re: Hiking around Phoenix - limited equipment

If you have 6 hours you have enough time to do Camelback. That would include plenty of rest stops/photo opportunities. Plus, it's an iconic mountain in AZ.

As others have said, bring lots of water/Gatorade. You will lose more water from your body in the desert even if you don't feel hot. If you get to a part of the mountain where you feel nervous or have doubts, stop at that point. Know yourself and don't push yourself past your limits because you see people running up and down it (including women older than you).

I've never felt in danger, but there are routinely helicopters searching for people who get stuck or injured on the mtn. Just stay on the trail and you will be good.

I think last yr there was a kid that was an experienced hiker that just graduated college that never made it back down. People get in trouble by going off trail and dehydration.

Go hike it!

Edit: do the echo canyon hike as it's the most interesting.