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Camelback Mountain via Cholla Trail

Paradise Valley, Arizona

4.5/5
based on 17 reviews

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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Features

Hiking
Scenic

Camelback Mountain via Cholla Trail Reviews

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

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.

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.

Leave No Trace

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

Nearby

Climb the East Face of the Praying Monk

Echo Canyon Trail on Camelback Mountain

Climb the Praying Monk

Quartz Ridge Trail

Ruth Hamilton Trail

Hole in the Rock