Have you ever wanted to go hiking but didn’t have anyone to go with? Well, I can relate. My first hike was also solo in Arizona on Camelback Mountain. I was in Arizona for a photography and videography retreat but arrived a day early and stayed with of my sisters’ friends from college. They couldn’t explore with me but mentioned that I should go on a hike. At first, I was very skeptical. It didn’t take much convincing; about 30 minutes later I was on the way to Camelback Mountain. In the car ride, I could see the mountain from so far away. It looked like the giant mountain in the movie “Cars” in Radiator Springs.
As soon as I arrived, I felt very unsure of myself and was unprepared since I had no snacks and barley any water. At that point I was thinking, “My first hike I decide to go on the biggest mountain in Arizona, how dumb could I be?” The hike started so easy since it was just a tad up-hill. Then, bam it suddenly became very steep, and I knew at this moment I was very out of place. There are two different routes I could take, (which I didn’t know that until the hike was over.) The Echo Canyon route is the most direct and challenging route so, of course my luck.. I picked that.
The hike started to get pretty rugged and more of a climb than a hike. I hit a small portion of the hike, where I had to use a railing and get on my hands and knees to rock climb up the rocks. Once through, I became pretty tired. My nose was running, my breathing heavy, and my watch read 190 beats per minute.
At this point, I noticed my phone read ten percentage. I was alone and was supposed to call to get picked up. So, I started to pick up the pace. There is a lot of gravel boulders, so I was jumping from rock to rock, climbing up stones so fast. It was so hot and very humid. My face was beat red. Some pro hikers literally were sprinting past me, so I don’t think I was moving as fast as I felt like I was.
Finally, I made it to the top. It was an extraordinary 360-degree view of Scottsdale, Phoenix, and Paradise Valley. The views were insanely beautiful. I had never seen anything so astonishing before. After I took pictures and looked enjoyed the view, I started jogging downhill.
My phone percentage was dropping and the only number I had memorized was my mother’s (which she didn't know I was on this hike since she told me I couldn't do it). I was terrified I’d have to ask a stranger for their phone and get my butt chewed out by my Mom.
When going down, I was at an awkward angle on my feet, so I had to be careful. I made sure I had good foot placement and looked for loose gravel. Once I was close, I called my friend, and she was there waiting for me in the parking lot. I felt my lungs burning and my heart pounding when I finished. When I got to the car, she was outside of it cheering and saying I did it so fast.
It ended up being an incredible and empowering experience. During the car ride back, I felt so proud admiring the lovely cacti and beautiful nature. Doing the hike in the morning set me up for success throughout the rest of the day. I went to lunch after where I tried avocado for the first time; I wasn’t afraid of anything after that validating experience. I had a great night of shut eye and was filled with pure happiness. If you don’t have anyone to go with, it is okay because you can go alone and hunker down to accomplish the journey yourself.
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