Camelback MountainHike the Camel's Back to Amazing Phoenix and Scottsdale Views
Go to Camelback Mountain sections: What Makes Camelback Mountain SpecialCamelback Mountain is a well-known area landmark and the highest point in Phoenix.It’s also one of those special places – a wild desert preserve in the heart of the city. Hikers, rock climbers, tourists, nature lovers and fitness buffs brave its sheer red sandstone cliffs and steep trails for an unparalled, 360 degree view of the Phoenix/Scottsdale area and the mountains beyond. Although the trail to the 2,704-foot summit is relatively short, you’ll climb roughly 1,200 feet in just over one mile - an extremely strenuous hike by any standards.
That, however, doesn’t stop just about everyone from making the trek to the top. While this won’t exactly give you a wilderness experience, this is still a great Phoenix/Scottsdale hiking trail. How did Camelback Mountain get its name? Even newcomers can spot the head and hump of the mountain’s "camel kneeling down" profile along the north Phoenix skyline. Location of Camelback Mountain/Echo Canyon Recreation AreaThis small park preserves a beautiful parcel of Sonoran Desert in the middle of the upscale central Phoenix/Scottsdale/Paradise Valley area.
Camelback Mountain is in the Echo Canyon Recreation Area, which is managed by the City of Phoenix Parks Department. The mountain is very close to the Scottsdale border and near several resorts, making it a convenient destination for Scottsdale vacationers. Unfortunately, not all of the mountain was saved from development; just the top portion was protected. Much of the base of the mountain is covered in expensive homes. Two Arizona resorts – The Phoenician Resort and the Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain – are also on the mountain’s south and north sides, respectively. Camelback Mountain Hiking TrailsCamelback Mountain is one of the most popular Arizona hiking areas.
There are two short trails to the top of the mountain. However, be forewarned, these trails are some of the steepest in the state. Expect rough terrain, loose rock, boulders and areas of slickrock. Camelback Mountain Echo Canyon Summit Trail: It’s estimated that hundreds of people per day make the steep hike to the summit. This is the "Camel’s head" end of the park. This section is composed of ancient, red brecciated sandstone that has been eroded over millions of years by wind and water into fantastically shaped boulders, spires, caves, alcoves and cliffs.
The Echo Canyon Summit Trailhead is at the eastern end of the Echo Canyon Recreation Area parking lot. The hike to the top begins up a rough stretch of railroad tie stairs. Look up and you’ll see the Praying Monk, an 80-foot high rock tower that resembles a kneeling monk. In about ¼-mile, stop at the saddle where you’ll get scenic views of the weirdly eroded cliffs and boulders that flank the trailside. This entire area is popular with the rock climber crowd. Beyond this point, the trail becomes very steep as it winds up the side of the mountain.
Eventually, the trail passes over a slickrock area at the base of a huge cliff. Make use of the handrail, especially on your return down the mountainside. You’ll then clamber up and down boulder-strewn gullies. At about 1.2-miles, you’ll reach the summit. Take in the amazing panoramic view. Return by the same route back down to the Echo Canyon parking lot. Camelback Mountain Cholla Trail: Though it is a slightly easier trek, it is also a longer route. You’ll hike about 1,200 feet in the 1.5 mile ascent to the summit.
This is the "Camel’s hump" end of the park. It is much older geologically than the "Camel's head" area. Composed of Precambrian granite, the rocks here are about 1.5 billion years old - as old as the inner gorge schists of the Grand Canyon. The trailhead begins on Cholla Lane, in the middle of an affluent neighborhood. Parking is limited. See the Fast Fact section for details. The trail quickly ascends from here, offering a bird’s eye view of the nearby Phoenician Resort, which borders the park. The Cholla Trail switchbacks and winds up the side of the mountain. The final ¼-mile requires a bit of scrambling (using hands as well as feet) along the rocky, steep ridgeline to the top. Look for blue paint swatches and reflectors to guide your way. Once you get to the top, enjoy the view from the summit. Then, hike back down the way you came. Camelback Mountain Echo Canyon Ramada Loop Trail:
This easy hike begins on the main summit trail at Echo Canyon Recreation Area. Begin by taking the Main Summit Trail up to the 1/8-mile marker, then turn right. This trail follows a series of small gullies and eventually loops around an old stone ramada and a small butte, before heading back towards the parking lot. The Echo Canyon Trail makes a great, leisurely desert hike, offering visitors a chance to explore the eroded boulders and sandstone walls and cliffs. You’ll also get some views of the Phoenix valley. Plants and Animals of Camelback MountainPlants
The majority of Camelback Mountain/Echo Canyon is typical Sonoran Desert scrub community. That means you will see:
On the south-facing slopes, there are a variety of cacti such as saguaro, buckhorn cholla, teddy bear cholla and barrel cactus. In the cooler, mostly shaded areas, look for wildflowers like orange-flowered globe mallow, red-flowered chuparosa (a favorite of hummingbirds), desert lavender and purple-flowered ironwood trees. Scan the boulders for colorful "gardens" of lichens. Animals Because Camelback Mountain is an island of nature in a sea of urbanization, large mammals are generally no longer found in the park. Patient observers may see smaller, common Sonoran Desert animals including:
Look for Costa’s and Anna’s hummingbirds in wildflower areas and peregrine falcons soaring along the high cliffs. Old timers say that bighorn sheep once roamed Camelback Mountain’s steep slopes before urban encroachment.
Fast Facts: Camelback Mountain Scottsdale, ArizonaWhat to See:
What to Know Before You Go:
Season: October to May. Locals hike the trails year round but summer temperatures routinely exceed 100° degrees, so summer hikes are not recommended, unless you are hiking around sunset. Visitor Facilities: Limited. Camping: No overnight camping. Horseback Riding: No Pets Allowed: No pets allowed. Hours: Daily, sunrise to sunset. Admission Fee: None. Location: 5700 N. Echo Canyon Parkway, about 10 miles northeast of downtown Phoenix. Google Map Directions: Click on "+" and "-" signs on Map Controls in upper left hand corner to zoom in and out on the location. Closest Town: Technically, the park is in Phoenix. However, it is right near the Scottsdale and Paradise Valley borders. Directions to Camelback Mountain:
If the parking area is full, you can park along the east side of Echo Canyon Parkway. Park in the designated areas ONLY or risk receiving a parking fine. Cholla Trail Access (east side of mountain): From Interstate 17, take the Glendale Avenue exit OR from Highway 51 (Piestewa Freeway), take the Glendale Avenue/Lincoln Drive exit. For both, head east on Glendale until it turns into Lincoln. Turn south on Tatum, then turn east on McDonald until you reach Invergordon. Turn south on Invergordon. Park on the west side of Invergordon. Park in the designated area ONLY. After parking, walk the ¼-mile gravel path along the south side of Cholla Lane to reach the Cholla Trailhead kiosk. Management: City of Phoenix Parks Department. Phone: (602) 262-6862 for Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department main number. Restrictions:
Info for Camelback Mountain Trails: Hiking Time Estimate: Difficulty: Elevation Change: Note on Desert Safety: Hiking Safety Note: Trail conditions are constantly changing. Before starting out on your hike, check with the public land agency that manages the area for current conditions or closures. Trail conditions can vary with season, weather and maintenance status. Return to Scottsdale Arizona Vacation page from Camelback Mountain page
The information in this review was accurate at the time of our visit. All contact information, availability, access, directions and prices should be confirmed directly with the facility before making reservations and/or travel plans. Legal Disclaimer: Each person has their own limits and capabilities. We cannot anticipate every hazard or possibly know your abilities and limitations. When you follow any of the hikes we mention, you assume responsibility for your own safety. It is your responsibility to be aware of traffic, road and trail conditions, weather, terrain, wildlife, your abilities and those of any companions as well as other factors. Arizona-Vacation-Planner.com accepts no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information.
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