Camelback Mountain Nature Quest:

1. On my stairway to heaven, I count 297 (railway ties).

Lesson:How many do you count? Remember, you can count on the way back down too.

2. When you see the rock face, go ahead and slow your pace (rock face on the left side).

Lesson:It took tens of millions of years for nature to carve this mountain into the shape you see today. What do you think it looked like a million years ago? How big would it be?

3. When you get to the bench on the left, be sure to look at the cleft.

Lesson:The Hohokam Indians settled in this area, but they mysteriously disappeared 1000 years ago.

4. Grab the rail and up you sail. Once at the top, go ahead and stop.

Lesson:The "head" of the mountain is made up of layered sandstone. The "hump" is made up of granite. The granite is much older than the sand stone.

5. When you reach another rail, you begin to go pale. At the end of rail two, you are closer to sky blue.

Lesson:Although large mammals are rarely seen near the mountain, smaller animals typical of the Sonoran desert can be seen. Some of these animals include: rabbits, snakes, lizards, squirrels, and birds. Try to keep an eye out for them. See who can spot the most animals on the trail.

6. Up through the pass, you begin to lose your gas (this is after the 5/8th mile marker). Once at the top you think, "This is a nice place to stop and drink."

Lesson:On the northern side of the mountain there is a cave. The cave has indication that it was used as a sacred site by the prehistoric Hohokam culture before their disappearance. How do you suppose the culture viewed that site? What could have been the significance of it?

7. Is this the end of the story, or do you seek more glory? (at the brown post).

Lesson:This mountain attracts over 300,000 people every year, some are even from different countries. How can you help inform people about this great natural landmark?