Camelback Mountain via Echo Canyon and Cholla Trail

This is the 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. Less technical than the Cholla trail on the east side, the Echo Valley trail is still no slouch, and climbs 1400ft in around 1.3 miles. Limited parking is available at the trailhead, but be prepared to have to park a little distance away on a neighborhood street. If you do win a coveted trailhead parking spot, be aware that parking is officially only allowed until 7pm although from our experience rangers rarely ticket offenders (park at your own risk!).

The handrails are a welcome tool on this trail, but even with them this area can be a little tough both on the ascent and descent. Some good grippy footwear will make all the difference here. The sandstone rock that dominates the western flanks of the mountain and represents the head of the figurative camel is known as the Praying Monk, and is geologically different from the granitic rock that comprises the rest of the mountain.

Keep a close eye on your trail as you head in and out of Echo Canyon - particularly on the downward journey, as the rocky surface sometimes disguises the route and its surprisingly easy to head off the trail.

Welcome to the summit of Camelback Mountain. Now, from wherever you are in Phoenix, you can look at the most dominant feature on the landscape and think "I climbed that".

Up until now the Cholla trail has been a gentle uphill climb along a well trodden and well maintained route.Be forewarned that from this point on the Cholla trail gets a little more dicey. Tracing a route up the Camelback ridgeline you'll become aware of the drops at both sides of you.Progressing further along the ridgeline the route becomes increasingly rocky and precipitous. The conditions here are not extreme, but certainly be cautious and this route is not recommend for your children or folk with a strong aversion to heights! The route of the trail may not be obvious from this point on, but the geography of the ridgeline keeps the direction certain and before you know it you'll be at the mountain summit.

The trailhead to the summit begins directly off E Cholla Lane on a very pleasant and well-maintained trail up the easternmost side of Camelback Mountain, with some great views. There is no parking at the trailhead, and E 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.