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Echo Canyon Trail on Camelback Mountain

Phoenix, Arizona

4.5/5
based on 16 reviews

Details

Distance

2.46 miles

Elevation Gain

1214 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Tiffany Lachner

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.

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Features

Fitness
Photography
Running
Hiking
Bathrooms
Easy Parking
Food Nearby
Scenic
Wildlife

Echo Canyon Trail on Camelback Mountain Reviews

Don't let some of the other reviews saying this is easy to moderate. If you plan on making it to the top this will challenge even the fittest people. Making it to the top will be worth the suffering. Also make sure to wear good trail shoes or hiking boots. There is lots of climbing and bouldering especially towards the top. Good tracking and ankle support is a must. Also if you have bad knees this might night be the trail for you. Also to let you know this trail is one of the most rescued trails in the Phoenix area. Many visitors attempt this only to find themselves hurt, lost or dehydrated. Plan accordingly and you will have a good hike with some amazing views.

This is definitely a must if you are traveling to Phoenix. 360 degree views of the entire city. Bring plenty of water, and good shoes.

Harder than you’d expect. But totally worth it. Especially for sunrise. Don’t forget your headlamp! Look up the sunrise time on the weather channel then subtract an hour and that’s when you should set off! It was super busy by the time we summited and we left at 5:30AM. By the time we were at the end there was a line for parking at 7:30 AM... it was thanksgiving so that may be why.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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