Camelback Mountain: A Stunning Hike Near Phoenix
Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. I may earn a commission by clicking these links, which helps me create more free travel content for everyone. For more information, check out my cookie policy.
The best way to see a new city or area is to do a hike that offers 360-degree views of the surrounding area. Hiking Camelback Mountain in Phoenix is that hike.
This is by far the most popular hike in the city and for good reason. It’s hard but it also rewards you with stunning views of Scottsdale.
I will admit, this hike will challenge you as it challenged us but it isn’t a hike that is out of reach for most people.
In this article, I’ll be going over everything you need to know to prepare yourself to hike Camelback Mountain.
Camelback Mountain Hike Overview
Why This is One of the Best Hikes Near Phoenix
Camelback Mountain is one of the most popular hikes in the Phoenix area. It offers so much but it does take some effort to reach the peak.
At the peak, you’ll be rewarded with 360-degree views of Scottsdale around you. Reaching the peak feels like a victory.
Who This Hike is For
This hike is for those looking for adventure and want to push themselves while being rewarded for their efforts.
I would not suggest hiking this during the summer in peak heat. There is very minimal cover from the sun but if you’re prepared, then it’s a stunning hike with viewpoints from every angle.
How Long Does it Take to Hike Camelback Mountain?
This greatly depends on your level of fitness and the time of year you hike. Another huge factor in how long this hike takes is which trail you take up.
Echo Canyon Trail and the Cholla Trail are the two you will choose from. The average time to complete this out & back tail is around 2 hours.
The heat can play a huge factor in this as well. Hiking in the summer is not recommended unless you are prepared.
Echo Canyon Trail vs Cholla Trail
You may find two trail names when looking up information about Camelback Mountain.
There is the Echo Canyon Trail, which I took, and the Cholla Trail.
I will review the details between both trails, but even though Echo Canyon is half a mile shorter, it is the harder of the two. I will go over both in more detail below.
Echo Canyon Trail
Echo Canyon starts up a winding trail that will lead you straight to a steep incline of rocks. You will know you’re here when there is a tall fence to your left and handrails to hold onto.
This is where the hike begins its steep incline and doesn’t stop until you get to the peak.I consider this more adventurous, but others may not enjoy it as much.
This trail is 2.5 miles in total.
Cholla Trail
This trail is 3 miles out & back, but it is considered easier than its counterpart.
The elevation gain is not as high as parts of Echo Canyon. I suggest taking the Cholla Trail instead if you want fewer sections where you’ll be using all fours.
Camelback Mountain Hike Details (Bryce Canyon Trail)
Things You Need to Know: Logistics
Below, I’ll go over everything you need to know if you’re planning to do this hike.
Trail Hours
Both trails that lead up Camelback Mountain are open from sunrise to sunset every day. This is a great hike to do for sunrise if that’s something that interests you.
Another great hike in Phoenix to do for sunrise is Piestewa!
How to Get to Camelback Mountain
Located slightly Northeast of downtown Phoenix, the parking lot is only a 30-minute drive away—a lot closer than many other hikes in the area.
This makes it an easy day trip and something that will only take up part of your day.
Parking
Parking can be tricky when looking to take either the Echo Canyon Trail or the Cholla Trail.
Echo Canyon Trail Parking
There is a parking lot at the Echo Canyon trailhead if you decide to take this route. Spots do fill up quickly between early morning and mid-morning.
The official website says that once the parking lot is full, the gate will close. People who idle and wait for people to leave can also be ticketed.
Cholla Trail Parking
Parking is limited near the Cholla Trailhead. There are some spots where parallel parking is permitted but make sure you come early to be guaranteed a spot.
Is Camelback Too Hard?
Some websites say this hike is “extremely difficult”. I’m not one of those people. I think this trail is hard but labeling something extremely difficult might deter you from hiking it.
There are a lot of steep sections, especially along the Echo Canyon Trail, where you’ll have to be on all fours to hike up the mountain.
If you take your time and stop for breaks, there’s no reason why this hike shouldn’t be possible for most people.
My Experience
This is my experience hiking along the Echo Canyon Trail to the top of Camelback Mountain.
Arriving at the Parking Lot
We knew this hike was insanely popular, so we decided to arrive early, around 9:30 am and we didn’t have too hard a job finding a parking spot.
Now, keep in mind that we did do this hike during the middle of the week, which I’m sure helped a lot.
Reaching Fenced Section
The hike starts relatively easy, on a winding trail through the mountains overlooking parts of Scottsdale.
Earlier on theres some covered shelter where you can get away from the sun if need be.
We knew we had started the tough part of the hike when we arrived at the fenced section.
This area could be considered one of the toughest sections to the top of Camelback Mountain but luckily, there’s a railing to hold onto while going up.
Other Steep Incline Section
We thought we were done with the steep climbing after the fenced area but there was still a little bit more we had to do.
About a mile into the hike, the last steep section begins. This one isn’t as structured as the one near the fence but there’s a clear path that you keep climbing until you get to the top of it and have to take a left.
The views from this area are stunning but it was just a short little bit until we reached the peak of Camelback Mountain.
Summiting Camelback Mountain Peak
We did it. With sweat down our backs and thirst so strong, we could drink anything. We made it to the top of Camelback Mountain.
The peak of this hike has a bunch of rocks sticking out from it but those made perfect spots to sit down and take in the views.
We decided to eat some snacks, re-hydrate, and take some photos here before heading back down Echo Canyon Trail.
Other Things to Know
Best Time to Hike
The best time to hike Camelback Mountain is during the early hours of the morning. This is when the heat is at its lowest and also the crowd.
This is especially important during the hotter months of the year.
5 Tips When Hiking Camelback Mountain
- Get an Early Start: This is the best way to beat the crowds and also the heat. This also gives you the best opportunity to find a parking spot at either trailhead.
- Where the Proper Shoes: Too many times, I see people hiking in Vans or even sometimes flip-flops…please don’t do this. Invest in a nice pair of hiking boots. My current boots I wear are the Merrell Moab Hiking Boots.
- Bring Plenty of Water: Too many times, I see people bringing one small water bottle or even nothing at all! If you’re hiking in Arizona, make sure you have plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout.
- Take Your Time: This isn’t a race. Take breaks along the trail to ensure you make it to the top.
- Put Sunscreen On: I shouldn’t have to tell you the Arizona sun is no joke. Protect that skin of yours and put on some sunscreen.
Other Popular Hikes Nearby
Where to Stay in Scottsdale
- Fairmount Scottsdale Princess: If you’re looking for a romantic getaway with your loved one, this is the place for you.
- Holiday Inn Express: This is your traditional hotel at a good price. Breakfast is included.
- Scottsdale Plaza Resort & Villas: If you want a mixture of decently priced and a resort, then this is the top place.
FAQs
Is Echo Canyon Trail a Kid-friendly Hike?
Determining if the Echo Canyon Trail is a kid-friendly hike varies from kid to kid. It’s not an easy hike; for most kids, this isn’t a friendly hike.
With that being said, I saw plenty of kids doing this hike, and it’s not out of the question for them to hike to the top.
Are Dogs Allowed on Camelback Mountain?
Dogs are not allowed on either the Echo Canyon trail or the Cholla trail. Please respect this rule.
How Long Does it Take to Hike Camelback Mountain?
It takes around 1.5 to 2 hours to hike to the top of Camelback Mountain. This can vary depending on your fitness level and which trail you decide to take.
What Are the Different Trails for the Camelback Mountain Hike?
There are two different trails, both offering something unique. The most popular trail is Echo Canyon and the other trail is Cholla Trail.
Final Thoughts
This is the most popular hike in the area. Everyone loves doing this hike; some do it multiple times a year. There’s a reason for it. The trail is very unique in that it’s challenging but very rewarding. There is no better way to see the area you visit than from a bird ‘s-eye view. Overall, I highly suggest doing this hike when visiting the area.
