Camelback Mountain image

Camelback Mountain

Peak

Well-known peak resembling a camelโ€™s hump, with hiking, climbing & panoramic city views. People often mention hike, views, water, climb, hiking, trail, prepared, Camelback, mountain, early,


Address

Phoenix, AZ 85018

Rating on Google Maps

4.80 (810 reviews)

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Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: hike (34) views (17) water (16) climb (15) hiking (15) trail (12) prepared (10) Camelback (10) mountain (10) early (9)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Nivi T. 2 years ago on Google
    We went on a weekday (Tuesday) of last week. It was not crowded. Everyone is very helpful and courteous especially when passing narrow pathways. It took us 90 mins to climb, granted we stopped frequently to take pictures as the scenery was spectacular... you can literally see the entire city, 360 degrees view ....and 30mins to get back. Once you summit, most will spend 30mins to enjoy the full views of the city. Highly recommended and well worth it. Please make sure to use hiking boots. Regular sneakers will slip when descending...and all it takes is 1 slip to land in ER as rocks are sharp and dangerous.
    39 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Dean 2 years ago on Google
    Very rocky climb up. Come prepared with water, hiking shoes, not gym shoes, gloves, food. Stretch and warm up. If youโ€™re slow or new to hikes come prepared to spend 3 hrs round trip. That was my hardest hike ever.
    20 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Greg W. 3 years ago on Google
    After the second hump, it becomes more bouldering than hiking.
    16 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 D. P. 2 years ago on Google
    I wouldn't say it's a beautiful hike. More like a beautiful climb and scramble to the top. It starts off easy but then it gets progressively more difficult as your literally crawl up to the peak. The view is definitely worth the effort. Would not recommend for inexperienced hikers.
    11 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 G J. 2 years ago on Google
    Started hiking at 6 AM. Weather was excellent and perfect for hiking today! Thoroughly enjoyed the climb and descend. Views were stunning from the top! Would love to go back again soon!
    11 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Jennifer G. 3 years ago on Google
    Wow!!!! So hard but so worth it!!!! Didnโ€™t want to leave once I made it to the top!
    10 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Matt J. 2 years ago on Google
    Gorgeous views and a hike that my wife and I enjoyed! Not as easy as you might think, be sure to go prepared with appropriate hiking shoes, water that you can carry easily and proper shade cover. The trails are ranging from moderate to very difficult (double black diamond).
    6 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Dani K. 2 years ago on Google
    Medium/difficult hike but as long as you are prepared you should be fine. It will take some effort but you will feel so accomplished after finishing it. Bring lots of water, (4/5 bottles each) good shoes, & a light backpack. There is a lot of climbing involved so I wouldnโ€™t go having long nails. It is really hot out especially during summer months so itโ€™s best to go early to beat the heat. Even then you will still get hot, as you are climbing upwards the whole time.. thus I wouldnโ€™t recommend wearing makeup (youโ€™d be surprised how many girls do) Lastly you should bring sunblock, salty snacks, bandaids (just in case) & hiking gloves if you have (the metal railing gets really hot) Good luck! This was one of my favourite hikes Iโ€™ve ever done.
    5 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Josh W. 1 year ago on Google
    We started our day by trying to hike at the Echo Canyon Trailhead but the parking lot was closed because it was too full. We ended up doing Cholla Trailhead and since it was such a busy Saturday we had to park on the side of the street about a half mile away or so. The hike was more on the moderate side, some spots were pretty rocky and could be challenging but nothing too crazy. You can get to Camelback Mountain from either the Echo Canyon Trailhead or the Cholla Trailhead. Overall a very beautiful hike. Round trip from the car was 3.8 miles and 1,335 feet elevation gain.
    5 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 4/5 Landon V. 1 year ago on Google
    The hike was really scenic since the mountain is located in the middle of Phoenix. There is so much to see when you get to the top. You can easily get a view of the downtown Phoenix. This place also offers some of the best sunrise and sunset views. I would say that the hike was worth it. The only problem is that itโ€™s usually very busy and parking can be problematic. Thatโ€™s why itโ€™s best to go early in the morning.
    5 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Lexx D. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful, especially at night
    4 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Thomas O. 9 months ago on Google
    This is fantastic climb! The Echo Canyon route is approx. 2 mi. each way. Intermediate first 1/3, advanced final 2/3. Bring good hiking shoes and plenty of water. My first climb took 2 hrs. round-trip. So worth it! Be advised to arrive early as the parking lot is small and fills quickly.
    4 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 srikanth k. 4 months ago on Google
    Camelback Mountain, located in Phoenix, Arizona, is a prominent natural landmark and a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Here's a review covering various aspects: **Scenery and Views:** Camelback Mountain offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Phoenix metropolitan area. The landscape is rugged and provides a unique desert scenery that captures the beauty of the Sonoran Desert. The summit provides an excellent vantage point to witness both sunrise and sunset, creating a magical atmosphere. **Hiking Trails:** The mountain features two main trails: Echo Canyon and Cholla Trail. Both trails offer challenging hikes with steep ascents, making them suitable for more experienced hikers. The trails are well-maintained, but the difficulty level may be demanding for beginners. The Echo Canyon trailhead tends to be busier, so early arrival is recommended. **Fitness Level and Accessibility:** Hiking Camelback Mountain requires a moderate to high level of physical fitness due to steep inclines and rocky terrain. The Cholla Trail is generally considered less strenuous than Echo Canyon but still demands a good level of fitness. While the trails are accessible, individuals with mobility issues may find the terrain challenging. **Crowds and Parking:** Camelback Mountain is a popular destination, especially during weekends and peak seasons. Parking can be challenging, particularly at the Echo Canyon trailhead. It's advisable to arrive early to secure a parking spot and avoid the midday heat, as temperatures in the desert can be intense. **Wildlife and Flora:** The mountain is home to a variety of desert flora and fauna. Hikers may encounter cacti, lizards, and other desert-dwelling creatures. The biodiversity adds to the overall hiking experience, providing an opportunity to appreciate the resilience of life in the arid environment. **Safety Precautions:** Given the challenging nature of the trails, it's crucial for hikers to be well-prepared. Bringing sufficient water, wearing appropriate footwear, and being aware of weather conditions are essential safety precautions. Additionally, it's advisable to adhere to trail guidelines and respect the natural environment. **Overall Experience:** Camelback Mountain offers a rewarding and invigorating hiking experience for those seeking a challenge and stunning desert landscapes. The views from the summit are unparalleled, making the effort and difficulty of the hike worthwhile. However, visitors should be prepared for the physical demands and plan accordingly for a safe and enjoyable adventure.
    4 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Eli S. 2 years ago on Google
    Great hike but certainly not easy. Some nice views. Not too crowded. Everyone courteous
    3 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Smith S. 1 year ago on Google
    Absolutely love climbing Camelback mountain but make sure you come in your practical hiking clothes and shoes. This is not just a walking path there are areas that you actually get to climb up rocks which I love! We did the echo canyon trail and once on top the view is amazing! We even got a candycane and picture at the top with the #camelbacksanta.
    3 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Michael M. 8 months ago on Google
    It was one of the toughest and most satisfying hikes I've ever done. I did the echo side, didn't know there was an easier side, but I'm glad I didn't know it because I might have missed out on that feeling of accomplishment after.
    2 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Alexandra S. 3 years ago on Google
    Strenuous hike BUT so worth it!!!!! It really is a climb and not for those who are not prepared with water, appropriate clothing, and a no give up attitude. G O O D L U C K!
    2 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Texizboy1 9 months ago on Google
    We had an awesome experience hiking the trail. Despite the heat it was an enjoyable venture. The trails are well maintained and the foot traffic was tolerable. We will definitely be hiking here when we visit the area again.
    2 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Todd S. 1 year ago on Google
    Loved it! Hiked it in March so the temp was perfect. I could see how you would need lots of water though. Trail shoes would be best to wear. We did the Cholla trail and had to park a little ways down.
    2 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Xplor F. 1 year ago on Google
    Really cool trail. A lot of climbing on rocks. About 1400โ€™ climb. Lots of parking. Few spotted shade. Bring water. Gloves help. Restrooms at trailhead. Check out the cave on the way down. 2.5 miles round trip
    2 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 LAND R. 4 months ago on Google
    Okay so let me start off by saying Camelback Mountain is all that and a bag of chips but you must be prepared tons of water I mean tons I went in November and I drank a gallon from the bottom to the top and back down very strenuous hike starts off Gravel Road turns into Rocky Road turns into Boulder Road then you have steps make a turn and you're at the poles!!! Wow it is tough going up but not so so tough but coming down oh wow oh wow you're not even halfway there great hike highly recommended but not for the beginner please don't bring kids not a place for them I was struggling and I mean struggling and I'm your Avid hiker but this one here is a tough cookie enjoyed every minute of it if you love hiking and your ready for a challenge hit the Camel Back don't go the easy way go the hard way yes there's two enjoy!!! P.s. LOTS OF WATER ๐Ÿ’ง
    2 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Liannys P. 3 years ago on Google
    The English name is derived from its shape, which resembles the hump and head of a kneeling camel. The mountain, a prominent landmark of the Phoenix metropolitan area, is located in the Camelback Mountain Echo Canyon Recreation Area between the Arcadia neighborhood of Phoenix and the town of Paradise Valley. Worth to visit
    2 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Blake H. 5 months ago on Google
    Please bring lots of water. I met another group at the top yesterday who had no water with them. I try to bring extra bottles for these situations. Remember that we're in the desert ๐Ÿœ๏ธ This is one of the valley's most climbed hikes and for good reason. It is both challenging and rewarding. The views along the way and from the top are fantastic! Even though the length of the hike isn't terribly long, the elevation gain is significant. There are 35 trail markers to the top from Echo Canyon trailhead. There are some very steep sections of this hike where rails have been added for hikers safety. There is no water along the trail, but there are filling stations at the trailhead. If you're planning on a sunset hike, I would recommend a headlamp for the hike down, as much of the lower section is in the shadows of the mountain. Happy Hiking ๐Ÿฅพ๐Ÿฅพ๐Ÿฅพ
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Michelle R. 1 year ago on Google
    5 star views and a workout youโ€™ll feel the next day! Iโ€™ve done this hike a couple times but never in the spring. Weather was beautiful and we even got to see the fire fighters in training. It was a weekday but there were still quite a few people there. We got there at 830 and there was a few parking places left. I would say this is a top 5 hike in Az.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Matthew G. 1 year ago on Google
    This hike is no joke. We did the Cholla trail and it is 1.5 miles to submit with 1350 get off elevation gain. A good workout and lots of scrambling once you get to elevation. Gloves are a good idea for the upper portion as youโ€™ll get a bit handsy with the granite which can have sharp edges. The views are incredible; 360 degrees of the whole valley. Lots of cactus along the trail: saguaros, ferocactus, and mammillaria. Parking is on the street. Bathrooms and water at the start of the hike.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Aneta K. 2 years ago on Google
    Made it the top of Camelback Mountain โ›ฐโœ…๐Ÿ”
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 JB M. 1 year ago on Google
    Great fun climbing / scrambling up the mountain. Trainers are fine but hiking boots ideal. Few tricky bits but worth it for the views.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 James J. 1 year ago on Google
    Incredible 360ยฐ View of Phoenix. I will say the trek up was much more than we bargained for / prepared for. Learn from our mistakes of our first real hike: DONโ€™T watch a sunset on top of a mountain unless youโ€™re well equipped and comfortable! The trail is tough to navigate at night time and we had to use our phoneโ€™s flashlight as our only beacon of hope. Thank goodness we crossed paths with two hikers from India that helped us down. Thought I was going to have to call 911 for helicopter rescue lol.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 4/5 WWTraveler27 6 months ago on Google
    Great exercise hike. The views are nice and it's fun in the winter. Parking is a nightmare so arrive early or take a ride share.

  • 5/5 LowKey L. 2 years ago on Google
    Really awesome views

  • 5/5 Nathan M. 4 months ago on Google
    It's famous for a reason! Tough climb, but you can definitely do it. Bring fluids! Drink plenty. Take your time. You got this!

  • 5/5 Alex V. 3 months ago on Google New
    This was such a beautiful hike! If you are looking to hike but don't want to drive far from phoenix, this is a good 20 min drive away. It's located behind paradise valley which is where all the millionaires live! The hike is a little tough, with steep rocks to climb, but they have rails to hold. Make sure you wear some shoes with grip, because some parts of the rocks are smooth so, you may slip. Water is a must on this hike! Great views and opportunity for nice pictures.

  • 5/5 Linh N. 3 months ago on Google New
    This was a good hike! It was mostly scrambling up rocks, and is quite strenuous, but Cammelback has some rewarding views of Phoenix!

  • 5/5 Matt M. 3 months ago on Google New
    Nice hike with beautiful views of the city. Moderate skill and reasonable footware appropriate for the full hike and reaching the peak. Pretty busy on weekends.

  • 5/5 yatharth chowdhary (. 1 year ago on Google
    Vertical climb on this is insane. Go prepared with enough water. Pro tip : wear gloves, will help you with all the boulder climbing.

  • 5/5 Alasdair M. 1 year ago on Google
    Incredible views from the top of the mountain. I would warn that the climb to the top is very challenging and you should bring plenty of water. However, it is certainly worth the effort.

  • 5/5 susan b. 7 months ago on Google
    I had an amazing time at the mountain! The views up there were breathtaking, and the trails were challenging but so rewarding. It was a great day outdoors, and I'll definitely come back for more hikes. Don't miss out on this natural beauty!

  • 5/5 Claudette H. 7 months ago on Google
    Awesome trail. Very hard going up but going down was super easy. 36 trail markers and you see the whole view of the city!

  • 4/5 Edward W. 1 year ago on Google
    Incredible!! A tough but rewarding hike in the heart of the valley. Be prepared for lots of scrambling. If you are out of shape this will be very strenuous. Leave early and bring lots of water.

  • 5/5 Chloe G. 10 months ago on Google
    Beautiful place to hike! We didnโ€™t make it to the top this time, but it was still a magical experience!

  • 5/5 Ben R. 1 year ago on Google
    Up and down in an hour or less with experience and/or skill. It is rigorous to the summit but my wife and sister (30yo) were able to make it round trip in ~2 hours with no preparation and passive exercise. HIGHLY RECOMMEND starting early morning to avoid crowds and foot traffic. After 830am it starts to get overcrowded and parking is scarce. Also early hours keep the heat to a minimum. TAKE WATER as it is a 1300โ€™ climb to the peak.

  • 4/5 Meryl R. 1 week ago on Google โ€ข 27 reviews New
    Free Very nice hike but quite steep climb.


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