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

Galleries & Museums

ASU Art Museum

Performing Arts

ASU Gammage

ASU Gammage is among the largest university-based presenters of performing arts in the world. It hosts concerts, theater and dance...

Performing Arts

ASU Kerr

ASU Kerr is a historic Valley venue that presents a diverse mix of live music, storytelling and theater. Find us in Scottsdale for intimate...

Nature & Wildlife

Audubon Arizona

Audubon Arizona is the state office of the National Audubon Society and a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization, with the mission of connecting...

Arts & Culture

AZ Festival of Nations

The valley of the sun has become home to people of many nationalities, diverse cultures and backgrounds. This will be an event to learn,...

Wineries

AZ Wine Wagon

The AZ Wine Wagon believes that getting there is half the fun, which is why we created a unique AZ winery shuttle experience from start to...

American Indian

Besh-Ba-Gowah Archaeological Park

Besh Ba Gowah Archaeological Park and Museum offers a chance to explore the ruins and artifacts of the Salado Indians who inhabited the...

Family Activities

Big Surf Waterpark

Nestled on 20 acres in Arizona on the northern tip of Tempe and just south of Scottsdale, Big Surf Waterpark has remained an Arizona icon...

Shopping

Biltmore Fashion Park

Known as the "crown jewel" because of its regal history and unmatched ambiance, Biltmore Fashion Park serves as home to some of the finest...

Culinary

BK Lobster PHX

BK Lobster in Scottsdale, AZ is a quick casual seafood restaurant established in 2022 by married NYC expats intent on adding variety to the...

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.