(There is another trail that climbs to the top, Cholla, but it is deemed more primitive, so we opted for the more maintained trail.)
We got up at 5 am and left by 5:30. Yes, it was still dark when we arrived at 6 am, but the parking lot was already about half full. We could see headlamps up on the mountain, so plenty of people got there before us. We started the climb in low light, which allowed us to see the sunrise set for 6:48 am.
We stopped at regular intervals for pictures, and to let faster hikers and runners (!) pass. (Yes, people run the trail, or hike it with weighted vests, or both. Check out the fastest climb times for men and women!.) My heart rate never got that high, but the step work was intense. I personally think the climb was shorter, but harder than the Grand Canyon.
We got to the summit after about an hour. As with all city activities, we were in thick company. (I can't imagine how many people were there later in the day.) I felt a bit woozy, so I stayed away from the edges. My husband, on the other hand....
We made it back down safely. (Praise the Lord! There are a lot of rescues off Camelback every year.) We didn't run out of water. The weather was great, with a light breeze to cool us off. I'm glad we hiked.
Recommendations/things to remember for next time?
1) Do get there at 6 am. That's the recommendation. I stick with it.
2) Carry a backpack. (You'll need your hands to climb.
3) Wear shoes with tread. (We wear High Sierra hiking boots.)
4) Bring a headband or tie your hair back. (My hair was blowing into my face when I was trying to see to climb.)
5) Consider gloves. We didn't bring any, but they could have been useful for the railings and the upper ascent.
Would we do the hike again? Maybe. When they say the trail is "extremely difficult," they aren't joking. But all in all, it was a good hike. I am thankful.
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