The Echo Canyon trail on Camelback Mountain is one of the most popular hiking spots in the state and that means finding a parking spot is almost as difficult as the hike.
Park rangers keep watch, making sure drivers keep moving and don't wait for a spot to open up.
One driver said, "Parking is terrible coming up here.. We circled around like six times today trying to find a spot," while another added, "I've actually circled through here about three times."
The city is trying to make it easier by adding more parking. That means Echo Canyon will close down January 28th for a major overhaul that won't be completed until this fall.
When it's done, the section of desert near the entrance will be turned into a parking area, nearly doubling the amount of spaces available.
"It was not uncommon for vehicles to wait in backup 12, 15, 20 cars deep and wait 45 minutes which is really crazy when you think about it," said David Urbinato of the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department.
Some people are so desperate to find a parking spot here at Echo Canyon they'll try something like this -- a driver parked his truck sideways and yes, that driver got a parking ticket.
"It is tricky to park here -- but I would be really sad if it closed because I love it," said Caron Breitweiser.
John Clark adds, "Hopefully it'll make it more convenient for the people - as long as we don't have to go through this absurd business of keep going in circles all day."
Thursday, June 20 2013 7:08 AM EDT2013-06-20 11:08:24 GMT
A northern New Jersey town has reinstated its volunteer fire department days after suspending it because a teen was accused of molesting a firefighter's 3-year-old son behind a fire truck.
A northern New Jersey town has reinstated its volunteer fire department days after suspending it because a teen was accused of molesting a firefighter's 3-year-old son behind a fire truck.
Thursday, June 20 2013 6:10 AM EDT2013-06-20 10:10:08 GMT
The driver of the vehicle that left several people injured and a trail of destruction in the area of 2nd Avenue and East 4th Street in the East Village has been arrested.
The driver of the vehicle that left several people injured and a trail of destruction in the area of 2nd Avenue and East 4th Street in the East Village has been arrested.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 10:55 PM EDT2013-06-20 02:55:03 GMT
The actor James Gandolfini, best known for his award-winning portrayal of New Jersey mobster Tony Soprano in the HBO series "The Sopranos," has died in Italy. He was 51.
The actor James Gandolfini, best known for his award-winning portrayal of New Jersey mobster Tony Soprano in the HBO series "The Sopranos," has died in Italy. He was 51.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 10:53 PM EDT2013-06-20 02:53:25 GMT
Joe Torre's daughter caught a 1-year-old boy who fell from a fire escape outside a second-floor apartment in the Bay Ridge section of Brooklyn Wednesday morning.
Joe Torre's daughter caught a 1-year-old boy who fell from a fire escape outside a second-floor apartment in the Bay Ridge section of Brooklyn Wednesday morning.
New York state and Eastman Kodak Co. have reached a deal that will keep some of the troubled company's operations in Rochester and provide $49 million for environmental cleanup at the once bustling Eastman...
New York state and Eastman Kodak Co. have reached a deal that will keep some of the troubled company's operations in Rochester and provide $49 million for environmental cleanup at the once bustling Eastman Business Park.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:51 PM EDT2013-06-19 22:51:22 GMT
Franklin Reyes, 17, was in court Wednesday. He is charged with the death of 4-year-old Ariel Russo.
Franklin Reyes, 17, was in court Wednesday. He is charged with the death of 4-year-old Ariel Russo. He is accused of driving without a license, then fleeing police, jumping a curb, and hitting Ariel and her grandmother as they were walking to school.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:13 PM EDT2013-06-19 22:13:15 GMT
More than 70 percent of New Jersey residents have seen or heard the state's "Stronger than the Storm" advertising campaign, according to a new Rutgers-Eagleton poll.
More than 70 percent of New Jersey residents have seen or heard the state's "Stronger than the Storm" advertising campaign, according to a new Rutgers-Eagleton poll.
