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

Road Trips & Itineraries

Phoenix Charter Bus Company

Phoenix Charter Bus Company is the #1 rated charter bus and bus rental service in Phoenix. Buses range from full-size, 55-passenger motor...

Arts & Culture

Phoenix Chinese Week

Phoenix Chinese Week continually strives to provide quality opportunities for cultural awareness, education, and exchange.

Shopping

Phoenix General Store

Phoenix General is a polished boutique highlighting a curated selection of women's & men's clothing, home goods, & gifts inspired...

Performing Arts

Phoenix Music and Film - Phxmf.com

Providing knowledge, workforce, and opportunities to the music and film industries and promoting innovation, creativity, and economic...

Shopping

Phoenix Premium Outlets

Phoenix Premium Outlets serves as the premier shopping destination for locals and visitors alike looking for high sought after brands at...

Sports

Phoenix Raceway

Home to the 2024 NASCAR Championship Weekend, Phoenix Raceway has been the premier motorsports venue in the Southwest since 1964 and hosts...

Performing Arts

The Phoenix Theatre Company

The Phoenix Theatre Company is the oldest arts institution in the State of Arizona and one of the oldest continuously operating arts...

Nature & Wildlife

Phoenix Zoo

Enter the Phoenix Zoo and explore a wondrous world of curiosity, imagination and discovery. Featuring more than 3,000 animals, including...

Outdoor Adventure

Pin Drop Travel Trailers

In line with Pin Drop Travel Trailers company core values, we partner with local, Arizona-based businesses to provide exceptional rental...

Galleries & Museums

Pinal County Historical Museum

Step back in time and explore Florence's rich history at the Pinal County Historical Museum.Bring Florence's stories to life with our...

Galleries & Museums

Pinal Geology and Mineral Museum

Celebrating the long geologic history of Pinal County, Arizona, and beyond. The museum has exhibits and events related to geology,...

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.