Camelback Mountain Hiking Guide: Which Trail Should You Hike?
Camelback Mountain is worth hiking if you want a short, very steep climb with panoramic Phoenix views and don’t mind scrambling over exposed rock. I wouldn’t recommend it simply because you’re visiting Phoenix.
I’ve hiked both Echo Canyon and Cholla several times, and the relatively short hike is deceptive. It may be short mileage wise, but has a very steep elevation gain, the exposed rock, lack of shade, and scrambling make this a much harder hike than it appears at first glance.
If you mention hiking in Phoenix, chances are people will bring up Camelback Mountain. It is one of the most prominent features in the Phoenix skyline. The Camelback Mountains resembles the two humps and head of a camel. It was designated as a city park in 1968 and is a Phoenix point of pride.
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When to Hike Camelback
Originally published June 6, 2020 — Last updated September 2, 2026
For a strenuous hike like Camelback, I would recommend hiking during the cooler months. Each time I hiked Echo Canyon and Cholla I did so during the winter months when the temps were in the high 60’s. I once hiked both trails in one day, which was a little much for me. Spring and Fall are a good time as well. Summer is not the time of year to hike Camelback. It is dangerous and every year people die and/or need to be rescued from this mountain.
This is a fun hike with rewarding panoramic views of the valley. However, if you have mobility issues, heart issues, or plan on hiking with very young kids there are other hikes in Phoenix that have good views.
Thousands of locals and tourists alike head to Camelback with hopes in reaching the summit of 2,704 feet. So while it is a beautiful hike it is also a crowded one.
Camelback Mountain Hiking Trails Options
To reach the top you have the following two options:
Or you can hike both “camel” humps from one end to the other. Both hikes are strenuous climbs. It is not a beginner hike, you will gain over 1,400 feet in elevation and climb over a mile on either hike.
Echo Canyon Versus Cholla?
The first time I hiked Camelback I chose the Echo Canyon Trail. This is the most popular trail and it is also steeper. If you’re only going to hike Camelback once I would recommend hiking Echo Canyon trail because it is going to be easier to find parking. On subsequent hikes I prefer Cholla Trail because it is more of a gradual hike.
These are the differences between the two:
Echo Canyon
- Both trails are strenuous, but Echo Canyon is rated more strenuous than Cholla. I would agree with this assessment.
- Echo Canyon has a parking lot and restroom.
- Echo Canyon is a shorter hike.
Cholla Trail
- Strenuous, but a little less so than Echo Canyon.
- No parking lot, you will need to find parking on the nearby streets. Do not park in no parking zones.
- Slightly longer hike than Echo Canyon.
Camelback Mountain Echo Canyon Summit Trail
The western slope of Camelback Mountain is hiked via the Echo Canyon Trail. This steep rocky trail starts off with many man made steps. You’ll probably think this isn’t so bad and your knees are getting a good work out. However, don’t underestimate Camelback. After this you will immediately start scaling a steep rocky incline.
The first half of of this hike is climbing steep rocky inclines. There is no shade on this trail so bringing enough water is extremely important. Very few areas of the hike are level, so wear some good hiking boots or shoes.
Once you make your way past the steep inclines you’ll can expect to continue your hike climbing over large boulders to reach the summit.
Over a few more boulders, you are almost there. Keep going up until you reach the summit and enjoy the 360-degree views of Phoenix. It is stunning and you can see for miles and miles.
The Cholla trail and the Echo Canyon Summit trail offer beautiful views of the city with steep rocky sections and drop offs. If you reach the summit you will be rewarded with stunning sandstone and unparalleled views of the city!
The summit has a large flat surface where you can have a snack and enjoy the view. There are plenty of other people up there that will gladly take your photo, so you have proof you made it to the top!
From the summit you can return the way you came or you can take the Cholla Trail down.
Camelback Mountain Cholla Trail
The Cholla Trail climbs the eastern slope of Camelback Mountain. It is equally as challenging as the Echo Canyon trail. To reach the trailhead you will walk at least a half mile from available street parking. The trail starts out fairly level, but then quickly climbs.
As with the Echo Canyon trail, the Cholla trail offers great views.
Keep climbing.
From the summit you can return the way you came or you can take the Echo Canyon trail down.
Other hiking Trails
Bobby’s Rock Trail and the Ramada Loop Trail are less physically demanding hikes in Camelback park and offer beautiful views as well.
Parking at Camelback Mountain
A hike up Camelback Mountain is challenging, however parking is an even larger challenge. Parking is very limited and Camelback Mountain is extremely popular. If you are not here by 6 am on the weekend, it isn’t likely you will find a parking spot. Sometimes we have a rideshare drop us off and pick us up after the hike, so we didn’t have to find parking.
Echo Canyon Parking
There are two parking areas:
- Parking is off of McDonald drive which will give access to the summit trail as well as Bobby’s Rock Trail.
Cholla Trail Parking
- Parking is off of Ingerverdon which gives access to Cholla trail
Location: The Camelback Mountain Echo Canyon Recreation Area is between the Arcadia neighborhood of Phoenix and Paradise Valley. Enter at Echo Canyon Parkway just east of Tatum Boulevard off of McDonald Drive
Which Trail Should I Hike – Echo Canyon or Cholla?
These are the differences between the two:
Echo Canyon
- Both trails are strenuous, but Echo Canyon is rated more strenuous than Cholla. I would agree with this assessment.
- Echo Canyon has a parking lot and restroom.
- Echo Canyon is a shorter hike.
Cholla Trail
- Strenuous, but a little less so than Echo Canyon.
- No parking lot, you will need to find parking on the nearby streets. Do not park in no parking zones.
- Slightly longer hike than Echo Canyon.
Camelback Mountain FAQs
It is a strenuous extremely difficult hike scrambling up the mountain. Hiking to the summit is a 1,400 elevation gain.
The Cholla Trail is 3 miles out and back. The Echo Canyon Trail is 2.1 miles out and back.
Each trail takes 2-4 hours
1,400 feet
No.
No, dogs are not allowed.
Yes, there is a limited amount of parking
Yes, at the Echo Canyon trailhead there is a restroom
Water. The general hiking guideline is to bring 1 liter for each hour of hiking. Sunscreen, there is no shade on this trail. Good hiking boots, not tennis shoes. You need footwear with traction so you can grip the side of a mountain.
Sunrise to Sunset.
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Adventurer At Heart
Amber is the writer behind Adventurer At Heart, sharing practical travel advice based on more than 25 years of exploring Arizona and traveling beyond it. She looks for places with a story, from desert trails and historic sites to scenic drives and towns worth your limited vacation time. When she’s not traveling, she’s gardening.
