Hiking Camelback from The Phoenician, Scottsdale

‘Lady’ climbing Camelback Mountain with her mom, Emily.

By Lady, the Cavalier King Charles dog star of the ‘King’s Life’ children’s travel adventure series

There is pawsitively no better time to be a dog (or a human) than right now in the Valley of the Sun. The weather is perfect — cool in the mornings and evenings and balmy during the day. I wag my tail all the time with happiness.

What’s even more perfect? Visiting The Phoenician and enjoying all that this AAA Five       Diamond resort has to offer – and I’m not just saying that in hopes of being invited to its famous Thanksgiving Brunch (although I hope I will be!).

Lady’s brother, Happy, enjoying the view of The Phoenician’s golf course from Camelback Mountain.

The Phoenician rests against Camelback Mountain, which is 2,704′ above sea level (why don’t they measure it in dog paws?). When staying at the resort, you can hike the mountain on your own or take a guided tour. Either way, Camelback is steep and will give you a good workout. We took the nearby Cholla Trail, and I confess, I was carried most of the way; I’m more of a bonbon-and-lounging-kinda-girl. Nevertheless, it was challenging, and I was in serious need of a pawdicure after my climb! (Luckily, I was able to correct this situation with grooming offered through The Canyon Suites at The Phoenician’s dog-friendly program). The experience was well worth it, though, as I was rewarded with jaw-dropping views all the way up to the summit, where I saw the Valley in all its 360˚ splendor. It’s one of the most amazing, not-to-be-missed features of our Valley, where there is lots to bark about in general.

Camelback is just one of the wonders available to guests at The Phoenician and highlighted in its new children’s book, Discover The Phoenician with Phoe-Phoe & Friends. Join The Phoenician for a special book signing during its Thanksgiving Brunch from 10:00 am-12:00 pm. Snickers, the therapy dog featured in the book, will be there to give pawtographs. I’m hoping to be there, too, to give out kisses; it’s what I do best.

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DON’T FORGET! Funicians Halloween Party

October 31, 2013, 5:00-9:00 pm

Join us for a special edition of Night Owls at the Funicians Club in celebration of Halloween. $65/child, with a 20% discount for each additional child in the same family. Twenty-four hour advanced reservations required with concierge.  Available to registered resort guests only.

The Funicians Club is now open to kids across the Valley whose parents are utilizing services from The Centre for Well-Being, The Phoenician Golf Course or The Phoenician Tennis Courts. Highly trained and enthusiastic counselors ensure that kids have a fun and enriching experience, 365 days a year. Twenty-four hour advanced registration is required. Contact the concierge to “mark your spot” at (480) 423-2572.

Media inquiries: Denise Seomin, Director of Public Relations & Marketing Communications,

The Phoenician, Scottsdale / 480.423.2657