Parks & Monuments

Camelback Mountain

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.

Echo Canyon Trail

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.

Cholla Trail

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.

The Ultimate Combo

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!”

Visit Destination Website

More to Explore Near Camelback Mountain

Cities

Phoenix

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

Tempe

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

Scottsdale

Looking to upgrade your travel experience? Welcome to Scottsdale, Arizona's vacation destination for fine dining, upscale shopping and luxury...

Parks & Monuments

Piestewa Peak & Phoenix Mountains Preserve

This popular urban hike reveals the rugged beauty of the Sonoran Desert.

Arts & Culture

Desert Botanical Garden

The Garden’s commitment to the community is to advance excellence in education, research, exhibition and conservation of desert plants of the...

Search Filters

Search Results

Nature & Wildlife

McDowell Sonoran Conservancy

The nonprofit McDowell Sonoran Conservancy manages the McDowell Sonoran Preserve in partnership with the City of Scottsdale. More than 650...

Hiking & Trails

McDowell Sonoran Preserve

The Arizona Game and Fish Department considers the McDowell Mountains and surrounding Sonoran desert the most significant wildlife habitat...

Family Activities

Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament

Experience an evening of chivalry, revelry, sport and pageantry inside our magnificent 11th century style castle. Feast on a sumptuous...

Wineries

Merkin Vineyards Old Town Scottsdale

100% Arizona experience is what you will find in our Old Town Scottsdale tasting room. Regional, sustainable and a sense of place are the...

Performing Arts

Mesa Arts Center

The international award-winning Mesa Arts Center features four state-of-the-art theaters and stunning outdoor entertainment areas. The...

Galleries & Museums

Mesa Historical Museum

The museum's permanent exhibit showcases the history of Mesa, Arizona and Mesa Public Schools. We have rotating temporary exhibits that we...

Arts & Culture

Mic Drop Mania

Mic Drop Mania, a "Boutique Comedy Experience", was established in 2022 by Colleen & Dave Specht, Hillary Hutson, and Casey Currier....

Galleries & Museums

Miguel Camarena Art Gallery

The Miguel Camarena Art Gallery located in the heart of downtown Cave Creek, Arizona, features artwork by world renowned artist Miguel...

Boating & Water

Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep Tours

Discover Arizona white water rafting! The astonishing 2,000 feet deep Salt River Canyon offers breathtaking views, many thrilling class III...

History

Mineralogical Society of Arizona

MSA’s purpose/mission is to promote popular interest and education in Earth Science, and related fields (Geology, Mineralogy, Paleontology,...

Nature & Wildlife

Mortimer Farms

Mortimer Farms is a real working farm. We have opened our doors and gates up to the public in order to provide a sought-after experience...

Shopping

Mother Lode Mercantile

Located in Goldfield Ghost Town at the base of the legendary Superstition Mountains.The town of Goldfield hosted the miners of the old...

Discover

Cities & Regions

From the abundance of Saguaro cactuses and unique wildlife in the Sonoran Desert to the high country and forests of the White Mountains to the breathtaking Grand Canyon, Arizona’s regions are full of experiences that don’t disappoint.