Camelback Mountain
2,704-ft red sandstone-and-granite landmark with two of Arizona's most famous summit hikes: Echo Canyon and Cholla.
Distance
10 mi
Drive time
~20 min
Route
AZ-51 N / E McDonald Dr to Echo Canyon or Cholla trailhead — 10 mi from downtown
Best window
October through April for daytime hikes
About Camelback Mountain
Camelback Mountain rises 2,704 ft right between Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Paradise Valley — its humpback profile is the visual landmark of the Valley of the Sun. Two summit trails reach the top: Echo Canyon (1.14 mi each way, 1,264 ft gain, very steep with rail-assisted scrambles) and Cholla (1.4 mi each way, 1,300 ft gain, more sustained but no scrambling). Both are rated Extremely Difficult by the city and both close to upward travel when the heat index goes red — usually summer afternoons. Trailhead parking is tiny at both, so a 12–15 passenger van shuttle drop-off is the cleanest way to handle a group hike: drop hikers, drive the van back to a hotel or shopping-center lot, and re-collect at finish.
Why it's worth the drive
- Two of Arizona's most popular summit hikes — Echo Canyon's scrambles and Cholla's switchbacks.
- 360° summit view across Phoenix, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, and the McDowell Mountains.
- Distinctive red sandstone 'head' and granite 'hump' geology — the camel shape that names the mountain.
- Sunrise and sunset hikes are bucket-list — start 60–75 min before the official time.
Things to do
What groups actually do at Camelback Mountain
Echo Canyon Summit Trail
1.14 mi each way, 1,264 ft gain. Steep with rail-assisted scrambles on the lower half; very exposed and rocky. Usually 1.5–2.5 hr round-trip for a fit hiker.
Cholla Trail Summit
1.4 mi each way, ~1,300 ft gain. No scrambles but more sustained switchbacks and a knife-edge ridge near the top. Often less crowded than Echo Canyon — reopened 2023 after a long restoration.
Sunrise hike
Start 60–75 min before sunrise — the eastern face lights up red and the temperature is at its coolest. Bring a headlamp; the upper sections need both hands and good light.
Sunset summit
Plan to be down before full dark — both trails are technically open until 7 PM (summer) but the descent is dangerous in low light.
Lower-loop alternatives
Not summiting? The Bobby's Rock trail (1.2 mi, easy) off Echo Canyon and the Praying Monk overlook are kid- and dog-friendly alternatives with the same iconic photo backdrop.
Group + van tips
Driving a 12-15 passenger van to Camelback Mountain
- Echo Canyon and Cholla trailhead lots are tiny and often full by sunrise — never count on parking a Sprinter there.
- Best play: drop hikers at the trailhead from a 15-passenger van, drive the van back to a nearby hotel/strip mall, and re-collect at the agreed time.
- Phoenix closes both trails to upward travel when the heat index hits 'Extreme' (red flag) — usually 11 AM–5 PM summer days. Check phoenix.gov/parks before you go.
- Bring 1 L of water per hour per person. There is no water on either trail. Dogs are not allowed on the summit trails.
- Don't attempt Echo Canyon with kids under ~10 — the scrambles aren't safe for short reach; do Cholla or pick a lower-loop trail instead.
Trailhead parking is extremely limited at both Echo Canyon and Cholla. Use the van as a drop-off / pickup shuttle.
When to go
Best time to visit
October through April for daytime hikes. Year-round at sunrise. Summer afternoons (June–September) the trails close to upward hikers when heat-risk flags are red. Avoid mid-day summer entirely — multiple heat rescues happen every weekend.
Need a van for the trip?
Our Phoenix fleet of 12-15 passenger Sprinters and Ford Transits delivers to Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX), Scottsdale, and every major resort across the Valley of the Sun.
See Phoenix vansPlan your visit
Official Camelback Mountain resources
Echo Canyon Trailhead — City of Phoenix Parks
www.phoenix.gov
Phoenix Heat Safety / Trail Closures
www.phoenix.gov
Visit Phoenix — Camelback Mountain guide
www.visitphoenix.com
More background
Camelback Mountain FAQ
Which is harder — Echo Canyon or Cholla?
Echo Canyon is shorter (1.14 mi vs 1.4 mi) but steeper, with rail-assisted scrambles on the lower half. Cholla has no scrambles but more sustained switchbacks and a knife-edge ridge near the summit. Most locals rate them similar difficulty, opposite styles.
Can I park a 15-passenger van at the trailhead?
Practically, no — both lots are tiny and full by sunrise. Drop hikers from the van and re-collect later, or have the driver wait in a nearby hotel or shopping-center lot.
When does Phoenix close Camelback for heat?
When the National Weather Service issues a red-flag Extreme heat warning — typically 11 AM to 5 PM on June–September days when the heat index tops ~110°F. Closures are posted at the trailheads and on phoenix.gov.
How long does the summit hike take?
Echo Canyon: 1.5–2.5 hours round trip for a fit hiker. Cholla: 2–3 hours. Add 30–60 minutes at the summit for photos and rest.
More day trips