Echo Canyon Trail on Camelback Mountain
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This is visible from almost anywhere in Phoenix with 360 degree views. It's an intense workout, with rock climbing almost the whole way up and great photo opportunities with plenty of wildlife.
If you live near or around Phoenix, you know that Camelback Mountain is pretty hard to miss. Due to the mountain's height, this hike isn't exactly what you would call easy. There are two sides of the mountain you can hike, Echo Canyon and Cholla Trail. Echo Canyon is shorter, but still an extremely difficult hike. Cholla Trail is longer and also strenuous.
To hike Echo Canyon, find a dirt path from the parking lot that leads up the side of the mountain. Once you get to the end of the dirt path, it's nothing but large boulders the rest of the way, making it a great workout but also very tiring. There are rails along part of the hike to hold onto, but most of it is straight rock climbing. There is also an abundance of wildlife, but be very cautious for rattle snakes – it is common to spot one from time to time while hiking.
Once you reach the top, the 360 degree views of the entire city are amazing. Makes the climb well worth it!
Try to do this hike during a weekday, and preferably when the weather is not too hot.
Leave No Trace
