My husband and I are both active people, him more so than me, and are planning to hike Camelback or Squaw Peak mtn tomorrow. I have been on both once but it's been awhile. He has been up both dozens of times. The hike itself sounds like fun to me buy my main reason for not going more than once has always been sort of a silly reason....I'm deathly afraid of snakes and other creepy desert animals. I told him I was nervous about this and he assures me that there are no snakes on these trails as there are to many people climbing each day. However, I am still nervous. I know I sound like a total wimp/baby. Am I being sill? I would love to hear back from anyone who has hiked either of these trails several times. Are there ever snakes on these trails? Are my fears justified or should I really not be worried about it?
I have hiked these trails numerous times and have never seen a snake let alone any animals. Well maybe a bird or two. I have hiked the Alta Bajada trail in South Mountain and ran into a rattler there so if you are afraid don't hike there but otherwise you should be fine.
I have been on these trails many times and have seen only one snake. I screamed loudy and since no one else saw it I looked like a crazy person:) More often though I see the various lizards. It is a little jolting, but luckily they don't want anything to do with you either. They are usually off to the side of the trail, not actually on it. Have fun. It will be a very tame adventure.
I wouldn't be afraid for a minute. I have hiked those trails so many times I can't count, and I've never seen a snake. Although I do have a friend who saw one years ago. But those trails are so well trafficked that the snakes pretty much stay away. They don't want to see you either.
Hi M.!
I used to hike Camelback twice a week before I got pregnant this past summer. I even did the hike when I was prego with my daughter last year. I can't say that I've ever seen a snake, maybe a couple of lizards... but they are pretty harmless! I have hiked Squaw Peak a few times; but found that there are too many people (tourists) to get that "in-touch-with-nature" feeling... with the constant foot traffic, I doubt there are any snakes there either. Good luck... & go enjoy the beautiful nature that we are blessed to have here in our town! :)
Yes, there definitely are snakes on those mountains. My husband hikes the trails that begin on 32nd Street and Lincoln. It's less travelled than the main trail, and he has come upon snakes at least twice. They usually warn you with a rattle if you get near them, so keep your ears open. They are more numerous in certain seasons. When the nights are cool and the days are warm, they like to come out and sun themselves. Be sure to wear long pants and hiking boots.
D.
i have been hiking the urban trails (camelback, squaw peak, north mountain, shaw butte) several times a week for over TWENTY YEARS and have never even once seen a snake. have fun.
it looks like it's probably to late to put in my two cents...i hope you went hiking....most snakes are not out on trails and you'll have to ask yourself why you're scared and is it worth missing some great views and time with your husband over this fear? ask yourself what's the worst that can happen and what the chances of that happening would be. then let it go and go have fun!
As a biologist, I can tell you that there is the potential for snakes to live there but you will most likely never see one. I have been working out in the field many many times and I never see anything, even when I'm looking hard for it. Plus, snakes hibernate in the winter and temperatures are too cold now, so they are all denning up if you will. Have fun!
Hi M.,
I don't like snakes either but I don't let it stop my love for hikes. I always take a walking stick so I have a weapon if needed. Taking a dog along is even better they know what is out there long befor I do. Usually snakes feel your foot steps coming before you see them so walk heavy. I also feel if the snake doesn't bother me I won't bother it. It's their home so give them the right of way. If you see one, let it leave, that't what it wants to do any way.
Have fun. M.
They come out when it is 70 degrees or warmer.
Yes, there could be snakes (we do live in the desert), just try to be aware as you walk. They'll avoid you too, they aren't sitting there waiting to attack you.I wouldn't let that keep me from the trails. Also, as the weather cools off the snakes aren't out. SO maybe pick a really cool/cold day and your chances are pretty slim of running into a snake. Plus, you'll have hubby w/ you. Just go w/ him and have fun.
Hello.
I am inclined to say that your husband is not correct to say there are "no" snakes in the region you are hiking. However, as night time temperatures have dropped consistently and daytime temperatures are not as warm, your likelihood is pretty slim to encounter one, particularly in a colder, shaded area of the trail. The best resource for this kind of information would be parks and rec.
Good luck.
Hi M. - Yes there are sometimes snakes on the trails. My husband hikes Camelback a few times a week (for years now) and has seen a few rattlesnakes on the trail. We also saw a bullhead snake over at South Mountain. Snakes will not bother you and like the other moms said....it really is highly unlikey that you will see them. My husband just seems to have a eye for them. Just be aware of where your walking and you'll be fine.
It's such a great time of year and we are so lucky to have such a beautiful place to hike. Enjoy it!!!!
Pretty much he's right...if you're still nervous I would suggest going early in the morning because they're not big fans of cold and they usually are out more in the warmth of the day...but if you are sticking to the trails I really think you're fine.
