This was my second time hiking in the last 5 years. I wouldn't say that I am in great shape, but I do work out and jog on a regular basis. If you are similar, you will be able to climb this mountain. We had to park about a mile away from the Cholla trail so that was a good warm up before starting the hike. The hike starts off pretty easy and the first half will fly by. However, when you are about 70% of the way done, the real challenge begins. Make sure you are not carrying anything in your hands and have a backpack because you will be using both your hands to actually climb rocks to make it to the top! There are many places where there is no trail and you are literally rock climbing. Take your time and don't rush! I found coming down more challenging. I am pretty short so I was sliding down rocks (also reminds me-- if you spend money on nice lulu lemon stuff--don't wear it on this hike, it might get torn coming down). Other climbers were genuinely nice and most people waited their turns. I think the trick is to take it nice and slow and enjoy the view as you go up. Many people seemed to go really hard the first half and then give up midway. As everyone else has said, bring water. Also, don't be surprised if you see a snake or two. read more

Camelback Mountain - Parks Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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***First time hiker*** After reading the reviews I have to admit I was kind of nervous about the hike. Yes, it is a tough hike, however, if you take your time you will be fine! You do go up different sections with an uphill battle but as a first time hiker, not in the best shape, I was fine. Bring water, good grip shoes, if you have them, climbing gloves, a snack or two, and you will have a great time. Clean bathrooms, parking wasn't too bad eqrly in the morning. Very organized by the rangers. The views are worth it. They are breathtaking. Enjoy yourself, take breaks, have fun. Took us about 90 mins total to get up to the summit, and back down. Stay on the trails!!! Enjoy. read more

Hiked Camelback Mountain this past weekend. Great hike for a quick morning workout. I hiked Echo Canyon Trail. It's challenging but won't require any equipment so it's great for an out-of-towner wanting a good workout while traveling. Just remember it's steep and can be dangerous so be careful. There are some rails and fences on select places along the trail. I recommend you get there early. Before sunrise if you want to hit the peak and get back down before the crowd picks up. And you will beat the heat if you go early. read more

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This hike was absolutely amazing! The beginning was just easy trail going up hill. At about the half way point a family warned us that the trail got a lot harder! It got quite a bit harder, losing the trail, and mainly just climbing rocks. There were times when I was in all four climbing up the rocks. As tiring as it was, the view from the top was amazing! Definitely recommend it to anyone who wants a little challenge :) read more

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FUN but very challenging if you aren't used to hiking so be warned and be prepared. In the end it was pretty easy for me, but I didn't have hiking shoes so slipped many times on gravel, unsteady rocks, and steep climbs. I had my girlfriend with me and she thought she was going to die this day so definitely be ready for a tough steep hike if you go and only bring capable people or your own attention will falter and you can get injured as a result. read more

For some reason people are Hell bent on seasonal littering on this mountain. Every holiday season groups of idiots feel obligated to bring a Christmas tree to the top and cover it with trash that blows off and litters the mountain peak. If you want to see a Christmas display, go into the entire city of Phoenix and look at them there. We want our mountains clean, untouched and free of litter. This mountain is average at best because of all the people who choose to hike here. They blast music on speakers, they are constantly taking selfies and could care less about hiker etiquette. If you really want peace and quiet where you can enjoy nature (what hiking is all about) go to the Superstitions, Usery Mtns or even South Mountain to achieve pure Zen on the trail. Much less litter, noise and douchers at these mountains rather than Camelback. That being said... Camelback is a great workout hike. Lots of incline on a 1.8 mile trail. Only two trails to the top and Echo is ALWAYS crowded. Have fun parking here (another reason to skip this road apple). read more

Incredible and challenging hike, I was sweating at the top! Not for the faint of heart but totally doable if you want to challenge yourself. Coming from NorCal I was used to these deep ascents but the rocks were fun to wrangle with! I love hiking and this was a great one to do while visiting Phoenix. You are rewarded with great views as well. Initially, you have your run-of-the-mill steady incline, then you reach a set of daunting stairs (thank goodness for the handrails when coming down!) and then comes the fun part: the rocks! It's like bouldering but easier (trust me I'm a religious rock climber/boulder-er), no need for gloves or hiking boots on this trail. I hear the trail can be crowded and hot but I went on a cool Feb morning so it was perfect. Don't forget to bring water! Again, not an easy hike, would rate it moderate, but fun! Would do it again if I'm ever back! There's a private lot at the bottom of the hill that's free, very convenient! read more

Camelback Mountain - first part of the trail, the easy part! - Parks Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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I gotta say this trail has improved over the years. They finally have a working bathrooms no more porty potty. They also have bigger parking now which is a plus for everyone. You need to go there little early in the weekend. I have been here a few times but today was good hike. This is the first hiking place I have been and I love it. Everything is good except for the drive. It takes about 40 min commute to get there. All worth hike though once you're done I'm planning to visit this place more often. read more

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Wow!!!! So hard but so worth it!!!! Didn't want to leave once I made it to the top! Beautiful Views of the entire Valley. Make sure you bring your phone or camera!! read more

I have to admit that Camelback Mountain is one of my favorites. It's close and convenient and it's a very easy hike with not a lot of drama. The views are really great and the people are generally very friendly. Although sometimes there's just so many people if you go at the wrong time on the wrong day I would much rather have it a little less crowded but it still really great and I would recommend it to all. read more

Not for beginners but very beautiful view from the top. Parking was horrible. Some people use über to get there and back. read more

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Echo canyon trail at Camelback Mountain is my favorite hike! I suggest going on a weekday when it's not so crowded. Wear proper hiking shoes cause the hike can be slippery, always stay on the trail, and bring water! read more

Camelback Mountain - Parks Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Man, I love this hike more and more every time I do it. It's a bit of a challenge and be prepared for some rock climbing closer to the tippy top on Cholla Trail. Echo is steeper but the view at the top is always worth it! So make sure to have you're camera with you. You don't want to hike all of that without getting a picture to represent your hard work!!! If you're going to attempt to go on a weekend, make sure to wake up early. Finding parking and the walk to the trail head will take extra time. But be prepared, it will still be busy. Happy hiking and wear good shoes! read more

Camelback Mountain - Sunrise and only a quarter of the way up! - Parks Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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This mountain is super popular, and it still manages to be a great challenge on either trail. Don't think that you will get parking. You won't. That is your first mile of the hike. Echo Canyon is more difficult than Cholla Trail, but they are both tough. Granted I've seen kids on both BUT some kids just looked like they should'nt be there. Also, so many people get airlifted off every year. Be smart, start early and BRING WATER. As in, minimum two bottles per person, more if youre not from the area. Heat exhaustion is real and scary, and you have to pay for the rescue once you're safe. I did Cholla Trail the other day with a friend and had a blast, after needing to dump water on my head halfway through the last third of Cholla (that rocky part where you cannot take many dogs). There was a swarm of bees on our way down near the summit. This time they flew over our head while everyone on the trail crouched down or in between rocks but I heard another woman saying a few weeks ago that there was a different swam and people were being stung left and right. Otherwise, beautiful and absolutely worth it! read more

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Just a heads up! Try to get there early, I arrived around 630am and parking lot was full , had to keep trying around for about 20 minutes until a couple cars left and I was able to enter the parking lot. The hike was AMAZING! Great views! Liked the trail arrows everywhere, being my first time it helped make sure I was going the right way. Definitely recommend this hike to anyone! read more

Camelback Mountain - Top of mountain! - Parks Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Okay let me start out by saying I am NOT an experienced hiker. We did the Cholla trail and I am seriously in amazement that I finished the hike alive. Call me a baby, but I was horrified on the second incline past the saddle. I previously hiked Pinnacle Peak, Tom's Thumb, and Black Mountain and I was NOT prepared for this. I made it all the way up to the saddle where the helipad is and it was hot and I was sucking down water from my Camelbak (haha) but I was OKAY. Once I passed the saddle and got to the rocky area, everything changed. I didn't realize you had to scale rocks with literally no where to hold on to on the way up and miraculously figure out how to get down them without slipping. Luckily, I went with someone whose second nature is hiking and he was there to show me where to put my foot to get up and down some of the tough spots. I would do this hike up to the saddle in the near future, but I don't think I would do the rocky part at least until I become more comfortable with strenuous, rocky hiking. Bring LOTS of water, especially if you go during the summer. I ran out of water (1.5 L) before I reached the summit. We met a nice man who works the trail and was climbing up for his third time that morning - WTF! We saw Peregrine falcons and a Chuckwalla feasting on a leafy twig in the rocks. read more

Ok, I have to be a stickler on this one. We were looking for a reasonable hike on our day off to get a little exercise and be outdoors in Phoenix while there on vacation. SG checked some other sites for listings, not looking at YELP. If he had, he would have noticed that all the reviews, though highly rated, talk about the high intensity and rocky terrain. The other sites said "easy to moderate". Uh huh, right. So, we found a rock star parking spot on the little street leading up to the park entrance and did not wait for the line to allow one person at a time into the lot. That would have took a half hour on its own. We ventured up and started into the park. Fairly quickly you get into ROCKY terrain with some definite climbing. Ok, so maybe this is just a little bit of the hike. NOPE. Pretty much the whole thing! I really did not have much trouble with going up this mountain. I would not say that I could or would ever want to run it (or do it twice, three times, or 4 times like some of the folks on the trail), but I am in ok shape to breath heavy and keep going. SG on the other hand was not in shape for this mountain. Going down, I was the pokey chicken. I do not like going down. I would rather sweat and breath hard going up all day long. This rocky terrain is treacherous. I myself am too timid for this type of descent. I would have preferred a non rocky hike, even with the elevation gain. Just be warned. read more

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You know I'm an avid hiker- so when I was in AZ for the weekend- the opportunity to hike on Saturday morning was amazing - all hungover as can be as well! Bad Choice! So my friends and I decided to go hiking.. yippee! super excited... I didn't know i was going on the trek of a lifetime! Holy cow- Echo Canyon- this was an amazing and challenging Hike! You should first of all come really early- unlike most people we didn't arrive early and waited to find parking for about 45 mins... but well worth it This hike is not for the faint of heart- sure there's fencing - probably too many accidents- I wouldn't doubt it because when I was there the fire trucks and ambulance came Great 360 views at the top, Rock climbing more than hiking there! I luved it- Next time i think i will go again with the proper gear! read more

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Challenging but enjoyable hike! Make sure you bring enough water to stay hydrated. Definitely a busy hike, with lots of people of all calibers challenging the mountain. The parking lot is a decent size, but due to the popularity of this hike, parking will become an issue during busy hours. We had a small camelback with bladder for two people, and we still had water remaining at the end of the hike. We are not experienced hikers by any means, so it's definitely a doable hike, but be prepared to get on all fours and get dirty in certain parts to make it up and down. The trail is also pretty clearly marked, so not too much to worry about with that. The view from the top was neat, but it's mostly just city that you see. The day we went it was kind of cloudy, which was great for keeping us cooler and out of the direct sun, but also made the view at the top not what we expected. Overall, fun and challenging hike! Definitely recommend it! read more

Camelback Mountain - Parks Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Great Hike Great Views Great Exercise Parking is terrible, but it's all part of the hike. read more

Awesome trail; extremely difficult for some inexperienced hikers. Go early, parking could be hard to find. Free parking, park is also free. Trail is 1 1/2 mile each way, plan for 2-3 hours. Bring good hiking shoes, plenty of water, snacks, and extra battery for your phone. Be ready to breathe some fresh air and taking some awesome view of Phoenix-Scottsdale. read more

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Once you accept the heat and dry air, you can start to enjoy the beautiful scene. I have to say that I underestimated this mountain. I took more water breaks than usual on a hike. I'm used to Tennessee mountain hikes where I can breathe easier because of the humidity and where it isn't nearly as hot (mostly because of the tall trees for shade). I'd recommend to pack at least two water bottles and to have someone with you. If you need a reward for making it to the top.. you'll feel it tomorrow hah read more

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This was the best hiking experience i had in my short weekend stay in Phoenix. View was amazing, and the hike was semi-challenging. Although, right when I got there EMT's were responding to a call to someone getting hurt on the trail, so that was interesting to see how they airlifted someone out of there. Be careful people read more

I can't get enough of this Mountain. This truly is a majestic place. You will need plenty of water, "camel" pack if you have one. Possible snack. the hike is fun and steep. Each trek is a different experience, and is truly hard to caption. Enjoy the climb, nature, maybe a rattlesnake or two. DO NOTE.. PARKING DOES FILL UP FAST! Have fun - read more

Camelback Mountain - Majestic! - Parks Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

First time hiking in a few years and I was very happy with the day. Started my morning at 6:30 am and ended at 8:00 am. Sadly I did not make it to the top because one of my friends was a little out of shape but we made it about 75% up. Lots of beautiful views and we encounter a lot of nice people. Can't wait to go back! read more

As a first time to the mountain, not to mention the west coast, I was in for a surprise. I work out at least 5 days a week... Climbing a mountain should be easy, right? Wrong. This was the physically hardest thing I've done in my life. Make sure you bring at least 2 liters of water with you. And go very early in the morning. The view is so worth the struggle to get there. read more

Camelback Mountain - Parks Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

I can't believe you can rate mountains and hikes. Camelback is a great workout that is nearby East Phoenix and Scottsdale. I would rate it as a moderate hike with a 6 out of 10 on difficulty level. Some people would rate it higher, but I am giving it a rating from an avid hiker's standpoint. You can take 2 trails, Echo Canyon and Cholla. Echo Canyon is about 2.5 miles roundtrip with more steep ascends and Cholla is a flatter switchback hike that is roughly 3 miles roundtrip. The view on top of Camelback is amazing with an entire 360 degree view of the valley, downtown Phoenix, and further into other areas if it is a clean air day. Here are some tips for hikers: 1. If you are going to hike weekends, come early in the morning because parking is very limited. 2. Bring plenty of water especially on warmer days because you will definitely sweat a lot on this hike. 3. In addition to water, I would bring a light snack to eat on the top of the mountain and enjoy the view. 4. Wear proper hiking shoes because this is a real hike with some climbing, not a walk in the park type of hike. 5. Take your time and be careful because I have heard people being helicoptered out to the hospital. read more

If you are ever in the Phoenix area, you must experience and hike the Camealback Mountain. Alot of boulders and rocks and the view is magnificent. Please sure to wear the right hiking shoes when doing this trail. read more

Being a city girl and not graced with the sure-footedness of a mountain goat, Camelback's Cholla trail was my first ever hike. It was terrible back then, and muscles in my legs that I didn't know I had, hurt like no other the day after. But here I am, four years later, still hiking the Cholla trail and I love it. Parking is along the side of the road, and depending on the time of the day, the weather, and if school is in session, things can get pretty busy and parking can be an ordeal. And to add to that, it is of course, parallel parking, a tremendous terror in itself. If you're a brave soul, and hike during the summer, bring tons of water and aim to be done with the hike at 8.30-9AM. Any later, well your skin starts to burn, courtesy of the good ol' Arizona sun. The trail itself is pretty busy, with regulars, what appears to be guided hikes, college kids, and dog lovers with their dogs. In my opinion, this is great for beginners up for a challenge. About a third of the way involves a fair amount of steps, nothing too hard. Then comes the next third where the path narrows down to being just big enough for one person but is fairly flat. And finally the last third, marked by the helipad, is the scramble. I've never done this last third but I heard it gets pretty tough, making it comparable to Camelback's other trail, Echo trail. So two thirds of the trail takes me about 1.5 hours at a leisurely pace, a decent hike to work up a good sweat. read more

I'm not a huge hiker whatsoever, but today we used to take on echo canyon since i am into fitness. If you are completely out of shape I wouldn't suggest it, or just take your time. We saw a few supermans out there that got buckwild and we saw them 15 min later throwing their brains out... Lol. It starts out in a moderate up and down, there are a couple placed where they have put in rails to help you not eat it, after that it's petty much climbing over rocks and boulders. The view was Well worth it. It was fun, super challenging and it a adventure! I'm wore out and sore like no other, but I'd say so it again. read more

Camelback Mountain - The view from the top. - Parks Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

This hike was brutal. About two hours up in two hours down although I did take frequent breaksI live in Colorado... I'm not a big hiking guy and I'm 61 years old but in good shape play golf and Racquetball but it took me two hours to get to the top and about two hours to get down. About a third of the hike is climbing as opposed to hiking. This was not only the most difficult hike I've ever had it was probably the most difficult workout I've ever had. I must be soft. Ha!! in fact I was so beat when I got down I hitched a ride from a construction guy to my truck where I had to park about a half a mile away just to get to the trailhead. read more

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Its all about Echo Canyon. My go-to side of Camelback Mountain, despite living a short walk to the Cholla Trail. Echo is shorter and more direct/steep/challenging, while Cholla is longer, more narrow and less difficult. For scenery they are very comparable, and they both meet at the top for the same killer views of the entire valley. For the majority of hikers budget about 2 hours round trip. Be careful on the way down, there are around 200 rescues a year and you don't want to pay that helicopter bill. For me Echo is a 26-28 minute high intensity hike to the top. It's an addicting exercise once you start timing yourself. A must do if you are in the Scottsdale area! read more

Camelback is definitely worth doing during your stay in Phoenix/Scottsdale. Doesn't get much better than free entertainment that opens up the rest of your day to eating tacos and margaritas without guilt. You've earned it after this climb! We have hiked Cholla trail twice now. It take about 2.5 hours round trip not counting time spent up on the summit. This route is 2.8 miles round trip. This first 2/3 of the hike is a nice hike with a fairly steady incline. For the last third, it's a steady scramble to climb the steeper incline. This was daunting to me at first but take your time and be brave. The view and sense of accomplishment is worth it. If scrambling is not for you, there is a nice overlook area before you get to that part where you can turn around or wait for your party to finish up to the summit. From our experience, this hike is basically always crowded. The earlier you can go the better, both for the crowds and the heat. The street parking close to the trailhead fills up quickly. We added a nice 1 mile walk to and from the car just to get to the trail on Saturday morning. Bring water! And no dogs allowed FYI. read more

This desert land, thirsty for my mercy, something happened here as I anchored on this rock. In this desert I cleansed my shame, released the very demons that brought me here & controlled my thoughts. My soul yearned for it. I poured my fears on this very dirt. No more tears to shed,Oh weep no more. I grounded myself with the roots. The sunset showered golden light & happiness through my hand. The desert land you have finally found me these chains that hold me down have been broken free from this holly cleansing ground. I've centered myself. Soul renewing is what I've found read more

Camelback Mountain - Parks Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Don't listen to other reviewers who said they took their 4 year old hiking. This was a very difficult trail for first time hikers, but it was doable. I went with a friend, and we both had never hiked before and we are in somewhat good shape. We had a very challenging time due to the boulders and high incline. We were on all 4's the second half up. We made the mistake of rushing up the mountain because we were on a time crush.. take your time going up! The view is amazing. read more

I came, I saw, I conquered. Would get five stars but parking here is difficult. No signs on where to park if u can't get in the iddy bitty teeny weeny parking lot. Walked an extra mile just to get to the entrance on the echo side read more

Camelback Mountain - The beginning - Parks Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Echo Canyon . . . excellent hike up boulders that immediately takes you away from the surrounding city until you reach the summitt and when relishing your sense of accomplishment, you look around and is reminded again that you are in the midst of the city! A def hike time well spent. Parking can be a bit crazed. Apparently, you are no longer allowed to hap hazardly park along side the street and in other people's driveways any longer . . . cars are parked either in the VERY SMALL lot or at 56th St. & McDonald and you have to walk the mile to the trailhead. During prime hiking hours there are actually three park rangers there to enforce the new rules and to direct traffic. And you are no longer allowed to stalk a potential spot since cars tend to pile up quickly behind you. So it's drive in and drive out. No fear though, pretend you are in high school and cruising main street . . . and it's worth the burning of gas as spots open up quickly. My friends and I made it up to the top in 38 mins last time . . . one of them said she said she used to be able to run up the trail in less than 30 mins. Well, I guess that's my goal in my fitness quest . . . stay tuned! read more

What ever you do, make sure you spend a morning at Camelback Mountain. Even thought it is a very hard climb it will be worth every moment of your time. Don't miss out on the opportunity of a lifetime. read more

Parking can be annoying, but Echo Canyon is an amazing workout and it's one of my favorites. We arrived today (Sunday) at 8am and the lot was already full. Weekdays are less busy. Bring plenty of water, wear good shoes, and watch your step coming down. Please follow the rules of hiking: right of way to hikers going up, stay to the right side of the trail. No dogs until June, though I saw a guy bring his today. Lastly, enjoy! It's one of the toughest hikes around and you should feel accomplished reaching the top. Plus you can't beat the views, and there's even a little "secret" cave to the side coming down the mountain. read more

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Me and my dogs favorite place to hike! NOT! haha no ill will, my dog gets car sick and the drive is surprisingly a little roller coastery (if thats a word) lots of ups and downs but on a straight road. He gets car sick very easily though but just a warning to any parents of dogs who het car sick (cant express it enough, to the gas station and back and he throws up) but if you can get through it its the most amazing hike and sooooo fulfilling! Pets are easy to take on most of the hikes but stay away from the most difficult just in terms of not having places for them to grip and jump to. read more