circled, and decided to leave.  As I headed out the park rangers had just closed the gate.  I was headed to Piestewa.  But first, I thought to check my secret spot.  Last time, they had put gates up at this secret parking garage.  Today the gates weren't just open...they were gone!  Nervously, I parked at my secret spot and made the 10-minute trek back to the trailhead.  Plenty of parking spots were now open.  Seems it always goes this way....

I seriously question the time I posted this morning.  My S-Health app that I use for tracking workouts was acting up.  One of the settings flipped itself and the phone was talking to me all through my hike.  "Workout paused," followed by, "Workout resumed" accompanied me all the way up the mountain.  I know I had turned this setting off once before... It's embarassing when you're on the trail and your phone starts to speak.  I wanted to pitch my ancient Galaxy S5 off the mountain a few times (insurance claim and a new phone!?).

So anyway, when I reached the summit my phone actually said 29 minutes and change.  I don't believe it.  Usually I round down for a handicap (slow hikers, bottlenecks, etc.).  This time I rounded up.  If nothing else, I'm an honorary 30 & Under Club member....

Tomorrow I'm supposed to leave for my annual fall trip to Sedona.  The year 2017 has been fraught with challenges, sickness, injury, and disappointment—Both in my life and on a national scale (just watch the news:  shootings, mass fires, hurricanes).  So my vacation is already in jeopardy due to some difficult people who were supposed to accompany me.  And I thought to myself this morning, "If ever there's a day where I could get injured doing a big hike like C-Back, today's it..." 

I grazed the knobby bone on my right ankle against a rock.  Literally a light graze.  But it tore the thin skin in that area and cause some minor swelling.  Guys are huge wimps when it comes to injury/illness, and I'm far from an exception to this.  I'm walking on it fine, and the pain is intermittent now.  Hopefully this is just a scrape and I'll be posting on here about numerous Sedona hikes that I have planned for next week....

Supra Piestewa Hike

Weather:  71º, sunny

Time:  25 minutes

About this Hike:  With the WM PHX Open in town the trails were as expected:  crowded.  I didn't even bother visiting the main parking lots first; I just parked off site.

Despite the crowds I powered through and made good time to the summit. Despite low air temperatures, the sun was intense during this late-morning hike.

Upon returning to the trailhead there was a final-generation Toyota Supra and an early-2000's Acura Integra in the queue for a parking spot. While I took pictures of their ricey cars, the driver of the Supra looked expectantly at me...I realized he was hoping to nab my parking spot.  Since I was parked off-site no luck for him...

Otherwise an enjoyable, routine hike—a great opportunity to burn some calories before tonight. Word is there's a big game on TV....

Merry Camelback Christmas!

Weather:  58º, sunny

Time:  34 minutes

About this Hike:  Been a while since I've been to Camelback.  I've made hanging an ornament on the Christmas tree an annual tradition, and I wasn't about to miss out in 2016.

I arrived at the trailhead to traffic backed up onto McDonald Dr. and the 'Lot Full' barricade up.  Being one who takes the path of least resistance, I turned around and went to my 'secret spot.' I'll reveal that it's a local resort whose parking garage gates used to always be open. Recently this has not been the case, and today was no exception. I pulled up to the gate and wanted to see if parking rates were published. A car pulled up behind me and now I had no choice but to pull a ticket and drive in.

I got Jake the Juke parked and made the 10 minute walk back to the trailhead.  Upon my arrival plenty of parking spaces were open.  This has happened to me so many times.  I guess I need to be patient and circle the lot.

The mountain was still fairly crowded.  I reached the top in an abysmal 34 minutes, but I guess that's to be expected when you're months out of practice.

For my 2016 contribution to the Christmas Tree, I used an old IKEA Christmas candle lid that was laying around the house (I used it as a coaster).  Since it's going to be discarded anyway once the tree comes down, I figure why not repurpose household trash? I'm so green and resourceful...

I thought seriously about getting a picture with Camelback Santa, but decided I didn't feel like waiting in line.  Instead I got some cool shots of the tree and sunbeams shining through.  Oh, and this year the City of Phoenix generously posted a permit for the tree to be atop the mountain (even though this has been a tradition nearly as long as I've been alive).  Anyone who follows local news knows there was some controversy this year regarding the Camelback Christmas Tree...

It ended up taking me an appalling 42 minutes to get off the mountain.  I fear I'll never post the times I did back in early 2016 when a hike up Camelback was part of my daily 'funemployment' routine.  Arriving back at the resort parking garage, I discovered it was going to be a $10 fee for parking. For all the times I parked there free, I should've bit the bullet. Instead, I visited the front desk and inquired about spa services. They generously validated my parking ticket.

Camelback Santa

Repurposed IKEA candle lid

City of PHX permit

Looking for the Piestewa Alternate

Weather:  75°, sunny

Time:  23.5 minutes

About this hike:  This was a fairly routine Piestewa hike.  I've all but given up on Camelback.  I went Wednesday just before noon and parking was impossible.  Maybe once tourist season is over and the crowds thin out I'll try it again.  Or maybe I'll get the urge to try again next week :-)

I enjoyed fairly uncrowded Piestewa trails this morning, but then right as I reached the summit a bottleneck began.  Not feeling at all patient this morning, I turned around and headed right back down without any rest period on the summit.

On the way down I tried exploring to find the alternate summit trail and I ended up going off on a side trail.  It eventually dead ended.  I know where the alternate trail starts at the base of the mountain, so I might try hiking up that way next time...

Getting closer to the trailhead, I saw an older gentleman with a fresh injury.  He was being attended to by numerous other hikers, but there was blood everywhere.  My stomach immediately turned and I had to look away for fear of dry heaves.  I am very squeamish and wouldn't make a good paramedic!  That was a sobering reminder to be extra cautious and respect the mountain.  Thoughts and prayers are with that gentleman.

Piestewa and Traffic Cameras

Weather:  70°, sunny

Time:  22.5 minutes

About this hike:  I arose  early from a (rare) refreshing night of sleep.  Anxious to get going, I arrived at the Camelback Echo Canyon parking lot just before 8:30am.  It was full.  There is no rhyme or reason to the traffic patterns here.  It wasn't so full that rangers had put up the sign yet, so I did a lap around but had no luck.  I probably could've kept circling and nabbed a spot.  Gas prices may be the lowest in years, but I'm still not willing to waste fuel driving in circles.  To Piestewa I went!

Never mind fuel waste, this hike may have cost me dearly.  I have a perfect driving record.  Today I got caught up in a bad situation with being cutoff and simultaneously passed.  This all came to a head as I approached the intersection of 36th Street and Lincoln Drive in ticket-happy Paradise Valley.  The guy who was tromping it to pass me in the left lane was now just slightly ahead of my bumper and that's when the camera at the intersection flashed.  He earned the speeding ticket, but what if it picked me up mistakenly?  So now I'm stressed about this and will be anxiously watching the mailbox.  Oh, and doing some research on how to fight camera-issued tickets...just in case.

So maybe it was a stress-fueled adrenaline rush that spurred me to just about tying my record up Piestewa this morning.  Admittedly the ascent went by in a blur.  My mind was elsewhere (mainly replaying the speed camera incident).

I should mention that parking was pretty full at Piestewa as well, but the trail was not over-crowded.  I'm glad this hike is over and I can count my blessings...even a camera-issued ticket isn't as bad as say an injury and mountain rescue.  Speaking of, the City Parks & Rec Department put up very helpful new signs at the Piestewa trailhead.  Signs include graphics, safety tips, and maps of the Phoenix Mountain Preserve.  Let's hope tourists heed the warnings on there.

P.S. - time to stop deferring investing in a dash cam!

Relaxing Morning at Echo Canyon

Weather:  69°, sunny

Time:  29 minutes

About this hike:  I got an early start this morning, and as a result the Echo Canyon lot was fairly open for parking upon arrival.  This also meant less crowds on the trail.  Overall it was a nice hike, and the 29-minute time was a little disappointing.  I'm used to 28 minutes at this point, but I did stop for a few quick Powerade breaks.

At the summit I found a nice quiet area near the northwestern edge of the mountain.  I enjoyed sitting and reflecting for a few minutes before beginning the journey down to the trailhead.

By my departure at just before 10:00am, the parking area was a zoo.  Once again I found myself boxed in the parking space while drivers of unparked cars hovered close by, quick to activate their turn signal to "claim" a spot that they thought was opening up.  A park ranger manning the guard shack put up the "Lot Full" sign and quickly dropped the entrance gate.  It pays to arrive early this time of year.

Good to be Back at Camelback

Weather:  59°, sunny

Time:  28 minutes

About this hike:  The title says it all...After over a week's hiatus, I returned to trampling the camel's back.  I got an early start this morning, but the parking area was still pretty full at 8:40am when I arrived.  That said, a parking spot wasn't impossible to come by.

While the mountain was crowded today, I never encountered any bottlenecks.  Even at the railings I was able to forge ahead with ease.  On the descent there were even periods of fairly open, peaceful trails.

The views today were obscured by some of the worst haze I've ever seen.  Superstition Mountain to the east and White Tanks to the west were pretty much invisible.  It wasn't brown and dirty like smog, and it wrapped around the entire Valley.  I'm guessing this is tied to the cold front moving through?

Speaking of cold front, today's cooler weather is a welcome change from the record-breaking highs of February.  Not that I mind 80's and sun, but I also like to savor the Valley's short winter.  Here's hoping a little rain squeaks out of this weather system before the day's over.

At the time of my departure the parking lot was a very different scene.  The "Lot Full" sign was up, yet cars continued to stream in.  It was actually difficult to back out of my parking space.  I was like, "Seriously people, if one of you will just let me out you can have a prime parking space!"

Piestewa to the Rescue (again!)

Weather:  71°, sunny

Time:  Not taken

About this hike:  If I had a mulligan on today, I probably would not have gone hiking this morning.  My intent was to hike Camelback.  Northbound traffic on 44th Street was horrendous.  Typically the Echo Canyon lot fills up by 10:00am on a weekday, and I got there right around 9:00am.

Myself and many other disappointed drivers went around the circle at Echo Canyon and McDonald.  Some chose to head down McDonald (likely intending to pull a u-turn and try again) while others (like myself) headed back to Tatum.

But today was no ordinary day where the lot is just full.  No, a new sign blocked the entrance.  It read "Rescue in progress, parking area closed."

I headed to my secret location because during these mountain rescues foot traffic is still permitted in.  I was blocked again today by big gates (darn it—they're finally on to me!).  For the second time this week I headed west on Lincoln to Piestewa Peak.  So there you have it—an entire week with no Camelback hike.

I wouldn't describe Piestewa as crowded so much as there were frustrating bottlenecks at times.  Despite not officially recording my time to the summit, it was in the average 23-24 minute range.  I passed an older, overweight guy on the way up carrying 25 pound dumbbells on each shoulder.  While admirable that he wants to push himself, what if one of these things fell off, and fell on another hiker's foot?

So that was my excitement for today.  Not sure it was worth driving all over Paradise Valley, but just the same I'm grateful for the chance to get out and hike.

Camelback Became Piestewa Today

Weather:  76°, sunny, a little breeze

Time:  Not taken

About this hike:  Today was supposed to be a Camelback hike.  Unfortunately I got a late start this morning and by my 10:00am arrival the Echo Canyon parking lot was overloaded.  Cars were in the queue waiting for a spot to open up—seriously, on a Tuesday morning!?

I sneaked down to my secret location where closed gates greeted me.  Not one for circling the area, I did the unthinkable and gave up (on Camelback anyway).  I pointed my car west on Lincoln Dr. and headed to Piestewa Peak where on-street parking is abundant (and legal in most neighborhoods!).

Piestewa wasn't nearly as crowded this morning and I enjoyed a nice hike.  It was warmer than I would've liked, this due to my now super-late start and a potentially record-breaking forecast high of 89° today.

While I didn't officially keep my time this morning, it's safe to say I reached the summit in my usual 23-24 minute time frame.

Thumbs Up (and Down)

Weather:  71°, overcast

About this hike:  Every time I visit the McDowell-Scottsdale Sonoran Preserve I am impressed by what a spectacular job the City of Scottsdale has done with this outdoor recreation haven in the McDowell Mountains.  Trailheads feature abundant parking and facilities including restrooms (waterless latrines, so definitely bring your own drinking water), well-stocked literature racks including maps, and trash/recycling bins.  The best part is that the preserve is free to use.

I decided to take advantage of warm January temps and an overcast day to visit Tom's Thumb, a trailhead I haven't visited in years.  Getting there involves a bit of a drive up the 101-N, exit at Pima, continue on Happy Valley... Arterial streets give way to meandering residential streets lined with million-dollar mansions and views of the McDowells to match.  Unlike a few years ago when I first visited, roads to Tom's Thumb now feature clear signage to the parking area.

Tom's Thumb proved to be full of other hikers with similar Saturday plans.  Nabbing a parking spot was still not difficult.  The hike up to Tom's Thumb was about two miles each way and featured strenuous uphill for most of the hike up.  The trails are smooth and well graded, which can be a bit deceptive as they are also slippery gravel in spots.  I would HIGHLY recommend (and regret not having) hiking poles for the trek down.  A lot of people bring dogs on this trail and I got to play with a number of cute, friendly huskies this afternoon.

Exploring the Thumb is pretty cool, but definitely not an all-day event.  There are plenty of spur and side trails to explore, all well-signed at junctions/trailheads.  I opted to hike the Marcus Landslide, which is accessible both at Tom's Thumb trailhead and at a junction off the Tom's Thumb trail.  Signs along Marcus Landslide trail provide some insight into how the landslide occurred, and how this has shaped the present-day McDowell Mountains.  The trail was a relatively flat, easy one-miler each way.

Very enjoyable Saturday. I guess I need to visit McDowell-Scottsdale Sonoran Preserve more often.

Rock climbers atop Tom's Thumb

Hazy sunshine over the Marcus Landslide

Clemson & Crimson Tourists on Camelback

Weather:  53°, sunny, windy

Time:  29 minutes

About this hike:  When I arrived around 10:00am on this fine Tuesday morning parking was easy to come by.  I looked forward to a relatively crowd-free hike up the mountain.  There ended up being crowds, but mostly at the usual bottleneck points:  hand rails, etc.

I noted that most people on the mountain today were tourists in town for the College Football Championship.  A lot of Tigers fans were licking their wounds today.  One group even unfurled a Tigers' flag at the summit.

Four Peaks and some of the surrounding mountains have a bit of snow on them which was very pretty in the morning sun.  (Some tourists stated it was just the sun reflecting off the rocks, and they would know best, right?)  I got some pix with my phone, but it wasn't easy since strong wind at the summit was blowing me off balance.  This was one day where I was not too hot wearing a thermal athletic shirt.

So for all my complaining about tourists (I was one on Camelback just 5 years ago!), I continue to do this hike in an enjoyable 29 minutes.

As I descended the mountain I noticed even more crowds on the ascent, most sporting collegiate athletic wear.  By the time a reached the parking area not a spot was to be had.

Snow on the Four Peaks

Cold, Cloudy, Crowded Camelback

Weather:  59°, overcast, occasional strong breeze

Time:  29 minutes

About this hike:  Being a Wednesday afternoon (and considering the recent weather) I expected a quiet trailhead. Wrong again. Upon my arrival there was hardly a parking spot to be found. Gratefully I scored a fantabulous spot right at the top of the main parking lot.

This has been a rough week for hiking. On Monday I was in the area of Echo Canyon for an appointment but conveniently had my hiking gear in the car. I even went so far as to get to the trailhead and get parked, but the rain started coming down hard. I opted to wait for a bit, but it started coming down harder. Since wet rocks and climbing are never a good combination, I opted to play it safe and head home. Probably a good thing, as the Valley has seen unprecedented rainfall each day this week.

So back to the hike at hand... The trails were still a little damp from all the rain, but drying nicely. I'm not sure if it was cabin fever or what, but an amateur crowd was out today (stopping in the middle of the trail to take selfies, causing drama, etc.). Add to that an extra dose of precaution due to damp trails, and yet somehow I still managed a 29 minute time to the summit.  In less crowded, drier conditions could this have been a 28-minute record tie, OR a new record entirely? Regardless, I'll still happily take an under-30 minute time.

All the rainfall has cleared out the pollution hanging over our Valley since New Years. Today you could see down between Casa Grande and Tucson as Picacho Peak just barely stood out in the far distance.  Wish I had brought my binoculars, but it is visible in the photo below.

The airplane is the marker. See Picacho behind it in the far distance??

Very Superstitious...

Rainfall is bringing out some wildlife too!

Only 192 calories burned? I don't think so!

Camelback Morning

Weather:  47°, sunny

Time:  29 minutes

About this hike:  I thought that maybe a morning hike would mean thinner crowds since it has been so cold in the mornings.  Wrong again.

However, a historical trend was broken today.  As I passed the "Lot Full" sign and cross-armed ranger at the Echo Canyon entrance, lo and behold he removed the sign.  I drove a complete lap around the circle and pulled right in.  Parking was very tight, on a hill, and all around uncomfortable.  I like my car parked on an end as far from other cars as possible.

Regardless, I chose the "risky" parking spot and thankfully my car is no worse for the wear (believe me, I checked).

Today was a very enjoyable hike even with the crowds.  Even more rewarding is two days solidly in the Under-30 club.

Following are the results.  I think the S-Health app gets a few stats wrong, especially in regard to "Calories Burned."

The Tree is Down

Weather:  58°, sunny

Time:  29 minutes

About this hike:  Camelback was busy today.  The last few times I've arrived and the "Lot Closed" sign is up I go park offsite (still not revealing my secret spot!). Within the 10 minutes it takes me to walk to the trailhead, the sign is down and traffic is permitted in again. Today was no exception.

Despite the crowds I managed a 29 minute time up, undoubtedly helped along by this sustained cold snap we've had in the Valley.

At the summit I was disappointed to see that the Christmas tree was already removed, although I'm sure it was drying out with all the AZ sun, wind, and dry cold air.

Very enjoyable hike this afternoon.  And I'm learning some cool new features of the S-Health app:

Camelback Christmas Decorating

Weather:  63°, overcast

Time:  ~33 minutes

About this hike:  Today I hiked up Camelback again, this time with an ornament for the tree.  I wrote a little 2015 memoir on it and hung it up high on the tree where only we 6'4" types can reach.

Parking wasn't too bad upon my arrival, but when I was leaving the lot was full.  A guy in a white SUV spotted me and followed me to my car then sat there guarding my spot with his turn signal flashing.  I'm glad I could provide someone the gift of a good parking spot at Echo Canyon.

Thankful for Camelback

Weather:  63°, sunny

Time:  28 minutes

About this hike:  Record tied! Love these cooler temps, and my time shows it!  That is a slightly adjusted time wherein I stopped the clock a little before the summit. This is to make up for stoppages beyond my control such as children, people paralyzed with fear at the railings, selfie-stick hawking tourists, etc.

The mountain was crowded, but there were breaks without a ton of people. It was better than Piestewa was yesterday.

"Lot Full" was displayed when I arrived at the parking lot, and a cross-armed ranger was enforcing it.  Not willing to circle around, I parked at my secret spot (which remains un-named) down the street.  By the time I got to the trailhead (~10 min.) there were plenty of parking spots.  Makes me question the validity of this little show of power.

Regardless, a good hike and I am thankful for this afternoon adventure to wrap up Thanksgiving weekend.

Sunday Afternoon at Piestewa

Weather:  82°, sunny

Time:  26 minutes

About this hike:  Loving the cooler (relatively speaking!) afternoon temperatures.  Took advantage of this Sunday afternoon and hiked up Piestewa.

At the trailhead I learned that despite having a small car, I can't parallel park to save my life.  It's a wonder I passed the driver license exam back 14 year ago.  That said, it was nice to be able to park in the main lot instead of off-site.

Overall a very nice hike!

Back at Camelback

Weather:  83°, partly cloudy

Time:  32 minutes

About this hike:  Ahh the weather is getting cooler and the tourists are descending on the Valley.  It was crowded at Echo Canyon this morning.  Determined to do Camelback today, I ended up getting a parking spot at my secret location down the road :)

The stern park ranger and "Lot Full" sign at the Echo Canyon entrance was unnecessary.  After my ~10 minute walk to the trailhead I noted several parking spots available.  When I finished my hike parking was a non-issue.  But whatever, my car is safer in my secret location...

Overall this was an enjoyable hike on somewhat crowded trails.  Every now and then a cool breeze served as a little air conditioning.  Always good to be back at my favorite red sandstone mountain.

Piestewa Peak

Weather:  83°, dry

Time:  28.5 minutes

About this hike:  My intention was to climb Camelback. However, the lot was full and cars were being turned away.  Since I was tight on time I opted to just head over to Piestewa.

This was a fun hike. Uneventful but enjoyable. I didn't really feel the need for any major stops along the way, although I did take one.

Never get sick of my mountains....

Cool on Camelback this Morning

Weather:  65°, overcast

Time:  34 minutes

About this hike:   Been a long time since I've been to Camelback.  The unseasonably cool temps would've spurred me on to a sub-30 minute time in another life.  Today my out of shape-ness showed through.  Regardless, it felt good to place my feet on the Camel's back again.

The cool temps were brought on by heavy rain last night and low clouds hung all around the Valley.  Made for some nice scenery.

When I arrived parking was fairly easy to come by, but when I was leaving people were fighting for spots.  Soon as I approached my car I had two people chasing me down for the spot.  They ended up boxing me in and making it a challenge to back out.  Meanwhile a park ranger stood by screaming at standing vehicles.  I was glad to get out of that melee.

All in all a good, safe hike.