Camelback Mountain - Echo Canyon Trail
Phoenix Metro · Hard
The Camelback Mountain - Echo Canyon Trail is a hard hike in Phoenix Metro, Arizona: 2.5 miles round trip with 1,264 ft of elevation gain, typically completed in 2-3 hours. No dogs allowed. No entry fee. Best hiked October through April.
About Camelback Mountain - Echo Canyon Trail
Echo Canyon is the crown jewel of Phoenix hiking and arguably the most recognized trail in all of Arizona. Starting from the parking lot off McDonald Drive, you immediately face what this trail is all about: a relentless, steep climb up the head of the "camel." The first quarter mile alone gains several hundred feet of elevation as you navigate a well-worn path through large red sandstone boulders and rocky steps carved into the mountain.
The trail wastes no time testing your fitness. Within the first half mile, you encounter a series of metal handrails bolted into the rock face. These are not decorative.
You will need them. The terrain transitions from packed dirt to full-on rock scrambling, and there are sections where you are essentially climbing with your hands. The rock here is Precambrian granite and schist, mixed with the distinctive reddish Camelback sandstone that gives the mountain its warm glow at golden hour.
Around the halfway point, you reach a small saddle area where many hikers stop to catch their breath and take in the views of Paradise Valley below. The resorts and golf courses look miniature from here, and on clear days you can see all the way to Four Peaks in the Superstitions. From this saddle, the final push to the 2,704-foot summit is another steep scramble over exposed rock.
There is very little shade on this entire route, so sun protection is critical. At the summit, you are rewarded with an unobstructed 360-degree panorama. Downtown Phoenix stretches to the south, the McDowell Mountains rise to the northeast, and South Mountain forms a long ridge to the southwest.
On the clearest winter mornings, you can even spot the Mogollon Rim far to the north. Practical tips from someone who hikes this regularly: arrive before 5:30 AM on weekends from October through March or you will not get a parking spot. The lot fills completely and the city enforces no-parking zones on surrounding streets.
Bring at least a liter of water even in winter. In summer, the city closes this trail when temperatures exceed 100 degrees, and for good reason. Rescues happen here more than any other trail in Phoenix.
Wear shoes with solid grip, not running shoes. The rock gets slippery, especially on the descent. This is not a beginner trail despite its popularity, and every year unprepared hikers end up needing assistance from the Phoenix Fire Department.
Getting There
Trailhead Address: 4925 E McDonald Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85018
Best Time to Hike
Best Season: October through April
For the most comfortable experience on Camelback Mountain - Echo Canyon Trail, plan your hike during the recommended season. In the warmer months, start early in the morning to avoid peak heat, especially on exposed desert trails. Always check current weather conditions and trail status before heading out.
What to Bring
Based on the hard difficulty rating and Phoenix Metro location, here is a recommended packing list for this hike:
- Plenty of water (at least 1 liter per hour of hiking)
- Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- Sturdy hiking shoes or boots with good traction
- Trail snacks and energy bars
- First aid kit with blister care supplies
- Fully charged phone with downloaded trail map
- Trekking poles for steep terrain
- Extra layers for elevation changes
- Headlamp in case of delayed return
- Emergency whistle and signaling mirror
- Electrolyte packets or sports drink mix
- Cooling towel for extreme heat