{"id":136783,"date":"2025-08-11T11:16:17","date_gmt":"2025-08-11T11:16:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/136783\/"},"modified":"2025-08-11T11:16:17","modified_gmt":"2025-08-11T11:16:17","slug":"how-to-hike-up-camelback-mountain-in-phoenix-arizona","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/136783\/","title":{"rendered":"How to hike up Camelback Mountain in Phoenix, Arizona"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Resembling the head and hump of a kneeling camel (if you squint a little and use your imagination) Camelback Mountain is one of Phoenix\u2019s<\/a> most recognizable landmarks. Rising to 2704ft, this is the highest point in the city, and two challenging hiking trails climb to the top, offering dizzying views over Arizona\u2019s<\/a> state capital.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Located a 20-minute drive from the center, ringed by residential neighborhoods, this iconic peak will give you a taste of Sonoran Desert scenery inside the city limits. Whether you tackle the Echo Canyon Trail or the Cholla Trail, the strenuous climb to the summit is one of the most popular experiences in Arizona<\/a>. <\/p>\n

\nAdvertisement\n<\/p>\n

After a steep ascent, hikers are rewarded with 360-degree views across the Valley of the Sun \u2013 the local nickname for the Phoenix metropolitan area. However, be aware that this is a trek for experienced, well-prepared hikers. Many people have ended up needing to be rescued after underestimating the difficulty of the trail, or injuring themselves on the uneven terrain.<\/p>\n

If you feel up to the challenge of one of the top hikes in Arizona<\/a>, here\u2019s how to hike to the top of Phoenix\u2019s Camelback Mountain.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

When is the best time to hike Camelback Mountain?<\/p>\n

You\u2019re in the Sonoran Desert, so it pays to respect the climate. Summer temperatures can reach 106\u00baF (41\u00baC), and there isn\u2019t much shade in this rocky, largely treeless terrain. Sensible hikers avoid the hike up Camelback Mountain in summer, when the trails are often closed from 11am to 5pm due to excessive heat warnings.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The walk is much more enjoyable when it\u2019s cooler, from October to May, though this is also the busiest time to hike, particularly at weekends and during holidays. Hike during the week if possible and arrive as soon as the trails open to avoid the crowds. Camelback Mountain is officially open from sunrise to sunset, and this is enforced by rangers \u2013 you\u2019ll risk a fine if you stay later.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The peak is one of the busiest hiking spots in the Valley, so arrive as early as possible to nab a parking spot. The Echo Canyon Trailhead has a designated parking lot, but vehicles are turned away when it\u2019s full. There\u2019s no parking lot at the Cholla Trailhead, but limited on-street parking is available on some nearby roads. Consider coming by rideshare to eliminate the need for parking.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"A A hiker on the Cholla Trail on Camelback Mountain. Matt Mawson\/Getty Images What should I expect on the trek?\u00a0<\/p>\n

There are two trails up Camelback Mountain \u2013 the steep and challenging Echo Canyon Trail, and the slightly less steep, but still challenging, Cholla Trail. Both start fairly gently but quickly become rocky and uneven as you gain elevation. There are lots of rocks to step over, and there isn\u2019t much in the way of shade.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nAdvertisement\n<\/p>\n

On the later stages of the ascent, you\u2019ll find yourself scrambling over bare rock or up boulder-filled gullies, with fencing for protection on exposed sections. Be sure to carry plenty of water \u2013 potable water and restrooms are available at the Echo Canyon Trailhead, but not at the Cholla Trailhead.<\/p>\n

The reward at the top is the kind of view normally reserved for pilots steering jets into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, with the city spread out like a topographical map, looking oddly flat against the rocky ridges rising on the horizon. Sure, it can get crowded at the top, but there\u2019s no better place to get a feel for how Phoenix is laid out, and how the city has grown since its foundation in 1867.\u00a0<\/p>\n

What do I need to pack?\u00a0<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll need comfortable hiking shoes or boots with good ankle support \u2013 the terrain is uneven, and it\u2019s easy to lose your footing or turn an ankle if you are not careful. The walk is less strenuous on the way down, but also tougher on the knees \u2013 take it slowly.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Bring plenty of water \u2013 The Arizona Department of Health Services recommends 68oz (2L) as a daily minimum, and it\u2019s important to drink regularly as you walk the Camelback Mountain trails. You\u2019ll also need sunscreen and a hat to keep off the sun; use SPF30 or higher and allow it to soak in for 20 minutes before you set off.<\/p>\n

\"Camelback The Echo Canyon Trail is the most direct approach to the summit of Camelback Mountain. BCFC\/Shutterstock Hiking Camelback Mountain on the Echo Canyon Trail<\/p>\n

Starting from the Echo Canyon Trailhead parking lot, this popular trail gains 1264ft of elevation over 1.2 miles on the steeper, more direct route to the summit. While the overall distance is short, this is not a hike to be taken lightly; allow two to three hours for the 2.5-mile return trip.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Approaching Camelback Mountain from the northwest, the Echo Canyon Trail is steep, intense and absolutely worth it for those who can manage the physical demands. Massive red sandstone rock formations line the trail, giving way to glinting Precambrian granite at higher elevations, and the dirt path becomes a scramble over exposed rock as you get closer to the top.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Watch your footing, rest when you need to, and make use of the metal handrails on steep sections of the trail. The views just keep getting better as you follow the ridge and climb to the top of the camel\u2019s \u201chump\u201d but don\u2019t leave it too late to head back down \u2013 Camelback\u2019s rangers are quick to ticket any cars that remain in the Echo Canyon Trailhead parking lot after sunset.<\/p>\n

Hiking Camelback Mountain on the Cholla Trail<\/p>\n

The Cholla Trail approaches the summit from the southeast, covering 2.6 miles out-and-back. This route is typically referred to as the \u201ceasier\u201d of Camelback\u2019s two trails, but don\u2019t be fooled by the slow start \u2013 the ascent quickly gets steeper and more challenging. As for the Echo Canyon Trail, allow two to three hours for the return trip.<\/p>\n

While the incline is more gradual than on the Echo Canyon Trail, the Cholla Trail is entirely uphill and exposed in places, and you\u2019ll have to pull yourself up over large rocks to reach the summit. When you return to these rocks on the way back down, you may need to get down on your backside and scoot for parts of the scramble.<\/p>\n

With the lack of amenities at this trailhead, be sure to stock up on water (and use the restroom) before you come. There\u2019s a secret detour on the Cholla Trail \u2013 ask locals how to find the hidden cavern tucked out of sight on a rounded bluff, opening onto the view.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"A A saguaro cactus on Piestawa Peak in Phoenix Mountain Preserve. Pictor Pictures\/Shutterstock Other rewarding hikes in Phoenix<\/p>\n

Covered in saguaro, ocotillo and teddy-bear cholla cacti, the picturesque summit of Piestewa Peak<\/a> (2608ft) is another popular Phoenix hiking destination<\/a>, thanks to the stunning views of downtown waiting at the top. The peak was previously known as Squaw Peak, but it was renamed for a local soldier, Lori Piestewa, who died in 2003.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Be warned \u2013 the summit trek is steep and difficult, with 1200ft of elevation gain over 1.2 miles. There isn\u2019t much shade, and you\u2019ll need to carry plenty of water. Allow two to three hours to reach the top, admire the view and return to the 302 Trailhead. For an easier hike, follow the Freedom Trail (3.7 miles) around the base of the peak from the same trailhead (look for parking along Piestewa Peak Dr).\u00a0<\/p>\n

There are nearly 70 trails in the surrounding Phoenix Mountains Preserve<\/a>, so you have lots of other hikes to choose from<\/a>. However, with the proximity of downtown Phoenix, the trails can get jammed on weekends; walking on weekdays is a calmer experience.<\/p>\n

This article was adapted from Lonely Planet\u2019s Southwest USA<\/a> guidebook, published in August 2025.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Resembling the head and hump of a kneeling camel (if you squint a little and use your imagination)…\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":136784,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5131],"tags":[5229,5643,1587,1589,67,586,132,5230,68,2969],"class_list":{"0":"post-136783","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-phoenix","8":"tag-america","9":"tag-arizona","10":"tag-az","11":"tag-phoenix","12":"tag-united-states","13":"tag-united-states-of-america","14":"tag-unitedstates","15":"tag-unitedstatesofamerica","16":"tag-us","17":"tag-usa"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@us\/115009852736553509","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/136783","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=136783"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/136783\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/136784"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=136783"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=136783"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=136783"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}