Learn how to hike up Camelback Mountain in Phoenix, Arizona

Resembling the top and hump of a kneeling camel (should you squint a bit and use your creativeness) Camelback Mountain is one among Phoenix’s most recognizable landmarks. Rising to 2704ft, that is the best level within the metropolis, and two difficult climbing trails climb to the highest, providing dizzying views over Arizona’s state capital. 

Positioned a 20-minute drive from the middle, ringed by residential neighborhoods, this iconic peak will provide you with a style of Sonoran Desert surroundings inside town limits. Whether or not you sort out the Echo Canyon Path or the Cholla Path, the strenuous climb to the summit is among the hottest experiences in Arizona.

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After a steep ascent, hikers are rewarded with 360-degree views throughout the Valley of the Solar – the native nickname for the Phoenix metropolitan space. Nonetheless, remember that it is a trek for knowledgeable, well-prepared hikers. Many individuals have ended up needing to be rescued after underestimating the problem of the path, or injuring themselves on the uneven terrain.

In the event you really feel as much as the problem of one of many prime hikes in Arizona, right here’s find out how to hike to the highest of Phoenix’s Camelback Mountain.  

When is one of the best time to hike Camelback Mountain?

You’re within the Sonoran Desert, so it pays to respect the local weather. Summer season temperatures can attain 106ºF (41ºC), and there isn’t a lot shade on this rocky, largely treeless terrain. Wise hikers keep away from the hike up Camelback Mountain in summer season, when the paths are sometimes closed from 11am to 5pm on account of extreme warmth warnings. 

The stroll is way more gratifying when it’s cooler, from October to Could, although that is additionally the busiest time to hike, significantly at weekends and through holidays. Hike in the course of the week if doable and arrive as quickly as the paths open to keep away from the crowds. Camelback Mountain is formally open from dawn to sundown, and that is enforced by rangers – you’ll danger a superb should you keep later. 

The height is among the busiest climbing spots within the Valley, so arrive as early as doable to nab a parking spot. The Echo Canyon Trailhead has a chosen car parking zone, however automobiles are turned away when it’s full. There’s no car parking zone on the Cholla Trailhead, however restricted on-street parking is offered on some close by roads. Think about coming by rideshare to remove the necessity for parking. 

What ought to I anticipate on the trek? 

There are two trails up Camelback Mountain – the steep and difficult Echo Canyon Path, and the marginally much less steep, however nonetheless difficult, Cholla Path. Each begin pretty gently however shortly change into rocky and uneven as you acquire elevation. There are many rocks to step over, and there isn’t a lot in the best way of shade. 

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On the later phases of the ascent, you’ll end up scrambling over naked rock or up boulder-filled gullies, with fencing for defense on uncovered sections. Remember to carry loads of water – potable water and restrooms can be found on the Echo Canyon Trailhead, however not on the Cholla Trailhead.

The reward on the prime is the type of view usually reserved for pilots steering jets into Phoenix Sky Harbor Worldwide Airport, with town unfold out like a topographical map, trying oddly flat towards the rocky ridges rising on the horizon. Certain, it might get crowded on the prime, however there’s no higher place to get a really feel for the way Phoenix is laid out, and the way town has grown since its basis in 1867. 

What do I have to pack? 

You’ll want comfy climbing footwear or boots with good ankle help – the terrain is uneven, and it’s simple to lose your footing or flip an ankle in case you are not cautious. The stroll is much less strenuous on the best way down, but in addition harder on the knees – take it slowly. 

Carry loads of water – The Arizona Division of Well being Companies recommends 68oz (2L) as a day by day minimal, and it’s necessary to drink frequently as you stroll the Camelback Mountain trails. You’ll additionally want sunscreen and a hat to maintain off the solar; use SPF30 or increased and permit it to soak in for 20 minutes earlier than you set off.

Mountain climbing Camelback Mountain on the Echo Canyon Path

Ranging from the Echo Canyon Trailhead car parking zone, this standard path features 1264ft of elevation over 1.2 miles on the steeper, extra direct path to the summit. Whereas the general distance is brief, this isn’t a hike to be taken calmly; enable two to 3 hours for the two.5-mile return journey. 

Approaching Camelback Mountain from the northwest, the Echo Canyon Path is steep, intense and completely price it for individuals who can handle the bodily calls for. Huge crimson sandstone rock formations line the path, giving method to glinting Precambrian granite at increased elevations, and the grime path turns into a scramble over uncovered rock as you get nearer to the highest. 

Watch your footing, relaxation when you want to, and make use of the steel handrails on steep sections of the path. The views simply preserve getting higher as you comply with the ridge and climb to the highest of the camel’s “hump” however don’t go away it too late to go again down – Camelback’s rangers are fast to ticket any automobiles that stay within the Echo Canyon Trailhead car parking zone after sundown.

Mountain climbing Camelback Mountain on the Cholla Path

The Cholla Path approaches the summit from the southeast, overlaying 2.6 miles out-and-back. This route is often known as the “simpler” of Camelback’s two trails, however don’t be fooled by the gradual begin – the ascent shortly will get steeper and tougher. As for the Echo Canyon Path, enable two to 3 hours for the return journey.

Whereas the incline is extra gradual than on the Echo Canyon Path, the Cholla Path is solely uphill and uncovered in locations, and also you’ll have to tug your self up over massive rocks to succeed in the summit. Once you return to those rocks on the best way again down, you might have to get down in your bottom and scoot for components of the scramble.

With the dearth of facilities at this trailhead, make sure to top off on water (and use the restroom) earlier than you come. There’s a secret detour on the Cholla Path – ask locals find out how to discover the hidden cavern tucked out of sight on a rounded bluff, opening onto the view. 

Different rewarding hikes in Phoenix

Coated in saguaro, ocotillo and teddy-bear cholla cacti, the picturesque summit of Piestewa Peak (2608ft) is one other standard Phoenix climbing vacation spot, because of the gorgeous views of downtown ready on the prime. The height was beforehand referred to as Squaw Peak, but it surely was renamed for a neighborhood soldier, Lori Piestewa, who died in 2003. 

Be warned – the summit trek is steep and troublesome, with 1200ft of elevation acquire over 1.2 miles. There isn’t a lot shade, and also you’ll want to hold loads of water. Permit two to 3 hours to succeed in the highest, admire the view and return to the 302 Trailhead. For a better hike, comply with the Freedom Path (3.7 miles) across the base of the height from the identical trailhead (search for parking alongside Piestewa Peak Dr). 

There are practically 70 trails within the surrounding Phoenix Mountains Protect, so you may have plenty of different hikes to select from. Nonetheless, with the proximity of downtown Phoenix, the paths can get jammed on weekends; strolling on weekdays is a calmer expertise.

This text was tailored from Lonely Planet’s Southwest USA guidebook, revealed in August 2025.