This is part hike, and part CLIMB. The hike part isn’t terribly difficult, but the climbing part is very challenging. Steep, with few places to anchor your feet. Hard to get up, harder to get down. Views are stunning, but this is not a climb for the faint of heart.
Thumbs up! Your video is very accurate. I did this trail back in 1999 and it hasn't changed. Bring lots of water and an energy bar. I was passed by a troop of cub scouts. They scrambled up the last part without effort. But, I struggled to finish!
Just booked my Phoenix trip for April 2022. 4 days. Already thinking of the 2 hikes I will do during my visit. So damn many trails/mountains to choose from!! I am on a FB group site for AZ hikes and see daily postings of stuff. Half of me wishes I just lived in the valley so I have endless choices in the valley and around the state! I live in Kansas City so not crap around here. Enjoy your channel very much Laura! Thanks for playing tour guide!
Thanks for this video. I suggest that you add the vertical, 2,600 feet, and that the upper portion is close to vertical, has exposure, and requires scrambling. This means climbing hand over foot straight up. Downclimbing is also very challenging.
To add to the below comments, have tried Echo at Camelback. Have done Piestawa Peak twice, a little of South Mtn. Am hoping Cholla at Camelback will reopen soon, an option. Am aware of San Tan Reg Park, Superstitions Mtn. Again, so many to choose from in the area, since time is an issue, I plan for places I can get to wo driving all day.
No question, one of the hardest hikes in the Valley of the Sun. A rock scramble / climb, not a hike. I have a moderate fear of heights, and I had to put great mental energy in to blocking out that fear and concentrating on the steps in front of me - and NOT looking down.
My husband and I did Flatiron took a wrong turn and ended up straight up climbing in certain spots - without ropes. It was terrifying! I would love to do it again but will say when in doubt GO LEFT. We went right and I literally started rock climbing after bc I felt like having skills would have helped me. I HAVE to do this hike again, I have a vendetta now!
Oh my goodness. I can't imagine some of the scrambles you did!!! Highly recommend alltrails and on weekends there's always lots of people to follow out there!
Awsome video girl I love to hike just get scarred by myself to go in different places. I really want to be able to do this help my mind relax not overthink maybe. Good for you girl💕
I'm a huge alltrains fan. I'm almost possible you actually get reception this entire trail too. This trail was a bit confusing where the best way to grab is but the people around as so friendly. I also have an inreach for larger hikes
Had a chance to do some hiking in Arizona, and found your videos very helpful to get a sense of these hikes. Was able to complete the Six Pack of Peak Challenge Arizona Winter Edition with this guidance. If ever in San Diego, be glad to return the favor.
I’m trying to mentally prepare myself for this hike. I was told it’s like 2 camelbacks. How accurate is that? 😬. Last year we did Bright Angel trail to Phantom Ranch and back in one day. I keep telling myself if this Iowa girl can do that, I can do this one. Please tell me I’m right….
The state park and wilderness are much cleaner than going into Apache Junction. AJ has some of the worst pot holes in America as well as a very chaotic city area layout where the only decent buildings belong to the city management and services.
October is the end of the hot season. But, if you are worried about it, plan outdoor activities for the early morning (before 6am). It was 118 degrees in August 2020. So, enjoy Phoenix from October to May. After that you will be in prisoner to AC.
Do your outdoor activities very early in the morning. (It’s not unusual for the trails to be crowded before the sun comes up! ) Your back to your house by 9-10 am and in the A/C!
Move to Flagstaff. From April to October, Phoenix never goes below 100 degrees, even at night. I lived there 18 years. If you stay in Phoenix. buy a house with a pool or move to Prescott and commute.
I hiked this on my visit to Phoenix in December. I had not scrambled much before and this was so difficult but well worth it. I will agree that the people on that trail are very friendly. We met several people who helped us find the trail and encouraged us to keep going. You should try hiking to the summit of Mt. Ajo in Organ Pipe cactus Monument. It isn't a well marked trail but the gps route on All Trails is good. The views from up there are amazing.
Love this hike! This and Echo Canyon(Camelback) are the go-to trails for me.
I was just in Phoenix a couple weeks ago. We did the Wave Cave! My first serious hike since spinal fusion surgery in July 2020. It was a great hike!
This is part hike, and part CLIMB. The hike part isn’t terribly difficult, but the climbing part is very challenging. Steep, with few places to anchor your feet. Hard to get up, harder to get down. Views are stunning, but this is not a climb for the faint of heart.
lovely... thanks for sharing your experience in detail.
Thumbs up! Your video is very accurate. I did this trail back in 1999 and it hasn't changed. Bring lots of water and an energy bar. I was passed by a troop of cub scouts. They scrambled up the last part without effort. But, I struggled to finish!
Well said! Awesome job doing it back then :) It's such a beautiful hike! I remember being like how have I only done .25 of a mile!?
Excellent video of a "strenuous" hike with rewarding world-class views.
Great hike, once you hit the wall, it has you actually thinking about where to step so you don’t fall off haha fun times :)
Just booked my Phoenix trip for April 2022. 4 days. Already thinking of the 2 hikes I will do during my visit. So damn many trails/mountains to choose from!! I am on a FB group site for AZ hikes and see daily postings of stuff.
Half of me wishes I just lived in the valley so I have endless choices in the valley and around the state! I live in Kansas City so not crap around here.
Enjoy your channel very much Laura! Thanks for playing tour guide!
Thanks for this video. I suggest that you add the vertical, 2,600 feet, and that the upper portion is close to vertical, has exposure, and requires scrambling. This means climbing hand over foot straight up. Downclimbing is also very challenging.
How does this hike/climb compared to Bell Rock other than miles. Thank you.
I think that's the most beautiful spot in Arizona. I lived in A.J. back in the day, I love it. Thnx for the awesome video. Be safe
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for the comment! It's a great workout and great area!
You have a great way in presenting your video.
To add to the below comments, have tried Echo at Camelback. Have done Piestawa Peak twice, a little of South Mtn. Am hoping Cholla at Camelback will reopen soon, an option. Am aware of San Tan Reg Park, Superstitions Mtn. Again, so many to choose from in the area, since time is an issue, I plan for places I can get to wo driving all day.
No question, one of the hardest hikes in the Valley of the Sun. A rock scramble / climb, not a hike. I have a moderate fear of heights, and I had to put great mental energy in to blocking out that fear and concentrating on the steps in front of me - and NOT looking down.
My husband and I did Flatiron took a wrong turn and ended up straight up climbing in certain spots - without ropes. It was terrifying! I would love to do it again but will say when in doubt GO LEFT. We went right and I literally started rock climbing after bc I felt like having skills would have helped me.
I HAVE to do this hike again, I have a vendetta now!
Oh my goodness. I can't imagine some of the scrambles you did!!! Highly recommend alltrails and on weekends there's always lots of people to follow out there!
Awsome video girl I love to hike just get scarred by myself to go in different places. I really want to be able to do this help my mind relax not overthink maybe. Good for you girl💕
You can do it! Baby steps for each hike. You always could hike the first couple of miles where it is not so steep and work your way into it :)
Brave girl! ❤
Laura, what source do you use to decide where to hike? All Trails app?
I'm a huge alltrains fan. I'm almost possible you actually get reception this entire trail too. This trail was a bit confusing where the best way to grab is but the people around as so friendly. I also have an inreach for larger hikes
Had a chance to do some hiking in Arizona, and found your videos very helpful to get a sense of these hikes. Was able to complete the Six Pack of Peak Challenge Arizona Winter Edition with this guidance. If ever in San Diego, be glad to return the favor.
I’m trying to mentally prepare myself for this hike. I was told it’s like 2 camelbacks. How accurate is that? 😬. Last year we did Bright Angel trail to Phantom Ranch and back in one day. I keep telling myself if this Iowa girl can do that, I can do this one. Please tell me I’m right….
The state park and wilderness are much cleaner than going into Apache Junction. AJ has some of the worst pot holes in America as well as a very chaotic city area layout where the only decent buildings belong to the city management and services.
My wife and son and i did this hike when he was 6 years old it was fun we really enjoyed it
Awesome vidoe looks like an awesome hike
I'm moving to Phoenix in October, any advice on how to deal with the heat?
October is the end of the hot season. But, if you are worried about it, plan outdoor activities for the early morning (before 6am). It was 118 degrees in August 2020. So, enjoy Phoenix from October to May. After that you will be in prisoner to AC.
Do your outdoor activities very early in the morning. (It’s not unusual for the trails to be crowded before the sun comes up! ) Your back to your house by 9-10 am and in the A/C!
Move to Flagstaff. From April to October, Phoenix never goes below 100 degrees, even at night. I lived there 18 years. If you stay in Phoenix. buy a house with a pool or move to Prescott and commute.
I hiked this on my visit to Phoenix in December. I had not scrambled much before and this was so difficult but well worth it. I will agree that the people on that trail are very friendly. We met several people who helped us find the trail and encouraged us to keep going.
You should try hiking to the summit of Mt. Ajo in Organ Pipe cactus Monument. It isn't a well marked trail but the gps route on All Trails is good. The views from up there are amazing.
keep the good work good luck
I wonder if a lot of that got burnt down
That's a good question. I'm not sure the last time that area got a fire around it. I believe around two years ago the other side did.
I am heading to AZ Tucson next week for vacation. Can you or your viewers recommend beginner hikes around the area? Really cool videos, Laura!!!
Picacho Peak
This is not 20 min from the Phoenix area. It’s more 50-60 min from it.
Could you tell me what area it’s in? Trying to see how far apart it is.
It’s about 25 minutes east of Mesa. Agreed, from Phoenix, closer to 50 minutes.
Great video Laura...hoping to get out there before the end of the week. Cheers!
Wtg. I did not make it that far
Trail is not maintained past the basin
Its definitely a scramble!!!!
@@LauraLeanne funnn!! Be safe out there!!
I love you laura
I would call it gnarly, but not scary.
Valid! Many people do call it scary with the steep drop off if they are more scared of hights.
Where is the scary part?
Many people are very scared during the 1 mile that is very inclined.
That's what I was wondering..lol
You remind me a lot of Catherine Gregory, you should check out her channel. I wouldn't be surprised if you're related.
Get a map. That isn't Phoenix.
Thanks for the lovely comment!
@@LauraLeanne😂 very good response to a grumper! ❤
Watch "Flatiron Jim" on youtube do it. He's only going to be 92 in June and is an Arizona legend.