I have hiked these peaks numerous times. Both are classic Phoenix hikes, located right in the heart of the city, and usually jam-packed with people. Both offer an excellent way to keep fit and have fun. I usually try to hike one of these peaks once a week or more often, schedule permitting. I figure conservatively I've hiked Squaw close to 100 times, Camelback nearly 200 times.

Squaw Peak is located north of Lincoln Drive just east of the Glendale exit off of AZ-51 (Squaw Peak Parkway). The route is 1.25 miles one-way to the top, with about 1,200 feet of gain, for an overall consistent grade. Much of the trail was blasted into the mountainside. It usually takes me 25 minutes up, 20 down, with a 5 minute stay at the top. Most people congregate on a large rocky bald just north of the true summit by about 50 feet. The true summit is easily reached with a short scramble. A USGS benchmark is at the top. In 2003 the name was changed to Piestewa Peak to honor Pfc. Lori Piestewa, killed in Iraq and a native of the Hopi Nation in Northern Arizona. It's pronounced "Pie-ES-too-wa".

Camelback Mountain is located on the Phoenix and Paradise Valley city limits. There are two routes: the popular western approach up Echo Canyon, accessed via McDonald Road just east of the Tatum Boulevard light, and the eastern approach along Invergordon Road near the Phoenician Resort. I'm a creature of habit: I've only done the eastern approach once, with my dad. Otherwise, it's the Echo Canyon approach for me. I usually try to time myself so I like to be consistent with my route. Besides, the eastern approach was closed for a few years and even today, the parking there is confusing and not close to the mountain. The parking at Echo Canyon isn't much better for that matter. The route from Echo Canyon is 1.25 miles and 1,300 feet of gain - almost exactly the same as Squaw Peak. But this hike is a little more involved than simply walking. It has more boulders and rocky bits so that after I'm done, I'm sore literally from the ribs down, as I'm using some muscles I don't normally use while traipsing on the rocks. My usual Camelback times are 35 minutes up, 30 down, 5 at the top, although my best time up Camelback is about 26 minutes.

The views from atop both peaks are outstanding. Looking south, the smudgy haze encompasses downtown, while another smudgy haze envelopes the suburbs. Seriously, on a clear day, all sorts of peaks are visible: the Mazatzals with Mt. Ord and Four Peaks to the east, the Superstitions to the southeast, South Mountains to the south, the White Tanks to the west, the Sierra Estrellas to the southwest, and the Bradshaws to the north. On superclear days, I have even seen the distinct top of Picacho Peak, located about 70 miles south of Phoenix. On Camelback, it's amusing to look north down into Paradise Valley and check out how the rich like to live: tennis courts, big pools, 12-car garages, riding grounds, golf courses.

Hiking these peaks is also a very amusing social observation experiment as well. On weekends, all sorts of people get the bright idea to hike these peaks. All types are attracted, from the superfit studs and studettes to red-faced, panting blobs ready to drop dead about half-way up. Okay, most people seem to have their act together, but invariably I see: someone yakking on their cell-phone, two people hiking together, talking very loudly about their job or their girlfriend/boyfriend, someone carrying their baby in their arms (bad idea in case of a fall!), someone out of water or who never brought any along, out-of-towners in nice slacks and dress shoes high on the trail. And always: babes, babes and more babes! Seriously, injuries occur quite often... usually someone slipping on the gravelly crud along the trails. I've had my share of unplanned butt landings, but fortuinately never have really hurt myself.