Register for Hikes and Outdoor Nature Programs, Contact Natural Resource staff regarding resource management at desert preserves. The views you’ll see are of Phoenix and its surrounding areas. 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. Book In Advance. By the time I left at 4pm, parking lot was packed with about 5-6 cars waiting. 1.5 Hour Scottsdale … Elevation Gain: 1,280 ft . Hiking trails in Camelback Mountain and other Valley parks and desert areas are still open as of April 1. guidelines before visiting the trail. The two different routes to the 2,680ft summit offer different challenges, and both are featured in this guide. At the bottom of the first set of steps, it veers to the right. Take the trail to the 1/8 mile marker and turn right. In fact, my thighs are still burning 24 hours after ascending Camelback Mountain on the Echo Canyon Trail. Fashion Shows & Tours . it's just stepping up rocks. 8. One, Single Revelation. Camelback Mountain gets its name from the unique silhouette it casts on the Valley skyline. 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. During peak season parking can be scarce. Typically during these busy times park rangers are on hand to ensure that people waiting to hike do not block resident driveways. [12/23/13] Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good hike! Camelback Mountain via Cholla Trail [CLOSED], Quartz Ridge Trail 8A and L.V. Trail usage at this location has nearly tripled over the last three weeks, compared to the same period in 2019. 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. Trailhead full had to park at Omni after circling the round about numerous times hoping for an opening. Camelback Mountain, with an elevation of 2,704 feet, is an excellent hike or climb in Arizona. 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! United States ; Arizona (AZ) Central Arizona ; Phoenix ; Phoenix - Things to Do ; Camelback Mountain; Search. Luckily I wasn’t near anyone who fell but it’s an intimidating hike for sure. Camelback Mountain - Echo Canyon Trail. Although Cholla Trail at Camelback Mountain is closed for two weeks, Echo Canyon Trailhead is open with traffic and parking controls to prevent overcrowding. Need An Experienced Hiking Guide? Beautiful sunrise but the foot traffic really started rolling in on the way down. Mountains. Check out these beautiful valley hikes this summer instead! The trail is located near Scottsdale, Arizona and has an elevation gain of 1,423 feet. Very satisfying to get to the top! Echo Canyon Trail is one of the two popular trails that will get you on the Camelback Mountain. Hey guys! Parking is limited at Camelback Mountain trailheads. A 54-year-old man who was hiking Echo Canyon Trail on Camelback Mountain on Thursday was found dead in a ravine on Friday evening, apparently, after falling from a cliff, officials said. It’s a 2.4 miles out and back trail … 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. The hike is worth it. Make Sure You Can Hike It. IF YOU CHOOSE TO HIKE IN ARIZONA'S SUMMER MONTHS, PACK PLENTY OF WATER, HIKE EARLY IN … Bring gloves and lots of water. Purchase Camelback Mountain Apparel to commemorate your achievement. 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. This is the popular route up Camelback Mountain, and for good reason. 1.23 miles/2km to summit) and the Cholla Trail (approx. I saw the patrol car in front of the parking lot but soon after, they opened the lot as early hikers started leaving. Great time of year to hike! 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. The first mile climbs steadily along a route that is fairly easy to follow. You made it! I always love me some Echo Trail Full body workout..Take a backpack and extra water. There are many world-class resorts located around this mountain. Camelback Mountain Cholla Trail is temporarily closed. Beautiful once you get to the top. Lots of climbing on the top half - which I love. Both trails are considered strenuous with steep grades. Echo Canyon is the popular route, which ascends 1,400 foot up the western side of the mountain in just over a mile. The sandstone rock that dominates the western flanks of the mountain and represents the head of the figurative camel is known as the Praying Monk, and is geologically different from the granitic rock that comprises the rest of the mountain. The trail might also need to be renamed, as it’ll have nothing to do with Cholla Lane anymore. 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. 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. On May 12, 2011 the Phoenix Parks & Recreation Board held an open house to work out how to correct this issue. 7. By that time much of the mountain was already surrounded by residential development which cut Camelback Mountain off from other natural spaces, thus limiting the number of large animals found in the area today. Although both hikes up Camelback mountain are about 2.5 miles long, both taking approximately 2-3 hours, the Echo Canyon Trail is a challenging hike, and not for the faint of heart. Apache Wash Loop (Sonoran Preserve Trails) 9. Not too many people on the trail - about 50-80. Not only is it more accessible for the Phoenix metropolis, but it also offers a memorable and varied hiking experience. 1,300ft (from 1,450 - 2,680ft), Camelback Mountain - Official Website Military Discount: To celebrate our military members, Camelback Mountain offers discounted tickets to active military and up to 4 card-carrying dependents.Military discounts are available at the resort only. 5. Bring water! The average hike requires a round trip time of 1.5 to 3 hours. Elevation gain: The first rail comes next, which is the steepest and most difficult part of the The trailhead is well ... 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. Bring hand sanitizer if germs concern you (hand rail). Camelback Mountain: Great hike! 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. Dogs aren't allowed on Camelback Mountain. Camelback Mountain, 5700 N Echo Canyon Pkwy, Paradise Valley, AZ (2020) 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. Parking has always been a bit of a challenge at the Echo Canyon trailhead. Additionally, tickets will be issued to any visitors who idle their vehicle along the roadways near the trailheads. The secret cave is located on the Echo side .08 miles up at the hiking post #20. I don't think it's black trail hard. First time up. Apache Wash Loop (Sonoran Preserve Trails) 9. Length: 2.8 mile round-trip via Cholla Trail - 2.3 via Echo Canyon - 1-3 hours - Out & Back. Don't forget to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE. The hike itself is great! Camelback Mountain is probably the most recognizable natural feature of the City of Phoenix. Hiking early (sunrise) and during the weekday is a great way to circumvent these concerns. The City of Phoenix is actively monitoring the base of the trail, permitting hikers of any capability or residence from hiking. The weather was super hot so I recommend lots of sunscreen and water. Camelback Mountain Hike via Echo Canyon Trail & Cholla Trail . The hike is challenging, especially for those without hiking legs and weak ankles/knees. Welcome to the summit of Camelback Mountain. Papago Park - Hole-in-the Rock. Camelback Mountain - Echo Canyon Trail. Open Menu. The view from the top is worth the pain!!! This is not an easy hike! I went on a Tuesday afternoon at 2pm. Each has its pros and cons. Great rock formations. Please check here for updates and more information: https://www.phoenix.gov/parks/trails/locations/camelback-mountain Make note that Camelback is “urban” hiking. Distinctive and dominant on the Phoenix landscape, Camelback Mountain is just begging to be conquered. The renovated summit trail and expanded trailhead parking area at Camelback Mountain’s Echo Canyon Recreation Area are now reopened. Very hard, mostly up hill climbing over boulders. We invite you to hike Camelback Mountain with us (click here for guided hikes), up either the Echo Canyon Trail or Cholla Trail. but you will want to park on 64th street. Be prepared to use your hands. That will really help us bring you more stunning videos like this one! The parking lot is small and fills quickly. For more information on Camelback’s rating head over here. 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. 5. This trail is accessible from the Echo Canyon Summit Trail parking lot. The hike was hard. Book your tickets online for Camelback Mountain, Phoenix: See 2,502 reviews, articles, and 1,345 photos of Camelback Mountain, ranked No.6 on Tripadvisor among 228 attractions in Phoenix. Located in the center of Scottsdale near Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall, this hike incorporates two separate trails that conjoin at the peak of the mountain with views o . Trail Length: 0.25 miles Elevation Gain: 200 feet Difficulty: Easy Open: Sunrise to sunset. Plant species found at Camelback Mountain are typical of those found in the lower Sonoran Desert and are dominated by the cacti species such as the saguaro, barrel, hedgehog, pincushion, jumping cholla, christmas, staghorn, cholla and prickly pear. Active military cardholder and/or valid dependent cardholders must be present for purchase. HIKE CAMELBACK SUPPORTS HIKING SEASON OCTOBER - APRIL. The Echo Canyon Trail is steep to the point there are two sections with hand railings; plus there’s a section I would call more of a scramble than a hike. There are two main hiking trails at Camelback Mountain. Camelback Mountain – Echo Canyon Trailhead: Traffic and parking controls to … Follow Echo Canyon Summit Trail out of the parking lot. Only experienced hikers, whom are following "Take a Hike. Description Perhaps the most famous trail in all of Phoenix, and the first that everyone thinks to do when going for a hike, the Echo Canyon Summit Trail is a mainstay in Phoenix hiking culture. Camelback Mountain saw increased encroachment from private development until the 1960s. The trail is completely exposed to the sun and temperatures regularly exceed 115 degrees in the summer. Echo Canyon Trailhead4925 E. McDonald Dr. Two hiking trails ascend 1,280 feet (390 m) to the peak of Camelback Mountain. Thanks! 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!). From $150.00* More Info. 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. Camelback Mountain is located in Echo Canyon Park approximately halfway between Scottsdale (to the southeast) and the Phoenix Mountains Preserve (to the northwest). Wear hiking shoes. Great trail. As a part of the Echo Canyon Recreation Are, Camelback is one of the most popular hikes in all of Arizona. - See 2,510 traveler reviews, 1,351 candid photos, and great deals for Phoenix, AZ, at Tripadvisor. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips and is best used from October until May. Be sure to check out our reviews on Yelp! Some info for those who are curious as to what improvements are being made to the Echo Canyon Trailhead. Camelback Mountain Cholla Trail is temporarily closed. The hiking path has dirt, gravel, boulders, and some handrail-assisted sections. It’s bouldering all the way up. On May 12, 2011 the Phoenix Parks & Recreation Board held an open house to work out how to correct this issue. Echo canyon trailhead is open. Both Pima Canyon Trailhead and … Steep but mostly obvious trail. Don’t carry a baby strapped to your chest. The trailhead to the summit begins directly off E Cholla Lane on a very pleasant and well-maintained trail up the easternmost side of Camelback Mountain, with some great views. Cholla Trail: The Cholla Trail is accessed on foot by walking from the parking on Invergordon Drive on the East Side of Camelback Mountain. Awesome hike. Both trails are considered strenuous with steep grades. Falls into the medium-hard category. Search. It’s a 2.4 miles out and back trail … Trail Length: 0.25 miles; Elevation Gain: 200 feet; Difficulty: Easy; Open: Sunrise to sunset; Ramada Loop Trail. The first is Echo Canyon and the second is Cholla Canyon. Bobby’s Rock Trail at Camelback Mountain. It gets warm fast! Two hiking trails ascend 1,280 feet (390 m) to the peak of Camelback Mountain. The journey quickly becomes a real leg-burner but delivers some good hiking experiences and a varied terrain. There are two main trails leading to Camelback’s summit -- the Cholla Trail and the Echo Canyon Trail. 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. 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. . Usually busy, plenty of rest stops if you can’t keep up with the flow of people. If you finish you will feel accomplished! 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. Open: Sunrise to sunset Ramada Loop Trail at 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. The ascension is pretty steep but manageable, bring extra water. - The journey to the summit of Camelback can take longer than you might think, and we'd strongly recommend carrying water. Camelback Mountain – Echo Canyon Trail. We plan to open all Snow sports on Friday December 18th, 2020 (weather and conditions permitting). Echo Canyon Trail: You access the Echo Canyon Trail directly from the car park at Echo Canyon Park. Other parking lots within Papago Park will be open, as will other trails and access points. Some bouldering for sure but there are actually handrails for the steepest section so don't be deterred by the fearful reviewers. Camelback Mountain sits 20 minutes Northeast of Phoenix, in the always popular Scottsdale. Camelback Mountain. There’s no parking, or dropping off on Cholla Road, or near the trailhead. Camelback is one of the busiest area's in the city's trail system and parking is very limited. Closest parking available is around 0.3 miles away on Invergordon Rd just south of the intersection with Cholla. Most definitely recommend for adventurous hikers and risked. 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. The mountain was previously a Native American reservation and has special historical significance. Trail loops around the upper ramada at Echo Canyon. If COVID-19 deterrence is important to you, avoid this hike during peak times. A problem with the hike on Camelback Mountain in Phoenix is that some people underestimate it. Read below to find out which best suits your fitness level. Contact Us. Phoenix, AZ 85018. Parking is not permitted along the majority of roadways near the trailheads. Invergordon Rd parking operates limited hours, so be careful to read posted signs. Try early or late or bring some patience. 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