Camelback Mountain Hike: A Local’s Review
Camelback Mountain Hike: A Local’s Review
Craving panoramic city views and a satisfying dose of desert challenge? Look no further than the iconic Camelback Mountain hike. This Phoenix landmark, with its distinct camel’s hump silhouette, is a must do hike. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a determined beginner, conquering Camelback’s trails offers an unforgettable experience, pushing your limits while rewarding you with breathtaking vistas. Get ready to explore the rugged beauty and discover why this hike is a must-do for anyone visiting or living in the Valley of the Sun.
I thought it would be helpful to divide the beginning of this post into information for VISITORS and information for LOCALS, so you feel like you’re being heard!
For Visitors
First off, WELCOME TO ARIZONA, whether you’ve been before or not. We are happy to have you here. The Camelback Mountain Hike is iconic in Phoenix, for a good reason. It’s a stunning mountain in the middle of the city, which you don’t see often, with crazy views. But be prepared, it’s a butt kicker!!
Just keep in mind, there are more hikes than just Camelback in Phoenix, wink wink. Check out the Arizona page of my blog for more inspo!!
a word of caution: the heat
A lot of you may be coming from a state that is COLDER than Arizona. Trust me I feel you, I moved to Arizona from Wisconsin a decade ago, so I could get away from the doom and gloom. Hiking is one of the best activities to do when you’re visiting Arizona, but you need to be cautious. Arizona is hot. I know you’re excited to wear shorts and bask in the sun, but please don’t hike in the heat. Over 150 people are rescued off Camelback per year, and a lot of them are preventable. Things happen, but be smart so we don’t need to sacrifice the lives of our firefighters and rescue teams. The city of Phoenix actually closes this trail from 9am to 5pm when an Excessive Heat Warning has been issued for the day. I don’t hike when it will be over 90, personally.
a lay of the land
The Camelback Mountain Hike is located in South Scottsdale. Only a few minutes away from the Phoenix Sky Harbor airport, which is nice. Most people who visit end up staying somewhere in South Scottsdale, so it works out! There are actually TWO trails to hike Camelback: echo canyon and cholla. Cholla Trail is on the EAST side of the mountain, and Echo Canyon Trail is on the WEST side of the mountain. They both lead to the summit.
transportation
This is an important step to preparing for your hike. Parking can be tricky. We’ll discuss both hikes below, but if you decide to do Echo Canyon, the trailhead address is 4925 E. McDonald Dr., Phoenix, AZ 85004. There is a decent size parking lot here, but unless you hike at sunrise or before sunset, it can be PACKED. Especially during things like Spring Break or Spring Training or other events. If the parking lot is full, there’s really not any good alternative parking. JUST UBER HERE, I promise it’ll make your life easier. If you’re hiking Cholla, know that this trailhead starts in a neighborhood that you can’t park in BUT there is street parking close by on Invergordon St. The address to parking is 5150 N Invergordon Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85253. The actual trailhead in the neighborhood starts at 6130 E Cholla Ln, Scottsdale, AZ 85253.
what to wear for the camelback mountain hike
I get asked often from visitors, “I’m new to hiking, what shoes do I need to wear?” “Do I need a backpack?” Let me help you out. I’m glad I get asked about shoes, because it’s super important for hiking in Arizona. Especially the Camelback Mountain hike since it’s steep and rocky. You need GRIPPY shoes. No NIKE GYM SNEAKERS OKAY?! Click on the photo below to access my “locker” of gear that has both an AFFORDABLE and SPLURGE option for hiking boot. I also have my favorite leggings, sun hoodie, fanny pack, etc!
echo canyon trail vs. cholla trail
This is the ultimate question for hikers in Phoenix. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter- both are amazing. Echo Canyon has the iconic railing, and also a secret cave not many people know about. It’s short and STEEP. Cholla is a little longer and less steep, but still difficult. Again, both trails up Camelback are great. Most VISITORS CHOOSE ECHO CANYON.
For Locals
Hi, locals! I love y’all. Don’t be afraid to go hike Camelback just because the visitors are doing it. It’s an iconic Phoenix hike, you need to do it at least once. I don’t do it SUPER often just because it’s not dog friendly, and I try to bring my pooch everywhere. But I love it for a good workout- trying to beat my own time up Echo Canyon.
parking to hike camelback
You guys already know the parking can be crazy. The trailhead address for Echo Canyon is 4925 E. McDonald Dr., Phoenix, AZ 85004. Just hike at sunrise, that’s all I have to say, haha. If you’re hiking Cholla, the address to parking is 5150 N Invergordon Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85253. It was renovated a few years ago and has a nice drop off area and a bathroom.
wear your phoenix pride
I don’t know if it’s just me (I hope it’s not), but I LOVE a good graphic tshirt to hike in. Even better if it has something outdoorsy on it. I get tshirts when I travel, but I never was able to find a tshirt for Arizona that I loved. Why can’t you be a tourist in your own state?! So, I created my own line of tshirts highlighting our local outdoorsy icons, like Camelback Mountain. I would LOVE to see you wearing one on the trail! 🙂
echo canyon trail vs. cholla trail
It’s always hard to decide. If you want a bit of a quicker hike and a tough workout, do ECHO. If you want to hike for a little longer and a little less steep, do CHOLLA. Either way, the Camelback Mountain hike is amazing.
Echo Canyon trail
a real life stair stepper
The Echo Canyon Trail’s reputation for difficulty is well-earned, largely due to its demanding steps and the iconic iron railing sections. Cut directly into the rugged mountainside, the steps are often uneven, varying in height and depth, requiring careful foot placement and a steady pace. These man-made steps, while aiding in the ascent, can be strenuous, especially during the steeper portions. The iron railing, bolted into the rock, provides crucial support and a sense of security as hikers navigate precarious sections and sheer drops. Grasping the railing becomes essential, particularly when encountering loose gravel or slick rock, transforming it from a mere handrail to an indispensable tool for conquering the trail’s challenging terrain.
ECHO CANYON HIKE
hike length: 2.6 mi
elevation: 1,552 ft gain
parking: uber or parking lot
bathrooms: yes
dogs: no
a secret cave
While the Echo Canyon Trail is well-marked for the general ascent, finding the elusive cave requires a keen eye and a bit of adventurous spirit. As you hike, pay close attention to the rock formations on the western side of the trail, roughly midway up the mountain. It is near the 0.6-0.7 mile mark on AllTrails, or near marker #20. Look for a noticeable overhang and a darker, recessed area within the boulders. It’s not a large, gaping cavern, but rather a smaller, more hidden alcove that offers a cool respite and a unique photo opportunity. The cave is often passed by those not actively looking for it, so slow down, observe your surroundings, and don’t be afraid to explore a little off the main path. Remember, safety first, and avoid venturing into any areas that seem unstable or dangerous.
climbing on all fours?
The Echo Canyon Trail on Camelback Mountain is a true test of endurance and a Phoenix rite of passage. This challenging ascent, known for its steep inclines and rocky terrain, demands both physical and mental fortitude. As you navigate the winding path, you’ll encounter sections requiring scrambling over boulders and scaling slick rock faces, making it a thrilling adventure for experienced hikers. The payoff, however, is immeasurable. At the summit, panoramic views of the sprawling cityscape and surrounding desert landscape unfold, offering a breathtaking reward for your hard-earned effort. The Echo Canyon Trail is more than just a hike; it’s an exhilarating journey that showcases the raw beauty and rugged spirit of Camelback Mountain.
Cholla Trail
a more gradual incline
Choosing between the Cholla Trail and Echo Canyon Trail on Camelback Mountain boils down to your preferred type of challenge. While both offer stunning views and a demanding workout, they differ significantly in character. Echo Canyon is notoriously steep and rugged, featuring man-made steps and iron railings, making it a more intense, almost stair-climbing experience. Cholla, on the other hand, is a more natural and arguably more scenic route. It involves scrambling over boulders and navigating looser terrain, offering a more wilderness-like feel. Though Cholla is often considered slightly less strenuous overall, it requires more technical hiking skills and careful foot placement. Both trails reward hikers with panoramic vistas, but Cholla’s less developed nature provides a more immersive desert experience, while Echo Canyon’s infrastructure can feel more like a structured climb. Ultimately, your choice depends on whether you prefer a rugged, natural ascent or a challenging, stair-stepper style climb.
CHOLLA TRAIL HIKE
hike length: 3.0 mi
elevation: 1,279 ft gain
parking: street parking on invergordon
bathrooms: yes (new!)
dogs: no
The Summit of the Camelback Mountain Hike
Reaching the summit of Camelback Mountain is more than just a physical accomplishment; it’s a deeply rewarding experience. After battling the challenging trails, the 360-degree panoramic views that unfold are simply breathtaking. You’ll stand amidst the rugged, rocky peaks, gazing out over the sprawling Phoenix metropolitan area, the distant mountain ranges, and the vast expanse of the Sonoran Desert. The sense of accomplishment is palpable, shared by fellow hikers who’ve made the same arduous journey. Beyond the visual spectacle, the summit offers a moment of quiet reflection, a chance to appreciate the raw beauty and power of nature. The overall Camelback Mountain experience is one of both physical exertion and profound connection with the desert landscape. It’s a test of your limits, a reminder of your resilience, and an opportunity to witness some of the most stunning vistas Arizona has to offer. Whether you choose the challenging Echo Canyon or Cholla, the journey to the summit and the experience it provides will leave a lasting impression.
