Camelback Mountain

Echo Canyon and Cholla Trails are Phoenix's two most difficult and busy trails. Open Sunrise-Sunset. No dogs. Expect parking to be difficult fall-winter-spring.

9 / 10
198
ratings
Address

4925 E McDonald Dr (Arcadia Dr & Valle Vista) Phoenix , AZ 85018 United States

Comments / 60


Keywords:

hiking scenic views trails great climbing plenty of water rock climbing mountains beer oranges hills parking snacks
Tommi Goodman

Wow. I have done a lot of hiking but this is one hard hike . It is not a hike you can easily run. I would consider half of it "rock climbing". Worth it for sure though!

Chris Webb

Great hikes only if you're in great shape. Both trails are the hardest in Phoenix. Don't come near sunset because the trail closes at sunset year round. Dogs aren't allowed.

Steve Mosher

If you have a bag or backpack & see garbage at the top just throw it in your bag and bring it to the bottom. So many water bottles laying around the top. The mountain will thank you if you pick it up.

Eric Haywood

Awesome climbing and views . But, get up early. Say, before 6am and you'll be fine. Anytime after 8am and there's just too many people. Take your camera and don't forget water.

Brian Bell

This is the absolute BEST vantage point of the Valley of the Sun but you have to work to get there. This isn't an easy hike but it's worth it. Take plenty of water and avoid the hottest time of day.

Cortney Kaminski

This is a favorite of mine to bring my in shape visitors - they love the views they get the entire time, plus it is the ultimate workout! Only thing is parking is never fun.

Desiree Gaston

If you're a hiker, be sure to venture to Camelback Mountain. The views from the top are worth any effort and sweat! Be sure to hydrate beforehand and bring plenty of water .

April Payne

If you are a tourist , don’t be tricked into thinking that this is a simple hike because it’s so close to the city . Be sure to pack plenty of water for your hike !

DeAnna Lee

Get there early to stay cool! It's the most popular hiking spot in the area so it gets pretty crowded ! Parking is easier and hiking is more pleasant! Oh, and take water! Great hike !

Kevin Collinge

The most gratifying hike there is. Very difficult climbing the rocks and the slope to reach the top. But when you do..victory.

Allison Kaminski

Difficult hike to the top if you go completely across the mountain . Take lots of water. Views are amazing

Jon

Great climb , but don't be overconfident. It really is difficult!

Shaylin Brada

Very intense hike . Plan on spending a couple hours of your day here. I wouldnt recommend it for beginners. I

Mel C

Crowded , but worth it! If the parking lot is full, go down the road to Omni Resort and park in their FREE garage !

Phoenix New Times

Best Of Phoenix Winner: Best Rock Climbing . Whether you're a 1st-timer or die-hard climber, Camelback Mountain is one of the best places to rock climb bc of its great location & gorgeous view ! Read more

James P.

I agree with Patty J.! Just please don't leave the orange peels scattered along the trail or around the summit. This is a great hike and a great workout!

Blaise Main

Great climb if you are in shape. If not, make it up as far as you can, the view is beautiful!

Brenda Carrasco

This mountain kicks my butt every time but it is such an amazing workout! Early morning hikes are always the best!

Jarred Smith

Amazing view of the valley from the top. A very enjoyable hike when its not too hot out. Be sure to bring a camera and plenty of water !

James Wong

Time your hike well . Leave plenty of time to reach the summit and return. Failure to do so will leave you lost on the way down in pitch black terrain...

sam

Great place for people visiting Scottsdale to see what the desert has to offer. Really fun, great exercise, and even better views

Men's Health Mag

Ascending this Phoenix landmark makes for a quick but intense workout. There are two trails : the steep Echo Canyon and the longer Cholla.

Kimberly Quinonez

Ultimate sweaty workout if you take the Echo Trail . Unreal view and feeling when you reach the top. It's a great accomplishment!

Kelsey✨

Tough hike , but the fun hand-over-hand climbing (almost) takes your mind off the pain

Pheenix Brown

This is a challenging hike for novice, bring extra water and pace yourself.

David

Cholla trail has no restroom facilities and a really long walk to the trailhead. Plan accordingly.

Teri Ann Tate

Awesome workout trail to kick your butt

Rowena Yeager

Use a back pack for water... It is nit ready to carry anything and climb safely. Have fun

Ryan Svoboda

Great hiking trails . Be sure to bring water.

Greg Monaghan

Pack water for this butt-kicker. My wife and I went through 11 bottles.

Joshua Herring

A nice view you will have to check out for yourself

Eric Hinman

2.4 mile hike - up & down. If you can do it under 50 minutes, pat yourself on the back & grab a beer to soothe your legs.

Kyle H

Awesome trails and scenic views !!

Pau Ibarra

Best mountain for workout!

Teri Ann Tate

Awesome workout trail

Michael H

I'm not really a hiker but, I must say I enjoyed myself and I give it my best :)

Teri Ann Tate

Awesome workout trail to kick your butt ♡

David Petersen

Check out all of the palatial estates that are visible directly below the summit. They look like resorts but they are private residences.

A

Pretty landmark in the area.

Double J

Great views neat hill

Michael B.

This is a nice place 2 go 2 & walk up & down a mountain .

Victoria

Watch the Sunrise from Camelback! Absolutely gorgeous.

Steve B

Always beautiful to look at.

Thomas Hawthorne

We drove up as far as we could at night, and then hiked the rest of the way up. The City of Phoenix at night, looked at from the mountain , is incredible. The lights turn into bocha dots. It's a must

Lauren Worthington

Best to come here when it's cooler out!

Jennifer B.

Don't venture here after dark!

Daniel Novak

Hug the railing on the way down. So much easier.

ryan thouin

Great hiking spot. There are multiple different level hiking trails . There are beautiful landscapes. I recommend the Cholla trail to beginner hikers.

Nope

Put your phone down and enjoy the view .

Evan[Bu]

No water up here, oh well . Take a break and enjoy the view !

Similar places nearby :

8.7
Trail
Echo Canyon Park / Camelback Trailhead

fun workout with friends! would definitely bring enough water, but they also have some coolers to refill at the trails start - Michael Montgomery

8.5
Trail
Cholla Trail

A good steep hike although manageable for most. You'll want to get there 1 hour before sunrise to avoid the crowd and the heat. - Valentin Bayard

9.2
Mountain
Camelback Mountain Summit

If your in town for a few days, and love hiking, you must attempt Camelback. It is a great hike with an amazing view! Just be cautious with parking, it can fill up pretty quickly so get their early. - Michelle O

8.8
Mountain
Hole in the Rock

Great hike. We just walked from there to Papagos. Weather was perfect though. - Jorge Machaen

8.5
Mountain
South Mountain

Tons of hiking areas! This has got to be my favorite hiking spot. The mountain has a variety of hiking levels, both steep and hilly. The best spot - Desert Foothills Parkway and Desert Broom Way. - Shelby Staats

8.5
Mountain
Piestewa Peak

Fun, but challenging hike. Gets pretty crowded as well. - Ryan Paul

9.2
Pizza
La Grande Orange Grocery & Pizzeria

A wonderful gem in the Arcadia area. Everything is fantastic...ambiance, food, gifts, wine, bakery goods, etc. Everyone loves LGO! - Stacy Bayless

8.9
Mall
Scottsdale Fashion Square

The food court has an awesome selection! 5 Guys and Paradise Bakery are two of the best options, can’t go wrong either of those. - Augie Bobik