On the way down: take caution! The Echo Canyon hike is the more rugged of the two and requires steep climbs and scrambling over large rocks. Make note that Camelback is “urban” hiking. Trailhead: 6131 E Cholla Ln, Paradise Valley. Camelback Mountain’s Echo Canyon Trail remains open, as do more than 200 other miles of hiking trails throughout the city, providing plenty of hiking options." In the late 19th Century, the land was slated as part of a million acre Indian reservation. Echo Canyon is the popular route, which ascends 1,400 foot up the western side of the mountain in just over a mile. Contact us for news, web requests, questions and more! The next part of the climb gets difficult and following the trail marks isn’t as easy- we have to start hiking the camel’s hump and there can be some steep moments! It takes about an 1.5 hours round-trip for hikers in good physical condition. Both are rated extremely difficult. If you'd rather gawk at the Phoenix landmark from the ground (preferably with a cocktail in hand), there are plenty of restaurant patios and resort pools with views of Camelback Mountain, including The Phoenician, Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia, Chelsea's Kitchen, and Steak 44. This was a steep climb up, so it'll be a steep climb down. Dogs are prohibited at all Echo Canyon and Cholla Trail areas. The views you’ll see are of Phoenix and its surrounding areas. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips and is best used from October until May. There are two hiking trails on Camelback: Cholla Trail and Echo Canyon Trail. Both Echo Canyon Trail and Cholla Trail are rated extremely difficult, challenging hikers with exposed rock, strenuous climbs and sections of hand-over-hand climbing. Camelback Mountain Cholla Trail is temporarily closed. Although it requires no harness or ropes, it feels at times more like a climb. If you're short on time, in good physical shape and up for a challenge, Echo Canyon is the trail for you! - See 2,503 traveler reviews, 1,343 candid photos, and great deals for Phoenix, AZ, at Tripadvisor. Read below to find out which best suits your fitness level. Use caution and know your physical limitations. Hikers can traverse 50 miles of trail at South Mountain Park and Preserve, one of the largest municipal parks in the United States. That allocation was later reversed for water-access based reasons and sold to private interests, but efforts toward the preservation of the mountain continued through the 20th Century. We plan to open all Snow sports on Friday December 18th, 2020 (weather and conditions permitting). The City of Phoenix is actively monitoring the base of the trail, permitting hikers of any capability or residence from hiking. We invite you to hike Camelback Mountain with us (click here for guided hikes), up either the Echo Canyon Trail or Cholla Trail. This trailhead has restrooms, benches and water. Plan accordingly. Pick Up Locations. Camelback Trails Pictured below are trail maps for all 4 trails on Camelback Mountain. The ancient rock of Camelback Mountain calls hikers from across the world. Echo is something like an obstacle course and many of its regular hikers can make the round trip hike in about an hour. Hydrate, pay attention to your surroundings and keep an eagle’s eye out for trail marks. Here at the saddle, opt for a moment of serenity at the sudden exposure to downtown Phoenix in the desert’s distance. What to expect: Cholla Trail is a slightly longer and steadier climb than Echo Canyon, but that doesn't mean it's not tricky. This trailhead does not have facilities or designated parking. In fact, Camelback is still often to referred to as "Sacred Mountain". However, once you reach "the saddle" the hike becomes more intense and predominantly scrambling for the final stretch. Order a FREE guide to help you plan lodging, dining, and things to do on your next trip to Phoenix. Phoenix is a beautiful place to Visit and if you’re Looking for a challenging hike, Camelback Mountains or for you. -    Follow the blue markers to stay on trail. -    There are no public restrooms or drinking fountains at the trailhead. Lower portions are easier to follow, but the last third of the climb is a challenging scramble over large boulders. The hiking path has dirt, gravel, boulders, and some handrail-assisted sections. Length 2.6 miElevation gain 1161 ftRoute type Out & back Feast your eyes on breathtaking panoramic views of Scottsdale and Paradise Valley as you follow the trail along the spine of the camel’s back, winding west toward the top of the hump (and highest point of elevation on Camelback Mountain). The final ascent will bring you up the east side of the Camel’s hump. Camelback Mountain is a hiking destination for both locals and tourists in the Valley and is located in the Camelback Mountain Echo Canyon Recreation Area between Phoenix, Scottsdale and Paradise Valley. Camelback Mountain via Echo Canyon and Cholla Trail is a 4.8 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Paradise Valley, Arizona that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. Cholla Trail: Cholla Trail is a slightly longer (1.5 miles) and steadier climb … What to expect: This steep and rocky ascent requires assistance of handrails and climbing to reach the top, but the 360-degree views from the summit are worth it. Two difficult trails ascend 1,420 feet to a summit resembling the hump of a camel's back, affording 360-degree views of the surrounding city. Great hike somewhat difficult if your a novice, we hiked all the way through and took a LYFT back around to our car. This incredible rock formation, named for its visual resemblance to a kneeling camel, is located in Phoenix, Arizona.Although this hike is rated as strenuous, it doesn’t take too long to complete, so it’s a perfect activity for a day hike if you’re visiting the city of Phoenix. The Echo Canyon Trail is considered to be a more difficult ascent than the Cholla Trail. It happens hundreds of times a year. If you’re looking for […] Find face mask and safety guidelines along with general visitor and business information, including guidance on meetings and events, to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic in Greater Phoenix. Take breaks when needed, step carefully and be mindful of loose rocks. The parking lot is busy and will typically remain full from early morning throughout the day on weekends. Located just 20 minutes from downtown Phoenix, Camelback Mountain is one of Phoenix's best hikes and most popular attractions for thousands of visiting hikers each year. You will not be communing with nature. Camelback Mountain via Cholla Trail [CLOSED] is a 2.6 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Paradise Valley, Arizona that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. Get our emails with the biggest events, deals and other cool things in the Greater Phoenix area. Many times, you need to use your hands to climb. Hiking Camelback. Its location in the center of town coupled with its fantastic views from the summit make this strenuous trail surely worth it. Directions to Camelback Mountain: Echo Canyon Trail & Recreation Area: First get to McDonald Drive either from the east, travelling north on 44th street (which turns into McDonald Dr directly on the northwest side of the mountain) or by traveling south On Tatum towards Camelback Mountain.About 0.1 miles east of Tatum on McDonald is the turn for Echo Canyon Parkway on the south side of … How long will it take? The Camelback Mountain hike is one of the most popular hikes in Phoenix. If you're pressed on time or feeling out of shape, this is a great ascension point to reach and from which to retreat! Be sure to note trail signs and do not venture off main paths. The crowds make for good people watching. Camelback Mountain: Great hike. Cholla Trail is an excellent choice for a moderate to somewhat difficult hike on the Camelback Mountain hiking trails! It’s a popular spot for hikers, rock climbers, and tourists, so make sure you do the hike as early as possible, with sunrise being the sweet spot. Hop on your own ATV on this off-roading adventure in the Sonoran Desert. Speedster or not, go ahead scroll down & post your time, as just reaching the summit is a heck of an accomplishment – (prove it with merchandise). 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