Camelback Mountain dominates the views of the Phoenix landscape as a peak rising to the highest point in the Valley. It gets its name because it looks like a camel. We hoped to hike it with everybody in town for graduation, but I’m glad we didn’t try since it isn’t the easiest hike and wouldn’t have been possible with the kids. Though it was difficult, the hike was worth it.
We hiked up the Echo Canyon Trail. When I looked online, I thought this trail was described as the easier of the two. We hiked down the Cholla Trail, which definitely would have been easier for the ascent. With either path there iss still a lot of scrambling over boulders and up slickrock faces making them both difficult. After hiking this iconic mountain I am very impressed by the people who hike it or run it every day. I know I couldn’t since I struggled up this time.
Of the two trails, Echo Canyon is definitely the more scenic as you climb through canyons with beautiful desert scenery all around. I assume this is because it is in shadow more during the day with less direct sunlight unlike most of the Cholla Trail.
Echo Canyon Trail
Echo Canyon Trail begins at a little parking lot in Paradise Valley near the head of the camel (northwest side of the mountain) off of McDonald Road. The parking lot is small, so carpool and get there early if you plan to park and hike. The mountain is extremely popular. We were just dropped off and didn’t have to find parking.
This end of the mountain is dominated by lush desert landscapes of ocotillo, saguaros, and palo verde trees in the shade of the sandstone formations that comprise the camel’s head. This includes the wonderful formation call the praying monk. There is also a shorter, much less difficult trail in this area that doesn’t take you to the top.
As you ascend, the trail wraps around the mountain hugging the cliff wall. There are steep stairs and long stretches of steeply pitched slickrock. Then come the boulder fields where you scramble up and over and through small to large stones.
Along the trial you will find markers. Look at the little image at the top of these to find out how far you’ve gone and how much more you have. It is shown in both vertical distance and length of trail. When you watch these you see that the trail is constantly climbing in elevation with a gain of more than 1,200 feet in a mile.
Along the path keep your eyes open for wildlife including the plentiful chuckwalla lizards. These were all over the mountain sunbathing and bobbing their heads up and down. Look out for rattlesnakes and bees as both are active on the mountain.
The Top
The top of the big camel’s hump is the highest point in the Valley. It reaches 2,707 feet into the sky pretty darn close to the middle of the area. This way you can look in all directions and see landmarks and grand vistas. I found Taliesin West, the church building I had been attending for three years, of course the larger masses of buildings like downtown, and off in the distance the newly completed LDS Phoenix Temple.
The top is essentially all rock. With the number of people going up the trail, I expected it to be a little more crowded. However, there were places up there to get away and just sit as you ponder over the world below.
Cholla Trail
Since we were dropped off at the Echo Canyon trailhead, we didn’t have to go back that way to find our car. This gave the option of hiking down the other side of the mountain on the Cholla Trail. I figured we already knew it would be difficult to get back down the way we came up, so why not try the other trail. It could be the same or maybe a bit better. What we found out is it was the easier of the two trails.
For the most part, the Cholla Trail is not as steep and doesn’t have as many obstacles. The most difficult part of this trail is toward the top where you have to climb up or slide down large flat stone faces. As mentioned before though, this trail isn’t quite as scenic.
Cholla Trial begins on a residential street off of Invergordon (64th Street) in Paradise Valley just behind the Phoenician Resort. However, parking and vehicular access is only on 64th Street (Invergordon) along the street beside the resort in Phoenix. This adds another quarter to half mile of inclined walking to get to the trailhead.
Tips for Hiking Camelback
(or anywhere for the person who enjoys a good hike but doesn’t do it that often)
Nearly a dozen people are rescued from this mountain every year because they don’t realize what they’re getting into, so be prepared and don’t push too hard. Primary reasons for rescue are heat exhaustion and dehydration. Here are a few tips to make your hike more successful:
- Bring lots of water! It is warmer and dryer in Phoenix than most people realize especially when exerting so much energy. Be sure to bring water, drink it and bring snacks if you need them. The trail info recommends at least 32 oz. of water.
- Take your time and take breaks. There is no shame in having to stop along the trail or to take a long time getting up. Both trails are difficult! Don’t overexert yourself or go beyond your comfort zone. Remember, slow and steady wins the race.
- Get there early. This is particularly important if you are driving yourself and need to park, and especially important if you plan to hike on a weekend or holiday. I tried to do this hike on Thanksgiving one year, but the parking areas were overwhelmed with people. I just couldn’t park and hike. That would also mean the trail was super crowded. Also, going earlier in the day means it will be cooler.
- This trail isn’t for kids. I didn’t see a single child on the trail. Some of the trail most kids wouldn’t even be able to do because of their size, and you don’t want to carry them.
When you find yourself in Phoenix, find time to give this mountain a chance. Don’t let the short trail distance fool you, but go prepared. It will be worth your time and effort when you reach the top.
