Camelback Mountain via Cholla Trail

Name: Camelback Mountain via Cholla Trail
Rating: 4.6

Cholla Trailhead Camelback Mountain, AZ

4.6

18 Reviews

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Details

Distance

2.96 miles

Elevation Gain

1257 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Features

Scenic

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About this place

Added by Kevin Kaminski

Take this slightly longer hike up Camelback Mountain for scenic views of Phoenix. For the shorter and arguably easier hike up, check out the Echo Canyon Route.

This challenging hike up the east side of Camelback Mountain has beautiful views of Phoenix and Scottsdale, and is not often crowded.

You will begin on switchbacks heading up the mountain, with trail markers to guide you at first. The hike increases in difficulty about 1 mile in, when you reach the saddle, and you will have to do some scrambling during the last stretch to the top.

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

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Joleen Johnson

1/31/2025

Well Maintained

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Brian Heifferon

Club

11/9/2024

Great, challenging hike with some scrambling near the summit. Good for a group hike.

Well Maintained

Amazing Views

Well Marked

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Ted Rowe

2/5/2021

Stunning views/over crowded

This is a strenuous hike. It gains evaluation quickly. Many people who are beginners attempt this hike and end up slowing everyone else. Speaking ...

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Lucas Bremer

Club

9/22/2020

strenuous but worth it

Make sure to do this early in the day to avoid the heat, and also make sure to have enough water and proper footwear. ...

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Crystal Sibson

8/10/2020

Great Views but Very Crowded

Camelback is the perfect mountain to hike for a workout due to it's location and great views from the top. The trail gets ...

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Laura Hill

8/8/2020

Iconic Arizona Hike

Start early, it get's hot quickly! And Camelback is ALWAYS busy, so be prepared. Make sure to practice proper hiking etiquette (people ...

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Jacob Cohen

3/23/2020

Great hike

Tough and steep hike but totally worth it. Was able to see north Scottsdale and downtown PHX at the same time. Will definitely hike it again

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Joseph Gulizia

12/10/2018

Easier but Longer

Definitely the easier side of Camelback. Get there before the work rush hour, and on weekdays to beat the rush. Parking can be a ...

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Travis Poulson

9/10/2018

Right in the City

A prominent peak jutting right out of the middle of the city, what more could you ask for? Outstanding views in every direction.

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Christopher Beebe

10/14/2017

Busy, Tough, But Totally Worth It

Great trail, lots of fun rough terrain the higher you get. Make sure you have good shoes and plenty of water. ...

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Ashley White

5/28/2017

It Was Hot!!!

I did the easier side of the mountain and started at 6am. By the time we made to summit it was already 97 degrees. ...

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Breanne McNitt

2/4/2017

Good hike in the Middle of the city.

Right in the middle of Phoenix, this very popular trail is always crowded, but definitely a good little workout- The Echo trail is like ...

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Shalee Blackmer

1/31/2017

Beautiful Hike In The City

The mountain is easily spotted throughout the city, and it offers an amazing perspective from the top. However, prepare for massive crowds on weekends ...

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