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    Echo Canyon Trail

    4.6 (36 reviews)

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    The view at the top
    Shan C.

    Need to know: -limited parking, you may need to keep circling around. Carpool if possible. This is a popular trail. -HAVE YOUR HANDS FREE: bring hydration backpack or backpack to store water bottle. Gloves optional. -sturdy, grippy shoes -good attitude! Hike for the accomplishment of getting to the top, because honestly the view at the summit was okay. Every Phoenix Mountain View just looks like Google maps. But the pride of getting up there is worth it. I hated hiking and don't do it much, but I guess this trail made me like it. It's the hardest I've been on so far. This was my first hike of the year (went in November) and after this trail, I decided to keep hiking more. If you can do Camelback you can do most of them all.

    A few wild flowers 3/20
    Harmony D.

    One of my favorite hikes in Phoenix. The echo canyon trail is up the west side of Camelback so it's in the shade on the way up in the morning. The Cholla trail is on the east side so it's in straight sun the whole morning. Echo is overall slightly more difficult but I prefer it's variety. Echo has a nice parking lot that fills up by 8 on the weekends. This hike really works your quads as there are a lot of step ups, steep inclines. If you have sensitive knees coming back down is going to be hard. The cooler the weather the better the hike. I recommend starting your hike by 8am. If you go after the rain you can get some beautiful cloud pictures and smell the desert rain. If you want a "semi regular" hike just go to marker 13 past the two pole rock climbs and go back down and skip the rock scrambles. You start with an uphill trail that then gets to the first plateau and then you go up a series of steep wooden stairs. Then you come to your first rock climb with pole assistance. A brief plateau then your second pole rock climb. That's it for the poles now you are on to rock scrambles for the rest of the way. You go through a brief plateau and then you encounter your first rock scramble. Another small plateau and then you have the very long rock scramble that will get your heart racing if it isn't yet. At the very top the rock scrambling finally gives way to a rocky trail and then you are at the top. Honestly my favorite views are on the way up rather than at the top so make sure to stop and grab some pics. 2.5 hr hike.

    Native Saguaro cactus
    Zo M.

    If you like to hike when you travel, I highly recommend this moderate to extreme hiking trail outside Scottsdale, Arizona. The temps started in the 50s and ended in the 80s as you got into higher elevations. The park ranger mentioned might even see some wildlife as coyotes and bees were in high numbers this time of year. It is deceptively tricky to walk or run up or down this mountain but we saw hikers doing both in all types of gear. Would recommend wearing older tennis shoes or hiking boots as our shoes were completely covered in red dust from the trails. It was absolutely worth it for the spectacular views . We saw tons of Saguaro cactus that are protected and live to be 150 to 200 years due to their drought resistant survivor abilities. Cannot wait to return on next visit to Scottsdale.

    Beautiful orange rock! (Sigh) Love the natural beauty God created for us! Amen
    Marcy M.

    Love the orange rock formations. Arizona is rich with beautiful scenery. Echo has color, vibrance, alluring nature and rustic artfulness. The trail is a little over a mile trail off Hwy 82. I actually did not hike the full trail. Enjoying the views all around sufficed for me! Many hikers and even kids. Dogs on leashes and happy novice explorers! And a great Scottsdale Fall temperature! Climbing to the top affords the best view of the valley, but just entering the trail itself is exuberant!

    Lexi M.

    If you're looking for a great hike with some awesome views, this is the place! There were so many different paths that you could take but wow - this was quite a workout! Such a great afternoon place for a good hike.

    Meg B.

    As Miley Cyrus once sang, it's the climb. This was a super tough hike. We went early Saturday morning, we had a car from the hotel drop us off, by 8:30am there was no parking left. The course very obviously states it's extremely difficult. We went with my in-laws and 13 daughter. We only made it to the first summit, before the ultimate climb. It only took us about 45 minutes from the bottom to that summit and back. I would definitely try to get up the steep hill with better shoes next time. I saw a pregnant women come down, so I know it's possible. Beautiful views just from where we stopped.

    Start of the trail
    Curtis G.

    This a must do trail when you are in Scottsdale/Phoenix area. Starts off as a nice incline hike but gets challenging the higher you get. It's more of a bouldering trail. Climbing on boulders from 1 foot to 2-3 feet high. Once at the top you get a 360 view of Tempe, Scottsdale, and Phoenix. Depending on your ability it can take and hour to 2 hours round trip not including pictures at the top. On weekends the parking lot gets full.

    View from the peak - A photograph taken from the summit of Camelback Mountain in Phoenix, Arizona, showing a wide view of the city below and distant mountain ranges. The foreground features rocky terrain, with the cityscape extending across the middle ground and mountains on the horizon under a clear blue sky.
    Ed M.

    We found this trail near the area we stayed in. Reviews claimed it was "easy" but steep. Haha. Yeah this trail is moderate to difficult. In the AZ heat I can only imagine how many rescues happen on this mountain. I saw quite a few people hiking in tennis shoes. Do not hike this trail in tennis shoes. You're gonna need real hiking shoes or boots for traction. Bring at least 3-4 bottles of water. I got away with one but had to ration it. Also, it wasn't as hot the day I came up here and we got here early. You will be climbing mountain type terrain. You will be butt scooting down the trail when returning. You will be using your hands on the rocks and hand rails. Do not underestimate this trail. It's pretty gnarly and tiring. When you hit marker 37 on the trail you're at the top. Funny story but a female came on the trail when we did. She asked us the distance and ease of the trail. We told her we heard it was easy. She passive aggressively blamed us mid way up saying those guys said it was easy. Yup go blame us. You could have turned around and called it quits if it was too hard. I'd recommend you be in some sort of shape to get to the top. The views are rewarding at the top as you can see the whole city. Going down the trail is just as hard and slippery. It's about 2.8 miles total but it feels like way more.

    Trailhead
    Jessica S.

    Absolutely love climbing Camelback mountain but make sure you come in your practical hiking clothes and shoes. This is not just a walking path there are areas that you actually get to climb up rocks which I love! We did the echo canyon trail and once on top the view is amazing! We even got a candycane and picture at the top with the #camelbacksanta. It starts off nice and gradual and then you hit the big climb, it's amazing and you feel so accomplished when you reach the top. I can't wait to go back and do the cholla trail

    View from the top
    Lynn N.

    This was the hardest hike I have ever done. Wait, no, it's not a hike it's a climb. We arrived around 11am and waited around for a parking spot for about 5 minutes before we found some people that were leaving and took their spot. There were a lot of signs warning about how challenging this trail would be and they are totally correct. I enjoy a good amount of hiking but this was on a whole different level. The beginning part of the trail even has some metal railing to help you up a particularly steep portion of rock; I was not too proud to not utilize that to scale up the rocks. There were times that I pulled myself up with my arms onto a boulder to reach the next step because the rocks can be quite large and steep. You really would have to be totally injury free to be able to make this climb because I used all four extremities quite often during this climb. The view at the top was beautiful and they even have a Christmas tree at the top for the holidays which I thought was cute! It took us about an hour and forty minutes to go up and another forty for the downward trip. In all, this is an attainable but difficult hike. But it's doable if you go at your own pace and are careful!

    Brittany N.

    I did this hike a lot last summer because I lived close, then started frequenting it more often this summer because gyms are closed. I suggest going early because it gets super crowded (and hot) in the late mornings/afternoons. I love that the hike is fairly short, approximately 2.5 hours round trip. There are parts that are pretty steep making it a good workout... but I don't have to dedicate my entire day to it. I think it usually takes us around 45-50 minutes to get to the top (depending on how lazy I am that day)... and maybe 30 to get back down. The view is great! I'd recommend checking it out if hiking is your sort of thing :)

    Laura G.

    The Echo Canyon Trail has a large parking lot and bathrooms available. The trail leads up to Camelback Mountain and is listed as difficult. It was especially so for someone who lives mostly on flatlands. There are steep areas and some rock climbing but the view is worth the effort. It's only about two and a half miles long. This trail was very crowded and had people of all age ranges participating.

    Lynne C.

    I did some research before coming but clearly not enough!! On camelback there's two different trails you can take, both of which do not allow dogs and for good reason. Echo Canyon for example is incredibly steep, has loads of loose gravel, and two different sections that require a railing to ensure you don't completely tumble your way down! This is rated as extremely difficult and it definitely was! There are a few markers along the way and you can certainly stop in numerous places for a breather but it goes up to market 36 so if you think you're done.. you still have a ways to go! Just a heads up: There's also two levels of parking, one right when you enter and then another a little ways up the hill! Overall incredible views, will give you a good workout, there's a bathroom at the bottom, and really great photo ops!! Can't wait to come back again soon!

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    Ask the Community - Echo Canyon Trail

    How many miles is this hike?

    1.23 miles and is a very intense trail

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    Review Highlights - Echo Canyon Trail

    Honestly my favorite views are on the way up rather than at the top so make sure to stop and grab some pics.

    Mentioned in 4 reviews

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    Reach 11 Recreation Area - Rattlesnake

    Reach 11 Recreation Area

    (19 reviews)

    This is way the heck out there, and maybe it depends from which direction you arrive. We arrived…read morefrom south Phoenix and the apocalyptic industrial zone that precedes was not fun. There is also a library right next door - cool, but what an odd location - seems they plan to expand the housing nearby. Okay but about the hiking and the trails and site itself - great. The entire time we were visiting the area we were so impressed by the upkeep of the trails and the abundance of facilities and helpful information. This is an extensive recreation area with a lot of trails to choose, including convenient loops, so you can decide how much you are up for. We ventured up to the waterfall, which of course was not active due to the dry weather; however, there was a small pool there which was stunning. The trails are well kept and there is a mix of cement and dirt trails. Must note, though, that it's a bit quiet and remote, so can be a magnet for crime - we were warned upon entering one parking lot that someone had just been there breaking car windows. We moved on to a different lot and didn't have any issues. So just make sure there are other cars and people around, to be on the safe side. PS there is also a small nature center next to the library; both are prior to the main entrance of the Recreation Area. The nature center has some information, specimens/artefacts and a small gift shop. PPS the staff at the Recreation Area entrance were very friendly and helpful.

    Good place for a quick walk. There are several trails here but I like the main one that is…read moreasphalted and takes you by a pond. Takes about an hour to walk. Very flat, easy hike. It is not the most scenic place in town to hike but it is a solid spot.

    Echo Canyon Trail - hiking - Updated May 2026

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