Camelback Mountain Hiking & Climbing
Rocky Desert BeautyPhoenix,
AZ, 85018
United States
+1 602 256 3220
http://phoenix.gov/PARKS/hikec..Overview
Towering 1,400 feet, this mountain features the unmistakable shape of a camel's hump. North trailhead offers sheer red cliffs rising 200 feet vertically in some areas, which beckon rock climbers. Facilities are limited at the Echo Canyon Recreation Area with only a trailhead water fountain, an interpretive ramada and trails. Desert wildlife is abundant here; you may see small animals such as snakes, lizards and Harris Antelope Squirrels as well as a variety of birds. Admission is free. See website for trail maps and fact sheet.One of my favorite things in the valley, it is nice change from regular cardio, once you reach the top you have a beautiful view, you have to be in ok shape to make it to the top, you will be sore if you don't hike much, but if you are in shape it will be a good "sore". I dont live in Phoenix anymore and miss it so much, go hike up Camelback mountain and enjoy it for me and you, and write a review afterward, you wont regret it, that I can guarantee.
This was our first time in the area and our first time up the mountain. We decided to bring along our 3 month old Saint Bernard. It was a great hike for the three of us. We are in pretty good shape but there were some challeging places. We met a lot of very nice people on the way up and down which really made our time wonderful. My advice.... take your time, bring plenty of water, and talk to the people around you. Plan to do this again very soon.
This mountain is great. While the hike is short (30 min to the top), it is quite challenging and a lot of fun! An absolute must for anyone with a few free hours in Phoenix! Downside: it's like a highway, there is a constant line of people going up and down from early in the morning. Parking is annoying, you basically have to wait for people to leave, or mark a mile away down the street, which is not that bad.
Been chasing this Hill for about 10 years now---took 3 or 4 years to get my time to 45 minutes up and down---am 53 and have not encountered this type of exhiliration with any other cardio--its a beautiful hike---the sunsets are exceptional and the people on the trail are friendly and helpful--sometimes competitive as well---try not using the poles as well as scaling across the somewhat vertical side after the second pole (if you have climbed it a lot)--no traffic there and you have the hill to yourself--
This is a great hill/plyometrics workout! Very fun! Workout: I have run the entire moutain from end-to-end and back again(East to West to East) in less than 2 hours, with the entire 2nd decent in the dark. I recommend this round-trip workout to runners who can do a half-marathon in
Anyone traveling to Phoenix should see this grand southwestern city from the summit of Camelback Mountain. The hike is a bit challenging but anyone in moderately decent shape should be able to make it. Be certain to take along plenty of water, especially if you are climbing during the hottest months. From a distance, the climb is deceptively simple but once you get on the mountain, it is a decent challenge.
parking was scarce, get there early. camelback is a "secret" around scottsdale. natives would rather have the tourist go to squaw peak. i traveled there 5 yearas before finding camelback and now i will go back every year! It can be a dangerous hike both up and down if your not careful. one may have to go slow.
This is the ultimate morning or afternoon urban outdoor workout. Close to the center of the city, you can park and walk/hike/scramble to the top in about an hour if you're in average good shape, and half that if you're a freak. The views of the Phoenix valley are awesome, but the best part is just the feeling of moving up the side of a very steep mountain without facing much real danger or having to travel far. Carry water; don't bring young kids; start back down well before dark; and if you are unsure of your physical condition, climb Piestewa Peak (much easier) first. Have fun! -Larry
Camelback is a great morning hike! Ive been living in Tempe for about 2 months and have already hiked the Echo Summit trail at least 10 times. I do it in about 40 minutes to the top which is a pretty good pace. On the way down in the dark I did encounter a rattle snake on the trail so yes they are out there. But YES the hike is great, bring water and good shoes. Have fun.
Awesome workout and you can't beat the value(free). If you have to do this in the summer, plan to do it before sunrise. A must-do for active adults while in Phoenix.



