Camelback Mountain:
When Will You Climb It?
Camelback Mountain is one of the most magnificent and prominent features of Scottsdale, Arizona. It's one of the first things you'll notice flying into the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. It has an unmistakable shape that makes it appear as though a giant camel has laid its head down for a nice rest in the middle of our great city.
It's so big, you can see it from almost anywhere in the valley.
 Looking SouthEast towards the "head" of the camel.
Because of it's beauty and splendor, many of our
best resorts
have been built into its foothills.
There is no doubt the mountain is gorgeous to look at from the ground or in the air...but the view from the top is another treat in itself.
That is why Camelback Mountain is one of the best places to go hiking in Phoenix or Scottsdale. The views are sensational, its convenient and its one of my favorite places to workout.
Read on to learn how you can enjoy this mountain in all its splendor.
Hiking CamelBack MountainThere are two main hiking trails on Camel Back Mountain: the Cholla Trail, and the Echo Canyon Trail, a.k.a. the Summit Trail.
Both will get you to the summit, (i.e. the highest point on the main "hump"); however, each trail offers a completely different experience.
View from the North side of Camel back Mountain.
The Cholla Trail starts from the tail of the camel, taking you over its first hump, down through the saddle, up and over the second hump, and peaks at the summit at 2,704 feet. It's a distance of approximately 1.5 miles one-way.
The Echo Canyon trail starts from the other side, at the camel's nose. The trail leads up and around the head, over the neck and finishes with a steady climb to the summit. The distance is approximately 1.2 miles one-way.
 While it is true the Echo Canyon trail is a little shorter in distance, it is actually the more difficult (but also the more beautiful) to hike. I'll explain why in a minute... But first...Before heading to the trail, you should choose which option suits you best: Option 1: A less challenging experience with some nice views; or, Option 2: A more difficult hike with better views of the most beautiful part of the mountain.
If you went with Option 1, take the Cholla Trail. If you chose Option 2 (you're a guy/gal after my own heart), take the Echo Canyon Trail.
Allow me to give you some more details on each trail, so you know exactly what to expect.
Cholla Trail Hiking the Cholla Trail ranges from moderate to strenuous as you get closer and closer to the peak. The trailhead is located off a residential street, right near the Phoenician Resort.
Parking is not allowed at the trailhead, so you'll need to find a spot along Invergordon/64th Street near Cholla Lane. (Scroll down for a map).
(Quick tip: The mountain can get very busy, so parking can be challenging depending on when you go. The earlier you get there, the easier it will be to find a spot.)
Once you've ditched the car, walk up Invergordon to Cholla Lane and head West.
The view heading West on Cholla Lane.
After a few minute walk, you'll notice the trailhead on your left.
Trailhead
That's your que to head off the street and start your journey...
As you begin to ascend the mountain, the trail starts out moderate and gradually becomes more steep. Be prepared to take some high steps...it'll feel a bit like a stairclimber here and there.
Looking down onto the Phoenician golf course.
 Some of the terrain you will see...  After about twenty minutes (give or take...), you will start to see some fabulous views...
Looking Southeast, over the Phoenician Resort ...
If you're lucky, you might run into some wildlife native too. We saw this male chuckwalla lizard about halfway up our hike one day. I've seen them a few times on these trails. Don't be surprised if you also cross paths with tarantulas, quail or other desert dwellers. It's part of the fun!
 As you approach the saddle, you will need to be a bit careful. There are a few steep, rocky sections with drop-offs on both sides. Carefully placed steps will get you through just fine.
Looking down onto the "saddle" of Camelback Mountain.
 At this point, you're pretty close to the top of Camelback Mountain...just an ascent up the final hump, and you will be met with some of the most beautiful views in the valley.
I intentionally didn't post any of those pictures, though. It's up to you to see how fabulous the view is for yourself!
On to the next...
Echo Canyon TrailEcho Canyon Trail offers some of the most beautiful scenery you can find in central Scottsdale and Phoenix. The trail wraps around the head of Camelback Mountain, which is formed out of beautiful, sandstone faced cliffs. At sunrise and sunset, a special light is cast along these massive cliffs...making them glow the most beautiful shades of orange and red. Breathtaking. I prefer to hike here at sunrise...for its peace and tranquility. You feel as though the whole world is sleeping except you. Its wonderful.
Parking for the Echo Canyon Trail is located just east of Tatum Boulevard, off of McDonald Drive, on Echo Canyon Parkway (it's a small residential street).
There is limited parking at the trail head, so there is usually a wait for spots to open up. Sometimes the line moves fast enough, but if you're anxious, you can park elsewhere along McDonald...as long as you don't mind doing a bit more walking.
Once you get to Camelback Mountain, there is a shaded sitting area at the trailhead, with water fountains and other facilities if needed.
 Did I mention this trail is pretty intense? I say so not to scare you, but to prepare you... The best way I can explain it is to compare it to the Cholla trail, which is a long, steady climb, with a few steep parts in between. Tough, but manageable. Echo Canyon is like walking a stairclimber... all the way up. Its a shorter distance, but a steeper climb. You'll feel it as soon as you start. You'll be spending the first several minutes marching up s tairs that wind towards the base of the cliffs. Some people might feel winded at first...stick with it. Your body eventually kicks into gear. Trust me, if I can do it, you can do it.
As you continue up Camelback Mountain, you'll be walking up a lot of this...
 You'll reach little plateaus where you can take breaks if needed.
You'll eventually get to a part that looks like this... Yes, it's as steep as it looks, but totally doable.
 The pole is there to help you steady your footing as you ascend. Eventhough the ground has fairly good traction, I would hang on to the pole.
The trail will continue to wind. I guarantee you'll believe you've neared the top at least three times... And then you'll see another rocky staircase... Keep going.
 Don't stop until you get there. Getting to the top of Camelback Mountain is beyond worth it and you'll feel you have accomplished something you can tell your friends about.
The 360 degree, uninterrupted views of the valley are truly a reward in themselves.
You'll feel like you're standing on top of the world.
A Few Words to the Wise- Wear hiking boots or shoes with good traction. While most of the mountain is easy to get a foothold, some areas are covered in loose pebbles that are easy to slip on. (I've done it a few times).
- Wear comfortable clothing. This is a real workout. Wear something breathable, that you can sweat in.
- Heed any No Parking signs. The area is closely monitored by police for parking offenders and I doubt you want to get a ticket.
- Bring plenty of water. You'll be parched in minutes if you try to do without it. If you can carry it in a backpack, or even better..a Camelback..you'll be happier. You'll want to have your hands free to steady yourself.
- Bring your camera. They will be some of the best pictures you'll take on your trip to Scottsdale.
Map & Park Hours Camelback Mountain is a few miles West of Old Town Scottsdale, on the border of Phoenix. It is between Camelback Road and McDonald Road, and is flanked by Invergordon and Tatum Blvd.
***Map coming soon...*** Cholla Trail is Open:
October 1st - April 30th, 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM
May 1st - September 30th, 5:30 AM to 7:30 PM
Echo Canyon Trail is Open:
Sunrise to Sunset
Scottsdale is known for its beautiful mountains and sandstone rock formations... with each mountain and cluster of rocks all unique and memorable in their own way.
Yet to me, Camelback Mountain is the one that stands out from the rest. It is why I vote it one of our best Scottsdale Attractions.
Make sure to add Camelback Mountain to your list of things to do in Scottsdale. Happy trails to you!
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