This incredible rock formation, named for its visual resemblance to a kneeling camel, is located in Phoenix, Arizona.Although this hike is rated as strenuous, it doesnât take too long to complete, so itâs a perfect activity for a day hike if youâre visiting the city of Phoenix. This trailhead does not have facilities or designated parking. Lower portions are easier to follow, but the last third of the climb is a challenging scramble over large boulders. This trailhead has restrooms, benches and water. Camelback Mountain Wildlife HIKE CAMELBACK SUPPORTS HIKING SEASON OCTOBER - APRIL. What to expect: Cholla Trail is a slightly longer and steadier climb than Echo Canyon, but that doesn't mean it's not tricky. - See 2,503 traveler reviews, 1,343 candid photos, and great deals for Phoenix, AZ, at Tripadvisor. If youâre looking for [â¦] Please respect residents of the area. The views youâll see are of Phoenix and its surrounding areas. Camelback Mountain is one of the most popular hiking and rock climbing destinations in Phoenix, Arizona and offers spectacular views of the Phoenix metropolitan area. 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. Here at the saddle, opt for a moment of serenity at the sudden exposure to downtown Phoenix in the desert’s distance. Camelback Mountain, Phoenix: Address, Phone Number, Camelback Mountain Reviews: 4.5/5. Part of the Phoenix Mountains Preserve, Camelback gets its name from its two rock formations that resemble the head and back of a kneeling camel. Known mostly for the waterpark and ski resort on the mountain's northern slopes, Camelback Mountain is a giant sticking out above the Pocono Plateau. Camelback Mountain sits 20 minutes Northeast of Phoenix, in the always popular Scottsdale. 636 reviews of Camelback Mountain "I love hiking up Camelback. Camelback Mountain Climbers Become a Camelback Climber and view times of the fastest climbers in Phoenix. Both Camelback Mountain trails provide a great cardio workout, fantastic views and interesting wildlife & landcape. Camelback Mountain: Fun short hike with kids - See 2,510 traveler reviews, 1,351 candid photos, and great deals for Phoenix, AZ, at Tripadvisor. Use caution and know your physical limitations. However, once you reach "the saddle" the hike becomes more intense and predominantly scrambling for the final stretch. Hike Camelback is owned and operated independently from the City of Phoenix. Many times, you need to use your hands to climb. Hydrate, pay attention to your surroundings and keep an eagle’s eye out for trail marks. Plan accordingly. Read below to find out which best suits your fitness level. Make note that Camelback is âurbanâ hiking. Camelback Mountain: Great hike. The ski mountain will open with 7 ⦠If you're pressed on time or feeling out of shape, this is a great ascension point to reach and from which to retreat! That allocation was later reversed for water-access based reasons and sold to private interests, but efforts toward the preservation of the mountain continued through the 20th Century. However, you will be rewarded with a killer birds-eye view of the city and a tighter ass. It takes about an 1.5 hours round-trip for hikers in good physical condition. 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. Echo is something like an obstacle course and many of its regular hikers can make the round trip hike in about an hour. The next part of the climb gets difficult and following the trail marks isn’t as easy- we have to start hiking the camel’s hump and there can be some steep moments! Load up on sunscreen and hydrate yourself plenty as this first part of the hike is mostly exposed to the sun during the day. Although it requires no harness or ropes, it feels at times more like a climb. The Echo Canyon Trail is considered to be a more difficult ascent than the Cholla Trail. 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. Cholla gives the hiker a nice challenging hike with great views of Scottsdale and Phoenix and is also a great place to watch the sunrise. The Cholla Trail is easily one of the most popular trails in Phoenix and for good reason. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips and is best used from October until May. We plan to open all Snow sports on Friday December 18th, 2020 (weather and conditions permitting). Pick Up Locations. Camelback became a Phoenix city park in 1968 and hiking it is one of the top 10 things to do in Phoenix according to Trip Advisor. Take a big boost of self-confidence: you’re strong to have made it this far and so close to the top! Cholla Trail: Cholla Trail is a slightly longer (1.5 miles) and steadier climb ⦠How long will it take? The Echo Canyon Trail is 1.14 miles (1900 m) and the Cholla Trail is 1.4 mi (2300 m). After a safety briefing and training, gear up and ride across rugged, rocky trails in the scenic Bradshaw Mountains, as well as cross the Agua Fria River. The trail is primarily used for hiking and walking and is best used from October until May. Hop on your own ATV on this off-roading adventure in the Sonoran Desert. Check out Hike Camelback Hiking Tips! In the late 19th Century, the land was slated as part of a million acre Indian reservation. Read below to find out which best suits your fitness level. Order a FREE guide to help you plan lodging, dining, and things to do on your next trip to Phoenix. You don't want to be that person who needs to have a helicopter come lift them off the mountain. If you'd rather gawk at the Phoenix landmark from the ground (preferably with a cocktail in hand), there are plenty of restaurant patios and resort pools with views of Camelback Mountain, including The Phoenician, Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia, Chelsea's Kitchen, and Steak 44. Its location in the center of town coupled with its fantastic views from the summit make this strenuous trail surely worth it. Both trails are considered strenuous with steep grades. Camelback Mountain is a hiking destination for both locals and tourists in the Valley and is located in the Camelback Mountain Echo Canyon Recreation Area between Phoenix, Scottsdale and Paradise Valley. Contact us for news, web requests, questions and more! Two hiking trails ascend 1,280 feet (390 m) to the peak of Camelback Mountain. Camelback Mountain is a very popular hiking destination so do be prepared for heavily trafficked trails and for the hike to take approximately 2.5-3 hour for most groups. The Echo Canyon hike is the more rugged of the two and requires steep climbs and scrambling over large rocks. Phoenix is a beautiful place to Visit and if youâre Looking for a challenging hike, Camelback Mountains or for you. Because of Echo Canyon's location, there is less space available for parking. The first mile or so is trail hiking. The Phoenix Mountains Preserve includes several parks and peaks offering outdoor recreation to hikers and bikers of all skill levels. - There is no parking nor passenger drop-off on Cholla Lane. If you're short on time, in good physical shape and up for a challenge, Echo Canyon is the trail for you! Camelback Mountain is located in the Camelback Mountain Echo Canyon Recreation Area between Phoenix, Scottsdale and Paradise Valley.At its peak Camelback Mountain is 2,704 ft (825m) above sea level, and provides 4 hiking trails, 2 of which gain over 1,200 feet in elevation to the top. The crowds make for good people watching. Many businesses are requiring face masks within their establishments as well. On the way down: take caution! Echo Canyon is the popular route, which ascends 1,400 foot up the western side of the mountain in just over a mile. Both are rated extremely difficult. That said, this trailhead is a ton of fun for the physically fit! Be sure to check out our reviews on Yelp! The City of Phoenix is actively monitoring the base of the trail, permitting hikers of any capability or residence from hiking. We invite you to hike Camelback Mountain with us (click here for guided hikes), up either the Echo Canyon Trail or Cholla Trail. The hiking path has dirt, gravel, boulders, and some handrail-assisted sections. Camelback Mountain Hiking Information Face masks must be worn publicly throughout Maricopa County. Get Instagram-worthy pics at the iconic Hole-in-the-Rock formation. Hiking Camelback Mountain is a seriously rewarding experience and seriously not for everyone. Check out these beautiful valley hikes this summer instead! Hikers can traverse 50 miles of trail at South Mountain Park and Preserve, one of the largest municipal parks in the United States. Dogs are prohibited at all Echo Canyon and Cholla Trail areas. For all visitor inquiries please contact us at, Resource Guide: Moving Forward in Phoenix, Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia. Camelback Mountain is just 20 minutes from downtown and can be seen all over the area, rising to 2,707 feet. Welcome to the iconic Camelback Mountain, named for its resemblance to the head and humps of a resting camel. So do a lot of other people. If you are prepared for the physically demanding climb, please remember the following suggestions: Two main trails lead to the summit of Camelback, a camel-shaped mountain just 20 minutes from downtown Phoenix. Distinctive and dominant on the Phoenix landscape, Camelback Mountain is just begging to be conquered. Be sure to note trail signs and do not venture off main paths. Cholla Trail is an excellent choice for a moderate to somewhat difficult hike on the Camelback Mountain hiking trails! Camelback Trails Pictured below are trail maps for all 4 trails on Camelback Mountain. Directions to Camelback Mountain: Echo Canyon Trail & Recreation Area: First get to McDonald Drive either from the east, travelling north on 44th street (which turns into McDonald Dr directly on the northwest side of the mountain) or by traveling south On Tatum towards Camelback Mountain.About 0.1 miles east of Tatum on McDonald is the turn for Echo Canyon Parkway on the south side of ⦠There are two hiking trails on Camelback: Cholla Trail and Echo Canyon Trail. You will not be communing with nature. As a part of the Echo Canyon Recreation Are, Camelback is one of the most popular hikes in all of Arizona. By continuing to use our site you agree to our privacy notice. Feast your eyes on breathtaking panoramic views of Scottsdale and Paradise Valley as you follow the trail along the spine of the camel’s back, winding west toward the top of the hump (and highest point of elevation on Camelback Mountain). Camelback Mountain Cholla Trail is temporarily closed. 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. Camelback Mountain lies within Big Pocono State Park in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania less than fifteen miles from the Delaware Water Gap. Pick up from Phoenix/Scottsdale hotel partners, VRBO's and personal residences is included in the cost of the tour. The City of Phoenix is actively monitoring the base of the trail, permitting hikers of any capability or residence from hiking. It became a city park in 1968, and sits right next to Phoenix's Arcadia neighborhood — a great dining spot — and the town of Paradise Valley. 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. Slowly, you’ll reach what feels the culmination of your Camelback Mountain hike – you’re about half-way but man oh man, is the remainder worth the view and feeling of accomplishment at the end! Both Echo Canyon Trail and Cholla Trail are rated extremely difficult, challenging hikers with exposed rock, strenuous climbs and sections of hand-over-hand climbing. Trailhead: 6131 E Cholla Ln, Paradise Valley. Itâs a popular spot for hikers, rock climbers, and tourists, so make sure you do the hike as early as possible, with sunrise being the sweet spot. In fact, Camelback is still often to referred to as "Sacred Mountain". The ancient rock of Camelback Mountain calls hikers from across the world. Hiking Camelback. See more about. Click here for information or pictures of the Echo Canyon and Cholla trails. 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. Check out these, Echo Canyon is a difficult hike! This trail is an intense and difficult anaerobic hike the entire 1.23 miles to the summit. There are two hiking trails on Camelback: Cholla Trail and Echo Canyon Trail. Cookies are used for measurement, ads and optimization. The Camelback Mountain hike is one of the most popular hikes in Phoenix. The second half of Cholla's ascent is difficult. It happens hundreds of times a year. Welcome to the iconic Camelback Mountain, named for its resemblance to the head and humps of a resting camel. Speedster or not, go ahead scroll down & post your time, as just reaching the summit is a heck of an accomplishment â (prove it with merchandise). - Follow the blue markers to stay on trail. Trailhead: 4925 E McDonald Dr, Phoenix. Enjoy a break in the shade as you traverse the north side of the rear-hump. The final ascent will bring you up the east side of the Camel’s hump. What to expect: This steep and rocky ascent requires assistance of handrails and climbing to reach the top, but the 360-degree views from the summit are worth it. Please note the trail outlines are general guides and are not exact reflections of each bend or turn in the trail. Projects Apparently Linked Camelback Mountainâs Echo Canyon Trail remains open, as do more than 200 other miles of hiking trails throughout the city, providing plenty of hiking options." 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 Cholla Trail is temporarily closed. It ascends approximately 1,280 ft, from 1,424 ft above sea level to 2,704 ft. Getting a parking spot can be a long wait if you arrive on the weekend after 6 AM as there are Climbers galore. Walk (or bike) around the red buttes at Papago Park. Phoenix's desert preserves, including Camelback Mountain, are home to native species such as the desert tortoise, chuckwalla lizard, cottontail rabbits, and rattlesnakes (hike with caution). Great hike somewhat difficult if your a novice, we hiked all the way through and took a LYFT back around to our car. IF YOU CHOOSE TO HIKE IN ARIZONA'S SUMMER MONTHS, PACK PLENTY OF WATER, HIKE EARLY IN THE AM AND IN THE EVENING BEFORE SUNSET. The two different routes to the 2,680ft summit offer different challenges, and both are featured in this guide. Camelback Mountain via Cholla Trail [CLOSED] is a 2.6 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Paradise Valley, Arizona that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. The parking lot is busy and will typically remain full from early morning throughout the day on weekends. Find face mask and safety guidelines along with general visitor and business information, including guidance on meetings and events, to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic in Greater Phoenix. Also, please note that some businesses and public spaces are temporarily closed due to COVID-19, so be sure to verify hours of operation before visiting. Take breaks when needed, step carefully and be mindful of loose rocks. Learn more about the Sonoran Desert here, or if you're looking to see more of the desert's birds, check out some top bird watching spots. Get our emails with the biggest events, deals and other cool things in the Greater Phoenix area. Find some hotels and resorts to stay at here. This was a steep climb up, so it'll be a steep climb down. - There are no public restrooms or drinking fountains at the trailhead. 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