Camelback Mountain via Echo Canyon and Cholla Trails is a 4.5 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Phoenix, Arizona that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round.
hiking
nature trips
rock climbing
trail running
bird watching
views
wild flowers
wildlife
no shade
no dogs
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. Echo Canyon is the popular route, which ascends 1,400 foot up the western side of the mountain in just over a mile. The journey quickly becomes a real leg-burner but delivers some good hiking experiences and a varied terrain. The Cholla 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. Elevation gain: - Approx. 1,300ft (from 1,450 - 2,680ft)
Love this hike!!!
Difficult trail, no shade. Views at the top are worth it! It's even tougher in this heat
Heui Park recorded Recording - Jun 14, 06:07 AM
2 min delay
We started on echo canyon side, up and over to Cholla trailhead, then back again. This hike puts the hardest quarter of the hike first. The overall trip was quite enjoyable. I handed out both of my spare waters. Always take generous amounts of water.
Was in town for spring training from California. This hike exceeded all expectations. If you’re out of shape, you’re fucked.
good workout. fun scramble. great valley views
Danie Jones recorded Recording - May 02, 03:46 PM
wow! Just wow! the trail is an amazing butt whipping gut wrench! great view and some challenging climbs up and down! your heart will pump out of your chest!
Amazing hike! I'd recommend going very early in the morning before it gets too hot. Bring plenty of water and maybe a snack or two. Two difficult areas of scrambling over and around boulders. Bring good hiking shoes because some areas are very steep. I got to the top in about and hour and a half with a few short breaks. Favorite hike so far!
Ed Walsh recorded Recording - Apr 22, 09:01 AM
Recomend starting before 7am to get parking at avoid the heat. Trail is strenuous and requires climbing over and around boulders. Good hiking shoes highly recommended. Bring a good amount of sunscreen, hat, and water. Great views at the top. 3 hours up and down.
Todd Webster recorded Recording - Apr 11, 11:12 AM
best and hardest to date. 1 hr 54 min. 74 degree w minimal wind. great views but drink often and do not be afraid to rest.
A great test of your physical fitness with a superb view along the way. Get started at sunrise and bring good hiking boots and plenty of water. On the down side, there are no restroom facilities, ( this is inexcusable for such a popular hike), and the trail gets very crowded after 9 am.
Good hike. Just to many people. all in all a good steep start.
Strenuous as described but worth the effort. You should be in moderate shape to enjoy it more fully. Have plenty of water even on cooler days. Dehydration detracts from fully enjoying the hike! Nice views and friendly hikers along the way. The steep return back is not to be rushed for fear of injury if you stumble. An urban hike not to be missed especially if you can go when the trail is cool and not crowded. That takes some pre planning.
Great hike, but crowded.
