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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

An excellent workout if you're looking to get a little hiking in your day. Keep your eye out for snakes and cacti, don't hike next to the ledges, and avoid during the summer. There have already been multiple heat related deaths in June of this year and it's just the start of summer. There have also been a few fall related deaths, so don't think just because it isn't a huge mountain and the trail is well-maintained that it can't be dangerous.

It's always a great workout to hike up Camelback. Lots of climbing up and above rocks throughout the whole trail. Definitely a full body workout. Be careful for rattlesnakes during snake season.

Nice views of the PHX area. Pretty crowded. Can get tough in some spots. Worth the effort though.

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

Echo Canyon Trail on Camelback Mountain

Climb the Praying Monk

Quartz Ridge Trail

Ruth Hamilton Trail

Hole in the Rock