Hiking Camelback Mountain in Phoenix Arizona

taken from the Camelback mountain summit.

hiking up the Echo Canyon Summit Trail

If you mention "hiking" in Phoenix, chances are people recommend a hike up Camelback Mountain. It is one of the most prominent features in the Phoenix skyline. The Camelback mountains resembles the two humps and head of a camel. Camelback was designated as a city park in 1968 and remains a Phoenix point of pride.

Thousands of locals and tourists head to Camelback to reach the summit of 2,704 feet. To reach the top you have two options: Echo Canyon Summit Trail or the Cholla Trail. Both hikes are strenous climbs. The Echo Canyon Summit Trail can be accessed from McDonald Drive. It is not a beginner hike, you will gain over 1,200 feet in elevation and climb over a mile both ways. The Cholla Trail can be accessed from

The Cholla trail and the Echo Canyon Summit trail offer beautiful views of the city with steep rocky sections and drop offs. If you reach the summit you will be rewarded with stunning sandstone and unparralled views of the city!

Bobby’s Rock Trail and the Ramada Loop Trail are less physically demanding hikes in Camelback park and offer beautiful views as well.

Parking is very limited, and Camelback is extremely popular, expect to wait for parking on the weekend. There are two parking areas, one off of McDonald drive which will give access to the summit trail as well as Bobby's Rock Trail. Parking is also located off of Ingerverdon which gives access to Cholla trail and

Location: Camelback Mountain Echo Canyon Recreation Area is located between the Arcadia neighborhood of Phoenix and Paradise Valley. Enter at Echo Canyon Parkway just east of Tatum Boulevard off of McDonald Drive

You may also be interested in popular Phoenix hiking at Piestewa Peak