Hiking Camelback Mountain in Phoenix, Arizona
The Echo Canyon Trail Offers a Scenic, All-Body Workout
Sep 8, 2009
Phoenix city dwellers don’t have to travel far to reap the benefits of outdoor living. There are wilderness sanctuaries scattered throughout the Valley of the Sun that hold new adventures, all but a few steps from “civilized” life.
Camelback Mountain is among the most popular hiking destinations in Phoenix – smack dab in the middle of the city. The landmark, named after its camel hump silhouette, is located in the Camelback Mountain Echo Canyon Recreation Area between the Arcadia neighborhood and the Town of Paradise Valley.
There are two trails that crisscross opposite sides of the mountain: Cholla Trail and Echo Canyon Trail. The latter is bit more ridged – an intense adventure for residents and tourists alike.
Hiking Echo Canyon Trail at Camelback Mountain in Phoenix
Nearly every weekend at the Echo Canyon trailhead, the parking lot is packed, and vehicles line the neighboring streets. Outdoor enthusiasts at all fitness levels converge on the trail, jockeying for position on the 1.2-mile trek.
The scene is a far cry from nearby city distractions. Outdoor enthusiasts are surrounded by picturesque scenery – red boulders, wildflowers and scattered palo verde trees and cacti.
The trail starts off steep — and doesn’t level off. It’s so steep, in fact, that two 20-yard sections have hand rails. Use them to help alleviate the strain on your quad muscles.
Beginners shouldn’t attack the mountain right away if they plan to summit. It’s easy to burn out while traversing the steep, rugged terrain, so it’s important to start off slow and steady. The trail is slippery in parts — another reason to tread carefully.
The Echo Canyon Trail can be difficult for novice hikers, yet Camelback “regulars” hit the trail on a daily basis, savoring not only scenery, but the all over workout. On parts of the trail, hikers have to climb over boulders and through steep passes.
The 360-degree views of the sprawling cityscape are well worth the strenuous trek. Luxury homes fan out from Camelback’s base into a sea of buildings, homes and countless roads. Victorious hikers can also spot other natural landmarks, such as Piestewa Peak and Papago Park.
Camelback Mountain Facts at a Glance
- Trail length: 1.2 miles
- Elevation: 2,704 ft
- Elevation gain: About 1,200 ft
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- What to bring: Sunscreen, water, light snacks
- When to visit: The trail is open from sunrise to sunset. During the summer, hike in the early morning to avoid the heat. Most of the trail is not shaded.
- Directions: From the intersection of Tatum Boulevard and McDonald Drive in Paradise Valley, head east on Tatum. The first right leads to the Echo Canyon trailhead.
- Parking: There is a small parking lot and most side streets do not offer parking. Paradise Valley police officers hand out parking tickets on a regular basis. It’s not uncommon to find a line of cars waiting for a spot during the spring and fall when the weather is optimal for hiking. Week days are lighter than the weekends.
The Echo Canyon Trail at Camelback Mountain is among the most popular hiking destinations in Phoenix. Hikers in the area need to be especially careful of the heat and take precautions during the summer. To learn more, visit Tips for Hiking in the Heat.
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