Camelback Mountain
4.8(1.0K)google
4.6(760)yelp
Hiking
Overview
Dominating the metropolitan skyline with its distinct silhouette resembling a kneeling camel, this iconic landmark offers two incredibly strenuous summit hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts. Hikers who conquer the steep Echo Canyon or Cholla trails are rewarded with unparalleled, breathless 360-degree panoramic views of the entire Valley of the Sun, surrounded by giant saguaro cacti and unique desert wildlife.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration2-4 hours
Best TimeThe winter of November to March is most perfect. You must start the hike at dawn sunrise, when not only is the temperature coolest, but you can also grab an extremely scarce parking spot
Getting ThereLocated at the border of Phoenix and Scottsdale. There's a parking lot at the foot of each of the two trails, but spots are very few and purely down to luck—in peak season they're all taken before 6 a.m., so taking an Uber is recommended
Travel Tips
- Named for its shape resembling the hump of a resting Bactrian camel, it is the most famous and conspicuous iconic natural landmark in the entire Phoenix metro area; the summit offers a 360-degree panorama of the whole valley
- Its two summit trails (Echo Canyon Trail and Cholla Trail) are both extremely hardcore, of very high difficulty (Double Black Diamond); the latter half requires scrambling with hands and feet across large exposed rock areas, so those lacking stamina or with a fear of heights should absolutely not attempt it blindly
- There have been countless cases here of visitors needing helicopter rescue due to severe dehydration; local law stipulates that when the temperature reaches 105°F (about 40.5°C) or above, both trails are forcibly closed from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Reviews
Positive
- Phoenix's top outdoor challenge! The moment you climb to the summit and see the boundless city and desert beneath your feet, the sense of conquest is unparalleled. The red boulders along the way also have a strong sense of power
- Although the trail is extremely grueling, it's well maintained along the way. For people who regularly work out and hike, this is a very satisfying, maximally fat-burning hardcore route
Heads up
- Absolutely not an ordinary walking park! It's very steep, and the last section has no path at all—you can only climb the rocks holding iron handrails; never risk bringing kids or wearing ordinary sneakers