Hiking Camelback Mountain, AZ: Echo Canyon vs Cholla Trail
HIKING CAMELBACK MOUNTAIN: THE CHOLLA & ECHO CANYON TRAILS
Hiking Camelback Mountain is a “must do” on a visit to Arizona!
It’s conveniently located, surrounded by Phoenix and Scottsdale, and you’ll feel a great sense of satisfaction from the peak, as you take in the 360-degree views.
You’ll first have to decide whether to hike up either the Echo Canyon Trail or the Cholla Trail.
Key Info on Hiking Camelback Mountain
- The Echo Canyon and Cholla Trails lead to the same peak.
- The trails themselves are quite different.
- The Cholla Trail starts in Scottsdale, leading up a longer route with more of a gradual incline to the peak.
- The Echo Canyon Trail involves more rock climbing, with steeper inclines and rails to help hikers in spots.
Similarities: Camelback Mountain’s Echo Canyon & Cholla Trails
Both trails are rocky, and lead to the same peak. They’re mostly well-defined, though hikers have been known to get lost on the middle part of Echo Canyon.
No matter which Camelback Mountain trailhead you choose, you’ll get stunning desert views:
Camelback Mountain, AZ: Elevation
Echo Canyon and Cholla Trails both lead you to the same peak, at an elevation slightly higher than 2,700 feet.
The gain in elevation during your hike will be about 1,300 feet.
Hiking either Echo Canyon or Cholla will get you the same bragging rights: that you made it to Camelback’s peak! Here’s the view looking southeast, toward Scottsdale and the Papago Park Buttes in the distance.
Cost to Hike Camelback Mountain
It’s free to hike Camelback Mountain in Phoenix, whether you choose the Cholla or Echo Canyon trail.
The City of Phoenix has toyed with the idea over the years of charging an entrance fee to Camelback and other popular hiking trails in city parks.
You might end up paying (in a way) if you aren’t careful of Paradise Valley Police. Regardless of the trail you choose, you’re likely to drive by one of the notorious Paradise Valley speed traps. Their officers hide along the roads, and setup photo radar vans daily around Camelback Mountain.
Differences: Camelback Mountain’s Echo Canyon & Cholla Trails
While both Cholla and Echo Canyon are marked as “strenuous” and “black diamond” trails, Echo Canyon is more of a physical challenge. The inclines are steeper, and you’ll rely on railings to pull yourself up in a couple spots.
Camelback Trail Distances
The Cholla Trail (Trailhead in Scottsdale) is slightly longer, at about 1.4 miles in length.
The Echo Canyon Trail (Trailhead in Phoenix) is about 1.2 miles long.
Camelback Mountain Trail Parking
Parking is another difference between the Cholla and Echo Canyon Trailheads. Frankly, parking at either trail on Camelback Mountain can be a huge hassle. During heavy tourist seasons, you’ll have lines of cars and arguments between drivers searching for spots.
For the Cholla Trailhead, you’ll search for street parking along Invergorden Road, in what is technically Paradise Valley. For the Echo Canyon Trailhead, you’ll park in a recently-enlarged lot off McDonald Drive in Phoenix.
How Long Does it Take to Hike Camelback Mountain?
The “regulars” who hike Camelback year-round are up and down in an hour or 90 minutes.
Most visitors to Arizona like to rest in the shade along the way, and enjoy some time taking photos and relaxing on the peak. For those folks, plan to spend around two hours on Camelback Mountain, regardless of the trail you take.
Hiking Camelback’s Cholla Trail
The City of Phoenix estimates up to 10,000 people hike the Cholla Trail each month.
I usually only head to the Cholla Trailhead if an event or rescue has closed the Echo Canyon parking lot. Still, for people who don’t like steep inclines, or would rather go to the trailhead closest to Scottsdale: Cholla is for you!
How Difficult is Camelback Mountain’s Cholla Trail?
The Cholla Trail is rated as a “Double Black Diamond” and “Extremely Difficult.” Still, if you’re in decent shape (and not afraid of heights) you’ll enjoy the hike.
The Cholla Trail’s terrain ranges, from a very flat start, to a rockier area with defined steps to climb. Parts of the trail will involve climbing over boulders and natural rock formations.
The photo below shows the most treacherous part of the trail, which stretches for about the final quarter mile. It’s tough to make out, but you’ll have to work up a pointy rock ledge, right next to a pretty steep drop-off. You can see the peak down the ledge behind me:
Honestly, the hike down is more challenging for me, and I’ve definitely fallen more often on the return trip!
Map and Directions to the Cholla Trail
The Cholla Trail is easier than ever to find, thanks to new signage and a gate along Invergorden Road in Scottsdale (though, technically the physical address is Paradise Valley on the map).
The address is: 5150 N. Invergorden Road.
Parking for Camelback’s Cholla Trailhead
It’s luck of the draw, finding a parking spot along Invergorden Road. The city says there’s room for around 70 cars to park at the trailhead, along the road. Luckily, traffic along Invergorden is usually relatively light, so you won’t be holding up long lines of cars while you parallel park.
Parking is free, and many days you’ll have no problem finding a spot.
March seems to be the month which sees a big spike in hiking traffic, with spring breakers in town to enjoy the perfect sunny, mild days in Phoenix.
Cholla Trailhead Overhaul: Here’s What’s New
The City of Phoenix launched a major, million-dollar overhaul of the Cholla Trailhead during the pandemic. The entire trail closed for two years, beginning in 2020. It finally reopened to hikers in the fall of 2022.
The Cholla Trailhead is unrecognizable from what it was! For one thing, it’s well-defined now, and no longer hidden. Maybe most importantly, it features bathrooms and water fountains for hikers!
The Cholla Trailhead is now easy to find, thanks to a new hiker entry gate and sign. The completely realigned trailhead leads to a new, mostly-flat, graded route to the mountain trail.
Also new: a series of blue markers up higher on the trail. It can get confusing up there, and the blue squares glued to the rocks will help guide you up to the peak.
Ongoing Controversy Between Hikers & Residents
Phoenix has a challenge with the Cholla Trailhead, in that it’s not in a designated park. In 1997, the City of Phoenix reached an agreement to use an easement on property owned by the Phoenician Resort, to give hikers access to the trail.
The popularity of the Cholla Trail and the influx of hikers is never going to be “welcomed” in the surrounding neighborhood of multi-million-dollar homes. The homeowners will always say: the trail violates their privacy, and the volume of hikers presents a safety hazard.
Cholla Rideshare Drop-off
A few spots right at the entry gate to the Cholla Trailhead are now blocked-off, and marked for rideshare dropoffs only.
I’ve never taken an Uber or Lyft to Camelback, but it’s a great idea, especially if you’re staying at a hotel. Many times, I’ve arrived at Camelback, only to find the parking spots completely full and WISHING I’d just taken an Uber.
In addition to the parking and rideshare dropoff, the reopened Cholla Trailhead also features bicycle parking. It’s a great option if you live nearby, or are staying at a hotel around Old Town Scottsdale!
Cholla Trailhead Hours
The Cholla Trail is open to hikers from sunrise to sunset, daily.
Hiking Camelback’s Echo Canyon Trail
The Echo Canyon Trail up Camelback Mountain is my favorite hike in Arizona. I feel like I get more of a workout on the western side of the mountain, and I like the geology of the trail better.
Map and Directions to the Echo Canyon Trailhead
The address for the Echo Canyon Trailhead is 4925 East McDonald Drive in Phoenix. From Camelback Road, head north on 44th Street and you’ll hit the entrance.
Parking at the Echo Canyon Trailhead
Parking to hike up the Echo Canyon Trail gives me anxiety, especially during the late fall and spring seasons, when crowds swell.
Several years ago, the City of Phoenix closed the trailhead for a makeover. Parking options expanded, but are still limited.
In the updated configuration of the parking lot, barricades will guide cars in a one-way route through the lot. There’s really no ideal solution to the tense parking situation which develops on crowded days.
The Echo Canyon Trailhead Overhaul: What’s New?
The revamp of the Echo Canyon Trailhead several years ago included new bathrooms, which remain pretty clean, despite the location. Bike racks, a vending machine, and water fountains were installed. Believe it or not: the water here is ice cold!
How Difficult is Camelback’s Echo Canyon?
Echo Canyon is also rated as a “Double Black Diamond” trail, for whatever that’s worth to the average person.
It’s definitely a challenge, and on hot days I’m gasping for breath on my way up! It always helps to hydrate *the night before* you hike.
The Echo Canyon Trail is 1.2 miles. A few steep inclines include rails embedded into the rocks, and the trail itself will have you climbing over boulders. Here’s an example of one of the railings, which I find more useful on the way *down* this steep part of the trail:
At another point in the trail, you may see some hikers divert to walk/climb up a steep embankment (pictured below). Don’t be intimidated if you see hikers ahead scaling the rock, and it doesn’t look safe to you. If you look to the right, you can opt to climb over rocks to ascend this spot. Most people take the rocky route.
Especially if you hike in the afternoon, you’ll find a few spots to rest in the shade if you need to take a break on your way up Camelback.
Bring more water than you need, and hiking shoes are important. I see way too many people try to hoof it up in sandals! It’s even more dangerous hiking *down* the trail without proper footwear.
Camelback Mountain, AZ: Rules, Rangers, and Tickets
You’re likely to see a City of Phoenix Park Ranger parked at the Echo Canyon Trailhead. Years ago, you’d seldom see a ranger in the lot, but now it’s almost a sure-bet.
Especially during the warmer months, when many out-of-town hikers seem to head up the trail unprepared, the rangers are always there to ask them to think twice and remind them of the dangers.
Tickets For Parking After Dark
The Echo Canyon Trailhead parking lot is open sunrise to sunset.
🌎 Jared’s Detours Blog: Camelback Mountain Sunset Hikes Canceled
I’ve been ticketed for having my car there after sunset, so yes: rangers do hand out tickets on car windshields. It was a $107 fine.
Rock Climbing on Camelback Mountain
A rock formation known as the “Praying Monk” is used for rock climbing on Camelback Mountain. From afar, the rock looks like a person kneeling to pray. Up close, you’ll find anchors in the red sandstone, which people use to attach their ropes to.
Several times I’ve seen firefighters training on the rocks in full gear.
Dogs on Camelback Mountain
I’ve seen many dogs, especially on the Cholla Trail, but they’re not allowed. Signs are clearly posted. At the same time, while rangers are known to give out tickets to people who stay on the trail after dark, I’ve never heard of a dog owner getting a fine.
The Best Time to Hike Camelback Mountain
People hike Camelback year-round, but the crowds drastically drop off from May through September, when daily highs are 100 degrees in Phoenix.
Hiking Camelback Mountain in the Winter
Winter hikes on Camelback are great. You’ll still get sweaty, even if the temperatures are in the 50s. My advice to avoid a crowd is: go Monday through Thursday in the afternoon.
Camelback gets very crowded in the winter months (November through February) with tourists and holiday visitors. You should still bring a backpack with water!
Hiking Camelback Mountain in the Summer
Even for people who hike Camelback frequently, the heat takes a major toll. The key is to hydrate heavily the night before your hike in the summer. Plus, I bring at least two liters of water up the mountain with me!
On days when the National Weather Service declares an “excessive heat warning,” Camelback Mountain’s trails will be closed from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.
I still enjoy a late-evening hike on the hottest days, when the Echo Canyon Trail is largely shaded. It’s just important to make sure you’re down by sunset, to avoid a parking fine.
Also, remember: monsoon season in Arizona begins in June and lasts through September. It’s not unusual to have an afternoon storm bubble up and surprise hikers on the trails. I’ve been caught in hail storms and downpours, and it can be hellish! The rain seems to combine with dust in the air to make the rocks extra slippery, regardless of your footwear.
Sunrise Hikes at Camelback Mountain
You’ll often find a line of cars waiting to park at Camelback’s Echo Canyon Trailhead before sunrise. It’s a beautiful time of day to hike, and despite the crowd in the lot, it can be very peaceful and quiet once you’re on the trail. Since the sun rises in the east, large portions of trail will remain shaded on your way up.
Sunset Hikes at Camelback Mountain
Sunset hikes on Camelback used to be one of my favorite things to do in Phoenix. You can still enjoy a sunset hike, but with rangers more strictly enforcing the sunset closure of the parking lot, hikers really have to be down near the base for sunset, rather than the peak.
You’ll still be able to get gorgeous photos with famous Arizona sunsets in the background from the Echo Canyon Trail each night. Since the sun sets in the west, you’ll be watching the colors change as you hike down the trail to the lot.
This has to be one of the best I’ve ever seen:
Lizards and Snakes on Camelback Mountain
I’ve hiked Camelback Mountain more than 500 times, and have seen 5 rattlesnakes, plus a couple of other kinds slithering through tree branches. I’m sure I pass them far more frequently, and just don’t notice them. They’re more likely to emerge in the spring as temperatures warm up.
As for lizards, they’re much more common. The male Chuckwalla lizards are fat and have bright orange coloring on them. You’ll spot them out on the rocks on even the hottest days of the summer. They’re not dangerous or poisonous, but you shouldn’t pick them up.
Camelback Mountain Deaths & Rescues
While most of the rescues on Camelback Mountain involve hikers who’ve fallen and injured a leg, or who’ve become dehydrated, several people die each year hiking Camelback Mountain.
The Phoenix Fire and Scottsdale Fire Departments post updates to social media whenever their crews are called to one of the trails for a rescue.
People of all ages can fall victim to the heat or a combination of the heat and other health issues. Hiking up the Echo Canyon Trail, you’ll come across a safety reminder in the form of a memorial for a young man I knew, Clint McHale. Clint was 24, in great shape, and an avid Camelback hiker. He died in an accidental fall while rock climbing with his friend in 2011.
On average, fire crews have to rescue around 200 hikers a year from Phoenix hiking trails. Most of the rescues take place on Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak. You can see here how a series of fire trucks respond to the trailhead:
You actually stand a good chance of seeing a fire truck at the base of either of the trails. It’s fairly common, and the fire department will usually close the trailhead until the rescue operation is complete.
We’ve seen groups of people on music video shoots and reality TV shows have to get rescued. During big sporting events (like the Final Four and other basketball tournaments) we see big crowds hiking, and a string of rescues each day.
Challenging Hiker Rescues on Camelback Mountain
Often, the hiker is able to walk down with the assistance of the firefighters, but they usually bring the “big wheel” up the trail. Picture a giant wheelbarrow, which is used to carry the injured hiker down to the trailhead.
I’ve also seen hikers collapse on the most challenging parts of the Echo Canyon trail. Years ago, I saw firefighters giving CPR to a man who had a heart attack climbing the steepest part (near the rails). They had to lie down on the incline to save his life in this spot:
After a number of firefighters collapsed or suffered from heat exhaustion during summertime rescues in triple-digit heat, the City of Phoenix put new restrictions on the trails.
Camelback and Piestewa Peak trails now close from 11:00 am to the late afternoon on days when an “Excessive Heat Warning” is in effect. It happens several times from June through August.
Helicopter Rescues on Camelback Mountain
There are helicopter landing pads on the mountain, and near the trailheads.
Sometimes crews will put the injured hiker in a contraption nicknamed “the screamer suit.” As the helicopter lifts up, the downdraft can cause the basket to spin rapidly, leading to an even more terrifying rescue situation for the hiker.
Nighttime rescues add an extra layer of danger for fire crews, who often have to hover in a helicopter over the trail, and drop a basket down to the injured hiker to lift him or her out.
FAQ’s About Hiking Camelback Mountain
Let’s tackle a few more frequently asked questions about Camelback Mountain in Phoenix:
Why is it Called Camelback Mountain?
Flying into Phoenix, you can’t miss Camelback Mountain, which sits northeast of the downtown core. The mountain literally looks like a camel, taking a snooze in the Sonoran Desert of Arizona.
The “head” of the camel is in the most affluent part of Phoenix, and a small suburb called Paradise Valley. The “hump” spans across the eastern portion of the Phoenix city limits, and the camel’s tail-end rests over toward Scottsdale.
What Kind of Rock Makes up Camelback Mountain?
From a distance, Camelback Mountain looks uniformly orangy-brown. Once you’re up close, hiking on the Cholla or Echo Canyon Trails, you’ll notice big changes in the rocks.
The higher part of Camelback’s peak is hard granite, while the western end (the camel’s “head”) is red sedimentary sandstone. I love when the bright green lichen grows over the rocks, contrasting with the reddish brown hues:
Are Dogs Allowed to Hike Camelback?
No, dogs are not permitted on either the Echo Canyon or the Cholla Trail. That said, I continue to see at least one dog on each hike, which is usually panting heavily. A few times it’s been very concerning, especially with French Bulldogs and other similarly-built breeds.
Dogs aren’t allowed on Piestewa Peak either, but as you can see below, people miss or ignore the signs. Nothing against these folks, but they just walked by two “no dogs” signs, plus a third sign on the ground out of frame:
What’s Another Hiking Option in Phoenix?
I hike Piestewa Peak in Phoenix about twice as often as I hike Camelback. It’s a great option if you have less time. Piestewa’s trailhead also has more parking, and the location is more convenient to my home in Central Phoenix.
You’ll get another great 360-degree view of the Valley of the Sun from Piestewa.
While dogs are banned on the main summit trail at Piestewa Peak, the parking lots there lead to other trails through the Phoenix Mountain Preserve area where they *are allowed.
Hotels & Rentals Near Camelback
Phoenix and Scottsdale have countless home rental and resort options. You can use this interactive map, centered on Camelback, to check them out. Some of the rentals are really fancy right up against the mountain:
Should I Hike Cholla or Echo Canyon Trail on Camelback?
Whichever Camelback Mountain trailhead you decide to tackle, Cholla or Echo Canyon, please stay on the trail itself. Too many hikers try to create shortcuts, and plow through the desert area surrounding the marked trails. It causes rockslides and other erosion problems around the trail.
The true heroes of Camelback Mountain are the trail stewards, who work tirelessly year-round to keep the trails in great shape for Phoenix residents and visitors from across Arizona, and around the world.
