10 Tips for Hiking Camelback Mountain in Scottsdale

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The peak of Scottsdale hiking is a mountain well known by locals. Camelback Mountain is 2704 feet tall and can be seen while driving throughout this region. This hike isn’t easy, but everyone can achieve it. Two different trails can be taken to the top of this mountain. I will go over both of these later on in this blog. You will be amazed by the 360 views of Scottsdale and the surrounding area from up here.

In this guide, I will go over how to get to Camelback Mountain trailhead, the difference between the two trails, and a handful of tips that will be good to know before you head up the mountain.

Table of Contents

Where is Camelback Moutain Located?

Located slightly Northwest of downtown Scottsdale, the parking lot is only a 15-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. Hiking this mountain can be straightforward for some, but the heat can be a factor depending on what time of the year you do it.

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 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.

Directions to Camelback Mountain Trailhead

If you want to take the Echo Canyon Trail, follow the maps here.

You can start the Cholla Trail here but you’ll have to find parking on the street.

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10 Tips When Hiking Camelback Mountain in Scottsdale

In this next section, I will review some helpful tips for hiking to the top of Camelback Mountain. When I hiked it, the Cholla trail was closed, so our only option was to take the Echo Canyon trail. Most of the photos will be from that trail, but I will also give information about the Cholla trail.

1. Get an Early Start

My suggestion for almost any hike is to start earlier. This is the best way to beat the crowds and the heat (especially in Phoenix). The parking lot will be fullest around 11 or noon. Getting here early will help you find a parking spot. With fewer people on the trail and at the peak, the hiking experience here in Scottsdale will be better.

2. Choose the Correct Trail at Camelback Mountain

You may find two trail names when looking up information about Camelback Mountain in Scottsdale. There is Echo Canyon Trail, which is the one I took, and 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 hand railings 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

Cholla Trail re-opened in October after being closed for maintenance. 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 can’t make it up the rock climbing section.

3. Bring Plenty of Water

A tip that I hope nobody forgets to do when completing this hike is to bring enough water. During the summer months, temperatures can reach upwards of 110 degrees. With practically zero cover along the entire hike, water is extremely important when completing hiking in Arizona.

4. Wear the Proper Shoes

Your choice of shoes is vital, especially if you are taking the Echo Canyon Trail instead of the Cholla Trail. You want something with a good grip when trying to climb these steep sections. A higher boot will also protect your ankles when you accidentally twist them. And trust me, this saves you more time than you realize.

5. Put on Sunscreen

As I mentioned, there will be much fun along the trail. It is not fun to return after an enjoyable hiking day to your skin being burnt. Bring your sunscreen with you because you will also be sweating a lot.

6. Take Your Time

This isn’t a race. You are here to experience the incredible scenery and area you are hiking through. When getting to the top, sit back and take your time. If you are feeling tired, don’t be worried about stopping. Everyone along the trail is at a different fitness level. Enjoy this hike.

7. Bring Salty Snacks

While hiking in the heat, you will sweat and lose sodium. This is where salty snacks come in handy. You will want to replenish the lost sodium, and in return, you will have increased performance. Some popular snacks are trail mix, chips, and protein bars.

8. Stay on the Trail

I don’t want to sound like I’m parenting you, but staying on the trail for most hikes, especially this one is essential. Many accidents have occurred, and hikers have had to be rescued from the mountain. Stay on the trail and do not venture off.

9. Keep an Eye Out for Animals

The reality is that we are in someone else’s territory. Along the hike, you will have many chances to see this area’s unique wildlife, including many reptiles. Keep your eyes peeled for all kinds of animals. If someone else sees something, they will point it out for you.

10. Enjoy Your Time at the Top

For some, like myself, reaching the peak is the main reason for the hike. I’m a sucker for a good view, so I like to relax up top and take it all in. Nothing is better than just finishing a grueling hike to a beautiful peak while eating lunch.

Take your time and enjoy the scenery of Scottsdale.

Things to Know Before Hiking

This is by far the most popular hike in the area. It is challenging but well worth the effort, in my opinion. If you want to hike something easier, I suggest you check out hikes such as Pinnacle Peak, Sunrise Peak, and Tom’s Thumb.

Scottsdale and the Phoenix area is located in a desert. If you haven’t hiked in one before, you may want to know some things before heading out.

This applies to all hikes near Phoenix.

Below are some more information about this hike:

Things to Bring

Hiking in a desert is a different animal. You don’t want to get caught off guard without the right items. Besides my regular hiking gear listed below, I recommend bringing a few other things:

Best Time to Hike Camelback Mountain

The best time to hike Camelback Mountain and the surrounding areas of Phoenix in Arizona is in the Spring or Fall. The temperatures are much cooler then. If you go in the summer, you could see temperatures as high as 120 degrees.

If you want to enjoy your vacation, I suggest going in October. That has been my favorite month of my time living here.

Where to Park at Camelback Mountain

The Echo Canyon Parking lot trail is easy to find, and we had no issues when arriving here. We did this hike during the middle of the week, and that helped with the crowds.

If you take the Cholla trail, you’ll have to find parking on the street. In this instance, you must arrive early.

Camelback Mountain Hike Hours

The Echo Canyon Recreation Area is open from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. For your safety, please don’t stay longer than this.

Other Hikes You’ll Like Near Phoenix:

Is Echo Canyon Trail a Kid-friendly Hike?

Determining if 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.

Camelback Mountain Hike Details

Distance: This hike is around a 2.5-mile out & back trail. This varies slightly depending on if you do the entire hike or not.
Duration: On average it will take people 2.5 hours to finish. This depends on your fitness level and the time of the year as well as which trail you take.
Difficulty: I’d rank this hike as moderate to difficult because of the length, slight elevation gain, and potential heat.
Incline: The elevation for this hike is around 1,420 feet.
Hiking Guide: A guide is not needed for this hike and is easily accessible by the public.

If you want to learn more about this hike and read reviews from others, you can check it out on Alltrails.

Best Places to Stay in Scottsdale, Arizona

Scottsdale, as well as the Phoenix area, has grown in popularity over the last handful of years. This is also becoming a hotspot for vacations and bachelorette parties. I loved it here and I’m sure you won’t be disappointed either.

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.

Other Activities to do in Scottsdale, AZ

Scottsdale has blown up in tourism over the last handful of years. It is currently ranked as a top destination in the country for bachelorette parties. That said, there is still something in the area for everyone. If I’m not hiking, then the hot air balloon flight with champagne would be a top choice of mine. Below are some highly ranked activities in the area of Phoenix and Scottsdale.

Final Thoughts on Hiking Here in Scottsdale

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.

Thank you for reading my guide to Camelback Mountain in Scottsdale. I hope the tips will be helpful when making your ascent to the top.