Camelback Mountain (Echo Canyon)
A steep in-city summit with a 360-degree view over Phoenix and the Valley of the Sun
The route
The line through Phoenix, Arizona, United States - waypoints, elevation and the day-by-day shape of the walk.
Season & conditions
Oct-Apr (summer is dangerously hot)
Extreme summer heat is the killer - many rescues; no shade
Open year-round but the city closes/discourages it in extreme summer heat. Confirm.
On the trail
Steep desert rock, boulder scrambles, fixed railings
Steep class-2/3 scrambling with fixed handrails on the Echo Canyon route
Well-worn but rugged; obvious
Suitable for reasonably fit hikers; not wheelchair accessible - confirm specifics
Very popular; parking fills early
Cholla Trail from the other side (similar difficulty); turn around at the saddle
Getting there & staying
Echo Canyon trailhead in Phoenix
Out-and-back/loop - no shuttle needed
Day route - none needed
Day-hike kit, water, sun/rain protection, sturdy footwear; coverage varies
Services in Phoenix; limited or none on the trail
Not required; self-guided
Permits & safety
No permit; free city park; parking limited
Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.
Heat exhaustion (frequent rescues), falls on the scramble, dehydration
Retrace the route to exit; dial local emergency services; carry a means of calling for help where remote
This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand trail report. Coordinates are approximate.