Read below to find out which best suits your fitness level. If the parking lot is full you can park at the JW Marriott for a few hours which is a half hour walk to the trail head. Camelback Mountain is one of the most popular hiking and rock climbing destinations in Phoenix, Arizona and offers spectacular views of the Phoenix metropolitan area. I had previously braved the crowds of Echo Canyon twice and the relative seclusion of the Cholla Trail once with Chris. A 54-year-old man who was hiking Echo Canyon Trail on Camelback Mountain on Thursday was found dead in a ravine on Friday evening, apparently, after falling from a cliff, officials said. Located a short drive from downtown Phoenix, Camelback Mountain is a must see destination for hikers, bikers and outdoor lovers alike. Camelback Mountain is the most popular mountain to hike in the Phoenix area for good reasons. This trail approaches the summit from the opposite side of the mountain. To take the Cholla trail, you will get there off E Cholla Lane, the crossroad for which is N Invergordon Rd. September 9, 2018 Hiking Camelback Park Information Comments Off on Parking for Echo Canyon For those who have been to hike the Echo Canyon trail during peak season (Oct-Apr) you know that parking can be a bit of a hassle. There is a lot off of a roundabout. No. The Cholla Trail, while a little bit less strenuous, is also a little bit longer. Start following the dirt path and it will lead to the side of the mountain. Camelback Mountain should be in your list of things to visit if you are in Phoenix; if you miss it you have pretty much missed it all. All of the above considered, the trail description for the Echo Canyon Summit Trail is below: ... Camelback Mountain via Cholla Trail 3.2 mi 5.2 km • 1,193' Up 363.49 m Up • 1,190' Down 362.66 m Down. Hiking Camelback Mountain via the Echo Canyon Trail. Definitely do it at sunrise. Due to the mountain's height, this hike isn't exactly what you would call easy. Two main trails lead to the summit of Camelback, a camel-shaped mountain just 20 minutes from downtown Phoenix. The trail is located near Scottsdale, Arizona and has an elevation gain of 1,423 feet. Moderate difficulty level, Great place to put in some cardio and do some leg work. Great workout , views at the top are amazing. Plus offers spectacular city views framed by rugged canyon walls and Saguaro Cacti. Echo Canyon Trail is the more vertical and grueling hike of the two trails. We hiked here on the last weekend of February, when the weather got up to 27C (80F) which meant we needed way more time than anticipated to complete this trail. By far the most iconic hike in Phoenix, Arizona is Camelback Mountain. 1. Wear the right shoes and bring lots of water. A trail post directs you to Bobby’s Rock. A lot of climbing and scrabbling. These boulders make the path a bit difficult but it’s a nice workout if you look it positively. The trail is located near Scottsdale, Arizona and has an elevation gain of 1,423 feet. If you want to get the best views of the Phoenix metropolitan area then Camelback Mountain via Echo Canyon Trail is the best trail in Phoenix that offers that. For more information on Camelback’s rating head over here. Summary: Echo Canyon Trail or Summit Trail also commonly referred to as simply “Echo” is one of the most intense and hardcore hiking experiences in Phoenix, Arizona. Cholla Trail & Echo Canyon Trail Welcome to the iconic Camelback Mountain, named for its resemblance to the head and humps of a resting camel. Camelback Mountain Hike Directions. Readily accessible from anywhere in the Phoenix area. Good climb! Bring hand sanitizer, the railing you need to help climb up and down is touched by everyone. Very busy today. At the bottom of the first set of steps, it veers to the right. I’ve seen a seasoned hiker slip and slide. You have to be very careful while hiking as the wildlife is very common there and there is great chance that you will see a rattlesnake. Camelback became a Phoenix city park in 1968 and hiking it is one of the top 10 things to do in Phoenix according to Trip Advisor. While both hikes have the same hike rating, Cholla is known as being slightly easier. Hike up Camelback mountain via the Echo Canyon trail in Phoenix, Arizona. This is a trail for hiking enthusiasts, out of town visitors and those looking for a difficult workout. The trail itself is rather different and offers great views along the ridgeline. Avoid busy times I should probably refer to this trail as a climb instead of a hike. ECHO CANYON This trail is an intense and difficult anaerobic hike the entire 1.23 miles to the summit. Camelback Mountain (O'odham: Cew S-wegiom) is a mountain in Phoenix, Arizona, United States.The English name is derived from its shape, which resembles the hump and head of a kneeling camel. Bobby’s Rock Trail at Camelback Mountain. But, for a part you won’t find any rails and you will have climb without any help. Paradis…, AZ. Parking is extremely limited. We had to circle around several times before we found a parking spot. Traffic is extremely heavy during the winter season on the Echo Canyon route so consider the Cholla Trail or other hiking trails in the Phoenix area. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Go early, gets busy. Located just 20 minutes from downtown Phoenix, Camelback Mountain is one of Phoenix's best hikes and most popular attractions for thousands of visiting hikers each year. Copyright © 2021. In fact, my thighs are still burning 24 hours after ascending Camelback Mountain on the Echo Canyon Trail. Yates Trail 8. The Echo Canyon park opened in 1973. Is located just steps from downtown. If you want to get the best views of the Phoenix metropolitan area then Camelback Mountain via Echo Canyon Trail is the best trail in Phoenix that offers that. Fun hike! It’s a 2.4 miles out and back trail and even though it’s not too long it’s an intense workout. If it isn't full, you can drive right in and park. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips and is best used from October until May. Echo Canyon trail is the shorter trail than Cholla Trail but still the more difficult one. As the Valleys highest peak, this stand alone mountain gives you 360 degree views from a whopping 2,706 ft. Hike the trail that’s best for you. The Cholla Trail is 1.5 miles one way to the mountain summit. Echo Canyon Trail is one of the two popular trails that will get you on the Camelback Mountain. The trail is not easy and tests your physical strength so if you are not physically fit doesn’t put yourself in trouble by hiking it. Echo Canyon is shorter, but still an extremely difficult hike. Great weather. Camelback Mountain The most renowned hike in the Phoenix area would have to be Camelback Mountain. Spring of 1998 the Cholla Trail on the east end of Camelback reopened. Beautiful, rewarding hike but so crowded. The hike is short, but high up there on the challenge scale. 1: Echo Canyon Trail in Phoenix The most popular running "segment" on Strava in all of Arizona is Echo Canyon trail on Camelback Mountain in Phoenix , … Camelback is the Runyon Canyon of Phoenix as it is the place to “be seen” while also getting a workout in. Pace yourself and bring more water than you think you need. Crowded, but parking wasn’t a problem. Located in the center of Scottsdale near Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall, this hike incorporates two separate trails that conjoin at the peak of the mountain with views o The mountain is located in the Camelback Mountain Echo Canyon Recreation Area northwest of Scottsdale and between the Arcadia neighborhood of Phoenix and the town of Paradise Valley. Make sure to bring plenty of water as numerous people have died of heat stroke. The last half mile of the trail involves a rock scramble so proper footwear is key. Camelback Mountain Trail Map. Camelback Mountain: Echo Canyon Trail. This is an intense and aerobic climb, due to the elevation gain, … Camelback Mountain via Echo Canyon and Cholla Trail is a 4.8 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Paradise Valley, Arizona that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. Camelback Mountain is located in Echo Canyon Park approximately halfway between Scottsdale (to the southeast) and the Phoenix Mountains Preserve (to the northwest). Located just 20 minutes from downtown Phoenix,Camelback Mountain is a Phoenix icon. Trail Length: 0.25 miles Elevation Gain: 200 feet Difficulty: Easy Parking has always been a bit of a challenge at the Echo Canyon trailhead. Challenging hike, extremely rewarding! It’s rated as a double black diamond in terms of difficulty. Keep in mind the Echo Canyon parking area closes early. Camelback, the 2,704-foot-high mountain in east Phoenix, sees about a half-million summits a year by hordes of hikers, from out-of-shape hotel guests who end … It’s better to go as early as possible so you can park your vehicle easily. The trail to the summit gains 1,300 feet of elevation over a mere 1.16 miles�making the gradient over 100 feet per 0.1 mile�yeah, it's that steep. While most people in the area have hiked to the summit of Camelback Mountain via the Echo Canyon Summit Trail, that's only because the Cholla Trail is less publicized and therefore lesser known. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Wear layers if you go early- you will be sweating quickly! The Cholla Trail is a little longer but takes the gradual ridge line up to the Camelback Mountain summit. It’s a 2.4 miles out and back trail and even though it’s not too long it’s an intense workout. The trailhead is well Length 2.5 miElevation gain 1414 ftRoute type Out & back The Destination. On May 12, 2011 the Phoenix Parks & Recreation Board held an open house to work out how to correct this issue. Two difficult trailheads will bring you up 1,420 feet to a summit resembling the hump of a camel’s back, where you’ll have amazing 360-degree views of the city. Camelback Mountain’s Echo Canyon Hiking Trail is a local favorite for multiple reasons. The mountain, a prominent landmark of the Phoenix metropolitan area, is located in the Camelback Mountain Echo Canyon Recreation Area between the Arcadia neighborhood of Phoenix and the town … Unfortunately, the early deal didn’t include trail access, and in 1970 the City of Phoenix bought 91 additional acres in the Echo Canyon section to guarantee preservation. He had some friends in town this weekend, some friends who were interested in a desert hike, so we decided to take them on the definitive Phoenix mountain. Camelback Mountain via Cholla Trail [CLOSED], Camelback Mountain via Echo Canyon and Cholla Trail, Quartz Ridge Trail 8A and L.V. Two difficult trails ascend 1,420 feet to a summit resembling the hump of a camel's back, affording 360 … It’s tough, but worth it. If you live in Phoenix and are looking for a challenging hike then Camelback Mountain via Echo Canyon Trail is what you should go for. When you reach the top you will be mesmerized by the 360 degree view of the city. The mountain was previously a Native American reservation and has special historical significance. The trail is very hard but sooo rewarding!! If full, they will have it blocked out and only let cars in once some leave, so come early! The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. It ascends approximately 1,280 ft, from 1,424 ft above sea level to 2,704 ft. Getting a parking spot can be a long wait if you arrive on the weekend after 6 AM as there are Climbers galore. Camelback Mountain via Echo Canyon Trail is a 2.5 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Scottsdale, Arizona that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. It's just an easy stroll along the road in a decent neighborhood, though. The City of Phoenix is actively monitoring the base of the trail, permitting hikers of any capability or residence from hiking. February 3, 2019 February 3, 2019 by coremisadventures. Visiting climbers might also be interested in The Praying Monk, a 100 foot rock formation resembling a monk who is praying. This is a great alternative when the Echo Canyon parking lot is full. Check out these beautiful valley hikes this summer instead! Camelback Mountain is a hiking destination for both locals and tourists in the Valley and is located in the Camelback Mountain Echo Canyon Recreation Area between Phoenix, Scottsdale and Paradise Valley. There are two trails that you can use to get to the top of the mountain, Echo Canyon Trail and Cholla Trail. Even though the whole trail could be called a rock climbing there are quite a few rails along the way that you can hold onto. There's no parking up Cholla Lane, and it's quite limited on Invergordon. This would be my fourth time up Camelback Mountain. There are two sides of the mountain you can hike, Echo Canyon and Cholla Trail. December 9, 2020 By Richard Oppelaar Leave a Comment. Lots of scrambling which I enjoyed. Please note parking is currently limited at the trailhead. The Most Beautiful Trails, Vernal and Nevada Falls via the Mist Trail. Camelback Mountain via Echo Canyon Trail is a 2.5 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Scottsdale, Arizona that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. Both are rated extremely difficult. Although both hikes up Camelback mountain are about 2.5 miles long, both taking approximately 2-3 hours, the Echo Canyon Trail is a challenging hike, and not for the faint of heart. The Echo Canyon hike is the more rugged of the two and requires steep climbs and scrambling over large rocks. When we went up to kick off the new year, the summit was packed with people so not what Im used to seeing but the views surely make up for it, Great hike! It is the perfect hike to do in the morning then drive a few minutes to brunch in downtown Scottsdale, both of which I highly recommend. Follow Echo Canyon Summit Trail out of the parking lot. The Echo Canyon Trail is 1.3 miles one way to the mountain summit. To take the more challenging Echo Canyon trail, you will take N Echo Canyon Parkway south just east of the Tatum & McDonald intersection. Good trail with nice views, but it gets steep quickly, so you need to have the right shoes for it! The hike is worth it. Trailhead parking is limited and fills up quickly. Camelback Mountain Cholla Trail is temporarily closed. The mountain has two large resorts on either side, the famous Phoenician to the south and the Sanctuary on the north. Echo Canyon Park, Arizona Camelback Mountain, an iconic peak towering above the greater Phoenix area, rises to a height of 2,704 feet. During peak season parking can be scarce. It's certifiably the safer, more enjoyable, less crowded, and less heat-stroke inducing of the two options. Do not take this hike lightly as even without the Phoenix heat it is a tough hike. It’s easy to say thank you! If you live near or around Phoenix, you know that Camelback Mountain is pretty hard to miss. Camelback Mountain Echo Canyon Trail Review of Echo Canyon Trail and Recreation Area Reviewed April 8, 2015 via mobile Visiting Scottsdale from the Seattle area and decided to be adventurous and go for a hike. The summit can be reached via two hiking trails: the Echo Canyon Trail or the Cholla Trail - both trails are strenuous and subject to extreme heat. When you reach the end of the dirt path you will encounter many large boulders for the rest of the trail. The hike to Camelback Mountain on the Cholla Trail is all uphill, but has a gentler slope than other options. This short trail includes several steep staircases & literal Rock & Boulder scrambling. Amazing work out! Try early or late or bring some patience. HIKE CAMELBACK SUPPORTS HIKING SEASON OCTOBER - … There are two hiking trails on Camelback: Cholla Trail and Echo Canyon Trail. 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