Hiking around Phoenix - limited equipment

I did camelback... Bring water and good shoes. It's a cool hike that you will enjoy. Not insane but a good workout.

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like to do Camelback but the website warns that it gets intense.

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If you aren't a fattie and am in somewhat decent condition you can do it. Find your pace and stick with it.

I personally wouldn't call it intense.

I did camelback, it was easy.

Granted, I was about 17 at the time and in terrific shape. Today, much more of a challenge I am sure

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.

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Is like to do Camelback but the website warns that it gets intense.

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Camelback isn't hard at all and there are actually two trails, one is super easy and the other is medium but you see 5 and 6 yr olds going up it all of the time. It is 100% the mountain you want to hike, you will never see hotter women anywhere.

ETA: the only equipment you need for either side is a pair of sneakers

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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.

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Those idiots that go off the trail and climb the slick rock face on the Echo Canyon sign are just crazy, I am surprised more don't die each year. If you stay on the trail its super safe and the only parts that are even kind of steep have a rail to hold. As far as dehydration they say it will only be mid-80s next week so its not that bad. And 6 hours is enough time to hike it 3 times!

Just did it last Saturday. If you're in shape, 1:40. If you're not 3:00 MAX. Just put on some shoes and start going up!

Papago is only good for mountain biking or walking around with your dog too many homeless in random nooks and crannies. The run around tempe town lake though is one of my favorites.

Camelback isn't horrible if you are in decent shape. I prefer Squaw Peak over Camelback though.
All you need is decent shoes and a lot of water. Throw a snack such as a protein bar in your bag to enjoy when you make it to the top.

If you are going on a Saturday morning the toughest thing may be finding parking. Two of the most popular hiking trails in the area(esp Camelback).

Another trail to try in North Scottsdale (one of my favorites) is Tom's Thumb. Part of McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Just the views from the trailhead alone by where you park at are pretty amazing. It's a much further drive out there though. Not as steep a climb as Camelback.