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Camelback Mountain via Cholla Trail

Paradise Valley, Arizona

4.5/5
based on 17 reviews

Details

Distance

2.68 miles

Elevation Gain

1158 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Kevin Kaminski

Take this slightly longer hike up Camelback Mountain for scenic views of Phoenix. For the shorter and arguably easier hike up, check out the Echo Canyon Route.

This challenging hike up the east side of Camelback Mountain has beautiful views of Phoenix and Scottsdale, and is not often crowded.

You will begin on switchbacks heading up the mountain, with trail markers to guide you at first. The hike increases in difficulty about 1 mile in, when you reach the saddle, and you will have to do some scrambling during the last stretch to the top.

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Features

Hiking
Scenic

Camelback Mountain via Cholla Trail Reviews

Start early, it get's hot quickly! And Camelback is ALWAYS busy, so be prepared. Make sure to practice proper hiking etiquette (people coming up have the right of way) and bring more water than you think you need. And also, know your abilities. You don't want to be one of those people that has to be rescued by the Phoenix FD :)

Tough and steep hike but totally worth it. Was able to see north Scottsdale and downtown PHX at the same time. Will definitely hike it again

Definitely the easier side of Camelback. Get there before the work rush hour, and on weekdays to beat the rush. Parking can be a problem when it is super busy.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Climb the East Face of the Praying Monk

Climb the Praying Monk

Echo Canyon Trail on Camelback Mountain

Quartz Ridge Trail

Ruth Hamilton Trail

Hole in the Rock