Weekend Warriors Arizona Hiking Guide

CAMELBACK MOUNTAIN

If a steep climb in the middle of the Phoenix area to great metropolitan views gets your heart pumping, this hike is for you.

HOW TO GET THERE

This hike is located in Phoenix, AZ.

The hike begins in Echo Canyon park, which is located off of McDonald Road, east of Tatum Drive. The signs point out Echo Canyon park the South side of McDonald Road. Spaces are limited at the parking lot so get there early. 

Alternate route [Cholla Trail]: From Camelback Road, turn North on Invergordon Rd. Park along Invergordon Road. Walk to Cholla Lane and turn West. The trailhead is about 0.25 miles walk along Cholla Lane. There is no parking or facilities at the trailhead.

RATING

Be Aware of: Scrambling.

30 yr old Recommendation: Quick climb with some good city views at the top. This is a Moderate hike. The climb will get your heart going, but it's over much too quickly. The hike is kind of short.

This well marked trail is Kid approved.

DETAILS

Elevation change: about 1000 ft climb.

Distance: 2.3 miles round trip. [Cholla Trail is 3.5 miles round trip]

Time: It took us two hours with a 30 minute stop at the top for lunch.

Time of year: all year (recommend hiking early AM in the summer months)

Solitude: This is a very popular urban hike. Expect to meet 40-100 people on this hike during a weekend. Get there early, or you may not get a parking space at the trailhead. 

This urban hike is convenient for those of us that don't have the time to leave the valley for a longer hike... we still get our hiking fix fulfilled from this one. This well marked trail climbs steadily to the top of Camelback Mountain. Some fun scrambling in several places. Once you reach the top, sit back, relax and enjoy the views of the beautiful people living on the mountain. How many swimming pools can you count? There's water at the trailhead, but make sure you bring plenty with you on your hike.  

ALTERNATE ROUTE [Cholla Trail]

The Cholla Trail is less steep and a bit longer (3.5 miles round trip) than the summit trail. From the trailhead, there are excellent views of the Phoenician resort as well as some of the finer houses and resorts surrounding the mountain. As you climb, views abound from right and left. The trail is well marked for the first 1.5 miles. The last 0.25 miles require some scrambling. Follow the blue paint dots and yellow reflectors on the rock to stay on the route.

[View of Cholla trail from the peak of Camelback mountain]

Cholla trail hike done in February 2004.

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