This is not an easy hike! I saw the patrol car in front of the parking lot but soon after, they opened the lot as early hikers started leaving. With over 167 skiable acres with 39 trails at Camelback and each trial averages 4 acres there is plenty of space for everyone to practice physical distancing. Very rocky lots of incline and difficult to hike down. There is no parking at the trailhead, and E Cholla Lane is off-limits. Both trails are considered strenuous with steep grades. Welcome to the summit. The hike is worth it. Thanks! Both trails are considered strenuous with steep grades. The City of Phoenix had a patrol at the beginning of the street and right at the trailhead to enforce the closure. Cholla Trailhead***TRAILHEAD CLOSED*** 6131 E. Cholla Ln. Camelback Mountain is located in Echo Canyon Park approximately halfway between Scottsdale (to the southeast) and the Phoenix Mountains Preserve (to the northwest). We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. The trail might also need to be renamed, as it’ll have nothing to do with Cholla Lane anymore. My favorite hike! Overall, it’s a cool hike worth the effort. Not sure whether to choose Echo Canyon or the Cholla trail? Trail Length: 0.25 miles; Elevation Gain: 200 feet; Difficulty: Easy; Open: Sunrise to sunset; Ramada Loop Trail. The journey quickly becomes a real leg-burner but delivers some good hiking experiences and a varied terrain. There are two main hiking trails at Camelback Mountain. Awesome hike. HIKE CAMELBACK SUPPORTS HIKING SEASON OCTOBER - APRIL. The trailhead is well The trail goes to the right but if you look to the left… you will see the marks of a lesser known trail up towards the “bees warning” sign. Lookout Mountain. Camelback Mountain, 5700 N Echo Canyon Pkwy, Paradise Valley, AZ (2020) The conditions here are not extreme, but certainly be cautious and this route is not recommend for your children or folk with a strong aversion to heights! Falls into the medium-hard category. Hike the trail that’s best for you. Open Menu. Camelback Mountain The most renowned hike in the Phoenix area would have to be Camelback Mountain. The trail is located near Scottsdale, Arizona and has an elevation gain of 1,423 feet. Echo Canyon hours year-round are sunrise to sunset. The ski mountain will open with 7 trails (conditions permitting). Elevation gain: Other parking lots within Papago Park will be open, as will other trails and access points. Again be prepared for climbing a lot of rocks while gaining elevation every step. There are two main trails leading to Camelback’s summit -- the Cholla Trail and the Echo Canyon Trail. Be sure to check out our reviews on Yelp! Difficulty: Strenuous . Most definitely recommend for adventurous hikers and risked. - The journey to the summit of Camelback can take longer than you might think, and we'd strongly recommend carrying water. On the north west side of the mountain will be the Echo Trail, while the eastern side has the Cholla Trail.Most people agree that the Cholla trail is considered to be the easier of the two trails. Camelback Mountain is located in Echo Canyon Park approximately halfway between Scottsdale (to the southeast) and the Phoenix Mountains Preserve (to the northwest). Make note that Camelback is “urban” hiking. Parking lot fills up early. As a part of the Echo Canyon Recreation Are, Camelback is one of the most popular hikes in all of Arizona. Check out these beautiful valley hikes this summer instead! Welcome to the summit of Camelback Mountain. Phoenix, AZ 85018. Try early or late or bring some patience.  Welcome to the iconic Camelback Mountain, named for its resemblance to the head and humps of a resting camel. It took me about an hour to get to the summit, faster than I thought and this was my first ascent. Additionally, the Camelback mountain has an elevation of 2707 Feet and is in the Phoenix Mountain range. This trail is accessible from the Echo Canyon Summit Trail parking lot. Don’t carry a baby strapped to your chest. Camelback Mountain gets its name from the unique silhouette it casts on the Valley skyline. Visitors to Camelback Mountain can also enjoy an easy hike and great views on the Ramada Loop Trail. Make Sure You Can Hike It. I went on a Tuesday afternoon at 2pm. This Trail has been closed since March so I'm not sure how people can go up this side of Camelback unless they are coming down from the Echo side. Camelback Mountain via Echo Canyon and Cholla Trail is a 7.7 kilometer heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Paradise Valley, Arizona that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. The route of the trail may not be obvious from this point on, but the geography of the ridgeline keeps the direction certain and before you know it you'll be at the mountain summit. Although Cholla Trail at Camelback Mountain is closed for two weeks, Echo Canyon Trailhead is open with traffic and parking controls to prevent overcrowding. Two hiking trails ascend 1,280 feet (390 m) to the peak of Camelback Mountain. Natural Resources Office(Business Hours Only):  602-495-5458, Contact Natural Resource staff regarding resource management at desert preservesor call 602-261-8318. Review "Take a Hike. It’s rated as a double black diamond in terms of difficulty. https://www.mapquest.com/us/arizona/camelback-mountain-13918707 Bring water! Loved the Echo Trail - Camelback Mountain. Although Cholla Trail at Camelback Mountain is closed for two weeks, Echo Canyon Trailhead is open with traffic and parking controls to prevent overcrowding. Parking is a pain and it fills up super fast so you may need to drive a few loops around before you find someone leaving. The parking lot is small and fills quickly. Apache Wash Loop (Sonoran Preserve Trails) 9. http://phoenix.gov/recreation/rec/parks/preserves/locations/camelback/index.html. You made it! The Echo Canyon Trail does not require technical climbing equipment, but it does oblige you to be in reasonable physical condition. Read below to find out which best suits your fitness level. Camelback Mountain Cholla Trail is temporarily closed. During peak season parking can be scarce. The average hike requires a round trip time of 1.5 to 3 hours. However, Smaller animals including cottontail rabbits, lizards, Harris antelope squirrels, a variety of birds and snakes (including venomous rattlesnakes) are regularly encountered. Not only is it more accessible for the Phoenix metropolis, but it also offers a memorable and varied hiking experience. ... the Echo Canyon Trailhead on Camelback Mountain, and the Summit Trail that leads from there to the top of Camelback, are closed this summer for trailhead improvements. The Cholla Trail is 1.5 miles one way to the mountain summit. On May 12, 2011 the Phoenix Parks & Recreation Board held an open house to work out how to correct this issue. It’s bouldering all the way up. The views up top are great but the climb up is crazy! This fun 1.3 mile route becomes increasingly rocky and precipitous, and though the conditions here are not extreme, we'd certainly urge caution and wouldn't recommend this route for young children or folk with a strong aversion to heights. The first mile climbs steadily along a route that is fairly easy to follow. Check out these beautiful valley hikes this summer instead! 7. Awesome Instagram Tour of Phoenix. If COVID-19 deterrence is important to you, avoid this hike during peak times. Beautiful sunrise but the foot traffic really started rolling in on the way down. Awesome hike! Up and Up and Up. Named Camelback Mountain because it resembles a resting camel with a large hump on its back, this is one of the most popular recreational areas for hiking in the City of Phoenix. Trail loops around the upper ramada at Echo Canyon. The ascension is pretty steep but manageable, bring extra water. Camelback Mountain – Echo Canyon Trail. Great workout 25mins or less to the top for advanced, 45mins or more for beginners. Typically during these busy times park rangers are on hand to ensure that people waiting to hike do not block resident driveways. Once determined to be safe, the trails will be reopened. - Some may find the Cholla trail to be difficult - proceed with care and always be prepared to turn back. The ascent to the peak (2,704 ft) is only about 1,200 feet, but paths may be uneven, narrow and rocky in parts. For more information on Camelback’s rating head over here. Don't forget to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE. I recommend getting there around 7am or earlier. Camelback Mountain sits 20 minutes Northeast of Phoenix, in the always popular Scottsdale. Social distancing is nonexistent. We invite you to hike Camelback Mountain with us (click here for guided hikes), up either the Echo Canyon Trail or Cholla Trail.Both Camelback Mountain trails provide a great cardio workout, fantastic views and interesting wildlife & landcape. Some neighboring streets to the east have no parking restrictions and just make for a slightly longer hike. While its fame has only grown in recent years, when you boil it down, the trail is really not that great. The secret cave is located on the Echo side .08 miles up at the hiking post #20. Echo Canyon Recreation Area is open every day from sunrise to sunset. The views you’ll see are of Phoenix and its surrounding areas. Avoid busy times Read for tips! Some info for those who are curious as to what improvements are being made to the Echo Canyon Trailhead. The hiking path has dirt, gravel, boulders, and some handrail-assisted sections. Both Pima Canyon Trailhead and … Two difficult trails ascend 1,420 feet to a summit resembling the hump of a camel's back, affording 360-degree views of the surrounding city. There are two trail options – steep (Cholla Trail) and steeper (Echo Canyon Trail). A problem with the hike on Camelback Mountain in Phoenix is that some people underestimate it. I felt like a spider monkey multiple times throughout the hike up and just felt line any wrong move could have someone falling off and getting hurt badly. Save. Two hiking trails ascend 1,280 feet (390 m) to the peak of Camelback Mountain. There will be hikers here who took the tougher Echo Canyon trail too. 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. it's just stepping up rocks. Camelback Mountain Hike via Echo Canyon Trail & Cholla Trail . Each has its pros and cons. That will really help us bring you more stunning videos like this one! Hiking shoes are necessary. Tracing a route up the Camelback ridgeline you'll become aware of the drops at both sides of you.Progressing further along the ridgeline the route becomes increasingly rocky and precipitous. 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. Parking has always been a bit of a challenge at the Echo Canyon trailhead. Camelback Mountain 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. Do it Right." Yates Trail 8, Camelback Mountain via Echo Canyon and Cholla Trail, https://www.phoenix.gov/parks/trails/locations/camelback-mountain, http://phoenix.gov/recreation/rec/parks/preserves/locations/camelback/index.html. - Approx. This is the popular route up Camelback Mountain, and for good reason. On May 12, 2011 the Phoenix Parks & Recreation Board held an open house to work out how to correct this issue. 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. The Cholla Trail is longer, at about 1.5 miles one-way, making the climb a bit more gradual. Camelback Mountain Trail Map. The first rail comes next, which is the steepest and most difficult part of the Hiking early (sunrise) and during the weekday is a great way to circumvent these concerns. 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. Fans of cityscape can appreciate the Cholla Trail because of its open views on the way. Dogs are prohibited on all Camelback Mountain trails year-round. 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. Parking is limited at Camelback Mountain trailheads. Similar measures have been taken at the Phoenix Mountains Preserve Piestewa Peak trailhead, with park rangers monitoring how many cars go in and out of the park. The City of Phoenix is actively monitoring the base of the trail, permitting hikers of any capability or residence from hiking. Thanks! Less technical than the Cholla trail on the east side, the Echo Valley trail is still no slouch, and climbs 1400ft in around 1.3 miles. but you will want to park on 64th street. [12/23/13] Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good hike! The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips and is best used from October until May. Need An Experienced Hiking Guide? The renovated summit trail and expanded trailhead parking area at Camelback Mountain’s Echo Canyon Recreation Area are now reopened. However, the two main trails that comprise the vast majority of hiking opportunities are rated Extremely Difficult; subjecting hikers to steep elevation gains, uneven terrain, and a path that is unprotected from the elements. guidelines before visiting the trail. Take the trail to the 1/8 mile marker and turn right. Great trail. That will really help us bring you more stunning videos like this one! Invergordon Rd parking operates limited hours, so be careful to read posted signs. Echo Canyon is the popular route, which ascends 1,400 foot up the western side of the mountain in just over a mile.

The closure and safety assessment will continue on Sunday.

All other city of Phoenix hiking trails are currently open.

Phoenix is home to more than 200 miles of hiking trails, including those in South Mountain Park/Preserve, North Mountain Park, the Phoenix Mountains Preserve and the Sonoran … 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. More 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 - Echo Canyon Trail. Beautiful view of the Phoenix area at the top. Search for: Close. South Mountain - Pima West Loop. Apache Wash Loop (Sonoran Preserve Trails) 9. Two hiking trails ascend 1,280 feet (390 m) to the peak of Camelback Mountain. Definitely like this trail more than cholla trail. - See 2,510 traveler reviews, 1,351 candid photos, and great deals for Phoenix, AZ, at Tripadvisor. The Echo Canyon Trail is 1.3 miles one way to the mountain summit. Keep a close eye on your trail as you head in and out of Echo Canyon - particularly on the downward journey, as the rocky surface sometimes disguises the route and its surprisingly easy to head off the trail. difficulty rating. South Mountain - Pima West Loop. There’s no parking, or dropping off on Cholla Road, or near the trailhead. A trail post directs you to Bobby’s Rock. Both Pima Canyon Trailhead and … Limited parking is available at the trailhead, but be prepared to have to park a little distance away on a neighborhood street. The Cholla trail heads up a well maintained trail on Camelback's east flank, but becomes a challenging and technical ascent upon reaching the ridgeline. This area is known for hiking the Camelback Mountain trails. If you do win a coveted trailhead parking spot, be aware that parking is officially only allowed until 7pm although from our experience rangers rarely ticket offenders (park at your own risk!). 7. . Some bouldering for sure but there are actually handrails for the steepest section so don't be deterred by the fearful reviewers. Closest parking available is around 0.3 miles away on Invergordon Rd just south of the intersection with Cholla. Both are considered moderate to strenuous hikes, depending on who is evaluating it. Dogs aren't allowed on Camelback Mountain. The hike was hard. Two hiking trails ascend 1,280 feet (390 m) to the peak of Camelback Mountain. If you're hiking with friends, plan on meeting elsewhere and carpooling to the trailhead. The trail is completely exposed to the sun and temperatures regularly exceed 115 degrees in the summer. 2,501 Reviews #6 of 228 things to do in Phoenix. Bring hand sanitizer if germs concern you (hand rail). Do it ​Right" guidelines, during optimal weather conditions, should attempt to hike to the summit that sits 2,704 feet above sea level and provides exceptional views of the Valley. Now, from wherever you are in Phoenix, you can look at the most dominant feature on the landscape and think "I climbed that". The trail is located near Scottsdale, Arizona and has an elevation gain of 1,423 feet. Echo Canyon Trail at Camelback Mountain is scheduled to re-open to the public on January 15 with a new trailhead, restroom facilities, and expanded parking lot. There are two hiking trails on Camelback: Cholla Trail and Echo Canyon Trail. The trailhead is well Camelback Mountain. We plan to open all Snow sports on Friday December 18th, 2020 (weather and conditions permitting). Echo canyon trailhead is open. The hike is challenging, especially for those without hiking legs and weak ankles/knees. 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