Cholla Trail Temporarily Closed - Summer 2020

Camelback Mountain Cholla Trail is temporarily closed. The City of Phoenix is actively monitoring the base of the trail, permitting hikers of any capability or residence from hiking. Check out these beautiful valley hikes this summer instead!

Camelback Mountain Trails

Cholla Trail & Echo Canyon Trail

Welcome to the iconic Camelback Mountain, named for its resemblance to the head and humps of a resting camel. There are two hiking trails on Camelback: Cholla Trail and Echo Canyon Trail. Read below to find out which best suits your fitness level.

Check out Hike Camelback Hiking Tips!

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Camelback Mountain Cholla Trail

Difficulty: Moderate - Extreme 
Summit: 2,704 ft.
Distance: 1.5 Miles to top
Elevation: 1,200 ft. to Summit
Estimated Ascent: 60 minutes
Estimated Descent: 45 minutes
Location: 6131 E Cholla Ln, Phoenix, AZ 85253
Parking: Street parking
Dogs: No

Hiking Cholla Trail Camelback Mountain

Cholla Trail is an excellent choice for a moderate to somewhat difficult hike on the Camelback Mountain hiking trails! It takes about an 1.5 hours round-trip for hikers in good physical condition. Feast your eyes on breathtaking panoramic views of Scottsdale and Paradise Valley as you follow the trail along the spine of the camel’s back, winding west toward the top of the hump (and highest point of elevation on Camelback Mountain). ​Load up on sunscreen and hydrate yourself plenty as this first part of the hike is mostly exposed to the sun during the day. Enjoy a break in the shade as you traverse the north side of the rear-hump. ​

Slowly, you’ll reach what feels the culmination of your Camelback Mountain hike – you’re about half-way but man oh man, is the remainder worth the view and feeling of accomplishment at the end! Here at the saddle, opt for a moment of serenity at the sudden exposure to downtown Phoenix in the desert’s distance. If you're pressed on time or feeling out of shape, this is a great ascension point to reach and from which to retreat!

The next part of the climb gets difficult and following the trail marks isn’t as easy- we have to start hiking the camel’s hump and there can be some steep moments! Many times, you need to use your hands to climb. Hydrate, pay attention to your surroundings and keep an eagle’s eye out for trail marks. The final ascent will bring you up the east side of the Camel’s hump. Take a big boost of self-confidence: you’re strong to have made it this far and so close to the top! ​

Notes on Cholla:
-    No dogs on Cholla
-    There is no parking nor passenger drop-off on Cholla Lane. Please respect residents of the area.
-    There are no public restrooms or drinking fountains at the trailhead. Plan accordingly.
-    Follow the blue markers to stay on trail. The second half of Cholla's ascent is difficult. Use caution and know your physical limitations.

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Camelback Mountain Echo Canyon Trail

Difficulty: Extreme
Summit: 2,704 ft.
Elevation: 1,200 ft. to summit
Distance: 1.33 Miles to top
Estimated Ascent: 55 minutes
Estimated Descent: 45 minutes
Location: N Echo Canyon Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ
Parking: Parking lot
Dogs: No

Hiking Echo Canyon Trail

Echo Canyon is a difficult hike! Although it requires no harness or ropes, it feels at times more like a climb. That said, this trailhead is a ton of fun for the physically fit! Echo is something like an obstacle course and many of its regular hikers can make the round trip hike in about an hour. If you're short on time, in good physical shape and up for a challenge, Echo Canyon is the trail for you! Because of Echo Canyon's location, there is less space available for parking. See more about parking and directions.

The Echo trail gets right to the work out, right away. The dusty path may look like it winds gently up toward the camel's head, but pace yourself, obstacles are to come! Reach your first viewpoint at the end of the dirt trail, facing northwest and down at Paradise Valley. To your right, your first challenge awaits you: the Steps. The Steps bring you behind the camel's head to the handrails: a couple of short, steep, rocky paths. Both are assisted by handrails- use them! (A tip on the descent: when descending the handrails, face backwards. Keep both hands on the rail and look at your feet as you step one foot behind the other.)

The steps bring you to the south side of the camel's neck- the third, non-official handrail- another short, rocky portion with no actual hand rails. Enjoy your first Phoenix-facing view here and gear up as you follow the trail to the most strenuous portion of your climb: the Rocks!! The rocks seem to the last forever, I promise they don't! Take your time and take breaks as needed. Follow the rocks up to another segment of- you guessed it- the Rocks. Make it up this last segment and you're 9/10s of the way to the top. Enjoy another beautiful view of Phoenix and remind yourself that in less than about ten minutes to the top, you'll have summited Echo Canyon. Give yourself that last bit of motivation and take steps that best suit your physical activity level. You're so close, you're basically there! ​

Notes on Echo:
-    No dogs on Echo
-    To ensure the safety of hikers, the bottom of the Echo Canyon trail was remodeled in 2013. Learn more about the renovation. 
-    Public restrooms and drinking fountains are located at the trailhead.
-    Echo Canyon is an extremely difficult hike. Use caution and know your physical limitations.

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The Top of Camelback Mountain

Both trails meet at the same point. 

Take the final steps to the top and enjoy your water with 360-degree views of the Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan area. Downtown Phoenix will be in your southwest view, Scottsdale in the east, Phoenix to the west and Paradise Valley along the north side of the camel. If it’s a clear day, you’ll see the many mountain ridges enclosing what is coined as the Valley of the Sun. Learn more about these ridges and their hiking trails.

On the way down: take caution! This was a steep climb up, so it'll be a steep climb down. Take breaks when needed, step carefully and be mindful of loose rocks!

HIKERS COMING UP HAVE THE RIGHT OF WA​Y

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