Camelback Mountain via Cholla Trail
Paradise Valley, Arizona
Details
Distance
2.68 miles
Elevation Gain
1158 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
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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Reviews
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
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
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
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
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
Definitely the easier side of Camelback. Get there before the work rush hour, and on weekdays to beat the rush. Parking can be a problem when it is super busy.
5.0
A prominent peak jutting right out of the middle of the city, what more could you ask for? Outstanding views in every direction.
5.0
Great trail, lots of fun rough terrain the higher you get. Make sure you have good shoes and plenty of water. Takes longer than you’d think when it’s busy. A must do on a visit to Paradise Valley.
5.0
I did the easier side of the mountain and started at 6am. By the time we made to summit it was already 97 degrees. There are sections of rope climb and a few bottlenecks that may slow you down but you do not need any technical experience to make it to the top. This is just a hop from the city and well worth the effort.
5.0
Right in the middle of Phoenix, this very popular trail is always crowded, but definitely a good little workout- The Echo trail is like a mile long stair master, so if you want a good quad workout do that side of Camelback instead.
4.0
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Nearby
Climb the East Face of the Praying Monk
Climb the Praying Monk
Echo Canyon Trail on Camelback Mountain
Quartz Ridge Trail
Hike to the Hole in the Rock at Papago Park
Hike the West Park Loop Trail in Papago Park
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