Hike Up Camelback Mountain via Cholla Trail
Details
Distance
3 miles
Elevation Gain
1275 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
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.
Know for
Nearby
🌎
Local adventures
Find hikes, backpacking, photo spots, and more around Paradise Valley.
🏕
Nearby lodging
Search campgrounds, glamping, and hotels near Paradise Valley.
Reviews
Leave a Review
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 of everyone else, this trail get ridiculously crowded! The parking lot gets completely full and you have to walk an extra mile along a busy road. If you can find a time to do it when it isn’t over crowded and you are prepared properly, it’s a very rewarding hike with spectacular views of the valley.
3.0
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. The hike up is one of the toughest hikes I have ever done, but the vies of the sonoran desert and phoenix were awesome.
5.0
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 extremely busy though which is a big deterrent for me. I'm not a fan of crowds when trying to navigate a trail. There are also many rescues from the mountain due to it's popularity and people not coming prepared for how steep the climb is and the hot Arizona sun.
3.0
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 coming up have the right of way) and bring more water than you think you need. And also, know your abilities. You don't want to be one of those people that has to be rescued by the Phoenix FD :)
5.0
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
5.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on.
