Camelback Mountain, Phoenix AZ

• 5-star hike
• 2 to 3 mile options
• Moderate | Gain 1,150 to 1,380 feet
• Phoenix, AZ | Southwest US
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The image shows a panoramic view of a cityscape with a mountainous backdrop. In the foreground, there are two tall cacti silhouetted against the landscape. The city below is lush with greenery and various buildings, roads, and residential areas are visible.

The image shows a panoramic view of a cityscape with a mountainous backdrop. In the foreground, there are two tall cacti silhouetted against the landscape. The city below is lush with greenery and various buildings, roads, and residential areas are visible.

Camelback Mountain offers a variety of challenges.

Distinctive and dominant on the Phoenix landscape, Camelback Mountain is just begging to be conquered. The two different routes to the 2,680ft summit offer different challenges, and both are featured in this guide. No matter which way you summit the mountain, now from wherever you are in Phoenix you can look at the most dominant feature on the landscape and think "I climbed that".

The Echo Canyon Trail is by far the more popular route up Camelback Mountain, and for good reason. Not only is it more accessible for the Phoenix metropolis but it also offers a memorable and varied hiking experience.

Trail Options Expand KML · Google Earth ·

⬤ 5★ Echo Canyon Trail 2.0 mi out & back, moderate, gain 1,380 ft
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions GPX?

⬤ 5★ Cholla Trail 2.5 mi out & back, moderate, gain 1,150 ft
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions

Sandstone rock on the Echo Canyon trail can be slippery at times, so despite a number of handrail opportunities a good pair of shoes would be advantageous. Also note that trailhead parking is often brutally limited and restrictions are enthusiastically enforced.

Alternatively, the Cholla Trail is a less well known route that sees less traffic. The trail heads up a well maintained trail on Camelback's east flank, but becomes a challenging and technical ascent upon reaching the ridgeline. This fun 1.3 mile route becomes increasingly rocky and precipitous, and though the conditions here are not extreme, we'd certainly urge caution and wouldn't recommend this route for young children or folk with a strong aversion to heights.

There is no parking at the trailhead, and parking at East Cholla Lane is off-limits. Closest parking available is around 0.3 miles away on Invergordon Rd just south of the intersection with Cholla. Invergordon Rd parking operates limited hours, so be careful to read posted signs. Some neighboring streets to the east have no parking restrictions and just make for a slightly longer hike.

The image is a side-by-side comparison of two scenes. The left side shows a group of people hiking up a trail with stone steps in a desert-like environment with rocky terrain and sparse vegetation. The right side shows a person standing on a rocky outcrop overlooking a vast cityscape at sunset, with other people sitting nearby.

The image is a side-by-side comparison of two scenes. The left side shows a group of people hiking up a trail with stone steps in a desert-like environment with rocky terrain and sparse vegetation. The right side shows a person standing on a rocky outcrop overlooking a vast cityscape at sunset, with other people sitting nearby.

Echo Canyon Hike | Summit Views.

An image of a scenic landscape during sunset or sunrise, showcasing layered silhouettes of mountains with a gradient of warm colours in the sky.

An image of a scenic landscape during sunset or sunrise, showcasing layered silhouettes of mountains with a gradient of warm colours in the sky.

Sunset views on an evening Camelback hike.

The image is a split view of a desert landscape. The left side shows a trail marker labeled

A dusk hike up the steeper Cholla Trail.

⚠ Heat Safety Tips: Shade is extremely limited on this trail. Please stay safe in hot weather by knowing the forecast and planning to avoid the hottest parts of the day. Recognize danger signs and turn back when necessary. Wear lightweight non-cotton clothing and head coverings. Use sunblock and UV chapstick. Bring more water than you think you need, coupled with salt & electrolite tablets.

Tangents:
• Official: Phoenix P&R
• AllTrails Public: Camelback Mt
• Facebook Group: Comment, Follow Us

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