Hiking Camelback is probably the most difficult hike we have ever taken. The climbs are so steep in parts that there are metal bars you need to hold on to to get up and down the sheer cliffs. Very rocky and slow going to come down. The view at the top (1 hour to top) is incredible. You can see the entire city, and it is breathtaking. Be prepared with lots of water - this hike is a major challenge!

Climb up the back side of Camelback Mountain to its 'hump'. This is a great place to hike, but there are some difficult areas. Much of it after the first half-mile gets very steep and rocky. Don't try this if you're a beginner--getting down is much harder than going up.

There's a water fountain at the bottom but no facilities on the trail. Once at the top, you have a great view of Phoenix and the surrounding vegetation. The hike takes about 2 to 3 hours, depending on your level of expertise and the other hikers in front of you. Parking is very limited, and on weekends, you may have to wait a while to park. Between the months of October and April, anytime is a good time, but in the summer months, don't try it after 6 or 7 am--it's too hot outside.

A great family activity. The view of the desert floor was fantastic. My son (9-years-old) had a blast. The climb can be steep in some places, but overall, it can be done at your own pace. Make sure you bring plenty of water, you will need it. We (my wife and I) had hiking shoes, while my son just wore his sneakers. Either will do. We went in the late morning.