Description: Once used as a sacred site by the prehistoric Hohokam Culture, Camelback Mountain (named for its resemblance to the head and hump of a kneeling camel) is a popular destination for hikers and climbers, and a prominent landmark in the Phoenix valley. Be sure to pack good hiking boots, because neither the 1.2 mile Echo Canyon trail nor the 1.4 mile Cholla trail make for easy hikes – you’ll content with dirty and gravel paths, boulders and steep, handrail-assisted grades. A typical hike up to the 1,280 foot peak can take anywhere from 1.5 to 3 hours, but once there you’ll be rewarded by fantastic views of the desert floor and the city of Phoenix. If you’re more inclined to climbing, check out the 100 foot tall Praying Monk, a red sandstone formation on the northern slope that resembles a man kneeling in prayer.
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