the LA eXperience
P.O. Box 1707 Litchfield Park, Arizona 85340
Experienced hikers set off on the most quad-busting climbs in the Phoenix metro area.
To call this popular hike a natural stair-stepper would imply the steps are evenly placed and repetitive. That’s not the case. The short trails to the highest summit in the Phoenix area are both rated Extremely Difficult because no two steps are the same and navigating the rugged trails requires a full-body effort going up and coming down. This urban-summit hike requires an important decision before beginning the climb. Take the Echo Canyon or Cholla trail — both are roughly 1.5 miles to the top and can take up to three hours to complete round-trip. Bring a small backpack to carry extra water or wear shorts with zipper pockets to secure keys and phones. Bodies get contorted clambering up boulder slopes and free hands are a necessity.
Access the most popular climb to the camel’s hump from the west tip of the range, or the head of the camel. From the first step on the trail, the incline is relentless. Echo Canyon Trail is on the shady side of the mountain at sunrise — a perk on summer morning hikes. Portions of the trail skirt sheer rock cliffs and the most treacherous spots have handrails in place to get hikers safely to the next challenge. Slow climbs often require clambering on all fours over boulders strewn through steep washes. Every step of the trail brings mind-boggling rock formations and mighty saguaros into view, and the summit has unobstructed 360-degree views of the Valley floor and surrounding mountain ranges.
At the east end of Camelback Mountain, the Cholla Trail reaches the hump via another rugged 1.5-mile hike. Along the first half of the trail, hikers will wonder what all the fuss is about. The rocky footpath has a gentle incline and even long stretches of straightaways that overlook area resorts and neighborhoods. The climb to the summit, though, is every bit as tough as the final stretches of Echo Canyon. Hikers need to take their time, securing every foothold and handhold before making the next move. At the summit, hikers share high-fives over their accomplishment.
Get the full Camelback Mountain experience by hiking up Echo Canyon Trail and down Cholla Trail. Echo has a large parking lot with plenty of overflow parking. Cholla has limited parking along Invergordon Road about a five-minute walk to the trailhead. Tackle the tougher climb first while some sections still have shade. Take a break at the summit to enjoy the metro view before heading back down the Cholla Trail. The first section of the descent requires hikers to scoot on the rears down stacks of boulders, but the trail quickly evens out and is a much easier hike back down to the valley floor, even when fully exposed to the elements. Pro tip: Hike Camelback on day one, then for the rest of your trip, look up from the Valley floor and say, “I did that!”
Cities
Phoenix is the capital city of Arizona and is located in the central region of the state. People may know it for its year-round sun, desert...
Cities
Home to Arizona State University, Tempe, just east of Phoenix, contains the vibe you would expect in a college town, and attractions that make...
Cities
Looking to upgrade your travel experience? Welcome to Scottsdale, Arizona's vacation destination for fine dining, upscale shopping and luxury...
Parks & Monuments
This popular urban hike reveals the rugged beauty of the Sonoran Desert.
Arts & Culture
The Garden’s commitment to the community is to advance excellence in education, research, exhibition and conservation of desert plants of the...
Family Activities
OdySea Mirror Maze is a challenging adventure for the body and mind. By surrounding your pathways with mirrors guests see infinite...
Wineries
The family-owned estate winery and vineyards at 5,000-feet in the Chiricahua Mountain Foothills in Southeastern Arizona, has been producing...
Family Activities
LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Arizona is a 40,000 square-foot indoor attraction featuring more than one million LEGO® bricks, LEGO® themed...
Fishing & Hunting
Lo Water Guide Service was started in 2020 by Derek Rivchin, offering easy access to quality Arizona fishing guides. Our local lakes are...
Breweries
Horseback Riding
MacDonald's Ranch has been a staple in the Scottsdale community since 1956. Opening to the public for western adventure on Easter Sunday...
Spas & Luxury
Voted the best Home Show in Arizona and a top 10 national event since 1993. Arizona's Largest Home Shows in Attendance and Exhibitors, held...
History
Maricopa Historical Society incorporated as a non-profit corporation (501 C3) in 2010. Meetings are held atthe Library and Cultural Center,...
Hiking & Trails
The Maricopa Trail + Park Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting, promoting, developing, and maintaining one of the...
Nature & Wildlife
The nonprofit McDowell Sonoran Conservancy manages the McDowell Sonoran Preserve in partnership with the City of Scottsdale. More than 650...
Hiking & Trails
The Arizona Game and Fish Department considers the McDowell Mountains and surrounding Sonoran desert the most significant wildlife habitat...